With Geoff Coughlin
Just before we get started, here’s a look at how it all turned out…
I think that this model dates back to the mid-1980s with this boxing dating from 2008. Sadly, the model certainly shows its age and although this sample was bought in 2023, it was released with new decals in 2008, and it shows.
On the plus side, the best thing I can say is that the decal sheet is excellent in terms of quality and has a variety of aircraft featured, although as you can see, I chose the RAF option featuring a C-130J/C5 based at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, UK. The aircraft is painted in overall grey (shown on the instructions as: Air Mobility Com Gray (Flat) FS.36173.
The kit itself is very dated as I say, featuring lots of flash around the parts and, most obviously, large raised panel lines – more of these later. Detail too is sparse and what’s on offer, although not completely accurate, loosely reflects an airframe of the period. The bottom line is that the model certainly looks like a Hercules and I have gone with it.
(Photo: Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules (code ZH883) of the Royal Air Force arrives at the 2016 Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford, England. The fin marking celebrates the 50th anniversary of the delivery of the RAFs first Hercules. (In the background, the hangar has three F-35 Lightnings, and outside two F-22 Raptors) Photo courtesy Adrian Pingstone)
You may well want to choose the model from Zvezda released in 2022 with new parts as this is a much more representative kit and better quality, not least because the tooling is more refined and features recessed panel lines.
Before we get started on construction you’ll need to decide which kit omissions and details you can live with (like the placement of some of the small circular windows) and small detail differences with RAF C-130Js. Just look at the pics you’ll find of the web and make your choices.
