Minicraft 1:144 Lockheed C-130H, 39th AS, Dyess AFB, TX
Comentarii
14 16 August 2020, 15:56
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Would you consider filling in the panel lines? I have the Dragon 1:350 of an Ohio class SSBN submarine, but all along the hull are these deep panel lines which I think I will have to fill in, looks really weird on a submarine.
16 August 2020, 16:04
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Roland, thanks for watching.
Treehugger: I probably will not fill in the recessed panel lines. This is to be a quick build and it is my first Minicraft Herk, so I want to see what I am dealing with. I may go ahead and build a USCG HC-130J at the same time as a gift to a family friend to take advantage of similar steps and issues.
16 August 2020, 17:26
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Oh, sign me up for this one. Just outta curiosity, the kit says "three propeller options"... what are the options?
16 August 2020, 17:37
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Looks like a fun build Dutch. I have their J and the fit on it was clean & easy.
16 August 2020, 18:02
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I have the Super Herc in the stash. Obviously a different tooling, but love seeing a Herc come to life.
16 August 2020, 18:08
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@Greg, The Minicraft #14524B bagged kit is the same as the C-130A/E boxing, so with short T-56 engines and both 3&4 blade props. But it also comes with the AE2100 engines, 6-blade props plus long wheel sponsons sprue from the J kit, however, no decals. Really, this is the best Minicraft 1/144 Herk kit because you can build any standard Herk, A-J (except the AC-130A/H/U). Plenty of aftermarket decals are available. I got mine from Draw Decals with the stencil sheet plus custom Dyess tail band.
16 August 2020, 18:51
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USCG HC-130J is now step 1 complete. Before i add the cargo floor and bulkhead and button up the fuselage, does anyone know how much weight to add to keep the bird on its nose wheel? Oh never mind! It says 8 gm (~.25 oz) in step 6. I have some 1/2 oz (14 gm) fishing weights that I will cut into smaller pieces to fit in the radome and around the cockpit area.
16 August 2020, 19:54
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Both aircraft are progressing well. I still have a few more aerials and bunps to add to each, but I am happy with the progress. Not sure why Minicraft did not include the prominent round and slightly domed dorsal DME antenna featured on almost all C-130Hs and retrofitted to most C-130Es. I found a couple of spare 1/144 P-38J Lightning main u/c tires left over from my "YIPPEE" project that will do nicely with a little work.
29 August 2020, 21:09
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Do you find it easier to paint on the sprues? I never understand that, don't you have to touch up the paint when you cut them off? Looking good though,
4 September 2020, 20:31
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Greg, Like Forrest Gump says, "it happens." I really didn't think about it too much, but then realized afterwards that you only see about 20% or less of the wheels anyway. If a tiny bit of white plastic shows where i snipped off the sprue, then a tiny dab of black paint will fix it.
4 September 2020, 21:18
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I'm having to resist the urge to start another C-130 seeing yours 🙂
5 September 2020, 00:54
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Clifford, It is a pretty basic kit. General shape is very good. I know someone early on bashed the fuselage to tail shape as being too curved, bashed the engines, etc..., but it's definitely a Herk to me. The nose shape is very good in my judgment. Ah, but many small details are lacking! As I noted in my ARC Forum post, I would love to see a resin or 3-D printed set of several detailed pieces that were mounted to most later Herks. Dorsal round antenna, lower fuselage horseshoe fairings on either side of the nose gear, APU bump, blade antenna on either side of the tail, etc... I just ran out of time to add them to this kit.
5 September 2020, 15:59
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Yes that would be nice to have. I do not think there have been any new tool Herc's. for many a moon.
6 September 2020, 00:58
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Cliff, Zvezda (Russia) is set to release a new tool 1/72 C-130H in a few weeks. It's in both Jet and Prop forums on ARC. Some of the Japanese websites are taking pre-orders now. I already have two Italeri and one Airfix 1/72 Herks with resin extras, so I am set. I have about 12 Minicraft Herks, so may make some mod sets for myself.
6 September 2020, 01:06
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Sounds cool. I will be looking for the Zvezda release. I have been wanting to do a Herc. for along time. I built I think it was AMT's 1/72 one along time ago.
6 September 2020, 01:09
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Yes, so close! I have to lead Bible study tonight, so will finish it early tomorrow morning. I am really liking the way the clear flat coat lightens the rattle can dark primer gray. It really looks good. I will share "completed" photos here tomorrow and post to ARC Forum COVID-19 Group Build thread.
8 September 2020, 22:27
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I learned a few things, both about the Minicraft Herk kit and the Draw Decals, that I will definitely use on future builds. Now to complete the USCG HC-130J kit!
9 September 2020, 12:48
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Nice finish there Dutch. Can't wait to see the Coast Guard one. I've been needing to get one of those myself.
9 September 2020, 15:42
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Thank you Nathan, Roland & Ray. Yes, she was very pleased with "her" plane. I think I will add the Ethiopian L-100-30 to the bench, along with the USCG HC-130J now.
10 September 2020, 01:16
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Thanks Greg. It was a rush job. I would have liked to add a few more details and touch up some of my paint errors, but I had a deadline.
14 September 2020, 12:21
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Thank you, Don and Ruedi! I appreciate the comments. As I said in the build log, I had to rush to get it done before my friend and his wife left town, so there are a few spots I wish I could have fixed. But all in all, she was happy to get "her" plane. And Greg Drawbaugh at Draw Decals really came through for me in a pinch with the Dyess markings. Thanks Greg!
17 October 2021, 20:17
Album info
Tribute build for the wife of a friend. Received the request on 29 July. [Travelling 31 Jul - 9 Aug.] Requested custom decals and ordered the kit/decals from Draw Decals on 10 August. Started another kit on 11 August. Received C-130H kit & decals on 26 August, placed new kit in stash. Finished major assembly & painted kit on 3-4 Sep. Decalled kit 5-7 Sep. Clear coat 7-8 Sep. Final assembly 8 Sep. Presented 9 Sep.