OriginalMonty Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 (edited) Hi all, I've just registered on here after browsing the forums for a few years. Seeing the amount of info on here about the AC-130 kit made me want to join, after just going and getting hold of one (thats a pretty hard thing to do in the UK, no where stocks them any more!). Now I am by no means a modelling expert (far from it!), but from what I have seen from reviews and discussions about this kit, it seems there are a lot of shortcomings and various bits and bobs that need to be changed. I am looking at building 89-0510 ("Gunslinger", I think), which transited through RAF Mildenhall 02-06/08/09. I dont have too many reference pictures of this particular aircraft, apart from the ones I took on the day. So looking at these pictures, a few questions came into my mind (and excuse any loose terminology here, Im not very knowledgeable on AC-130s!) In the above picture, does the aerial (No.1) come in the kit? What about the window pointed out by No.2 (I assume this is an observers window). Also, is there anywhere one could get hold of a set of 1/48 DIRCM turrets (No.3) or are there still none available. Looking closer at the sensor on the front onderside of the aircraft: What are the two bits denoted by the blue arrows, are they just aerodynamic attachments - I cant find pictures of them on any other pictures of AC-130s, and they dont seem to be in the kit? Also, could anyone advise me about the colour of the nose cone (its a bluey-gray, photo is not in very good light) This is all just research so when the kit turns up in the post I can crack on. I've bought a set of the WolfPak decals, so thats sorted (will just need to change the number from 0154 to 0510), and Im looking at the flightpath set for the cockpit area). Thanks in advance for any help, Ben Edited September 7, 2010 by OriginalMonty Quote Link to post Share on other sites
terryt Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 You might want to look at this link, its an AC-130H, however some of the parts are common to both. http://www.primeportal.net/hangar/michael_...ndex.php?Page=1 Here is an interesting link, not on ACs but on building the 1/48 scale 130. http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index....howtopic=117209 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jeffryfontaine Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 It may be possible to use the parts provided in the Hasegawa Weapons Set D for the LANTIRN AAQ-14 Targeting Pod as your DIRCM. The whole forward portion of that pod is separate from the main pod body which makes for less cutting to modify the thing. The only other issue would be on what the optical ports look like on the DIRCM in comparison to the LANTIRN Targeting Pod. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dez Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Hi all,I've just registered on here after browsing the forums for a few years. Seeing the amount of info on here about the AC-130 kit made me want to join, after just going and getting hold of one (thats a pretty hard thing to do in the UK, no where stocks them any more!). Now I am by no means a modelling expert (far from it!), but from what I have seen from reviews and discussions about this kit, it seems there are a lot of shortcomings and various bits and bobs that need to be changed. I am looking at building 89-0510 ("Gunslinger", I think), which transited through RAF Mildenhall 02-06/08/09. I dont have too many reference pictures of this particular aircraft, apart from the ones I took on the day. So looking at these pictures, a few questions came into my mind (and excuse any loose terminology here, Im not very knowledgeable on AC-130s!) In the above picture, does the aerial (No.1) come in the kit? What about the window pointed out by No.2 (I assume this is an observers window). Also, is there anywhere one could get hold of a set of 1/48 DIRCM turrets (No.3) or are there still none available. #1, no it doesn't come with the kit. Instead it has the large air data probe thingy that the H model gunship has up on the right side of the nose. #2, it's an observer's window, and yes it is included. #3, you're on your own. I made some for my MC-130H, and you can see the process and results in the link terryt provided. They're not hard. Looking closer at the sensor on the front underside of the aircraft:What are the two bits denoted by the blue arrows, are they just aerodynamic attachments - I cant find pictures of them on any other pictures of AC-130s, and they dont seem to be in the kit? Also, could anyone advise me about the colour of the nose cone (its a bluey-gray, photo is not in very good light) This is all just research so when the kit turns up in the post I can crack on. I've bought a set of the WolfPak decals, so thats sorted (will just need to change the number from 0154 to 0510), and Im looking at the flightpath set for the cockpit area). Thanks in advance for any help, Ben Yeah, those are just fairings. The sensor is in the kit, but mounted in the original not-so-aerodynamic "block" the first U boats had. As for the color, any of the guys around here that have worked around any of the birds done up in the shamu paint job can tell you that it fades fast. The color is whatever you want it to be. The wolfpak decals are awesome, they'll let you do it up right when all the painting is finished. Here's a link showing a finished 1/48th U boat straight OOB, it should be helpful. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
OriginalMonty Posted August 23, 2009 Author Share Posted August 23, 2009 Cheers for the links guys, much appreciated. Dez, I've been following your MC-130 with interest, if I could get my AC anywhere near that standard I'd be over the moon! I'll have a look at the Hasegawa Weapons set to see if I can steal a LANTIRN head - thanks for that Jeffry! Just waiting for the thing to turn up in the post now! Ben Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Simeon Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Hello, Excuse me but the photo does not look like an AC 130U but the AC 130 H SOFI mod I worked on at Lockheed Ontario in 1989-90. . The AC 130 U has the CT II type nose and other features. Unless I am mistaken. I will post osme pics od and AC 130 U i took at edwards in 1997. Tim Hi all,I've just registered on here after browsing the forums for a few years. Seeing the amount of info on here about the AC-130 kit made me want to join, after just going and getting hold of one (thats a pretty hard thing to do in the UK, no where stocks them any more!). Now I am by no means a modelling expert (far from it!), but from what I have seen from reviews and discussions about this kit, it seems there are a lot of shortcomings and various bits and bobs that need to be changed. I am looking at building 89-0510 ("Gunslinger", I think), which transited through RAF Mildenhall 02-06/08/09. I dont have too many reference pictures of this particular aircraft, apart from the ones I took on the day. So looking at these pictures, a few questions came into my mind (and excuse any loose terminology here, Im not very knowledgeable on AC-130s!) In the above picture, does the aerial (No.1) come in the kit? What about the window pointed out by No.2 (I assume this is an observers window). Also, is there anywhere one could get hold of a set of 1/48 DIRCM turrets (No.3) or are there still none available. Looking closer at the sensor on the front onderside of the aircraft: What are the two bits denoted by the blue arrows, are they just aerodynamic attachments - I cant find pictures of them on any other pictures of AC-130s, and they dont seem to be in the kit? Also, could anyone advise me about the colour of the nose cone (its a bluey-gray, photo is not in very good light) This is all just research so when the kit turns up in the post I can crack on. I've bought a set of the WolfPak decals, so thats sorted (will just need to change the number from 0154 to 0510), and Im looking at the flightpath set for the cockpit area). Thanks in advance for any help, Ben Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Simeon Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Here are photos of the prototype AC 130 U At Edwards in 1997. I was mistaken about the Ct 2 Nose Radome. I also found my complete set of Ac 130H interior pics. I took of one of the birds I worked on at Lockheed. Very detailed interior shots. [ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Simeon Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Here are photos of the prototype AC 130 U At Edwards in 1997. I was mistaken about the Ct 2 Nose Radome. I also found my complete set of Ac 130H interior pics. I took of one of the birds I worked on at Lockheed. Very detailed interior shots. IMG]http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee297/crediblesport/ac130uprototypetail.jpg[/img] Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Simeon Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 I hope this answers your questions. Simeon Quote Link to post Share on other sites
OriginalMonty Posted August 23, 2009 Author Share Posted August 23, 2009 Brilliant! Cheers for those Simeon, certainly useful to have a few more reference shots! Ben Quote Link to post Share on other sites
C-130CrewChief Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Those are some cool pics! Beware though... That is the prototype U model. The current one has had many, many, many, mods. For example, the air data probe on the right side of the nose was not installed on the production U-boats. The H model Gunpigs don't even have it any more. I worked H model Gunpigs for a few years in the late 90's and I tell you having that boom heading at you like a spear when you are marshaling was intimidating at first...lol Just check your Reffs and try to keep to the time frame you want to build. It is really easy to mix and match with these birds if you are not careful! I'm interested in the interrior shots of the H model. Maybe you can start a thread in the research forum.... Curt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
OriginalMonty Posted August 23, 2009 Author Share Posted August 23, 2009 Thanks Curt, Im mainly going to be using the shots of 0510 at the top of the page that I took at Mildenhall this month. Only downside is I havnt got any shots of the other side so thats what Im using other pictures for. I know the AC-130s are always being upgraded with lumps and bumps, so its going to be a long process with the kit - which ones to remove and which to add? The probe on the nose for example, I might try to mate with an outboard pylon to form the probe that is under the wing in my shots. Cheers Ben Quote Link to post Share on other sites
richter111 Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Thanks for posting these photos, I have the 1/48 kit and these will prove invaluable, as I intend to do the prototype, so it's perfect! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aircommando130 Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Actually I think the current air data probe on the AC-130U is the fin cap off a KC-135 mounted under the wing. I know a couple of U-Boat pilots and a nav that I used to fly MC's with but they probably only know how to find the crew entry door!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
OriginalMonty Posted August 29, 2009 Author Share Posted August 29, 2009 The kit turned up yesterday, and it really is HUGE! I didn't realise quite how big... Anyway, first update! Worked all day on the panel lines, because I think they are the biggest downside to the kit, and something I really wanted to get right. Very simple process once I got the hang of it. Trace along the raised line with the scalpel, then flip it over onto its back, and use the back of the blade to score along the thin groove guideline. Increase the pressure on each pass (I did about 9 per line) to get a nice deep panel line. Then use very fine grade sandpaper (I used 1200 grade) to sand off the onld surface detail (once you have done ALL the lines). Use the scalpel again to get rid of sandpapered plastic "dust" that has gone into the panel lines. Give it a wash under running water and rub with a cloth, and done! Done both forward fuselage pieces, both tail sides and the rear fuselage gun side. Hopefully get more done tomorrow evening! And the rather lovely WolfPak decal sheet: C & C welcomed! Ben Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aircommando130 Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 Just so you know..."The Handsome, Sleek, High Performance C-130" has been around since 1953 and even the brand new C-130J coming off the assembly line today in Georgia still has the overlapping panels and big rivets along the tail aft of the troop door. So the raised panel lines are more real than engraved on that airplane. Granted my L100-30 stretch requires a lot of sanding and will have to be rescribed but I will add all the external fuselage stiffeners and rivet rows on the tail to give it that "beasty" look. Most gunships and MC-130's have the drag index of a cinder block anyway with all the "add-ons" for the SOF mission. It is good to see another Herk being built though! :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
C-130CrewChief Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 Watching with interest. Keep up the good work! Aircommando is right about the rivets and panels also. Also there are steps and gaps all over the place so don't stress. The aft wingbox has a huge sealent filled step on the real thing! The skin aft of the ramp also has some oil canning and dimpling around the rivets on alot of herks. The tail is very flexable. Curt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
OriginalMonty Posted August 30, 2009 Author Share Posted August 30, 2009 Cheers guys! Is anyone able to get me a picture of the lumps and bumps on the tail, I dont have any good shots of the current AC-130 tail. I'll try and build the bits if I can! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aircommando130 Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 Hey Curt...talking about gaps...our MC-130's at Kadena would leak more water inside during a rainstorm than if you were out in it! We had one airplane that had a sea marker dye pack that had opened in the airplane and for a long time when it rained that bright green dye would leak out around the ramp area on the ground. It was very weird to see those green streaks running down the ramp! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dez Posted August 31, 2009 Share Posted August 31, 2009 Looking great so far! If I had much in the way of u-boat pics I'd have 'em out here for you. Looks like I'd better get back to work on mine... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
OriginalMonty Posted September 1, 2009 Author Share Posted September 1, 2009 Todays update - got the weapon side fuselage built, and have spent most of the day playing with Milliput epoxy putty and Plasticard. Building aerodynamic fairings around the forward FLIR turret and using the card to make structural braces on the fuselage (stole that idea from your MC-130 build Dez!). Here she is at the moment, still trying to get the forward part of the fairing to look right : Turret putty looks a little rough because I havn't finished sanding yet Ben Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aircommando130 Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 Nice...looks like you got a good fit between the front and back halfs. I take some wide plastic strips and glue them in from the back over that seam. When built that airplane is pretty heavy...I didn't want any cracks later! :D Quote Link to post Share on other sites
C-130CrewChief Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 What he said! That's one heck of a start. It's good to see Herks on here!... Curt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dez Posted September 5, 2009 Share Posted September 5, 2009 Looking good so far! Try looking on airliners.net or jetphotos.net for some more pics, they have a few from the rear aspect that might help out. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aircommando130 Posted September 5, 2009 Share Posted September 5, 2009 You said "rear aspect"...Huh...Huh...Huh (using my best Beavis voice) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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