1/48th C-130 Question , Testors Kit , Need Information .

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Could someone please tell me if there are any aftermarket decals for the testors 1/48th scale C-130 H which I’d like to update with a modern overall
gunship gray finish , I have the original kit from the 80’s and don’t like the old
hi vis markings , I have seen modern C-130 photos and would like the correct
era markings for my build any help with this problem would be greatly appreciated , and If anybody wants I’ll post pics of the finished build when its
completed .Thanks

2

Can’t help with the markings, as my AC-130 is sitting in IL and had the camo over black scheme on it. But if you get the chance to post photos, I’d be happy to see them. Hope you have some luck. Have you thought of making your own decals?

3

Modern era C-130s are not painted Gunship Grey (that’s FS 36118), but in what is popularly known as “AMC Proud Grey”; FS 36173. Testors makes this as Air Mobility Command Grey, Number 2035. I can attest that the paint, straight from the bottle, is an exact match for the color… I used it to touch up my airplane!

The Gunship AC-130s are still painted in overall FS 36118; all the markings on those (save the Spectre art) would be flat black.

Hope this helps!

4

Thanks for the paint info ,I plan on going to LHS tomorrow to buy the paint , I wasn’t exactly sure what shade of gray it was for modern C-130’s , Now I can build a accurately
finished plane , any idea reguarding aftermarket modern lo -vis decals , flat black in color ? I’m not a real experienced modeler and I don’t really know how to make my own
decals .

5

I just recently purchased the Italeri kit at a local hobby show.On the way home we hit every hobby shop we could find while we were in the area.I happened to stumble on an aftermarket set of decals for 1/48 herc.It’s made by Daco Products and has two sheets,dcd7249 and dcd4849.The two sheets are for standard scheme and camo scheme.The data stencilling is VERY extensive and well printed.There are USAF serial numbers for 14 aircraft.
I hope this is of help to you even though the markings aren’t low vis.

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Thanks for the information I will check into that , I believe those decals will work
fine for the build , I really appreciate the help .

7

Hi ya LionBaron …

Good luck with your search for the correct decals … and good luck with your build … I would love to see pics as you build and finished. I have that same kit on the shelf … just have never gotten her down and opened her up. She’s a great a/c … have fun … [swg]

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Glad to be of help LionBaron.
It just happened to be luck that I found these right after buying the kit.

Good luck with the build
Kevin

9

You’re quite welcome, glad that I could help.

Hmmm, I had to go dig up my older copy of the official Herk Painting Guides I have. The national insignia on the “U.S. Air Force” marked aircraft is a 50-inch ‘outline’ low visibility stencil (on the real aircraft it is either masked off and painted, or a large decal), the “U.S. Air Force” lettering is 20 inches high (I have seen both block style and curved {Ariel} styles), the wing ‘USAF’ is 50 inch high letters, and the tail number is in 18 inch high letters. IIRC, the width of the tail stripe is 18 inches, with a 3 inch border both top and bottom. My copies of the old Air Force TO 1-1-4 do not address this issue; it may very well be left to the individual bases to determine the dimensions of the stripe.

Hope this helps, and have fun! If you need any more help, just let me know!