A little work in progress

[Martin H]

OK time for 2019 build number 8.............
And the first large aircraft for the year.


Lockheed L400 Lightweight Hercules. of 40 sqn RNZAF around 1979.




A real Lockheed project for a "light weight" Hercules aimed mainly at the civilian market. Now had this model been built I suspect it would also have been of interest to the military market, possibly as a "cheaper" C-130 option. Hence the RNZAF markings...............
Italeri Kit with a suitable "cut and shut" job on the wings and reduced main gear, two wheels instead of the normal four. Yes Mr Spackman! I reduced the wing span on this one...............
MRP paints for the cammo, Lifecolor mainly for every thing else. Decals robbed from an Airfix boxing of the Italeri kit.

[Tophe]

2 engines instead of 4? It seems so perfect I was not sure of my memories...

[PR19_Kit]

Yes Mr Spackman! I reduced the wing span on this one...............

WHAAAT? Shudder.................... 

The model look REALLY good though, most impressive. 

[The Wooksta!]

"Well, I think it looks like a giant lavatory."

It's alreet, I'spose.  The lack of the two engines had me fooled for a moment.  "The old strange parcel routine."

[NARSES2]

Nice work Martin. Must admit I was thrown a little at first

[kitnut617]

Nice one Martin    I read about the two engine variant too ---

[Mossie]

Great build Martin.  I'm so used to seeing four engines though that my brain can't quite recalibrate!

[kerick]

Two engines are just not enough power, put a third in the nose!!

[Martin H]

Two engines are just not enough power, put a third in the nose!!

In Best Yoda voice..............Think on this. I will!

[Rheged]

Two engines are just not enough power, put a third in the nose!!

Some thought to this concept   I have given.

Much depends on the engines in question.  If they are the bog-standard Allison T56 turboprops at 4,500 shp each, then perhaps a third is appropriate; but if one were to substitute Rolls Royce  RTy32 Tynes at about 8,400 shp each then two will probably suffice. That said, a trimotor Hercules would be an interesting machine.

[kerick]

At least a prop mounted in the nose will keep the pilots cool!

[TheChronicOne]

I like it! It's like a husky Transall. 

[Scotaidh]

I thought at first that I was looking at a Transall - until I saw the nose.   

By the bye, if you're going to put a third engine on it, why not do the BN Trislander thing and put the third engine on the fin?

[scooter]

I like it! It's like a husky Transall. 

Its not husky, its big boned. 

[TheChronicOne]

I like it! It's like a husky Transall. 

Its not husky, its big boned. 

I do love my BBWs!   (Big Boned Wings, of course.)