Described on the box as "American Heavy Transport Plane" (that'll annoy TeeELL
), this kit represents the archetypal Herky Bird much beloved by airforces and airshow crowds the world over and in the 'H' model, the most produced version to have yet seen service.I make no judgement regarding accuracy, but it certainly looks like a Hercules in the box
The kit comprises 8 sprues moulded in Zvezda's usual slightly soft mid-grey plastic and a single sprue of clear parts. Of note straightaway is the presence of three flight crew figures! The figures look well sculpted, and given the clarity of the cockpit glazing, they should look good painted up and sitting at the controls. A nice touch, and one a few notable manufacturers could do well to take note of.
Engraved details are present on pretty much all the parts, with restrained panel lines throughout. They're is no apparent flash, and although some ejector pin marks are to be seen, most I suspect will be out of sight on the completed model so they should not present any significant problems.
One other point to raise is the need to cut a significant chunk of the cargo rail frame (see photo below) in stage 16 of the construction. Does this indicate later versions (longer) of the Hercules to come?
There is a full interior, from cockpit to tail ramp, including folded self-loading cargo seats and it lends itself to a little led lighting and some palletised loads or a vehicle or two.
The instructions are printed in black and white, but look to be well detailed and sufficient to allow assembly without having to work out where parts are supposed to be located. There are two sheets of decals, one with insignia and serials relevant to the five options offered, and one larger sheet of stencils and wing walkway lining. These last are printed with large areas of carrier film between the lines, so may be easier to apply than single lines but it will depend on how well the large decals settle down.
All in all, and especially considering the size of the finished model and the relatively low cost of the kit, this looks like becoming a future classic for those with the space to build and exhibit such a sizeable aircraft!
