Aerobonus’ latest release is the ‘big’ rocket pod used on a variety of aircraft. For me this rocket pod usually mounted on the Mi-24 Hind helicopter. It was also used on the Mig-21, Mig-23, Mig-27, and Mi-8/17.

Perfectly cast in light grey resin, with no bubbles or imperfections, these rocket pods are beautiful. The tip and the openings are beautiful renderings. The pods are cast in two pieces, the nose cone/center section and the exhaust fairings. Cutting them off and attaching them is easy enough.

Decals are provided for the stencils, alignment marks and the serial number on the side of the pods. The instructions show where they would go.

Painting them is easy, aluminum. Attaching them is easy enough just add pins in the mount lugs and then attach them to the model.

The Aircraft

If you’ve never seen a C-130, and never had a ride in a Herk, you’ve probably been living under a rock somewhere. There are more than 40 variants, serving in 60 countries. The C-130 has been in service with the US Air Force for over 50 years, albeit with several different models and many improvements along the way.

The Kit

Academy provides you with six sprues of light grey plastic and two small clear plastic. The sprues are the same ones that were issued by Hobbycraft, but there is a difference. The difference is the inclusion of three additional items, two cowl guns and a pitot tube made out of turned brass. These items are little gems of work. The guns have hollowed out ends and look perfect. The decals are printed by Cartograf and provide markings for one colorful aircraft. Being from Cartograf they are in perfect register and suitably thin. In essence, perfect decals.

The instructions are easy enough to understand and broken down into twelve steps. The marking option provides a four view drawing that will help you mark your airplane.