Brengen produces a wide range of unique resin, photo-etch (PE)accessories and full kits in 1/32, 1/48, 1/72 and 1/144. This conversion set was previously produced by Attack Squadron (Arma Hobby) and that product line was sold to Brungen which now offers the C-130 product line many are familiar with.

This resin set comes in a sturdy cardboard box containing a refueling pod (typical on KC-130’s) but the remaining parts are unique to the Harvest Hawk (Hercules Airborne Weapons Kit) platform. These parts include a AN/AAQ-30 Target Sight System that blends into one of the wing fuel tanks, AN/ALQ-144 IRCM in the left and right rear sponson and the “special package” AGM-114 Hellfire missiles with the respective wing pylon and launch rails. Decals and photo etch for the missiles are also included. A single sheet instruction set clearly gives the modeler a good guide on modifications required on the kit and placement of parts however cross check references to aircraft photos available online.

The first item that should be installed is the IRCM housing located in the rear portion on the sponson. Looking at photos, the outer profile is visible so it is acceptable to see that edge instead of blending it in to the sponson. If you plan on displaying the model with the cargo door, ramp or troop doors open, you will have to make accommodations to hide the internal portion. Since I built the kit will all the doors sealed shut, that was not an issue. You may want to leave the IRCM module off until after the model is painted. As for color of the IRCM, I have seen photos of it in gray and green so check your references.

Next on my list to modify was the fuel tank modification of adding the new aft tank portion that holds the AN/ALQ-30. Just like the IRCM, paint the AN/ALQ-30 separately and install later. Installing the targeting system later really helps when sanding and masking off to paint the tank. The resin shape is great so minimal sanding is required to blend the kit part to the resin part.

Now for the real challenging part, the four hellfire missiles. The resin is nice and take note to trim a small portion on the forward portion as indicated in the instructions before you install the PE fins. The PE fins really help give a scale appearance but it is a challenge to get the fins to stay on since there is little surface to attach them to the missile body. Brengun gives you a few extra fins but you need to be careful not to lose any. I broke quite a few off handling the assembled missiles but luckily, I was able to find them.

The final parts, refueling pod and pylon for the Hellfire missiles, just need a little clean up removing them from the casting block and they are ready to install. One thing I noticed after I drilled the holes for the kits auxiliary pylons to aid on pylon location, that location is just slightly inboard a little more than it should be. The kit location places the pylon just under the flap for which the real aircraft places the end of the pylon between the flap and aileron.

Please note that the model is still in process of being painted at the time of my photos. I am waiting on a new decal set for the KC-130J from Flying Leathernecks decals. I would also like to than Dave Roof of Flying Leatherneck decals for his assistance on painting guidance and technical details to help finish this build as well as information on this article.

This set will take a fairly plain C-130J and update it into a unique, multi mission Hercules that can support other aircraft by refueling them while carrying weapons to support ground forces. Brengun also offers a 1/72 scale flap set, sponson set and wheel set so I am anxiously waiting to see their next new product for the Hercules.

Thanks to Brengen for this very nice set.