1/144 TC-130G Blue Angels
I built the Minicraft 1/144 C-130 kit as the TC-130G flown by the Blue Angels. This is the only kit that has these markings in the box, and no one produces aftermarket decals for the TC-130G. You can quickly tell the TC-130G by the Lockheed graphic at the top of the tail. I think I like this Hercules best from the team as it served during the transition from the A-4 to the legacy F-18's, and flew with both types of aircraft in its time with the team. This is the airframe that is retired and on the flightline display at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola. It serves as show center for the practice show that the Blue Angels fly at the Museum.
Had this kit for some time, glad to finally have it completed! The pandemic has helped jumpstart a lot of building for a lot of modellers!
6 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Spiros Pendedekas said on March 26, 2021
Nice one, too!
Amazing paint job!
Dan DeSilva said on March 26, 2021
Thanks Spiros!
Robert Royes said on March 26, 2021
Looks great! Revell offered their ancient C-130 in the all white scheme way back. I made a trip to Pensacola a few years ago, while I neglected to get a picture of this Herky I did get a shot of the one that made landings and take offs on Forrestal.
1 attached image. Click to enlarge.
Dan DeSilva said on March 28, 2021
Hey Robert- I truly miss my yearly trip to PNS, and the opportunity to look over that flightline as I walk briskly to get my seat on the risers for the practice show!
John vd Biggelaar said on March 26, 2021
A great 130 as well, Dan.
This is a beautiful scheme.
Dan DeSilva said on March 28, 2021
Thanks John, you are very kind!
Tom Cleaver said on March 26, 2021
Nice work and a great result. I remember seeing this airplane when the Blues came to the Reno Air Races in 1981, when they were flying the A-4s. I personally think the F-11s and the A-4s were the best airplanes for the team, since they didn't have to fly out into the next country to turn around. First Blues I ever saw as a kid was their last show in F9F-5 Panthers.
Dan DeSilva said on March 28, 2021
I would have loved to have seen (and heard) the F-4's. My first Blue Angels build was the 4 plane Revell set with lightning bolt stand! They had the correct F-4B exhausts petals (although not intentionally! Revell just banged together 4 sets of their F-4B/C/D kits.
George Williams said on March 27, 2021
You've done a great job on this livery, Dan, very smart indeed and definitely liked.
Dan DeSilva said on March 28, 2021
Thanks George, I enjoyed being able to drop the ramp.
John Healy said on March 27, 2021
Nice work, Dan! Great subject. I saw the “new” ex-RAF Fat Albert a few times last year before the Blues headed to California for winter training. I live half the time in Fort Morgan, Alabama and they practice over us almost daily if they’re in town. Let’s hope the museum at Pensacola gets reopened for general admission soon. I haven’t been there since November, 2019. Before the shooting and the plague.
Dan DeSilva said on March 28, 2021
Hey John, thanks again. While I don't like the new J scheme, I would still love to see it in person!
Greg Kittinger said on March 29, 2021
Another good-lookin' Herc! Well done.
Dirk Derks said on April 1, 2021
Hi Dan,
The verdict stays the same:
Museum quality/Master modeler 1/144.
Regards, Dirk
Dan DeSilva said on October 19, 2021
Thanks Dirk! I posted this note on the wrong place in April- thanks for the kind comments. Tpoying with getting the 1/48 version done- not sure if I have the right amount of paint needed...
Dan DeSilva said on April 1, 2021
Very very nice, all of your comments today have lifted me! Thanks Dirk!