After posting my C-130H yesterday (12/19), I got inspired to pull out my Testors/Italeri C-130J kit. The Testors boxing of the C-130J was the first J to hit the shelves back in the 90's. Basically, this kit is the same old Italeri C-130E with the new 2100 engines and 6 bladed props.

This should come as no surprise when I say, adding 2100 engines and 6-blased props does not a C-130J make. There's a lot more to it.

To make this conversion work, you need the Italeri boxing of the C-130J with Parts Tree F ot you can contact Italeri and ask for this tree. They will be happy to supply it to you for $7.50.

Here is the beginning of the WC-130J conversion:

First, the forward sponsons are in the wrong location. The need to be moved forward. The left side of the aircraft is very easy to do this sice the forward sponson is a separate piece. The right side forward sponson is not so easy as it is molded to the side of the fuselage.

This need to be removed, carefully, use a scribing tool and razor saw to remove the forward sponson. Then use sheet styrene to reconstruct the side of the fuselage.

The newly separated piece will need to be modified using Parts Tree F to match the C-130H/J configuration.

Here is the dry fit of the new forward sponson locations:

To fix the left side, I am going to use both left side sponson parts. I am going to use the GTC part with the NACA intake and modify the APU part.

Here are the differences in the two left side forward sponsons. The left one is the GTC (Ground Turbine Compressor) version for early aircraft. The right one is the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) version for H1-H3 and J aircraft.

Here is the left side extended. I used Parts Tree F part 1F. Modify the APU part (1F) by cutting approximately 5/8" measured from the aft side of the part. This becomes the plug. This is also the APU exhaust. Graft the two pieces together then fill and sand.

This is going to look good when its finished, cant wait to see the end result.

For the most part, the conversion is done. relocating the forward sponsons was the toughest part...mostly due to fear of hacking the right side of the fuselage up and knowing if I messed it up, I didn't have a spare. Luckily, I didn't mess it up. Cutting the exiting beaver tail off and replacing it with the redesigned EW beaver tail was a bit if a challenge as well. "Measure Twice, Cut Once" Well I measured the 10 times and cut once.

I got the square tube sleeve installed so the model can be in its in-flight configuration and the base is complete.

I also added the forward inlet scoop on the right side of the fuselage.

The revised J beaver tail mounting is also done.

Taking shape Steve, I like the base as well. Can't wait to see the paint go on.