Flightpath 1/72
C-130H T56-A-15 Engine Conversion

Background

The C-130H and other models are powered by four constant-speed T-56-A-15 turboprop engines. A complete engine consists of a gas turbine power unit connected by an extension shaft and supporting structure to a reduction gear assembly. Each engine, with accessories, propeller and spinner assembly, and nacelle-mounted components, is installed in a nacelle structure which is located forward of the vertical firewall. The complete unit is a power package, which can be quickly removed and is interchangeable among engine positions. Removable and hinged nacelle access doors provide adequate open areas for engine maintenance. Each T-56-A-7 or T-56-A-15 engine has a 14-stage axial flow compressor, each -7 engine has a 4-stage wheel turbine and 4 stator vane assemblies, the -15 has a 4-stage wheel turbine with 5 stator vane assemblies, thus the -15 engines has more power. Maximum continuous torque for the -7 engine is 18,000 IN-LB and the maximum torque for the -15 engine is 19,600 IN-LB for 4,300 horsepower per engine.

The Set

This conversion is a must for anyone wanting to build the modern C-130E/H configured Lockheed Hercules aircraft. The Testors/Italeri kit includes the shorter C-130A T-56-A-11 or -9 turboprops engines. The C-130E/H aircraft carry the T-56-A-7 and -15 engine respectively. This kit contains four resin moldings that are fitted in place of the kit engines with some modifications to the nacelle firewalls and reshaping if the kit nacelle attach points, this does not look like an easy task. The Italeri kit engines measure 29mm long and the Flightpath engines measure 35mm long. The width of the Italeri kit engines measure 15mm and the Flightpath engine measure 12mm, so you see the difference in size where the engine mount to the wing nacelles. The surface details for the engines are very fine recessed lines; some panels and vents are missing from the engine panels and propeller cowlings. These engines cannot be used for the C-130J because the Rolls-Royce Allison AE 21 00D3 with the Dowdy 6-bladed propellers are completely different.

Conclusions

I would highly recommend this set for any C-130B, C-130E, C-130H, MC-130H/P/N, HC-130N/P, EC-130H, AC-130H/U, LC-130F/H, WC-130H, and C-130K aircraft.

Review sample courtesy of my wallet.

You can see their full line-up of products on the Flightpath website.

References/Resources

• US Air Force Technical Manual 1C-130(H)H-2-2, Power Plant

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