For their fourth Modeler's Guide, Aero Research has chosen the C-130 Hercules. In tune with others in this series, the book is ring bound, which is a lot of help when it comes to wanting to keep a page open on your workbench. This one is 140 pages and includes a goodly number of photos, some in color.

This is, as the title suggests, a modeler's guide. Modelers want to know what bits and pieces are applicable to which variants and what the serial number runs are on the different versions. This book provides that. So complex is the C-130 story that this is just volume one and yet it covers 30 variants and sub-variants. Each entry uses drawings of each aircraft type and then providing information on what bits apply. This allows you to properly portray the aircraft you are building.

I have shown one sample page to give you an idea of what is offered. The indicators are divided into those items that have changed since the previous version, and then those that are options which are not found on all aircraft. As you can see, a small historical section is given as well as which kits are recommended by the author to do your model.

Speaking of which, the initial part of the book is a listing and review of all currently available kits (Not really all that many as it turns out) as well as a listing of all decal sheets and aftermarket parts that have been done. This latter is helpful if hunting up something at a vendor's table or auction site.

In addition to all of this, there is a section that lists all the serial numbers of the versions, the countries that flew them, the units that flew them, and surviving aircraft (both display and still flying).  This CD is exactly like the paper edition and has corrected those typos found in the initial paper release.

In all, it really is an excellent reference and resource for the modeler. Its most reasonable price makes it a true bargain as well. Most highly recommended. 

 You can get more information and order yours by visiting www.aeroresearchcds.com

Thanks to Aero Research for the review item.

June 2015

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.