Building the Lockheed AC-130 Spectre Gunship: A Journey of Patience and Perseverance

The Lockheed AC-130 Spectre gunship is a formidable model kit that requires attention to detail and patience. As I embark on this build, I'm excited to share my experiences and challenges with you.

One aspect that immediately caught my attention was the color scheme. The kit offers two options: all-over gunship grey (568) or all-over black (574). While deciding on a color scheme can be daunting, it's an essential step in bringing this model to life.

As I began building, I noticed some areas that require extra care and attention. The raised panel lines, for instance, might need refinement to achieve the desired level of accuracy. Additionally, the starboard side is correct, but the port side has a significant amount of flash extending into the glazing area, which will need to be addressed.

The nose section, in particular, presented some challenges. Due to the kit's design, the two halves won't meet perfectly, requiring more work to achieve a seamless join. The edge of the cockpit glazing also needs refinement to ensure a smooth transition between the two sections.

While I'm not aiming for absolute perfection on this model – it will likely end up displayed in my son's room – I do want to make sure it looks its best. To achieve this, I'll need to put in some extra effort to refine the details and ensure accuracy.

Interestingly, I discovered that I have two sets of decals for this kit. While some parts look good, others are less impressive. Stripping the existing Humbrol enamel paint off will give me a fresh start and allow me to apply new decals.

This build has been a long time coming – 25 years in fact! I started working on it when I was just 15 or 16 years old, and now, at the age of 41, I'm finally completing it. Digging deep into my stash, I found this venerable Airfix AC-130H Hercules kit, which has been waiting patiently for its turn in the spotlight.

Building the Lockheed AC-130 Spectre gunship is a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and attention to detail. I'm excited to share my progress with you and show how this model transforms from a box of plastic into a stunning representation of this iconic aircraft.

Lockheed ac 130 spectre gunship