In 1999 when Poland became a member of NATO, Polish Air Force transportation units were mainly equipped with the obsolete An-26 and An-28. In 2001 Poland purchased twelve CASA 295M aircraft, which in time replaced the well-worn An-26s, but Poland's subsequent participation in overseas missions clearly demonstrated a need for a heavier lift capability. After many years of discussion and negotiations, the Polish National Defence Ministry signed a contract for five second-hand USAF C-130E Hercules. Work commenced on the overhaul and modernization of the chosen machines, and in Powidz air base, near Poznan, preparation commenced on all the necessary infrastructure for the maintenance and upkeep of the new larger aircraft. On 29 March 2009 the first of five C-130s, tactical number 1501, landed at Powidz and was officially handed over to the Polish Air Force. The arrival of a new type of aircraft in the Polish Air Force is always a temptation to every Polish modeller collecting aircraft adorned with the white/red checkerboard national insignia. For the purpose of this build I used the old Italeri kit, which features raised panel lines and a modest amount of interior details, to say the least. Taking this into consideration I acquired Eduard's Big Ed photo-etched set, which consists of six etched detail sets and one set of masks for painting the wheels and all glazing around the fuselage.
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