Postage Stamp Planes PS5330-3
Lockheed C-130E Hercules Diecast Model
USAF 374th TAW, #62-1787 Spare 617, Vietnam, April 1972 |
| 1:200 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Lockheed C-130E Hercules | | 6" | | 8" |
April 15, 1972 this aircraft flew a significantly heroic and now famous mission under call sign "Spare 617." It was attempting to air drop ammunition to enemy surrounded South Vietnamese forces at An Loc. Near the drop zone, Spare 617 received heavy enemy ground fire that damaged two engines, ruptured a bleed air duct in the cargo compartment, and set the ammunition on fire. Flight engineer Sanders was killed, and navigator Lenz and co-pilot Hering were both wounded. Despite receiving severe burns from hot air escaping from the damaged air bleed duct, loadmaster Shaub extinguished a fire in the cargo compartment, and successfully jettisoned the cargo pallets, which exploded in mid-air. Despite almost losing a third engine on final approach, pilot Capt. Caldwell landed Spare 617 safely at home base at Tan Son Nhut after loadmasters were able to get the gear to extend using the cranking mechanism. For their actions, Caldwell and Shaub received the Air Force Cross, the U.S. Air Force's second highest award for valor. Shaub also received the William H. Pitsenbarger Award for Heroism from the Air Force Sergeants Association. Designed to function as a troop, medical evacuation and cargo transport aircraft, the C-130 Hercules was first flown on August 23rd, 1954. Built by Lockheed and capable of over 40,000 lbs of payload, this four-engine turboprop aircraft is quite possibly the most versatile tactical transport in existence. Its modern roles include airlift and airdrop, electronic surveillance, search and rescue, space-capsule recovery, helicopter refueling and aerial attack. Capable of takeoffs and landings from unprepared runways, the C-130 has even landed and taken off from a carrier deck without benefit of arresting gear or catapults. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. The "Postage Stamp Planes" range presents affordable, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. "Postage Stamp Planes" diecast airplanes feature: - Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic ordnance loads.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. |
