So, just got myself the latest update/rip-off from CS for their Herc range. Meant to be the -J model, but not exactly accurate, or so I'm told by a man who knows. It should have a glass cockpit, but it's pretty much exactly the same model as their -H (and I assume their -E). It seems the only real distinction between the models is the propellers.

But, and here's the thing, is does have a working parachute cargo drop function. Eight pallets included, one dropped per key press (you need to bind the "toggle logo lights" function to a key/button to do this), and it all works quite well. "On offer" on their own website at the moment, still a dubious proposition, but I'm happy enough to have it. Maybe they'll get around to doing a glass cockpit in a future update but I won't hold my breath.

So this is a first trial run out of Southend EGMC up to the smoke to try out a couple of drops. I'll need to practice a bit to get a better handle on when to drop and where it'll likely land, so these shots are a bit random, but I can see some fun here, and it feels a bit like a foretaste of the sort of thing 2024 might provide.

Heading east out of EGMC initially then turning to head up the Thames

I can actually identify the last house I lived in in Southend in my yoof in this shot

So here's the mischief bit. Plan was to drop a couple of pallets of fake Bearer Bonds over Docklands and the City. Thought I'd drive all the money men into a stampede as they trampled all over each other to grab the apparent dosh from the sky. Was a bit late and off path with this drop, too much focussing on trying to fly and drop at the right time.

 

Heading well south of the river. Maybe Dell Boy will manage to grab a case or two.

I had heard they were a bit short of lace doillies at the Palace, but I didn't have any on-board. Maybe next time

And on towards Heathrow for the Mercy part of the mission

You see, the Heathrow Jumbos had run out of peanuts, and been trumpeting fit to wake the dead, so I took 'em a couple of pallets' worth. Relatively high drop as I didn't want to alarm them.

And then ever onwards - may have to come back this way with a drop off of fresh mortar boards for the chaps at Eton.

A fun trip, and dedicated to serious simmers everywhere.

 

Edited September 27, 20241 yr by andy1252

A few chuckles while I was enjoying the excellent scenery in your shots. 🙂

Fine picture set Andy !

cheers 😉

Cracking set of shots!  Cheers,

Calum

...🙂...Always great to see the Hercules in your posts, Andy....Also, glad you're trying out the various (lettered) C-130 variants...

And in spite of the dubious missions...🙂..., all your ground scenery looks delightful indeed...!