BUGS Member Spotlight: Tristen’s Mighty Lockheed AC-130
The AC-130 was first introduced in 1967 during the Vietnam War. Originally converted from the C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft, it was transformed into one of the world’s most formidable airborne gunships. Remarkably, it has remained in active service for nearly 60 years.
Trist’s fascination with the AC-130 began in childhood after seeing one in real life. Ever since that moment, it has remained one of his favourite aircraft and the inspiration behind this project.
He spent three months designing and developing this MOC in BrickLink Studio, continuously refining the model based on feedback from fellow members of the Singapore LEGO User Group (BUGS). To ensure accuracy, he also watched numerous documentaries and researched articles about the aircraft throughout the design process.
Once the design was completed, it took approximately three weeks to source all the required parts from BrickLink sellers and fellow BUGS members. The final build required around 50 hours of assembly. The aircraft’s weapons were custom-designed and 3D printed by Trist himself.
Measuring 70 cm in length with an 88 cm wingspan, the model features fully functional landing gear, including a mechanically operated rear landing gear system driven by gears.
The rear cargo ramp can be opened, and the interior is fully detailed. The cockpit accommodates two minifigures, while the main cabin seats three weapon operators and one navigator. At the rear, there is space for two additional minifigures to serve as ammunition loaders.
A fun feature of the model is the rear cannon mechanism: as the cannon is elevated, the loader platform lowers automatically, and when the cannon is lowered, the loader rises—replicating the coordinated movement found in the real aircraft.
