an update on the smoke problem:
It's gone when using my repaint, but it's still there with the Japanese C-130H.
I also noticed I have a similar problem when flying the X-load F-18D,
however, the frame hit is less big. Only from 20 to 13-15 when on the ground, compared to from 20 to 2 in the C-130.
At altitude, the hit is lower. I studied the weird effects a little tonight, and I think I see what's wrong.
It seems the smoke effects are not continuously processed and loaded, but only at intervals.
With the smoke blowing down from the C-130's engines, in stead of blowing down in an arc, it looks like straight lines of smoke,
emerging from thin air, somewhere below the aircraft (up to 150 virtual feet below it).
With the F18 it just looks like a series of smoke 'dots' in stead of a continues line.
I've been looking on the internet for a solution, but I haven't found one yet.
I'm still hoping to hear from CS themselves, in a reply on the customer support ticket I submitted.

Tyrion