The ATM does not need to be online to start the engines period...the ATM only power the Ess AC Bus, which doesn't do anything for you except power some of your guages...if you put the two inverters in the (|,|) position you will have enough power for the ADI's and the Engine instruments...the Tach generator doesn't even need power to run...its taken off the engine itself...so you should still see the start-up.

This is for everyone, the standard postion for the two inverters is (-,|).  Co-Pilots inverter switch set horiztonally which means that the bus draws its power from the ESS AC bus, the AC Inst. Fuel Contr. Bus in the vertical position grabs power off the ESS DC Bus.  But again it really has no bearing over Engine startup...you don't even really need the gauges.

Its a good rule of thumb also to hold the starter button down until you get the indicated RPM rise, or you can simply just listen to the engine startup in the simulator.  You'll hear when the Prop starts turning...you can then release the button.

I haven't even heard of circuit breaker protection in the CS C-130...but if you are looking for any breakers they are locate don the Co-Pilots side, the most forward panel at the very top...if you are trying to describe somethin, give a accurate location please.

Unless the issue has been corrected, the engine generators should be left in the OFF position so you can quickly select RESET then place them on.  Having the Generator Select Switch in the ON position does nothin for you, just shows another light.  It use to be policy the generator be off for engine start-up, atleast in Maintenance.  Now you start the Engines with all Generators on....don't ask me why.....somethin to do with a MOD they were going to add to the aircraft...that was never applied.

Oh yeah, if you want power to the AC Inst Fuel Control Inverter (the right one) in the (-,|) configuration, you need to have the Bus Tie switch - TIED.  

If anyone needs 1-on-1 help with Engine Startup Procedures or anything else, you can get ahold of me at thibodb@alaska.com  I'll get back with you ASAP, just please keep in mind I work during the day and am unable to read that email on a gov't computer.

Hope this post was informitive enough...just trying to dis-spell any rumors of what is actually required to startup the herk in the actual aircraft, and in the sim.

Brian Thibodeaux
T56/T700 Propulsion Journeyman
C-130E/H2 Flt Eng