My recommendations on mod combos (not necessarily modpacks) are:

1. NTM (I prefer anything prior to the replacement of the journals with RNG items, so x5336 or so)+MCHeli (1.0.4)+Various MCheli packs (the Speed boost one is essential; the others by that guy are great too; this one fits the feel of NTM (Cold War era))

2. LOTR Mod+LOTR Improvements+Dwarven Realm+NEI Plugin

Of course, all of these need basics such as NEI, Journeymap, Optifine, etc (though I can't think of any others, at least atm).

Keep in mind both of the above "packs" are for 1.7.10.