International TranStar 4300 Eagle by AMT Ertl

wjbrandel · Jun 15, 2024

Finally decided on my next project. This model has been in my stash for the better part of 3 years and I finally got the urge to build it.

First time I have seen instructions with check boxes for each step, and no color call outs except for the engine and cab interior. Completely new to me in 40 years of building.

And here are the parts, still sealed in bags. There is 250+ parts to this model, I'm looking forward to it.

wjbrandel · Jun 16, 2024

No photos right now, but a short update. This is one old model, heavy amounts of flash and lots of fitment issues with it. I've taken photos but the usb cable I use is no longer working. I'm going to get a new one tomorrow, so hopefully I'll get the photos put up.

wjbrandel · Jun 17, 2024

Here are the photos.

The frame wasn't too bad, just some warping that was easily taken care of.

The front axle was very easy to put together with the exception of hear swaging two of the parts to make working steering.

As you can see there are some gaps that need to be filled (which I have yet to do).

Another problem with the model is the fact that none of the part trees have clear numbers on them, I have to go off the pictures, some of which are not clear. Reference photos are a lifesaver with this model, I have downloaded so many photos so I know what goes where I'm starting to see this in my dreams.

I've gotten so frustrated on this model because of the instructions I'm thinking about putting this aside and working on a Tamiya model or maybe a Revell.

papaof2 · Jun 17, 2024

Do you assemble the engine before painting?

wjbrandel · Jun 18, 2024

papaof2 said:
Do you assemble the engine before painting?

I haven't painted it yet. The white color is the plastic

papaof2 · Jun 18, 2024

I understand, butbdo you glue the engine together and then paint it.

wjbrandel · Jun 18, 2024

papaof2 said:
I understand, butbdo you glue the engine together and then paint it.

Yes I do, sorry I misunderstood what you meant. I've always found it easier-regardless of what my friend says. He paints everything and then assembles it.

I just don't understand how he does it.

papaof2 · Jun 19, 2024

You must have some crazy mad skills. I could never do that.

wjbrandel · Jun 21, 2024

Alright, 1 more update.

Frame is mostly done, just a few more pieces to put on but they are chromed so they are going on last.

Dashboard is done all that is left is the steering wheel

The cab is done, the pedals were a pain in the rear

Fuel tanks air cleaner and exhaust stacks are put together

Battery box with the batteries are done

The sleeper box

These are the doors to the sleeper box, they open when the model is complete.
All that is left is painting and final assembly.

And this will be the last update I will be able to do for a week or so. Life is intruding big time and I don't have time to work on it for a bit.

Down Time · Jun 21, 2024

Looking good!!!!

wjbrandel · Jul 1, 2024

Alright, I have the base coats all blocked out and just the detail painting to do, then final assembly, decals (oh my that's more than I thought).

wjbrandel · Jul 6, 2024

No photos but an update. I'm doing the final assembly and paint touch ups. Then the decals and some light weathering, I'm going to try and not go overboard on the weathering, but I know me.

wjbrandel · Jul 7, 2024

The Transtar 4300 is finished. I decided to go with a sky blue paint for the body and leave off most of the paneling decals. I liked the finish without the other decals, so I just left them off.

I modified the model to have the sleeper and storage compartments open, mainly to show off the bed in the sleeper. It had to be assembled and it seemed to be a shame to close it off never to be seen again.

Now the big question, What model do I start next? I have so many options in my stash.

Down Time · Jul 7, 2024

Looks great!!!

Pantherman · Jul 8, 2024

wjbrandel said:
The Transtar 4300 is finished. I decided to go with a sky blue paint for the body and leave off most of the paneling decals. I liked the finish without the other decals, so I just left them off.

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I modified the model to have the sleeper and storage compartments open, mainly to show off the bed in the sleeper. It had to be assembled and it seemed to be a shame to close it off never to be seen again.

Now the big question, What model do I start next? I have so many options in my stash.

Nice. Pantherman

Bear43 · Jul 9, 2024

Turned out quite nice and I like that you kept those doors opening. It's always nice to show off the details when you can.

wjbrandel · Jul 9, 2024

Thanks everyone.

TimM63 · Jul 11, 2024

Very nice work. Love the color. I am thinking that same color for the '66 Chevy Fleetside I will be building soon.

wjbrandel · Jul 11, 2024

TimM63 said:
Very nice work. Love the color. I am thinking that same color for the '66 Chevy Fleetside I will be building soon.

Thanks, that color on the body is sky blue from tamiya if you're curious. 4 coats brought it to that shade.

International TranStar 4300 Eagle by AMT Ertl

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