Ben Posted February 9, 2017 Posted February 9, 2017 (edited) I actually finished a model! :-0I started this ERTL CO4070A Transtar back in 1980! I built the complete engine (remember this was in 1980, I thought back then it was supposed to be Alpine Green so I custom mixed it and painted it Alpine Green) and about 70% Of the chassis. A few years ago, Leo Vanderstelt offered to paint the cab for me. I had always wanted a box art build of this truck so I sent it to him to paint. I got it back with the excellent paint job you see here! That was supposed to be the catalyst to get me to finish it. With my health issues, it was just put back in the box though. Fast forward to three weeks ago. I got to a point on my Peterbilt 359 build, that I was waiting on parts so I pulled this one out and decided to finish it. It's built very close to box stock with the exception of.....Real, machined aluminum fuel tanks (hollow) from Jamie Rahmoeller that are exact copies of the kit tanks.Real aluminum stack, upper pipes.A brass release handle added to the fifth wheel.Fuel filler caps and exhaust clamp "bolt blocks" from KJ Humphreys.Detail Master, printed dash gauges with photo etch rings and I'll be adding a set of Earl Miller's coiled air lines/electric cord when they get here. The interior was painted to replicate the 1973 Hi Line interior. I'm really happy with how it turned out! Here's more "in progress" pics. http://public.fotki.com/lotso/ih-transtar-4070a-c/ Edited February 9, 2017 by Ben
drinkone2 Posted February 9, 2017 Posted February 9, 2017 That is an excellent example of that kit . You did an awesome job as did Leo with the paint! As old as this kit is, it probably already has a rebuilt motor in it which would most likely have been Alpine green. Again, very nice work!!
Jim B Posted February 9, 2017 Posted February 9, 2017 Ben, I think you take the record for the longest build (37 years). Excellent job!
towman1271 Posted February 9, 2017 Posted February 9, 2017 That turned out perfect.. Looks so realistic
DRIPTROIT 71 Posted February 9, 2017 Posted February 9, 2017 Excellent work on one of my favorite kits!
Ben Posted February 10, 2017 Author Posted February 10, 2017 Thanks guys!!! I'm trying to stay hard at it and finish more! :)
redneckrigger Posted February 10, 2017 Posted February 10, 2017 Better late than never! Looks tremendous, and the updates look super! Always loved the Transtar COE's, and this one nails the look perfectly. 37 years to finish a build.......................well, if I ever get the Mack DM600 dump truck I have in progress going again, I just may beat you...............it's been 32 years so far, and it will probably take me at least 6 or 7 more to finish it! LOL! All kidding aside, a superb quality build! Congrats!
kilrathy10 Posted February 10, 2017 Posted February 10, 2017 Oh yeah....She is a beauty....Excellent work, my friend.....Excellent work....
disabled modeler Posted February 10, 2017 Posted February 10, 2017 Very nice work Ben...I have the same old kit but mine needs a lot of parts that got lost over the years. I loved the old Ertl Blueprint series kits still do...farm tractors,awesome big truck kits,and International trucks.
Badluck 13 Posted February 10, 2017 Posted February 10, 2017 Beautiful example of this well loved kit,love the oil seepage and the wheels look awesome,too many times these are left chrome and the interior and the.....yeah yeah I could go on and on....Well worth the wait !
Force Posted February 10, 2017 Posted February 10, 2017 (edited) I don't know if they can do that, I think the tooling was changed to the International Transtar II Eagle back in the mid 70's, one version of the Transtar II had the air ride suspension from this one but it was later changed to walking beam.But they should be able to do the Transtar II Eagle tho', I don't think it has been reissued much since then. By the way...Nice build Ben. Edited February 11, 2017 by Force
jacobus Posted February 11, 2017 Posted February 11, 2017 ben , its a great buildlookin so good , i love this old truckbring,s back a child and memory in my , after al those yearsjacobus
Ben Posted February 11, 2017 Author Posted February 11, 2017 Thanks guys! I appreciate the kind words! :)
gatorincebu Posted February 11, 2017 Posted February 11, 2017 Ben, That looks real good. I like it. Is Leo still building models ? Be Well Gator
Ben Posted February 12, 2017 Author Posted February 12, 2017 Ben, That looks real good. I like it. Is Leo still building models ? Be Well GatorYeah, he's still building. Not as often though as his job as a heavy wrecker driver keeps him pretty busy.
vincen47 Posted February 13, 2017 Posted February 13, 2017 High quality work, the aluminum parts are fantastic.
1959scudetto Posted February 13, 2017 Posted February 13, 2017 Excellent looking Transtar, Ben ! Classic 70's looks - not overdone - fabulous !!!If this could only be reissued - I have bought from a German ebayer a gluebomb which will be restored some time
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now