BRBO 2021: Ertl International F-4270

[Casey429]

Well folks, here it is. I got the finishing touches applied the 'ol Binder over the weekend. I present to you my entry for the 2021 Big Rig Build Off, the International Transtar F-4270 just as Ertl imagined it. Out of the box (actually several to get a complete truck). Thanks to the generosity and encouragement of the forum, I was able to piece together a complete truck using several incomplete kits I've acquired over the last couple years. The only exceptions to my self imposed rule of all kit-correct parts was a grille from a new issue 4300 because I wanted it perfect, as well as the glass for the same reason. I'm extremely pleased with my work on this one, and I'm usually my own worst critic. My ONLY gripe is the hood doesn't open nearly wide enough to get a good glimpse of the 903 Cummins nestled underneath it. I need to get a couple errant dust flecks and fingerprints off of it before it goes in the display case, but I'm calling it finished.

Just to recap, I wanted to keep this as faithful to the truck on and in the box as possible. No extra parts, no scratchbuilding, no kitbashing, no resin, no wiring, plumbing, or other detailing. I did, however modify a few kit parts to improve appearance and/or fit and finish. One big one being drilling out the ends of the airhorns because it's the one area Ertl dropped the ball. I also stripped a lot of the chrome and refinished those parts in more realistic colors and sheens. The only exception to the "from the box" rule were the new parts I mentioned above, as well as Modeltruckin' decals to get the stripes to match the box art. I also made use of modern paints, glues, and techniques to get what I feel is the most out of what's in the Ertl box. That being said, this kit is great fodder for the detail oriented. They're fairly collectible now, but if you find yourself in a position to get one, it's a joy to put together. 

Build thread is here:

BRBO 2021 International Transtar F-4270 Rebuild - Page 2 - WIP: Model Trucks: Big Rigs and Heavy Equipment - Model Cars Magazine Forum

Thank you all for taking a look and offering your compliments during the build!

Edited July 20, 2021 by Casey429

[Doug 1061]

I would be extremely pleased with that build too.    Nice smooth paint, beautiful work work all around. I really like that first pic with the sun shining through the haze.  Looks like the sky over Denver this morning.

[Mopar - D]

Casey excellent build on this old International. 

[Warren D]

Very well done! 

[ChrisR]

Looks great!

[Perspect Scale Modelworks]

On 7/19/2021 at 9:04 PM, Casey429 said:

Well folks, here it is. I got the finishing touches applied the 'ol Binder over the weekend. I present to you my entry for the 2021 Big Rig Build Off, the International Transtar F-4270 just as Ertl imagined it. Out of the box (actually several to get a complete truck). Thanks to the generosity and encouragement of the forum, I was able to piece together a complete truck using several incomplete kits I've acquired over the last couple years. The only exceptions to my self imposed rule of all kit-correct parts was a grille from a new issue 4300 because I wanted it perfect, as well as the glass for the same reason. I'm extremely pleased with my work on this one, and I'm usually my own worst critic. My ONLY gripe is the hood doesn't open nearly wide enough to get a good glimpse of the 903 Cummins nestled underneath it. I need to get a couple errant dust flecks and fingerprints off of it before it goes in the display case, but I'm calling it finished.

Just to recap, I wanted to keep this as faithful to the truck on and in the box as possible. No extra parts, no scratchbuilding, no kitbashing, no resin, no wiring, plumbing, or other detailing. I did, however modify a few kit parts to improve appearance and/or fit and finish. One big one being drilling out the ends of the airhorns because it's the one area Ertl dropped the ball. I also stripped a lot of the chrome and refinished those parts in more realistic colors and sheens. The only exception to the "from the box" rule were the new parts I mentioned above, as well as Modeltruckin' decals to get the stripes to match the box art. I also made use of modern paints, glues, and techniques to get what I feel is the most out of what's in the Ertl box. That being said, this kit is great fodder for the detail oriented. They're fairly collectible now, but if you find yourself in a position to get one, it's a joy to put together. 

 

Beautiful pic!!!

[Bills72sj]

Well done. May I suggest some suzie coils to give the pogo stick some company.

[Jim B]

That's a great looking Transtar, Casey.  Very well done.

[Casey429]

Thank you all for stopping in to take a look. I appreciate the kind words!

18 hours ago, Bills72sj said:

Well done. May I suggest some suzie coils to give the pogo stick some company.

Bill, I thought about this, but it would go against my MO of straight from the box. Maybe at a later date, but for now this is all she wrote.

[grodudulle77]

Very nice build, your pics are very neat, i really like it !! ??

[Bronzekeg]

looks great, good job!

[slusher]

Beautiful semi and pictures!

[leafsprings]

Great build of a great kit!  IMO, the factory IH paint schemes are a must for these old Ertl kits, and this one proves it can't get any better than this, the ultimate look!

[PappyD340]

Very nice!

[Toys4Don2]

Very well done!!

[DRIPTROIT 71]

I like the subject, the paint scheme, the photography, it’s all good!! Great work! Great looking 4200!

[gotnitro?]

Absolutely knocked the build from the park !  

The colors are well done and really accent the trucks lines 

Thanks for joining our 21 BRBO too

[Rob Hall]

Sharp build...great photos, love the big evergreens in the background in some photos. 

[Pete68]

Very nice Casey you did a great job on it. That first pic with the sun in the background  looks like a 1970s Brochure pic to me 

[doorsovdoon]

Sharp looking semi. I like the colours, lovely shade of blue.

[gotnitro?]

Ttt

[1959scudetto]

Very nice build, Casey - it has just the right amount of chrome.