AMT IH Transtar CO4070A Winter Project

[JerseeJerry55]

I've got two of the AMT IH 4070A's in the stash. One is the original (2021) one and one is the Rat Fink issue. The original has been started, but just got the decals for the other one from Model Truckers LLC (used to be Jerry Reeter's site). So the plan for the second one is use the stripe set  I have attached. Ordered all the decals in Red so as the match the picture on the box top of the original issue. 

[JerseeJerry55]

Purchased this today @ my local Ollie's. Looking to use it for one of my two Transtar's that I will be building later in the year. In all my years of building I have never attempted an enclosed trailer. Hoping it comes out okay. 

[JerseeJerry55]

Started the frame on the second AMT CO4070A today. Crossmembers are installed. Next steps will be the front axle and getting it to turn. The heat swage process is my nemesis, always has been. AMT CO4070A #001 has the front axle straight. But I still love this hobby.

[Rockford]

I can't believe you've never built a van trailer! You've done so many trucks. We all have our least liked parts of the job, mine's paint and body. 

[JerseeJerry55]

Got the decals today. Going to do it as the box art (instructions sheet) build. So my question are as follows:

• Do I paint the frame in either flat, or semi gloss Black? Or dark Blue?
• Wheels I'm thinking White?
• Interior Black, or Tan, with Brown?
• Dullcoat the chrome w/ Flat clear spray?
• Do I paint the grill insert, or leave it chrome/

Any suggestions, or tips as always are appreciated.

[Pete68]

On 2/11/2025 at 9:07 PM, JerseeJerry55 said:

Got the decals today. Going to do it as the box art (instructions sheet) build. So my question are as follows:

• Do I paint the frame in either flat, or semi gloss Black? Or dark Blue?
• Wheels I'm thinking White?
• Interior Black, or Tan, with Brown?
• Dullcoat the chrome w/ Flat clear spray?
• Do I paint the grill insert, or leave it chrome/

Any suggestions, or tips as always are appreciated.

Jerry great choice. This is just my opinion

Frame Semi gloss

Black wheels with gray rings

go with the original interior colors semi gloss black/ soft gold 

Dullcoat the chrome to calm it down 

Paint the sides of the insert gill semi black  

 

 

[JerseeJerry55]

On 2/13/2025 at 9:17 AM, Pete68 said:

Jerry great choice. This is just my opinion

Frame Semi gloss

Black wheels with gray rings

go with the original interior colors semi gloss black/ soft gold 

Dullcoat the chrome to calm it down 

Paint the sides of the insert gill semi black  

 

 

Lee thanks for the tips. Since I have kind of bad arthritis the two tone wheels are an impossibility. Thinking if I am not doing White for the wheels I might think Silver. I have seen examples on the internet of Black with Oxblood Red (I believe), or Tan, and Brown interiors. As far as the exhaust brackets go not sure if I leave them all dullcoated chrome, or try and paint them frame color? Once again arthritis permitting.

Jerry

[BK9300]

It must be hard to do what you want in a build, having arthritis - all the knowledge is there, so, hoping your build goes ok!

[JerseeJerry55]

11 minutes ago, BK9300 said:

It must be hard to do what you want in a build, having arthritis - all the knowledge is there, so, hoping your build goes ok!

Well it ain't fun. But at least I know more than I did 50 years ago, and I have no patience. Thank you.

Kind regards,

Jerry

Edited February 16 by JerseeJerry55
Change wording

[Pete68]

20 hours ago, JerseeJerry55 said:

bad arthritis

I understand I have it really bad that’s why I don’t build as much and if I do it’s a simple one. I think the white wheels will not look silver to me. 

[JerseeJerry55]

Hey all hope everyone's well. So here's my update on the first of my two CO4070A's. Which is what I call my tribute build (sort of) to the one in the instructions booklet. The cab, and the frame were done a while ago. The interior and the engine somewhat after that. I used craft acrylics for the cab interior, and to weather the Detroit. Coming along slowly, but surely.

[JerseeJerry55]

So the assembly saga continues. In looking at my handiwork from yesterday I am dissatisfied with my acrylic brushwork. Therefore I decided this morning to repaint the interior roof/door bucket using Krylon Satin Boot Brown. I am much more pleased with this attempt. Just need a contrasting color choice for the curtains. Suggestions are appreciated.

[Gary Chastain]

I have used the Krylon leather colors, I actually like the sheen and kinda represents leather really well, looks good on your build. 

[JerseeJerry55]

2 hours ago, Gary Chastain said:

I have used the Krylon leather colors, I actually like the sheen and kinda represents leather really well, looks good on your build. 

Thanks Gary. Here is the latest update. Krylon Short Cuts Espresso is the contrast color. Also laid down some Rustoleum Matte Clear Spray on the roof bucket, and the bottom of the cab. Coming along well I think.

[JerseeJerry55]

Good thing that I looked at the bottom side of the cab bucket this morning. It appears that cement that I used to glue the two hinge rails didn't set properly at the front so I reglued them at those points. I have them clamped in place as they dry. Then I can shoot a quick coat of semi gloss black on the bottom again. Also planning to weather the bottom so if anyone has suggestions on weathering for that I'd appreciate it. Thank you.

Kind regards,

Jersee Jerry 55

[BK9300]

Making good progress, Jerry - the Espresso colour really highlights the snap on sleeper divider

[JerseeJerry55]

7 minutes ago, BK9300 said:

Making good progress, Jerry - the Espresso colour really highlights the snap on sleeper divider

Thanks Brian I appreciate it, I agree it really gives a good contrast. This is by far and away my favorite model kit of all time, and I want to really do a great job with it.