1/25 AMT/ERTL International Transtar 4300 Eagle

[cifenet]

16 hours ago, Rockford said:

I notice you asked why the layout of the fuel tanks etc... aren't symmetrical on the chassis. There's more experienced people than me on this forum but I'll try to explain.

There's a few factors involved. Trucks aren't like cars, they're working vehicles so appearance isn't everything, it's function that counts; symmetry isn't really a consideration. Weight is a factor, any extra unladen weight eats into payload so you only build what you need. Cost too, to an extent. The balance isn't really a consideration. I've seen some trucks with a load bias to one side that carried an extra spring leaf on that side but they're a rarity. You then have to think about the 2nd and 3rd owners etc... who make their own changes to the truck (sometimes on a shoestring) and you can see some fascinating combinations. 

I suppose that's why we like building them. The possibilities are endless. 

Thanks for the explanation on this, Steve!  I could see that placing the fuel tank at certain location would be a priority factor rather than making sure that they are in symmetrical location between left and right.

On the driver side, I see the truck has battery box under the cabin whereas the passenger side has the fuel tank underneath.  I can see some challenge balancing two fuel tanks and a battery box (assuming multiple batteries are heavy!) and at the factory thought this was the best they could do...

Nevertheless, when I found out this truck has unsymmetrical fuel tank configuration, it really bothered me at first.    And thanks again for the kind feedback on this build!

 

16 hours ago, bigred63 said:

Wow, what a great looking truck! Your color combinations is out of this world. Thanks for all your tips that you used on the build.

 

Thanks, Ronnie!  I initially wanted to do black/white combo with gold stripes, but thought metallic blue would look more interesting! 

 

10 hours ago, tractoraholic said:

Very nice work. That is one sharp looking International. That's one to be proud of.

Thanks, Justin!  I am glad I was able to finish it; I have old builds that still waiting for me to resume the work... 

 

8 hours ago, Gary Chastain said:

Outstanding build, you definitely have demonstrated your craft. 

Hi Gary, appreciated your positive comments!

 

[Rockford]

The battery box is often under the cab door because it makes a better step than a fuel tank. Even in the old days there was a little consideration given to the poor driver. ?