Chassis pics of my GMC Astro

Ah... those amt truck kits of the 70's! , sure the fitting & aligment are not the best, but with a few extra hours spent on getting those decent assembies fits you get a nice model.

The problem with the AMT tires is that the inner diameter is a bit to large...thet tires are spining in wheels! plus they look a bit skinny on tread side, try the ex MPC beeffier goodyear tires available in the Paystar 5000 or Ford Louisville kits, the fitting is slightly better + the look is much better.

I tought those tires where disastruous, so I mounted the Revell AG Michelin tires, they fit perfectly on the astro wheels ....no more spinning & the look is perfect.

Don't worry if you survive the engine & frame assemblies, Assembling the cab is not so bad if ...you don't plan to install the top dragfoiler!

I was rapped to hear that AMT had re-released the GMC Astro. I have 2 in my collection and found there were heaps of spare parts for othe projects. I only wish that AMT had released the other option GMC Astro with the Gas-Turbine engine.

you have a fine model there and I share your joy with your latest project

Thanks for the comments and encouragement guys.

I'm going to paint the cab to-morrow, with some Testors Hot Rod Red paint I in a spray can I have kicking around .
Does that enamal paint need a primer coat first?
If it works out I'll post the results next week.

Bill.

No need for primer, I also painted my astro Testor red ,cab & frame.

First apply a "dust" coat; paint pigments will give a good grip to futur paint coat, then apply several light coats until you reach the finish you want, be sure to have a a good holder when spraying your cab, remember light coats will give a much better finish with enamel paints.

The Astro 95 kit was introduced back in 1971, with as mention earlier a turbine engine option included with the actual engine, like many truck modelers the turbine engine was long awaited but never came back ...only on eBay at ASTROnomical prices!

Since the kit molds where modified by AMT in the mid 70's to update the astro: new mirrors, cab grab bars & step laders, top airfoiler, seats, etc, it's possible that the turbine engine was "removed" from the retooled parts sprues.

ultraliner13 wrote:

I only wish that AMT had released the other option GMC Astro with the Gas-Turbine engine.

I wish AMT (or Revellogram) would, when they reissue any kit, include all the original parts along with any new ones they want to add.

An example would be the current Rides '49 Merc. Give us both the old and new. Don't delete them like their doing now, add a few new pieces, then charge more for less.

BTW, Looking good.

Looks good.... Is the one you are building the re-issue or an original issue??

The reissue. I have it pretty well finished now and will post a pic soon. I made a few mistakes which I'll mention later. But the build was fun and I ended up painting it with a brush..