Chariots of Fire Posted May 20, 2017 Share Posted May 20, 2017 For a long time I have wanted to build an International Loadstar 1600 cab. They were used for all sorts of trucks from dump trucks to farm trucks to school buses and fire apparatus. The thing that has held me back until now is hoping that maybe one of the model companies would come out with one! Why they have never done one of them or a B Model Mack is beyond me. Anyway with some photos and measurements taken of the rig in the photo below I have begun to assemble information in the form of line drawings, checking and improving them as I study the Loadstar from various angles. Each time seems to reveal some little detail that needs adjustment. Looking around the kit stash I came across a 1953 Ford p/u cab that I think might be turned into a Loadstar. Using the dimensions, photos and the line drawings I'm now studying the Ford cab to see where cuts might be made and adjustments done to make the changes. The cab will need to be 1/4" wider overall so some cutting along the top and rear of the cab will be done salvaging the back in such a way that I can reproduce the sculptured effects in the back like the real one. The A post will have to change and by cutting away the fenders and reversing them left for right the sculpture line across the door and cowl can be done (I think!). Photos and descriptions will be posted as progress is made. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrKerry Posted May 20, 2017 Share Posted May 20, 2017 Very kool, will be watching!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mopar - D Posted May 20, 2017 Share Posted May 20, 2017 Charles nice subject to build. I remember them as school buses the most. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Hall Posted May 20, 2017 Share Posted May 20, 2017 Neat subject..would love to see a kit of one of these. As a kid in Ohio I rode on school buses w/ this front, and our neighbor had a Loadstar dump truck for years, would deliver gravel for our long driveway... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRIPTROIT 71 Posted May 20, 2017 Share Posted May 20, 2017 Great project!! I've always wanted to build one of these myself!! I had the pleasure of putting an engine in one of the outside in 14 degree weather. Good times! This one I'm sure will be awesome!! I'm definitely tuned in!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gatorincebu Posted May 20, 2017 Share Posted May 20, 2017 Very interesting project ! Be Well Gator Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
towman1271 Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 Great project idea Charlie. Will look forward to watching you work your magic! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikemodeler Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 Neat subject matter and I will be watching. I remember many of these being used in so many different applications growing up. We had an IH truck dealer in town and I loved driving by there as a kid seeing the trucks! If anyone can do justice to building this,it is you Charles! Hopefully you can find someone to resin cast these and offer them up to the rest of us, if you want. I can see so many trucks- farm stake bed, dump truck, wrecker, box delivery, fire truck, and so many more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bennyg Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 Very nice! Will be watching.Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disabled modeler Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 Ill be watching too...I love the older trucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DumpyDan Posted May 25, 2017 Share Posted May 25, 2017 I am going to keep an eye on this one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chariots of Fire Posted May 26, 2017 Author Share Posted May 26, 2017 Began work on the cab. The shape is coming along. The A post is moved. Side sculpture on the doors is in place and I just finished cutting in the sculpture line around the top of the cab. Not quite ready for pix yet but when it is I will be posting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russell C Posted May 26, 2017 Share Posted May 26, 2017 (edited) For the fenders, I wonder if the Tom Daniel armored truck show rod is something that might be usable? The hood doesn't look right, and the grill shell is way off, but the shape around the headlights resembles the Loadstar's.http://www.revell.com/model-kits/cars/85-6899.html#.WSeqp4UT6TU Edited May 26, 2017 by Russell C Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chariots of Fire Posted May 26, 2017 Author Share Posted May 26, 2017 I checked it out. You might be right about the headlights, Russell. Fortunately I have some good photos and some measurements of the headlight area so that I can carve them out. I'll be using some renshape for that since it sands beautifully and is easy to carve in any direction. Once the cab conversion is done I will be working on the grill section. It has a nice flat shape and I have good measurements for it. With that done the fenders and hood will come right along since they are going to have to fit the grill and cowl of the cab. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redneckrigger Posted May 26, 2017 Share Posted May 26, 2017 Charles, your builds are always an inspiration. Can't wait to see more! And as several have said, those old girls are an iconic design, used in everything for many years! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chariots of Fire Posted May 27, 2017 Author Share Posted May 27, 2017 (edited) As I mentioned there is now enough done to show some of the work done on the cab. The Revell 1953 Ford pickup kit was the donor for the cab. The front fenders were cut loose and reversed to form the front of the doors. The top and rear of the cab have been modified and the whole thing has been widened out 1/4". There is still some cleanup to do. The interior of the cab needs some cleanup as well to smooth out the seams. Some two part resin will be poured around the interior of the top and the inside of the doors to make good smooth surfaces. The goal is to make the cab with as few hard surfaces as possible so as to make casting easier. Edited May 27, 2017 by Chariots of Fire Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrKerry Posted May 27, 2017 Share Posted May 27, 2017 Looking awesome Charlie!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fordboy1975 Posted May 27, 2017 Share Posted May 27, 2017 Looking good!!!great scratch building! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1930fordpickup Posted May 27, 2017 Share Posted May 27, 2017 Another nice work of art in the making. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superpeterbilt Posted May 27, 2017 Share Posted May 27, 2017 Excellent work Charles. Is there any possibility that you would have these cast? I know a lot of people have been looking for this conversion. I would love to have a few myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chariots of Fire Posted May 27, 2017 Author Share Posted May 27, 2017 Hi, Terry. That is a goal but ultimately it will be based on the final product quality. I don't want to say it will be cast before getting the various parts done and checking on the accuracy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpreadAxle Posted May 27, 2017 Share Posted May 27, 2017 Great job on getting the basic shape and structure of this truck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superpeterbilt Posted May 28, 2017 Share Posted May 28, 2017 Hi, Terry. That is a goal but ultimately it will be based on the final product quality. I don't want to say it will be cast before getting the various parts done and checking on the accuracy.Sounds good enough to me. Thanks Charles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redneckrigger Posted May 29, 2017 Share Posted May 29, 2017 Nice.................you have captured the lines of this cab perfectly. Looking GREAT! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikemodeler Posted May 29, 2017 Share Posted May 29, 2017 envious of your skills and ability to capture the correct look, regardless of subject. I am always impressed with how you are able to take one subject and create an entirely different one while making it seem so easy!I will be watching this, really love these old cornbinders! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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