Chariots of Fire

I don't know about that, Tommy. The IH fills a void for sure but the Chevy or GMC I might have to leave to someone else.

They will be available through AITM and I will announce when they become available. There are still some parts to be cast and they have been sent to AITM for that purpose.

First two castings came in today. They are nicely done. AITM was able to do the windshield trim without any trouble so that the glass fits right up against the thin trim surround. After painting the truck you will just have to swipe a black felt marker around the edge and it will be done. The glass just pops in without any gluing. Still to come are the bumper, running boards, and steering wheel. I'll be working on the seat and platform for it in the next few days.

Nice clean work! Well done!

I'm expecting to receive the first castings later this week for inspection. Will post pics as soon as they arrive.

A little hint about painting the inside. It may be a pain with the engine in place but paint the inside with a brush using the same color as the outside. Then when you paint the outside if there is any overspray that gets inside you will never know the difference. Done that on a couple of pieces and you don't get all of that extra spray paint. Little places get paint that otherwise would not. (Just my two cents!) An example of what I mean. Interior of the rear pump compartment was brush painted. in the first photo. In the second photo is the finished paint job of the same area.

Here's Dave's first pop of what I sent him.

Nice photos, Bill! I see you captured the push button drive in one. I had a '57 which I drove until it wouldn't start anymore.

Be on the lookout in the near future for this to be cast. Things are in progress as we speak. The chassis and tires and wheels are just for mockup to see how things sit. Castings will also include the front bumper, running boards, steering wheel and column.

That is awesome, Lane. Thanks so much for posting! Those first three rigs are practically in my back yard! The C & O rig is now gone but theMarion rig is still in service. It has been rebuilt with a new body. The first and second rigs were built by the Maxim Motor Company of Middleboro, MA. The third rig was done in house by the Freetown FD. No idea abut the last one. I got an e-mail from AITM. The IH is being cast and will most likely be available as a package that will include the cab and hood, dashboard, floorboard and firewall, front bumper, running boards, steering wheel and steering column. More about this later as I will want to see the first pop to make sure it is ok.

Just don't rub too hard on the chrome part you want to keep. You might end up rubbing right through it.

BMF does has an off bright tone to some extent but not to the extent that shows in your photo. Did you happen to coat it with clear afterward? I have not seen in the new BMF anything near that color. But others are right in saying it is not going to be really shiny like chrome plating. The new BMF is much more forgiving when you work with it and is much brighter than what you show. If it were me (and it is not) I'd pull off the old stuff and get a new supply and try again. I think the results would be more to your liking

That has to be a Mass Highway rig before they put the seal on the door! Orange with black fenders back in the day! Didn't know you lurked around here!!

Got an e-mail from Dave Natale (AITM) late this afternoon. He has received the IH and will do some study of it with the hope of beginning the mold tomorrow! Will let you see what becomes of it as soon as I can.

Good thought, Brian! I have a built up Scout. Will have to see what it looks like. Thanks!

I think no matter which frame is used it will take some adjusting due to the close proximity of the front fenders to the front spring purchase. As far as the engine goes it will have to be a small V-8 as the distance between the grill and firewall is very short. I have not tried to see what might fit at this point. The one thing I do know is that the engine sits quite low in comparison to the top of the hood.

These trucks were used for just about everything. If casting works out there are multiple opportunities for various builds. Mine most likely will be for fire apparatus and then as a wrecker. We'll see what transpires with the casting work.

The Ford snowplow kit has the right spring arrangement for a single rear axle. The frame cross members would have to be changed up. But the front springs are a bit too long as the front spring attachment is right behind the fenders. So some substitution might be in order. Some exploring on line for IH chassis photos would be best to see what might be matched up the best.

Well, I think we are there. The Loadstar cab is finished, the door panels, dash and floorboard are done. I've been talking with Dave Natal of AITM and he has agreed to look it over for casting. I will keep you posted on progress.

We don't often get to see rigs like this except at an occasional AHTS meet. So KW fans take a look!

Another Bay Stater says hello and welcome! Look forward to seeing some posts!

Welcome back, Jerry. Hope to see some of your work when you get it ready.

Check the curvature of the front fender openings. They look like they could be smoothed up a bit. Can I suggest making a template of an opening using a compass on a piece of paper. Cut out the template and place it against the opening to see if it is round. Tires and wheels look pretty nice!

That's some nice work. Thanks for showing us the build along the way.