Diamond Reo, White Western Star and Autocar, Same truck?

[Oldmopars]

I have been lookinng at these 3 kits and doing a little Wikipedia searching. It looks like all these kit share the same cab and the White and Reo the same frame, possibly the Autocar too. 

Anyone know anything about this? What is the connectionbetween these kits?

[Russell C]

1 hour ago, Oldmopars said:

I have been lookinng at these 3 kits ... looks like all these kit share the same cab ....

A result of the White Motors Company acquiring Autocar in the '50s and Diamond T and Reo, later combining those two to be Diamond Reo, and then starting up Western Star in the '60s. The name of that specific cab which was shared by the three makes escapes me, but other guys with better memories than mine can chime in on its name which will pave the way on where to read more history about it.

[Fat Brian]

Yes, the Autocar, White, Western Star, and Diamond Reo all share the same chassis and cab. The hoods, engines, and fuel tank layout are different for each kit and the Autocar kit doesn't have a sleeper. 

[DRIPTROIT 71]

On 2/16/2022 at 12:15 AM, Russell C said:

A result of the White Motors Company acquiring Autocar in the '50s and Diamond T and Reo, later combining those two to be Diamond Reo, and then starting up Western Star in the '60s. The name of that specific cab which was shared by the three makes escapes me, but other guys with better memories than mine can chime in on its name which will pave the way on where to read more history about it.

If I’m not mistaken this cab originated with Autocar in 1950 as the “driver’s cab” also called “custom driver’s cab.” White purchased Autocar in 53. I’m pretty sure that that White offered this cab as an option as the “driver’s comfort cab” until switching completely over to the new cab. Of course White used this cab when they launched Western Star as well. White used this cab on the Dianond T after the purchase of that company and with the purchase of Reo as well this cab was used on the new Diamond Reo brand.

Edited February 27, 2022 by DRIPTROIT 71