1967 International Loadstar 1600

[Chariots of Fire]

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.

[DrKerry]

Very kool, will be watching!!!!!

[Mopar - D]

Charles nice subject to build. I remember them as school buses the most. 

[Rob Hall]

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...

[DRIPTROIT 71]

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!!

[gatorincebu]

Very interesting project !

 

 

 Be Well

  Gator

[towman1271]

Great project idea Charlie.  Will look forward to watching you work your magic!

[mikemodeler]

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!

[Bennyg]

Very nice! Will be watching.

Ben

[disabled modeler]

Ill be watching too...I love the older trucks.

[DumpyDan]

I am going to keep an eye on this one

[Chariots of Fire]

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.

[Russell C]

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

[Chariots of Fire]

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.

[redneckrigger]

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!

[Chariots of Fire]

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

[DrKerry]

Looking awesome Charlie!!!!!!

[Fordboy1975]

Looking good!!!

great scratch building!

[1930fordpickup]

Another nice work of art in the making. 

[Superpeterbilt]

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.

[Chariots of Fire]

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.

[SpreadAxle]

Great job on getting the basic shape and structure of this truck. 

[Superpeterbilt]

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.

[redneckrigger]

Nice.................you have captured the lines of this cab perfectly. Looking GREAT!

[mikemodeler]

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!