Australian International K5

[cliff]

here is another interesting one. A Tractor unit with canvas top and duals. Photo I believe was taken in the Northern Territories on the North/South (Stuart) Highway. Originator unknown

[Matt Austin]

Thanks very much, Cliff, nice pics there.

I'd forgotten about the factory pic. There are pics from the IHC collection in the Museum of Victoria collection, of which that pic is one. I'd forgotten about the duals, so it seems that one less thing for me to worry about.

Your pic of the tractor unit is interesting, and it'd appear to have the same type of roof as mine. I understand that mine was one of many so rebuilt after being damaged. As the Inters weren't used by the AIF, I'm imagining a rollover or something equally mundane!

Cheers,
Matt

[cliff]

Matt the canvas roof type were built like that from new not when damaged. a lot of Fords had the same type body as well. Another unique Aussie built truck

Post war many of these open cabs were closed in by civilian buyers who wanted a bit more comfort from the cold

The South Australia State Library photo below shows another canvas topped Inter in the Northern Territory with an RAAF unit

[Matt Austin]

Thanks Cliff, great pic.

I haven't been able to find images of K-series Inters with the split rims like mine. I'm wondering if I could do a swap for some spider hubs for the time being, to get around the 10.50-18 shortage?

Anyone have experience in changing wheel types?

Cheers,
Matt

[cliff]

here's one with split rims. AWM photo

[Matt Austin]

Thanks Cliff,

I haven't been able to find those pics on the AWM site, I must be using the wrong search terms.

A bit of luck today, I visited a fellow not far from here, and have picked up this KS5R. The engine turns over, and the front axle is still around. It's a spares unit for now!

Cheers,
Matt

[cliff]

nice spares truck Matt. Most of the AWM Inter photos I have came from searches of 'Northern Territory', 'Darwin', 'North/South Military Highway' and 'Trucks'. 'Transport' is another along with the true names of some of the Transport Companies especially those hauling between Alice Springs and Darwin. Hope this helps