Studebaker IH Scout/Fort Wayne Connection

[556063]

May have been discussed before, but I just discovered this connection today "Googling" in preparation for taking my Granddaughter and family to the Museum for the "Victory" exhibit. My wife's Grandpa proudly pronounced he worked for Studebaker in Fort Wayne during WWII. Had no idea the FW Studebaker Aviation Plant became IH's "Scout Building":

Studebaker Fort Wayne Plant in World War Two (usautoindustryworldwartwo.com)

[Milaca]

I did not know that, very interesting to me. I have a 1980 Scout.

[Guido]

I believe that Paxton superchargers were available on the Scout.

[Avantidon]

Another very interesting piece of Studebaker military history comes to light. Thanks for the post.

[556063]

I sell industrial engines to a customer in the 5000 block of New Haven Avenue. I will be looking at this building hard next time I'm there.

I was at Manchester College about 25 miles west of Fort Wayne during the IH shutdown years. Watched and listened to all the TV and Radio coverage of the event. It would have been easy to slip into a permanent state of defeatism, but by 1987 Fort Wayne secured the GM Truck Plant by marketing their workforce and positive business atmosphere. I would like to have a Scout someday. I sold a few of the first Fort Wayne built GMC trucks while working at the Chrysler/GMC dealer 1985-91.

[Guido]

I would like to have a Scout someday.

Working on rusty Studebakers may not adequately prepare you for a Scout…

[Milaca]

Working on rusty Studebakers may not adequately prepare you for a Scout…

That is very true! I think the Scout bodies were only meant to last a maximum of 5 years.... 3 years if used on salted winter roads.

By the way, does anybody nearby have a good right-front fender for a Scout II?

[8E45E]

Interesting history of Studebaker being involved in Fort Wayne, although it appears the manufacturing facility was never owned by Studebaker, nor were any automotive components produced there; just Wright engine components and sub-assemblies, going by the article. No doubt Studebaker never had any postwar use for it as they most likely would have had 'first right of refusal' when the property came up for sale by the War Assets Administration.

It appears International was the third owner of this facility just as they are now the third owner of the former Studebaker Proving Ground.

Craig

[556063]

True, Craig, these facilities were only "Operated" by Studebaker. While IH ended up with Fort Wayne, the history of the Chicago Plant is fuzzier.

5555 Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60638. is the address of the Chicago facility. Looks like it's being used today as a "business incubator" as the Chippewa South Bend Plant has been the last 20 or more years: Midway Business Center - 5555 South Archer Avenue, Chicago, IL | Industrial Space (commercialcafe.com) .

In any case, Studebaker Administered these plants during the War. Chicago and Fort Wayne produced sub assemblies for the South Bend Chippewa Plant. An important piece of Studebaker and WWII history is that Studebaker's influence spread beyond South Bend as far as Manufacturing Management during WWII, and significant awards were won by all three Aviation Plants.

August 9, 1945 -- Studebaker Engine Plant Up for Sale | Connecting the Windy City (I suspect this use of a stock photo by the Chicago Tribune is not accurate, but at least well intended.)

[BobPalma]

Interesting conversation, gentlemen; thanks. BP