Around the farm, I had access to a late model Case-IH, an old IH, and an old JD and Case that was built by Kools in the 70s. After looking at the 4 designs with an eye towards replicating then in 1/16th scale, it was obvious that the Case would be the easiest to build.
I had been thinking about this ever since Christmas, and a design slowly began to take shape. I took extensive measurements in March, and began collecting parts and pieces. The frame would be bent up out of .040" aluminum, and the rest would be a mix of pine and .012" aluminum. The hardest part was finding wheels that I liked. I finally got some plastic wheels with bearings that were for a 3D printer, that were the size I needed. I couldn't find the period correct decals, so I had to make do with decals from a 1/16th tractor from the 80s.
As always it was a scramble at the end. The toy was painted the night before his birthday, and the decals put on just before we left for the party.
He was very happy with the result.