Question
#1: As spring moves ahead it will not be
long before hay production starts. Many collectors have
hoped that Ertl will look at adding some new haying
items to its line. The John Deere 7500 self-propelled
chopper was a great start in 2003 but other than that
item Ertl has not had a new hay and forage tooling since
the 1990's. Are there any plans for new hay
items in any of the scales for 2004 or beyond.
Answer
#1: We do have both Self Propelled and pull
type hay equipment planned for 2004/2005 in all 3 major
scales. The next 12 months should make hay
equipment collectors happy. All major brands are
represented.
Question
#2: Ertl has added lots of details to its
products in recent years which has lead to increased
packaging to protect the detailed farm toys and models.
Some items like the 1/16 CNH and John Deere rippers are
tied down with wires that are almost impossible to
remove when opened by collectors. Is Ertl looking
at any packing changes that balance protection and
opening.
Answer
#2: Packaging plays an important role in both
protecting the product, and also helping the retailer
display it for sale. We do transportation testing
on all of our packaging to make sure it can withstand
the shipment from China, then from our distribution
center in Dyersville, IA to whatever store or dealer
purchases it. We don't necessarily like wire ties,
but in certain circumstances they work better, and are
cheaper, than other methods. We are always looking
at new ways, including blisters, reinforced cardboard
and other methods.
Question
#3: Will Ertl ever look at offering
another Precision Classic 4wd tractor?
Answer
#3: Yes, we have another vintage 4WD Precision in
the works.
Question
#4: Ertl has done an outstanding job on
1/64 combines in the past few years. Does Ertl have
plans for additional modern or classic combines in
2004.
Answer
#4: We do have a vintage combine planned
for late 2004, early 2005
Question
#5: Ertl
released several new lego style John Deere toys in
recent weeks. Is this an item that will remain unique to
the John Deere toy line or will other brands offer lego
style farm toys?
Answer
#5: This product is done as a joint venture with
another Company. At the present time, they are
only interested in John Deere.
Question
#6: Ertl has done a great job in recent
years with the 1/64 John Deere 42ft John Deere field
cultivator, John Deere Mulch Ripper and CNH
disc-rippers. One item that is starting look small in
comparison to the new tillage items is the 1/64
Ertl tandem disk. Would Ertl consider offering a
larger newly tooled disk?
Answer
#6: There is nothing in our current tooling plan
for a new disk, although we do realize it is getting
outdated.
Question
#7: The new 1/32 tractors and combines for all of
the brands have been nice. One thing that would tie the
tractors and combines together would be implements.
In general does Ertl have plans for 1/32 scale
implements?
7.
Yes, we do have some 1/32nd implements planned both for
North America and Europe. As stated in the first
question, 1/32nd hay equipment is planned for
2004/2005.
Question
#8: Why is Ertl coming back with John Deere
Patio Series Lawn and Garden tractors?
Answer
#8: The original Patio series replicas are
very sought after, yet 99% of the collecting public
aren't able to buy them. As we continued our Lawn
and Garden Precision Series, we felt they would be a
great collectible piece. These Precision units
will not stay in our line, but will only be produced
once. We feel this will keep them very collectible
and limited.
Question
#9: How come you do not have more new AGCO
releases? We are not the primary replica
maker for AGCO.
Answer
#9: We do have other releases planned for
2004 that are not listed on this flyer. Look for
additional updates later in the year.
Question
#10: Are there any other OEMs you are
interested in producing replicas of?
Answer
#10: We are actually working with H&S
on a couple of 1/64th units, and with Versatile/Buhler
to produce their current 4WD in 1/32nd scale.
