March 2006 brings the first big surprises for the year. AGCO and John Deere have released their 2006 catalogs from Ertl. Ertl previewed several Case-New Holland models in 1/16, 1/32 and 1/64 at the Lafayette Toy Show in Lebanon, IN. Their are lots of new tractors to see.
The name of game in 2006 is detail. Ertl and Spec-Cast are leading the way in detailed tractors. The models coming out in 1/16, 1/32 and 1/64.
A new trend in 1/16 is implement pairs. Ertl and Spec-Cast are adding lots of detail to their tractors and now we are starting to see implements to match. We are starting to see working 3pt hitches and authentic draw bars. Next we will start to see matching implements. The implement sets are already starting to appear. Ertl has just introduced a 1/16 John Deere 60 tractor with an all new 227 corn picker and 50 seller. The new picker has roller chains and auger flighting inside. Spec-Cast has introduced a High Detail Oliver 77 with a zinc-cast Oliver #82 mower for the Summer Show in Dyersville, IA. Look for more detailed implement combos to be announced in 2006. Corn planters, mounted cultivators and more are in the works.
Oliver 77 and #82 Mower
In 1/64 Ertl is introducing the Authentic Series. The first Authentic 1/64 is a John Deere 8530. For $20 collectors will have a 1/64 tractor that has a hood that opens, an opening cab door, cab mirrors, die-cast wheels and a working 3pt hitch. Get ready for increased detail in 1/64 for a reasonable price. We will also see this type of detail on classic tractors in 1/64 from other toy makers in 2006.
 
Authentic Series 1/64 8530
Look for the Spec-Cast and Scale Models catalogs in the near future on Toy Tractor Show.com and in your Toy Tractor Times.com e-mailo alerts. If you have articles or ideas for the Farm Toy Report or the ToyTractorTimes.com e-mail Jason Hasert at webmaster@toytractorshow.com.
Jason Hasert |
