Question #1:
How many different Waterloo Employee Editions has Ertl made for John
Deere? Is this a series Ertl and John Deere plan to continue?
Answer #1: In 1997 we did
a special 1/64th JD 8400T for JD Waterloo. I believe this was
the first special unit done. In late 1998 we did the 1/16th JD
8400T. In 2000 we did some special 1/16th 9400T tractors for
Waterloo. In the summer of 2001 we did a special 1/64th 2-piece set
that included a Waterloo Boy and a 9000T tracked tractor Then we did
the 1/16th 8520 wheeled tractor for Waterloo. We do not
normally release quantities. If John Deere Waterloo wants to
release the quantity produced, that is up to them. If John
Deere Waterloo wants to continue producing these units we will
continue as well. It is entirely up to John Deere Waterloo.
Question #2: How are
modern and classic models selected for production by Ertl.
Answer #2: By
talking to the OEMs, talking to collectors, talking to farmers,
reviewing sales and market share history of the real tractors,
looking at the number of different versions that can be produced
from similar tooling. We have to take all this in account when
selecting models. We also look at whether this tractor brought
a new feature to the market that made it unique.
Question #3:Once Ertl is
committed to producing a model for an OEM how long from the
selection does it take to bring a model through the design, tooling
and production process to store and dealer shelves?
Answer #3:This depends upon the
scale and detail of the unit. A Precision replica might take
over one year. A 1/64th replica might be done in 6-9 months.
Question #4:Would Ertl
look at producing some Precision Classic New Holland Hay Equipment.
Like an NH 1950's square baler?
Answer #4:We have discussed
internally what should be produced. We have not talked to
anyone at New Holland about producing a Precision baler.
Question #5:With the
introduction of the John Deere 45 Prestige combine can collectors
look forward to more Prestige models from Ertl?
Answer #5:We will have to see how
well the 45 is received. Collectors have asked for a 1/16th
combine for years, now we will see what their reaction is and go
forward accordingly.
Question #6:In the 1960's
Ertl offered loaders as a separate toy from their 1/16 tractors.
Would Ertl ever look at offering a detachable loader for 1/16, 1/32
or 1/64 farm tractors?
Answer #6:We have thought about
this and are looking into its feasibility. The detachable
loader we did produce would not pass any of the child safety
standards of today. We would have to come up with a entirely
new design and see if it would pass.
Question #7:Will Ertl
offer new 1/64 corn planters to collectors in the future as the
older 12 rows seem to have been phased out?
Answer #7:Please
keep watching for news on new introductions.
Question #8:The classic
sets of 4 and 3 tractors like the International 06 series and John
Deere 4000 series seem to be popular with collectors. Can collectors
look for similar sets in the future?
Answer #8:Again,
please keep watching for new introductions.
Question #9:With Ertl
offering 75 piece farm equipment sets would Ertl look at offering a
larger tractor dealer Farm Country set or Modern Dairy or Grain Leg
set with more buildings and equipment?
Answer #9:We will continue to
look at Farm Country and our sales in that line. We have not
ruled anything out.
Question #10:Will Ertl
offer Precision II equipment to match the CaseIH STX 450 and John
Deere 9420T?
Answer #10:Again,
we are looking at what implements would be best. Perhaps Jason can
do a survey to let us know what the collectors want.
