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TTS
Farm Toy Report: February
2004 Issue #22
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TTS-Times
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| Spring has arrived
in Western Kentucky during late February. Or at least we
hope. Several local farms are hitting the ground running
with chisel plows, rippers and NH3 tool bars. I have posted
a picture this month of some of my favorite Steiger 4wds at work
on my display in hopes that warm spring days will find all of our
readers sooner than latter.
February has been a strong new
toy month as you will read in this issue. The long awaited
2004 John Deere Ertl Toy Guide is out. It in the TTS news
and review it here in the Farm Toy Report. As the CaseIH,
New Holland and AGCO toy brochures roll out this spring TTS will
cover each one with the same detail.
I attended
the 23rd Annual
Gateway Mid-America Toy Show this month. It is a great
show. It is often called the friendly show and it is due to
the efforts of the Baker family who host the show each year.
I highly recommend this show if you have a chance to go next
year. There are lots and lots of quality toy dealers and
displays. I took 472 pictures at the show and will share
many of them in the March Toy Tractor Times.
In March I plan
to attend the 26th Annual Lafayette Farm Toy Show in Lebanon,
Indiana. I plan to go as a spectator to report on the show
in our next Farm Toy Report and on any new toys Ertl, Spec-Cast
and DCP may have on display. The 26th Annual Lafayette Farm
Toy Show & Sale is at the Ramada Inn, St. Rd. 39 & I-65
(Exit 139). Hours: Fri. room trading from 3 p.m. - ?; Sat. room
trading from 8 a.m. to ?, consignment sale at 10 a.m.; Sun. show
from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For info call (765) 379-2630.
Hopefully you
have had a chance to check out the revised TTS Toy Show and Links
pages. The TTS Toy Show was developed to help our readers
can find toys to purchase on-line with ease: http://www.toytractorshow.com/toyshow.htm.
Farm toy collectors have lots of interests and the new TTS Links
page will help our readers find websites on tractors, farm toys,
toy parts, custom farm toy, farms, tractor pulling and much
more: http://www.toytractorshow.com/farmtoyweblinks.htm.
If you have articles or ideas
for the Farm Toy Report or all new ToyTractorTimes.com
e-mail Jason Hasert at Webmaster@toytractorshow.com.
Jason Hasert
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Thinking of Spring
- Al
and Cathy Van Kley Farm Toys
-
- Dept. W
2307 N.E. Bel-Aire Drive
- Ankeny,
IA 50021
PHONE: 515-964-3548
- 8 AM to 9 PM CST
- 7 days a week
- FAX: 515-965-3834
-
-
E-Mail
- vktoys@aol.com
http://www.vankleyfarmtoys.com
We
carry over 1500 different 1/64 farm toys including new, old, and
custom items. We carry John Deere, Case-IH, AGCO, AC, IH, Case,
Deutz-Allis, Ford, Steiger, Hesston, Versatile, Big Bud, MF,
White, Knudson, New Holland, Cat, Oliver, Kinze, Brent, and
others. If you are looking for a tractor or an implement in
1/64, chances are we have it.
Please
visit our website at www.vankleyfarmtoys.com
and see what we have to offer. Customer service is very
important to us. When you call us, you will talk to Al or Cathy,
the owners.
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New
Toy News
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AGCO
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| The
Toy Tractor Times is sorry to announce that Ertl has had a
production delay in producing the 20th Anniversary Allis-Chalmers
7030. Ertl will deliver the model on May 1st. Thank
you to everyone who ordered the AC 7030 and please be assured that
the models will be shipped through UPS to ensure the quickest
delivery possible in May. This tractor should prove to be a
collectible model in years to come. A total of 1,092
tractors were sold. We are
already working on the 2004 model and TTT will work with Ertl to
avoid future delays on the second 1970's tractor. If you click on
the picture to the right you can view the TTT 7030 Collectors
box. The box is flattened out to show the top, front, right
and left sides. |
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| Scale
Models produced a 1/64 Minneapolis-Moline A4T-1600 4wd with a cab
and duals for the 2004 National Farm Machinery Show. This
model follows another WHITE brand 4wd. In 2003 Scale Models
offered the M-M based Oliver 2455 as the NFMS model. You can
purchase the new 1/64 M-M 4wd at www.vankleyfarmtoys.com |
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| A
1/16 Minneapolis-Moline A4T-1600 Turbo 4wd was produced by Scale
Models for the 2004 National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville,
KY. It was the A4T-1600 that launched the White brand 4wds
which were produced through the mid-1980's. This Louisville
version is the first time Scale Models has offered an M-M 4wd with
a cab. |
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| Spec-Cast
keeps rolling out nicely detailed AGCO Heritage tractors.
The latest model is the Oliver 770. This piece offers great
detail with flood lights and a life like engine block. In
January Spec-Cast released a detailed Oliver Super 77 and
Minneapolis-Moline U. |
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Big
Bud
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| Do
not forget to order the 1/16 scale versions of the Factory and Modern
Big Bud 16V-747's. If you are interested in ordering one or
both models the order deadline is March 15, 2004. Each model
is $300 with a $100 deposit due at the time of order. Order directly by calling the
Toy
Farmer office
toll-free at 1-800-533-8293.
____________________________________________
There will also be a
special 1/16 Big Bud 900 Williams Brothers Signature Edition to
match the 1/32 and 1/64 Big Bud 900 Williams Brothers Signature
Edition tractors. This 1/16 Signature Edition will have an
individual number on it, have the signatures of Robert and Randy
Williams on the tractor, and will come with a special certificate.
The ordering deadline is March 10th to be assured of getting this
1/16 Big Bud 900 Williams Brothers Signature Edition. The cost
will be $600 plus shipping. For more information and to order this
special tractor, contact Williams Brothers at 406-386-2440 or Van
Kley Farm Toys at 515-964-3548 or http://www.vankleyfarmtoys.com
.
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CaseIH
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| In January
the TTS Farm Toy Report previewed the new CaseIH International
Harvester 1/64 Farmall Hundred Series set. Here is a picture
of the actual 1/64 set including the Farmall 100,200, 300 and
400. Look for this great red set to arrive at CaseIH dealers
later this spring. |
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| CaseIH's
new 1/64 MX255 Magnum with large single tires is out now at
dealers. One thing 1/64 collectors will notice on all Ertl
boxes in 2004 is that the tractors specifications are printed on
the back of the box. This new feature has shown up on CaseIH
and John Deere new releases, both modern and vintage
offerings. New Holland and AGCO toys as they are released
will have similar boxes. |
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| Ertl has a
new CaseIH play set out. The set includes Plastic Shed,
White Dually Pickup, Flatbed Trailer, Fence Sections, MX230 Magnum
Tractor, Farm Animals, Tillage Plow, Flarebox Wagon, & Sprayer |
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| CaseIH has
reintroduced the 1/32 5240 Maxxum toy. This Ertl model first
appeared in the early 1990's with a loader and 3pt hitch.
This new 5240 is a plain fwa model. |
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| CaseIH
released the longest serving 1/32 Replica from Ertl in a new
set. The 1/32 International 666 tractor was first released
in the mid-1970's. The latest 2004 offering pairs the time
honored toy tractor with an anhydrous ammonia wagon. |
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Claas |
| Bruder
will release a 1/24 scale Claas Jaguar 900 Self-Propelled
Forage Harvester in February. This model is made of plastic
which offers good detail and playability. It has removable
front and rear duals along with a kemper head. You can order this
model from Bossen
Implement. |
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John
Deere
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| Ertl has
just introduced an updated version of the John Deere 8870
4wd. This model was first released in 1994 with narrow tires
and a windowed cab. The new 2004 updated 8870 has the new
modern 4wd flotation tires found on modern replicas like the John
Deere 9420. The new 8870 has an open cab and does not have
windows. |
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| Ertl has
followed up the 2003 National Farm Toy Show John Deere 7020 from
Toy Farmer with shelf edition 7020. This new 7020 offers the
traditional single tires and no front or rear fenders. The
7020's box features its specs on the back side. |
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| The new
1/64 John Deere 6220 DOT
tractor with mower is at John Deere dealers. This new orange
set is a replica of Department of Transportation mowing tractors
John Deere sells. This blaze orange 6220's other difference
outside its color from the 6220 in the 1590 no-till drill set is
its silver decals. The 6220's specs are printed on the back
of the box. |
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| The new
1/64 replica of the 500 hp John Deere 9620T is a John Deere
dealers. The 1/64 9420T introduced in the fall of 2001 will
be offered while supplies last. The new 9620T's specs are
printed on the back of its box. |
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| Here is the
new 1/64 John Deere 9620. This is a replica of the new 500
hp John Deere 4wd that will be introduced in June 2004. Ertl
has produced the new 1/64 toy on single tires. Last month
TTS reported Ertl would offer a 9320 on singles. In fact it
will be a 9620. Ertl decided to go with singles to offer a
new option because the since 1996 the 9400 and then the 2001 9420
have been offered with triples. Ertl has also offered a 9220
on singles in a semi hauling set. The new 9620 is a powerful
model and its specs are printed on the back of the box. The
9420 on triples will be offered while supplies last. |
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| Here
is the new John Deere 4240 round baler set. The 4240 is
teamed with a John Deere 535 round baler. The tractors and
balers specs are printed on the back of the box. |
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New
Holland
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| Good news
for New Holland TG fans looking for a 1/16 version of the ultra
modern blue tractor. In September 2004 Bruder
will release a 1/16 scale New Holland TG 285. This
model is made of plastic which offers good detail and
playability. You can order this model from Bossen
Implement. |
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| Ertl has
introduced a new variation of its 1/32 New Holland Genesis
casting. The 1/32 Genesis 8670 was introduced in late
February. Maybe this model will have continued life down the
road as a Buhler-Versatile Genesis 1/32 replica. |
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March
Top 10 Question And Answer by Bill Walters RC/Ertl Farm Toy
Manager |
| Since
March 2001 Bill Walters the farm toy product manager for Racing
Champions/Ertl has taken an active role on ToyTractorShow.com
listening to collectors interests and answering their questions.
Starting with the May Farm Toy Report Mr. Walters answers
the top 10 monthly topics on TTS Toy Talk. Below are areas of
interest brought up by Toy Talk Members here on ToyTractorShow.com
over the past month with answers from Bill Walters. TTS webmaster
Jason Hasert selects the questions. |
| Question
#1: Could you
give our TTS readers a general out look for the number and type of
1/64 implements on the way in 2004.
Answer
#1: Our policy has always been to announce new product to
the OEM dealer network first. We intend to stay with this
policy. Scanning the questions below, I want to again say
that we will not answer questions about specific products until we
have announced them to the dealer network.
Question
#2: 1/32 scale is becoming
more prominent in the Ertl line. Some collectors are concerned
that some of the items are just re-release items from the old
Britains line. How many newly tooled items are planned for
the 1/32 line in 2004?
Answer
#2: There are new tools planned for 1/32.
Where it makes sense, RCE will re-introduce existing items with
changes to differentiate from the earlier releases. No
announcements at this time. Certain collectors must
understand that some re-releases are intended as toys, not
collectibles. If a re-release does not interest a collector,
then please don't buy it. We have items in our U.S. line
that are strictly for play and are not intended as a collectible.
This is also true of our 1/32nd offerings.
Question
#3: When are the next Prestige models planned to be
released. Will there be Prestige models other than the John Deere
brand at that time?
Answer
#3: There is a Prestige item
planned for late 2004. Nothing can be announced about other OEM
Prestige models.
Question
#4: In late 2003 Ertl took on the Bobcat toy
line. Will Ertl have any other new brands in its toy line for
2004?
Answer
#4: RCE is constantly looking
at other brands to manufacture. Nothing can be announced at this
time.
Question
#5: The new 1/32 CNH CaseIH AFX8010, New Holland
CR970 and John Deere 9860 STS combines were a big hit with
collectors. Some collectors were surprised that the shelf
models did not share the same detail. Could you explain Ertl's out
look on 1/32 collectors models vs. shelf models? Also will the
1/32 European version of the John Deere 9860 STS be available in
North America?
Answer
#5: The
collector models are for those individuals that collect items and
put them on a shelf to display. Collector units are built in a
limited number, a one time production run, have a higher level of
detail. The shelf models are purchased by people to give to
children to play with. RCE will produce the shelf units as
long as there is a demand for the product. There are some items
that have been in the line for years . I do not understand
the confusion. Ertl has been producing Collector and shelf
models of units for 20+ years.
The level of detail on a shelf
unit is decreased from a collector because of many issues. 1. If
the child has normal play pattern the shelf toy will take the
abuse and collector would not. How many parents are willing to
spend $ on a product to give to their child to play with. 2.
Safety is a big issue with toys. While any product can be designed
to meet a 3+ age grade, there has to be specific changes to the
product to meet that age grade. An example is ladder or platform
railings. Most railings are about 1 to 1.25 inch in diameter at
1:1. At 1/16 scale the railing would have to be .06 in diameter.
To make the ladder railing strong enough for a child to grab the
railing and pull on it without tearing the railing or pulling the
railing off, the diameter of the railing would have to be
increased to in size to make it pass. One of the safety
requirements is to hook a 20 lb weight on the railing, lift the
tractor up and the railing has to hold the 20 lb weight without
tearing. If the railing does tear, the railing cannot have sharp
points or edges. Then the collectors would complain that the
railings are not to scale. It is better to err to the side of less
detail and safety.
The European 9880STS combine
will be offered in the U.S. sometime in the future. No date
has been set as of yet.
Question
#6: Are there any new 2004 toys you can tell us about now?
Answer
#6: Not at this time. Many items will be
introduced this spring through the Ertl brand specific toy
catalogs. The Ertl product farm toy catalogs for 2004 will be
released by their respective OEM's through out early 2004.
The OEM's choose the time of release of the catalogs to their
dealers and many of the new 2004 items will be shown in those toy
brochures.
Question
#7: The
1/16 John Deere 6030 tractor and 1/64 8020 4wd were big surprises.
Can you tell us when these models are set for release. What
features will the 6030 have?
Answer
#7: John Deere
dealers will be able to order starting the 8020 with the February
program. The 6030 will have a collector edition and a shelf toy.
Specific features for each 6030 version are still being worked
out. Once the specific features have been finalized, a flyer will
be released to the JD dealers for ordering the collector version.
Collector availability will be fall time frame. 6030 shelf units
will be late 2004.
Question
#8: The 1/16 John Deere 12/24 planter was another big
surprise. When is this model set for release? Will Ertl be other additional
1/16 planting equipment?
Answer
#8: The
planter is in the works. I can not comment beyond that.
Question
#9: Many 1/64 collectors are looking for classic
implements to match classic tractors from Ertl like the IH 06 and
56 series sets, John Deere 4000 and Sound-Gard sets and other
models like the Allis-Chalmers D-19, Oliver 88 and Massey-Ferguson
historical set. Is Ertl looking at making 1/64 classic
equipment?
Answer
#9: RCE is always looking at product
to fill gaps in the product line. Again nothing can be announced.
Question
#10: The
new Precision series has collectors talking. Can you tell us in
general what the new line means. Does it mean a new box
style, new medallions, and will the new series be numbered?
Answer
#10: There will be a new, numbered, series of 1/16th
scale Precisions. The existing series have been going on
since 1990. We felt any series that has lasted this long
should be retired. Many people have started collecting since
1990, and have had a hard time trying to fill out their
collections with the early Precisions. This gives everyone a fresh
start, allowing them to get in on the start of a new series. We
are still finalizing plans for the new Precision series. We
will advise more information later this year.
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ERTL's
2004 John Deere Toy Catalog
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| The 2004
John Deere Ertl Farm Toy Catalog is out. You can pick up a
paper copy at a John Deere dealer or read it on-line at The Toy
Tractor Times: http://www.toytractortimes.com/johndeere2004.htm
The Toy Tractor Times and Toy Tractor Show.com will bring
you the CaseIH and New Holland catalogs as well as the AGCO guide
as they become available this spring.
There are John Deere
items to pay special attention to in the 2004 catalog.
Several items are listed as while supplies last including the
Precision #19 Hay Wagon, Precision #20 3010, Precision #21 630,
Precision #22 8020 4wd, Precision II #2 9420T, Prestige Collection
1/16 scale 45 corn combine, 1/16 European 8520, 1/64 9420 and 1/64
9420T. This means that replacements are here or on the way
in the future.
There are plenty of
new items including the last Precision Classic #25 5010.
This fall Ertl will start a new John Deere Precision series
starting with a 4430. 1/16 scale has a new 520 tractor, 40
WF tractor, 720 tractor with blade, 4010 diesel high crop tractor,
7820 tractor, HPX Gator, CX Gator, 567 Round Baler, Frontier
Gravity Wagon and Frontier 3pt blade. In 1/32 new items
include the Buck ATV, HPX Gator, X485 Lawn & Garden tractor
with mower, tiller and cart, X485 Lawn & Garden tractor with
snow blower and blade, European 7920 tractor, vintage 4020
tractor, vintage 7020 4wd, Waterloo Boy and 9760STS combine.
New 1/64 models include the 4240 baler set, 96204wd , 9620T
tracked tractor, Styled Letter Tractor set with D,A,B,G,H,M,R,
80,820,830 set, Frontier Gravity Wagon, vintage 7020 4wd, 6220 DOT
mowing set, 40 piece value play set and a 75 piece John Deere
dealer set with exclusive 7820 and 4440 tractors. To see the
full 20+ page catalog click on the picture below.
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Until Next
Times.................... |
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The next Toy Tractor Times
E-magazine will feature the 2004 St. Louis Toy Show. If you enjoyed
TTT's full coverage of the National Farm Toy Show from building to
building in the November issue, you will enjoy the March
issue. In March, TTT will show our readers all of the displays,
scratch built farm toys and the other events at the 23rd St. Louis Toy
Show. The display and scratch built contest is one of the most
exciting parts of the show and TTT did not miss a single piece in the
1/64, 1/16 and Pedal categories. Join TTT today to make sure you do
not miss our big March issue: http://toytractortimes.com/tttorders.htm
The Toy
Tractor Times is an on-line magazine that is published 12 times a
year. For only a $1.50 an issue readers receive information filled
issues covering 1/16, 1/64, 1/32 and Precision Farm Toys along with
monthly features on display building and farm equipment literature
collection. TTT's other big feature is that new subscribers never
miss an issue because all of our back issues are on-line for all of our
readers at no charge.
About The Toy
Tractor Times: http://toytractortimes.com/backissues.htm
Toy Tractor
Times On-Line Back Issues: http://toytractortimes.com/whatsinttt.htm
2004 St. Louis Farm
Toy Display Contest Winner Tim Grube's Seed Corn Farm. Full Story in the
March Toy Tractor Times
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