Aside from a plethora of ‘Mint’ automobiles, I collect another form of 4 wheel horsepower; Ertl John Deere tractors.
Ertl makes a very nice standard collectible, with very good fidelity to the real versions that they are modeled from. They make various scale iterations but most seem to be in the larger 1:16th scale. I have quite a few in various sizes but most are in that 1:16th variety; and more of those are readily available here, nationwide.
I recently started trying to focus on their higher-end and better detailed models. They make a very well-crafted ‘Prestige’ model, and fantastic ‘Precision’ and ‘Precision Elite’ replicas. I also have branched out to the ‘Two Cylinder Club Expo Precision’ models and their ‘Precision Collector’s Center’ beauties. This is one of them.
I have focused on early model tractors; “Hi-Crop” configured vehicles specifically (Raised front end to clear taller-planted crops) and the 1930, 1940 and 1950’s decades. In the ‘50’s, I focused on all of the ’20 series’ tractors for the John Deere 1956 model year – the 320, 420, 520, 620 (with tire chains), 720 (with rear plow) and the 820 diesel.
This Model G is a Hi-Crop, ‘Styled’ (Enclosed front radiator) farm utility tractor. The details are abundant and incredible. It is one of 4000 made. It is representative of the 1:1 that John Deere built between 1941 and 1953. The steering, like its TFM & DM counterparts, articulates like a real (old) farm tractor. The wheels are diecast, most all of the levers move; the Hydraulic Control Lever, gear shift center stalk and twin brake levers. Yes, the brake pedals, on either side, push down on spring-loaded pivot bars and the brake levers can hold them in any position.
Engine wiring, from the alternator back, is authentic and spectacular as is the plumbing lines and fuel linkage. Material manufacture and attention to paint and graphic detail is as outstanding as nearly any ‘Mint’ diecast I can think of.
I hope you enjoy the photos – I just took them this morning.
an undeniably beautiful piece Tony !!.....your captures are perfect
an undeniably beautiful piece Tony !!.....your captures are perfect
Thank you my friend!
Tony. That was really nicely done.
Thank YOU John!! (Labor of love and all that)
The detail is remarkable!
Agreed John!
they look great Tony, brilliant detail. I'm keen on detailed miniatures of all forms of transport and utility vehicles. Appreciate you presenting the diversification. The variety of vehicles in JBs post are a highlight too.
Thanks Geoff; and totally agree with you re JB. AND congrats on 700 posts!!
I love all forms of miniature vehicles including tractors. Love the presentation Tony. Now what I would like you to do is to visit me and tell me where I have room to display a whole new category of models. Look forward to your visit.
I love all forms of miniature vehicles including tractors. Love the presentation Tony. Now what I would like you to do is to visit me and tell me where I have room to display a whole new category of models. Look forward to your visit.
On my way Bob; I'm thinking of that hall closet - PLENTY of useable space there! LOL!
growing up on a dairy farm and having 5 boys in the family, there were always plenty of this type of toy 1/16 tractors in the toybox. Thanks for the memories...
growing up on a dairy farm and having 5 boys in the family, there were always plenty of this type of toy 1/16 tractors in the toybox. Thanks for the memories...
I also grew up on a farm and love old tractors. Ours was a 1953 Massey Harris Colt; which performed well year after year. It was a very simple machine so there wasn't much that could break. When we sold the farm in 1981 my Dad gave the tired old girl to our neighbour who had an apple orchard. He was also a heavy duty mechanic in his previous career so he restored it, which made me very pleased. I suspect it is still chugging along today or in some farmer's collection.
I also grew up on a farm and love old tractors. Ours was a 1953 Massey Harris Colt; which performed well year after year. It was a very simple machine so there wasn't much that could break. When we sold the farm in 1981 my Dad gave the tired old girl to our neighbour who had an apple orchard. He was also a heavy duty mechanic in his previous career so he restored it, which made me very pleased. I suspect it is still chugging along today or in some farmer's collection.
Cool; thank you for sharing that!!