New Model Release – Steiger STX385HD

This is Ertl’s latest offering in a long line of modern Steiger 4wds so I wont belabor the details that you have seen 30 times already. This tractor is interesting because it is a smaller casting than the STX 500 or 535 variations representing the smaller frame. It also has the GPS beacon on the roof and features the exact same wheels and tires that are on the aforementioned Case International 9240. It has good detail and is a nice overall model. The bad part of this tractor is that it articulates very little. It does have a joint present where it should articulate, but it only moves a few degrees. Again this model fills a gap in your collection so its great for that purpose.

New eBay auctions

Here is a custom 7488 that I put on eBay tonight. This is a very nice model with hand painted details, and accurate custom graphics. You can see this and my other auctions at: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZzfriess_umich

In a future edition, I will post how to create a 7488 for yourself.

New Model Release - FORD FW-60

Here is another new offering from Ertl using the Steiger casting. The Ford FW-60 is a very well detailed 4wd featuring cab glass and realistic graphics.

New Model Release - The John Deere 9630

The much anticipated 9030 series 4wd was released from Ertl several weeks ago. This is a very nice model featuring Cab glass, cab lights, accurate grill and ladder detail, and excellent fit and finish. At almost $10 you can see that prices are going up for standard toy tractors, but at the same time the detail is also going up, its its worth the extra money.

New Model Release: Steiger STX 535

In order to celebrate Steigers 50th year producing 4wd tractors Ertl has produced a 1/64th scale STX 535. This latest version is similar to the STX 530 that was previously released with a few interesting additions. The cab top has been redesigned with a square white and black GPS beacon. It seems to be well done and looks nice on the cab. Another addition is the “50 years of Steiger” decal directly below the new “Red I” Case IH logo.

As far as value outlook I don’t see it increasing for a while, although Ertl could come back and say that it was a very limited production piece (seems unlikely). I have seen this model for sale for anywhere from $7.50-$11.00 from online dealers and implement dealers, so shop around for a good price. Also recently released is a tracked version of the STX535, I’ll post some pictures if that as soon as I get my paws on one.

New Model Release: Steiger Cougar II ST-300

There’s a good reason all fans of 4wd tractors are very familiar with the Steiger name. Steiger has produced some of the most innovative and industrious tractors in the last 40 years.

Ertl obviously saw the niche in the toy market for the Steiger line through the skyrocketing values of the older Steiger tractors they produced in the 80s. The Steiger Cougar Ertl produced back then has consistently sold at toy shows and on eBay in the $30-$50 range for the last several years. In order to capitalize on this Ertl has released 4 new Steigers in 1/64th, the first being the Cougar II ST-300. The other 3 will be in a set which is scheduled to start shipping anytime.

It used to be only collectors models and special editions featured cab glass, but now it seems like pretty much every new model has it. This is a real bonus for the serious collector since it really adds a nice touch of detail to the ST-300 and makes the tractor more realistic. The ST-300 features large floatation singles, a detailed engine and painted on graphics. Another nice feature of this Steiger is that there is no seam in the hood from where the two casting halves come together.

Overall the ST-300 is a very nice model with good detailing. One problem I noticed is that on my model there were several paint chips from the factory. I doubt if this is consistent with all of the models made, but is definitely not something you would expect to find on a brand new model. Currently the ST-300 is available at most dealers for $8-$10.