John Deere Authentics Series #3 Released

Recently Ertl put out a flyer announcing the release of the 3rd tractor in the Authentics series the John Deere S690 Combine. This model follows the 8530 and the 7930 as John Deere's promotional tool for new models, and satisfying toy collectors desires for high detail models. This model is overdue since there has not been a major redesign of a new model John Deere toy combine since the 9750 was released 12 years ago.

The S690 in the authentics series should feature opening panels, opening cab glass, raisable feeder house, and positionable rear wheels. The detail on the Case IH 6088 and 7088 has been very nice and we should expect the same level of detail from the S960. Early prototype pictures of the combine are available on VanKley's Website.

Below is an interesting picture from the John Deere UK website that has front tracks which could make an interesting custom.

Here is a video of the S690 in action following unveiling at the Farm Progress Show.<

New Model Release Case IH 7088 Combine

This combine was actually released a few months ago, but I neglected to review it. I LOVE the Ertl authentics series. It is by far the best detail you can get in 1/64th scale for the price. If I could pick a "bang for your buck." series of tractors the authentics would be it.

This combine is virtually identical to the 7088 except with different decals. The major improvement on this combine is the inclusion of an 8 row corn head and a 36 foot grain head. Neither of these were included with the 7088. The raisable feeder house, steerable rear axle, and opening cab door make this model a great buy.

Here is a video of the Case IH "Rotary Revolution" that has some clips of the 6088 in action.

eBay auctions have about a day left. Bid often!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Many Internet sites you visit today will change their colors or put up articles to honor St. Patrick's day. Here at Zac's Tractors I don't have the option of that since my site is ALWAYS green. I still want to celebrate, so I've decided that I will post some pictures of my favorite green tractor. And I thought that this was such a great idea that I've decided to post a green tractor each day this week.

The John Deere 8530 Authentic Series #1 is one of (If not the most) detailed 1/64th scale tractor ever made. It features metal wheels w/ rubber tires (only seen on precision tractors), clear cab glass with an opening cab door (first ever in 1/64), An opening hood with detailed engine, a movable 3pt hitch, and steerable front wheels.

The particular 8530 that I have pictured is one that I removed the rear duals and added rear triples. This adds a unique touch to the tractor that wasn't offered from Ertl. This is one of my favorite customs because it turned out looking like a factory piece, and retained its realistic look that was important to the authentic line of tractors.

The downside is that I had to cut the extra wheels off of the back of another tractor, but that allowed me to add fat duals to the 8530 that lost its wheels. I used the other set of extra wheels on an 8410 John Deere that I will feature in another article.


THE ERTL AUTHENTIC SERIES
Sine I've focused on the initial offering in this series I wanted to write a quick note about the authentics. Ertl saw a window of opportunity with collectors that wanted high detailed 1/64th scale tractors. They responded with this series that offers collectors small tractors with great detail. So far there have been 2 authentics, and a 3rd one is rumored to be released later this year. The first 2 were John Deere tractors (8530, and 4930 sprayer), but the 3rd offering is rumored to be of another color/brand. The first 2 authentics have sold in the $20-25 range and should retain their value. I doubt they will increase for a while because they were available everywhere, bot the authentics are worthwhile to collect because a custom piece with this level of detail would cost HUNDREDS from a custom builder.