Look Familiar?

Ertl has decided to release their own black version of a Case IH combine. I guess I can feel good that I made and posted the black combine before the boys at Ertl, but it was nice to have the only one out there. Technically this black version of the new Premiere will be "Gunmetal," but it looks pretty black to me. Don't get too excited though, this combine will be extremely limited production, and if the packaging is handled like the other Authentic series tractors (Clear front so you can see whats inside) The dealers will open every one of them so that they can find the limited editions and sell them for hundreds of dollars.

In fact when I was at the national farm toy show in Dyersville I posed this exact problem to Ertl. I said that it wasn't fair that us collectors have no chance at getting a limited edition muddy or "gunmetal" tractor because the dealers get to them first and jack up the prices. The problem is that the dealers pay the same amount for these limited tractors as they do for the normal ones. So they make a huge profit, and we have to pay much more for them instead of just being lucky enough to stumble upon one in the dealership.

Ertl's response to my statement: "We can only do so much." This is from someone representing Ertl at the National farm toy show in the Ertl showroom. Generally I love Ertl and everything they do for the hobby, but this "scalping" of limited tractors is unfair to collectors, and undermines the purpose of the limited edition tractors.

More on the National Farm toy show in future articles.

10,000 Posts

Sometime last week this site hit 10,000 posts which is excellent timing considering that this weekend was the national show, and I started the blog shortly after last years show, so inless than a year we have had over 10,000 visits.

Thank you very much for taking time to read my blog. I will try to get more articles up, I relaly enjoy writing them, but school comes first.

To celebrate the 10,000th visitor and 1 year anniversary Zac's Tractors will be producing a very limited number of a special edition custom tractor. I will be customizing a few of these mainly because I have always wanted to do a custom tractor and this seems like a good excuse. Stay tuned, and within the next 2 weeks I will release the tractor.

Countdown to the 2008 NFTS

COUNTDOWNCLOCK

This years show is in the farm toy capital of the world Dyersville, IA. I hope to attend the show, and I will post pictures and news regarding new models and the exhibits at the national show. Check back on my blog on November 7th and 8th and I will try to have pictures from the first day of the show on the first day of the show!

I will have some articles over then next few weeks leading up to the show, so check back for new content.

New eBay Auctions up!

I have put up 5 new eBay auctions including a Farm Show 8120, a 7488, a 8120 Black Knight, an 8630 that has been customized, and a custom 4650 with loader.

Each of these custom tractors has been displayed and never played with, and are in excellent condition. The proceeds from these auctions will be used for my traveling this fall.

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/zfriess_umich_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ

Check back over the next 2 weeks because I will be adding more auctions.

Case IH 8120 Black Knight

This is an 8120 Farm Show edition that was disassembled, primered, and painted black. Case used to make "Black Knight" demonstrator models when they released new tractors so I thought it would be interesting to create a Black Knight combine. 8120 Black Knight decals were created and added for extra detail.
You can see the extra Black Knight logo on the feeder-housing of the combine.
Here is the 8120 Farm Show Edition compared to the 8120 Black Knight.


If you have any questions or comments please email me.

Case IH 8120 Farm Show Edition

This years Case IH Farm Show Edition is the 8120 combine. Almost every year Case IH produces a special model for the fall farm show. Usually its a new model that Case IH wants to promote.

This combine features clear cab glass, detailed railings and turn signals, and a realistic unloading auger.

This is the second combine that Case IH has released. In 2003 the Fall farm show edition was an 8010. At that time Case IH didn't have their current marketing deal in place and limited the production to 5,000 units. This years model was not limited in production and therefore will not be as collectible in the future.

Overall for the price this is an excellent model. It is the best way to get detailed handrails for a great price.

New Model Release - CASE 2470

The 2470 was recently released by Ertl, and features the level of detail that we have become used to in the past few years. This tractor features cab glass, window detail, high detail wheels and tires, and an overall nice finish. You may recognize this model, because it is the same casting used as the 2007 NFTS Tractor, just painted white instead of "Desert Tan." Here is the post I wrote after returning from the 2007 show: http://zacstractors.blogspot.com/2007/11/2007-national-farm-toy-show-tractor.html



Above: front view of the tractor shows a detailed grill, but a nasty casting seem on the roof.

Above: Here is a head to head comparison of the 2470s in white and "Desert Tan." As you can see the only real difference is the 3-pt hitch on the Tan 2470.

Above: A rear "Case" decal and 3pt hitch (non-moveable) sets the tan tractor apart from the white one.

Above: Here is a comparison of the older 1470 that was produced by Ertl (In the late 90s?). You can see better overall detail on the newer tractor, with one HUGE exception. The Tan tractor on the Left has independently steerable front and rear wheels! This tractor was produced 10 years earlier, and has more articulating parts? This is disappointing to say the least, because coupled with the level of detail on the 2470 steering would have been a great bonus. I'm sure the declining factor was profit, and if they would have had to add steering it would have cost us more or not been made, so I'm happy we have the tractor, but not happy when we go in reverse in detail. There are lots of tractors I don't buy because they don't meet certain standards (I'm talking to you scale models), so I would hate to see Ertl follow the dollar and lose collectors.

Above: which tractor do you think was made in 1998, and which in 2008. You may not like the answer.

Monday's Machine - John Deere 8420

This Mondays Machine is the John Deere 8420 FWA tractor. I snapped this picture in southern Michigan.

Some details about the real 8420:
-Produced from 2002-2005 In Waterloo, Iowa
-235 HP
-496 Cubic Inches
-Front Tires 16.9 R30
-Rear Tires 18.4 R46
-Weight 23,050

There have been several toy variations of the 8420:

1. 1/64 8420 There were 3 variations in packaging for this model, 1 had the correct 8420 designation, and the other said 8520. These were both in the green and black Ertl packaging that had a watermark of a cornfields on the green part. The third variation is in the more modern packaging that was yellow and green.

***UPDATE - As you can see in the picture below I found another variation of the newer packaging that has a child safety warining on the package rather than the "New Item" Decal.

2. 1/64 8420 European edition (There are at least 2 variations of this also. One package is marked "New" and the other is marked "First Production") (Bottom, middle Picture)

3. 1/64 8420 in 2 piece set from Reynolds farm equipment anniversary. This is packaged with a JD 50 Narrow Front.

4. 1/64 8420 Premier Series #11 - This was part of Ertl's premiere line. The tractor featured a GPS beacon and some additional painted on details. (Bottom, Right Picture)

5. 1/16 8420 With front singles and rear duals - This also had 2 variations, with one being a First production, and one a standard production.

6. If anyone can think of any other variations just comment below or email me and ill update the post.


Here is a "Premiere" 8420 that I added front and rear dual painted wheels to, and a painted cab top with GPS beacon.

For the sake of adding a video, here is a video I found of stock class tractor pull using an 8420.

New Model Release - Continued - John Deere 1895 Air Seder

Here are the pictures of the actual air seeder unit that I wrote about in last weeks blog. As you can see it is wider, offering an additional row of planting units compared to the previous models (pictured below). This unit also features row openers, and a rear hitch.


(above) You can see the extra row of planting units and the rear hitch compared to the 1890 air seeder, that was released a few years ago.
(above) Here are the 3 air seeders that Ertl has produced in the past few years. From left to right is the 1895, 1990, and 1890 seeders.
(above & below) Here are the commodity carts that have come in the airseeder sets. You can see that the newer cart has an extra tank, larger wheels, and sits up higher off of the ground. Also the addition of the pivoting front wheels really make this a nice piece.

New Email For This Blog

I have created an email account for this blog. zacstractors@gmail.com will be the primary email address if you wish to contact me about anything. Please send me your questions about my posts, or in regard to anything that has to do with toy or real farming. Also if you would like to see a picture of a farm toy or real tractor I will gladly post it if I have one.

Also if you ever have any comments on my postings, please do so under each post. I hope to hear from you soon.

Happy Birthday America

New Model Release - 1895 Air Seeder Set

Recently released was the John Deere 1895 Air seeder set. This set includes a 9530 4WD tractor, 1895 air seeder, 1910 commodity cart, and a anhydrous ammonia tank. This is a very nice set with excellent detail. The sir seeder has gotten longer than the previous release from a few years ago, and the commodity cart has gotten substantially larger (see tomorrow's post). I have included the following pictures to show you some of the details on this set, and I will compare it to older versions on Friday. This set retails for about $27, and although is expensive for 1/64 you get 4 good pieces. Here is the 1895 air seeder, 1910 Commodity Cart, and 1980's flashback Anhydrous Ammonia Tank.
The commodity cart has 3 large tanks, large single rear wheels, and pivoting front dual wheels. The auger moves so that you can position it to fill the commodity cart from the side.
Here is the hitch and front axles of the commodity cart. Notice the pivot pin on the front.
The wheels turn a full 360 degrees. A very nice feature adding stability and realism for this model. Here is the auger fully extended in loading position and the wheels swiveled the opposite direction.

New Model Release - John Deere 9630T

The John Deere 9630T is a farm toy you should buy. I have never said that on this page before (probably because I just thought of it), but honestly it has so many upgrades that it will improve anyone’s collection.

The 9630T is the first of the 9000T series released, and it also has several firsts to go with it. It is the first 9000T tractor with cab glass (that I’m aware of), it is the first 9000T Tractor with cab lights, and, and, wait for it, it is the first tracked 1/64th scale model Ertl has released with painted plastic wheels. Let me be the first to say “Thank you Ertl.” I have been clamoring for painted wheels for years and in fact I spend allot of my customizing time painting the wheels on my own models. It adds realism to the tractor because it makes them look metal, and is a more correct color. I’m sure it costs more to paint them, than to just leave them light yellow plastic, but you really end up with a better product.

Another nice detail on the tractor is the clear “John Deere” sticker on the rear window. Although you may miss it if you don’t look close enough, it adds a nice touch. This model also features turn signals, which have been absent on every other regular release 1/64th scale John Deere in the 9000 series (T and 4wd).

2 complaints:
1. “You spent the time painting the wheels, why not paint the cab top?” Seriously here folks, the cab top has lights and a gps beacon. It is far beyond the past generation of 9000T tractors in detail (See picture below), yet it lacks that luster of painted plastic like its 4WD brethren. It would definitely be worth the extra 3 cents to paint the cab top.
2. The tracks roll very poorly. This has been an ongoing war with Ertl. It seems that only about 1/3 tractors have decent rubber on them. Either they get that chalky residue on them or are hard as a rock. Then about every 3rd tractor you end up with a very pliable tire that has a deep black finish. These particular tracks have more of a glossy black finish, like the tractor might look on the dealership floor (with tons of silicone), but they do not roll easily at all. If I had to pick I would go to the previous generation tracks that roll easy (for the kids of course) but are a more dull shade of black.

Overall impression: Excellent tractor with great detail. The upgrades really make this an excellent model, one I will probably put in my top 10 models of 2008. For $7.99 you get allot of quality for your money.

Where can you get one?

Here: http://www.outbacktoystore.com/product.asp?List=77&SubCategoryID=269

Or Here: http://www.vankleyfarmtoys.com/newest.html

The John Deere sticker in the rear window looks like etched glass

Painted Wheels (Be still my heart)

9630T (left) - 9520T (Right)

Monday's Machine - The Case IH MX 305

I haven't put up a post in a while (shame fills my heart), but this is a new feature that will be at least weekly. I will show some of the pictures of real tractors and other equipment I have collected over the past few years, and if I'm able to I will post whatever information about farm toys that I deem relevant.

For the first installment I have selected the Case IH MX305. I took this picture recently in Michigan at a dealership. I have included a picture of the toy version that Ertl released this year and a video of an MX 305 I found on YouTube.

If you would like to read about the Magnum line of tractors, the Case IH corporate website has a nice page with all the details. http://www.caseih.com/products/series.aspx?seriesid=2763&navid=105&RL=ENNA

New Model Release - J-M 680/760 Gravity Wagon, JD 8130

Yet another new release from Ertl is the J&M 680/760 gravity wagons. These wagons feature nice detail with a sliding door, front and rear hitch, and high detail. The wagons come packaged together (2), with a John Deere 8130. The 8130 is another variation in the John Deere 8x30 line. It has basic features and is a nice model, but has a major flaw. The wheels are a very dull shade of yellow, that look very little like the typical john deere yellow that you see on real tractors, and some of the better toys. These dull yellow wheels make the tractor look pretty crappy, and are a disappointment. I plan on painting mine as soon as I can.

The set packaged with 2 wagons and the 8130 retail for $20-22, which I think is too pricey for what you get. This is an attempt by Ertl to get people who want to buy the gravity wagon that would cost $6-8 alone, to spend $22 on a set containing a poorly detailed tractor that they most likely already have a better variation of anyway. If you really want the wagons it is worth the price, but I'm willing to bet there will be another smaller set released or individual wagons (100% chance of this with Ertl's usual directive of maximizing models released from 1 casting.)

New Model Releases - John Deere 7930, 568 Baler

Recently released from Ertl is the John Deere 7330 "Premium" tractor and 568 "MegaWide plus" round baler. These items come packaged individually, but look very nice together.

7330 - The 1/64th 7330 is a very nice replica. It features clear cab glass, a sunroof with glass, and rubber tires. The tires on this model seem to be a softer compound than on previous Ertl offerings. The grill and headlights are cast into the front of the tractor, instead of a sticker so this is an extra nice touch of detail. Overall this is a very nice model, and I would recommend it to any collection. The price is currently $6-7 at most dealerships.

568 Baler - The 1/64 John Deere round baler has been released many many times. I once heard a man at a toy show brag that he had over 20 "variations" of the original round baler that was produced by Ertl. I don't know if that was accurate, but considering all of the tractor sets and how many years it was produced, there are bound to be many different variations of the old baler out there. The new 568 baler is a very nice upgrade. It features an opening bale door, and very large rubber tires. These tires are also made of an upgraded compound that is softer to the touch. The baler also has very small bogey wheels up front, and a rotating gathering reel underneath. This is an excellent model that would be an upgrade if you are still using the old balers. It sells for around $6-7 at dealerships. Here is the website from Deere for the real baler: http://www.deere.com/servlet/com.deere.u90785.productcatalog.view.servlets.ProdCatProduct?tM=FR&pNbr=0568%20E

Apparently St. Patrick's Day is 2 Weeks Long

Light posting this month is the result of a busy schedule. I do have many things planned for the month of April including:

1. A Farm Toy scavenger hunt
2. Spring planting pictures of real tractors and toys
3. A feature on the wonderful world of 1/87 (Thats HO for you railroad folks)
4. A custom planter build
5. A custom plow build
6. How to make your own 7488
7. Details over on my other site about making remote controlled cars go really fast.
8. And more

So visit frequently to see if I can be more punctual with my posts.

Also the farm toy rumor mill (if there is such a thing) is buzzing with word of 2 new 24 row planters. I'll try to get more information on those.

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.

Zac's Tractors Reaches 1,000 Views!

I first posted on this blog in November of 2007, so 1,000 hits came up pretty quickly. Now lets all celebrate, and at this rate we will reach 100,000 posts in 50 years.

New Blog Same Blogger

Here is your #1 Internet source for a toy tractor collector trying to build a 100mph remote controlled car. Which coincidentally may be your only Internet source for this. At any rate please feel free to peruse my other site which will act like an online journal as I reach for speeds no tractor has or will hopefully see.
http://zacsprecisionmotorsports.blogspot.com/

This blog is expanding

Im adding either a new feature to this blog, or a sister site dedicated to a project that I have been working on. Ill give all 3 of my loyal readers a clue.......It weighs about 1 pound..........It goes over 100mph (maybe)........

So look for that in coming weeks. If anyone guesses what it is you win a sticker!

Interesting Model Release

I cant really call this a "New Model Release" since its been out since 2006, instead ill title it an "Interesting Model Release."

The Tampa expo tractor is a mystery to me. The only 3 Tampa tractors I know of are a 6420 made in the early 2000's, and a desk set made before that. I think that the tractors are made for the John Deere parts distributors & dealers. If anyone of you 5 people reading this have any idea about other models, please post them in the comments section, and ill do a little research.

The 2006 edition of the Tampa show tractor features cab glass, and a yellow imprint on the roof that says "Expo, Tampa 2006." When I dig up my other expo tractor ill post a picture of it.

This 8320 was at a dealer in Michigan for $9, which I thought was a pretty good deal. However if earlier models are any indication, there really hasn't been a huge demand for these. Despite this the fact that there were a limited number produced means that there is potential for an increase in value.

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.