New 1/64th Case IH Authentics Tractor

I'm happy to announce that our next Case IH Authentic will be the new Case IH 450 Steiger tractor. The new Steiger tractors from Case IH have two different frame sizes. The large frame units consist of the 500, 550 and 600 models. The "smaller" of the two frames include the 350, 400 and 450 models.

We're already shipping several versions of the larger frame models. The 600 Quadtrac with the air seeder, a dual wheeled 500 model, and also a 600 Wheeled as a special "Spring" show tractor.

We hope you enjoy the 450 model, with the added detail you've come to expect from our Authentics line.

Bill

Welcome to the new Ertl Website

It's been almost 4 months since my last update. As you can see, we've been working on a new website layout for our Ertl website. Hopefully you like our new look. We'll be able to highlight some of our new items, and give you a little more information about them. Now that the website is up and running, look for more frequent updates and blogs from me.

I did want to let everyone know that our 2011 John Deere catalog will be released on Nov. 19. The only place you will be able to find it is right here on our Ertl website.

Thanks for your interest in Ertl. Come back often and check out our new items.

Bill

New Pedal Tractors

We were able to introduce several new pedal tractors at the Summer Farm Toy Show. First is the Case IH Magnum 180 Stars and Stripes model. I love the graphics on this model!! I don't recall ever seeing a pedal tractor that has such a unique look. I'm seriously thinking of buying one for myself!!

Next is the JD 7020 4WD pedal tractor. This is another first for Ertl to have an articulating pedal tractor. This is a design that is patent pending and finally allows us to replicate 4WD tractors. This pedals on this unit actually drive the two front wheels vs. the rear tires on our other models. Yes, the unit is actually steered from the steering wheel. Once you see this in action I'm sure you'll agree that this is truly innovative.

Last but not least, we're also introduced a Farmall 1466 pedal tractor. Note the great looking graphics and paint scheme on this model.

If you are into pedal tractors, you should definitely be thinking about Ertl.

Two Cylinder Club Tractors for 2010

We've produced tractors for the Two Cylinder Club for many years now. For 2010, we've tooled an all new "GM" tractor. The Two Cylinder Club will be offering versions on both rubber and steel wheels. One interesting tidbit of information on the "GM" tractors is that they were only offered as narrow front tractors. No wide fronts were ever made. You will be able to see these tractors in person at the Summer Farm Toy Show.

1/64th Big Bud 440 and 500

I've recently received from pre-production samples of the 1/64th Big Bud models that will be coming out this Summer. Most of you already know that we tooled an cab interior for these units, and put some different tires on these models vs. what has been done in the past. Let's talk about the 440 model first. We added a "Williams Brothers" graphic under the left side cab door and also replicated one of their real tractors by giving this unit a silver engine. For the 500 model, we added in "Power Shift" wording on the decal striping. There will also be a limited plated models of both units available. I note that these are already for sale on Van Kley's website. The real Big Bud 747 is also making news. It is now in Indenpendence, IA, which is just 40 miles from Dyersville. I don't think too many farmers around here need that much horsepower, but as they say, "There is no replacement for displacement!!""

1/32nd John Deere 8760 for the Plow City show

Sorry I haven't posted lately. I spent some time in the hospital and am finally getting back to work.

We received some pre-production units of the new 1/32nd John Deere 8760 tractor we tooled for the Plow City Show and I wanted to let you look it over. This is the 4th 1/32nd 4WD tractor we've tooled for the Plow City Show, and it is one of my favorites. The cab interior detail is excellent, along with the diecast rims and rear hitch areas. As always, we only do a limited run of these tractors for the show. If you want one, you better not wait....

Bill

IH 5-Millionth Pedal Tractor

If you love pedal tractors, you will need to seriously think about buying our latest IH pedal tractor, the 5-millionth 1066. These pedal tractors will be shipping by the end of Feb. We only produced a very limited amount, and they have all been ordered by Case IH dealers. If you want one, you better not take too long!!!!

This pedal has an all new hood and grille designed to replicate the 5-millionth 1066 tractor. Enjoy!!!