Bill Walters

With Tier 4 right around the corner.  We'll probably have to revise all of these models again in 2 years. 

Bill

We are working on updated 9120/8120 combines in 1/32nd scale.  We will also offer versions with tracks as well as wheels.  They will be out later this year.

Bill

Thanks for the comments.

Good luck in finding the wheel weights.  I would check out some of the parts distributors that advertise in the Toy Farmer, or at one of the larger farm toy shows.

We're not in the business of selling parts separately like the weather brake, so I don't see this happening anytime soon.

Bill

2009 marks the 50th Anniversary of John Deere producing 4WD tractors.  The 8010 was introduced in late 1959.  That is the main reason this tractor and plow set is being produced.

Bill Walters

I can't get real specific, but we have grown our farm business in both North America and Europe over the last 4 years.

Obviously we have produced more 1/32nd over the last 4-5 years than before that.  While 1/32nd isn't big in North America, the number of offerings have helped.  Our biggest business is still 1/16th scale.

Bill

All of your comments are noted.  

Maybe I am not familiar enough with the old Britains items, but the models I saw from the mid-90's didn't seem very good to me.  I feel our replicas today are better than they were 10 years ago, but maybe you are comparing them to models even further back?

Even though I am not responsible for the Britains product sold in Europe, I am responsible for the Ertl brand in North America.  I will put our Precision line up against any competitor.  As collectors, you want all the detail and authenticity a company can give you.  The US collectors are the same way.  For the collectors of the future, a company must also produce toys that can still be played with.  We also do that.  When you start mixing these, there will always be compromises that collectors don't like.  We understand that and we hope you understand that as well.

Thanks,

Bill Walters

Managing Director

Ertl Farm Toys

I will be working all 3 days of the National Show.  I look forward to meeting you.

It's amazing to hear the other comments attached.  Obviously we must be doing something right as we continue to increase our sales in both the US and Europe.  I hope you are not confusing the true "Ertl" company with that of Joe Ertl who owns Scale Models.

Either way, our goal is to produce quality toys and collectibles for the ag industry.

Bill

#1.  Graphics and decals.  The early 7020/7520 tractors had the short yellow stripe on the front of the hood (similar to a 4020 tractor).  The later models had a long yellow stripe that went all the way down the hood (reference a JD 4430).

Also, the 7020 had a different engine than the 7520 in the early models.

Bill

Thanks for the comment on the hitch.  This appears to be an issue.  We'll have to discuss further in-house.

Bill

It is somewhat rare to have 3-points on any tractor over 300 HP.  You will find 3-points on the smaller HP 4WDs, but typically not on the larger machines that pull big air seeders, etc..

Bill

There were only 2,500 units of the 1/32nd 9430 produced.  We also randomly inserted some gun metal plated units. (see picture).

Also notice these units have an authentic 3-point hitch on the back.

Bill

We have put the pin hitch on the back of this unit.  Obviously it has a new interior and lights.

In case you weren't aware, normally this tractor painted red would have the Case International decals.  There were still a few Steiger dealers around after the merger, so a few real tractors were made with the Steiger decals instead. 

Bill Walters

Hello,

The R/C 4WD tractor we did outdid all of our expectations.  It sold very well in the US for us.  That's why we're do the R/C dozer in the same big scale.  It will be available in Europe this year.

While I can't confirm or deny the 7930, we have ongoing plans for R/C into 2009 and beyond.

Bill

Thanks for your comments on implements.

Bill

Thanks for your comments.  I hate wire ties as well.  We're trying......

I'm hoping I can get my boss to let me take a trip to England and meet some of you first hand.  My last time in the UK was in 1987 when I was in the Air Force.

My hope is that our models in 2008 are even better than 2007.

I did see another posting asking who I was.  For those of you who don't know me, I am the Managing Director of the Ertl brand for farm and construction and Off-road (Off-road is defined as ATVs, snowmobiles, etc..)  As Managing Director I'm responsible for the day to day marketing, engineering, graphics of our farm toys sold in North America.  I am not responsible for Britains, or determining what is produced for Europe.  My team does help in the tooling and design of some 1/32nd models.

Thanks,

Bill

Age grading/safety standards are different in the US vs. Europe.  In Europe, you must either age grade the unit 3+ (classified as toy), or 14+ (classified as a replica). 

In the US, we have many different age gradings  18 months plus, 3+, 5+, 8+, etc..  All of these have certain tests in terms of choking hazards, small parts, drop tests, pull tests, etc.. 

The US standard for 3+ is different than the European standard for 3+.  We can leave the mirrors on a European tractor and get it to pass 3+, but cannot get the same unit to pass US 3+ standards. 

Typically we like to offer our lower priced 1/32nd items as toys and sell them as 3+.  This requires that we remove the mirrors and other small parts.  We will also sell some units as true replicas with the mirrors, but we must classify these as "collectible" and age grade them 8+ or 14+.

All of our Precision models and "Collector Editions" are now age graded 14+.

Bill

Every year I try to get feedback on what was our best and worst new model was for 2007.

I would appreciate the comments.  Constructive criticism is encouraged.  Praise is always welcome as well

Thanks,

Bill

Production number was between 3000-5000.

Bill

Both US models are being dropped.  If you want one, you better buy it now.

Bill

Stock # was 15548X2.  There were only 46 produced.

Very rare!!!

Bill

How is a 4240S different from a US 4240?  What was different with the cab to make it a "S" designation?

Bill

Are you looking for the large frame 40 and 50 series tractor (4840, 4850) or the regular frame (4440, 4450)?

Bill

No apologies needed.  We're all adults here.  I accept the good comments and the bad comments.  Hopefully your "constructive" comments will help us make our products better.

You can't scare me away that easily. :D

Bill

More pictures.

Bill Walters

Attached are some pictures of the 8640 vs. the 8630.  I apologize for the spacing of the tires on the 8640, this will be fixed.

#1.  The lower front cab windows are smaller on the 8640.

#2.  The cab railings and mirrors on the 8640 are revised.

#3.  Engine detail is different between the two series.

#4.  Gas tank and platforms are different on both sides.

#5.  8640 has lights on the rear fenders.

#6.  8640 has two hydraulic cylinders on 3pt vs. one on 8630.

#7.  In the cab, the number of levers on the right hand console are different.

#8.  8640 has different rims than the 30 series.

Enjoy!!

Bill Walters