Bill Walters

Hopefully I can give you some good news soon.

Bill

I think there is a problem.  The wheels should not come off that easy.

Bill

It's amazing how dealers think they know everything coming out when we haven't announced anything.

Maybe it was more of wishful thinking on his/her part.

Bill

I guess that is up to my UK counterpart, but I hope they are not Turquoise.  They will hopefully be hay green!!

Bill

Sorry, I can't talk about things like this.

Bill

Andy said you might want some photos of the back.? Here you go.

Bill

Yes, the wheels for the yellow version will be white.  That's why we get in pre-production samples.  We try to catch those things before production.

If you remember, NH combines have always been yellow.  Maybe they're trying to get their non-tractor lines standardized on one color?

The bale is new as well.  I'm sure you'll have the opportunity to get more at some point.

Glad you like it.

Bill

2006 is here.  Maybe these photos of balers will make you cheer...

Bill

Hope you all had a great 2005 and an even better 2006.

I'm going to be at meetings, and on vacation for the rest of the year.

I'll check back again in early 2006.

By then I should have some good photos of the CNH balers and some new tractors.

Bill

Yes, we produce gold versions of the Toy Farmer tractors every year.  The Toy Farmer uses the gold units for awards during the National Farm Toy Show and also auctions several for different charities.

Bill

That's a tough call.  At least all of you agree on 1/32nd being the scale.

In the US we have 1/16th, 1/32nd and 1/64th...

I've realized that you can't please everyone, you just do the best you can.

Right now, the cotton farmers are the hardest to please!!!!!!

Bill

You're getting off the subject.

I'm not responsible for sales in Europe/UK, or whether they have a man figure in the seat.

We've never sold our 1/32nd with a figure, so I don't intend to change for the US market.

Thanks for all the comments on our units.

The Toy Farmer tractors continue to be done through the US office.  I don't believe too many of these were actually sold in Europe/UK?

Hopefully you will see additional versions, although we are still in discussions with AGCO about this.

Sorry, I can't tell you any additional secrets yet.  My desk has many units on it that I wish I could share with you.

Bill

To do a Ford Tractor, you need permission from the Ford Motor Company.  If we want to offer it to NH dealers, we then need permission from CNH.

Aren't toys fun!!!

Bill

OK, I want your honest opinions (that won't be hard!).  What is the best 1/32nd item we produced this year?

NH/Case IH Self Propelled Choppers

JD 8X30T Tracked Tractor

John Deere Mower Conditioner

NH TN/Case IH JX

Toy Farmer Oliver 2644 vintage 4WD

You get the idea, give me your thoughts.

Thanks,

Bill

Your best bet is still the local OEM dealer.  If you want the brand new stuff just released, that is your only choice.  Obviously you can order over the internet, but you're trying to save shipping...

Go to the JD and Case IH website and do the dealer locator.  If you know the zip code of where you're staying, it will tell you the closest dealers.

Bill

Good comments all around.

Some of this has to do with the OEM.  They always want their biggest and best.

Bill

We're not actively working on AGCO product in North America.

I will pass this on to my Britains friends.

Bill

We're working on it.  Nothing right away.

Bill

I grew up on Allis Chalmers and Ford tractors.  I have been able to make a few items I grew up with, so I'm a pretty happy guy right now.

Bill

It's normally made from plastic, sometimes styrene, that is able to be cut and shaped as needed.

Our prototypes are hand made by model makers in either the US or China, then sent to us for review and approvals from the OEMs.

Bill

Due to some issues, you won't likely see anything about this conversation until early 2006.  It is still in the works.

Bill

Thanks for the suggestion.

Bill

Yes, we do chat back and forth. 

Bill

Unfortunately I am not responsible for Semis/trucks.  That falls under our "Vehicle" team.  I just get the enjoyment of farm, construction and some off-road vehicles (ATVs, snowmobiles)...

Bill