PDH

Sorry james f, typo it was James T and apologies to you too

James f sent me a couple of photos of the header and reel on his UH Matatdor last night, attached below (hope this is OK wth you James). These show the tines the same way round as mine but the central reel wheel appears to be in the centre of the reel so there are some around that are OK. I actually think there is nothing wrong with this model. This is a standard box version.

Sean I think the model pictured on the box is wrong.

I hadn't spotted that, concentrating on the reel. That can be fixed easily I think!!

I?ve been allowed to remove mine from the Christmas pressie pile and open it to check it. I?ve also had a look at Claas Chronicles book and any other reference material I can find about the Matador. Interpreting, correctly I hope, what James and Sean have said about the reel tines then looking at the picture on the box (I have a dealer box version)and the model then the reel tines on the model are fitted the opposite way round to the box picture. However looking at the Claas Chronicles book at comparable combines (unfortunately there is no picture of a Matador header/reel in the book) then they would appear to be fitted correctly on the model and wrong in the box picture. However what is wrong on my model is the position of the reel central support ?wheel?. It should be in the centre of the reel but on my model it is towards the offside. The reel does rotate but is not removable with out some serious surgery. I spoke with Geoff last night and he knows no more than he put on here. Discussions are supposed to have taken place between Claas and UH about ?two problems on the front? (what exactly the problems are I do not know) and Claas have allegedly asked for a corrected production run. However they are still for sale in the Claas Shop today so have not been withdrawn. Also the model doesn?t travel well; there have been quite a few with broken guides on the header bottom. I suspect only Claas and UH know what is going to happen but with all the dealer and standard box versions issued and sold a recall may prove impossible and a Mark 2 version with mods/corrections may be produced (similar to the situation with the Xerion). So unless we can get an answer from UH or Claas we will probably just have to wait and see. Below are a couple of photos of the reel/header on my Matador to illustrate what I?ve tried to describe above. Would be interested in confirmation from those who have a model of the UH Matador whether theirs is the same as mine and which version (dealer or standard) they have.

This is Kimi, an Oriental Red Burmese. My wife's pride and joy. About 12 months old now. His pedigree name is Flash 'arry but is called Kimi because he seems to think the whole house is a race track he can tear around and I didn't fancy going outside and calling for 'Fernado' or 'Michael'.

So is mine but as its an Xmas pressie its been hidden from me till next week! Got an email address for Claas Customer Services so if we can get no info from elsewhere I'll email Claas in the New Year (no point now till after Jan 1) and see if I can get any advice/help. Pester Geoff Sean for more info if he has it.

Is this all of them, dealer and Standard UH boxes? More info needed Geoff ???

Yep, I was in there about a month ago, nothing new though at the time. Plymouth has two good model shops, Exeter has 3 poor ones. The only farm stuff available in Exeter is latest release Britains in two 'Toy' shops.

There is an Antics Model Shop in the Broadmead Shopping Centre Bristol. Was in there a couple of weeks ago, they have a small selection of UH, can't recall what. Don't think they had any other farm stuff. Shop details at http://www.anticsonline.co.uk/aboutantics.aspx Hurcott Toys have a good selection of most of the standard issue Siku, Britains, UH.

In your dreams.... ;D

New Uinversal Hobbies Box design on the standard release Kramer and Scorpion, looks a lot better. The Deutz loaders are still in the Brown Country Collection.

Also you could try Henri Walker - Walkerparts. Email him at walkerparts@planet.nl Very helpful, worth buying his latest catalogue, 5 Euros delivered IIRC. Full of spare parts/transfers and other goodies.

That's it - all 16 now loaded. Enjoy

00315 Lanz D6006 Diesel Tractor Introduced 2000 Deleted 2000 Box Top Set up

00172 Marshall ?M? Tractor Introduced 1999 Deleted 1999 Box Top Set-up

08735 Land Rover Series 1 Introduced 1998 Deleted 1998 Box Top Set-up

08716 David Brown 900 Tractor Introduced 1998 Deleted 1998 Box Top Set-up

8715 Fordson E27N Major Tractor Introduced 1997 Deleted 1997 Box Top Set-up

8714 Farmer?s Wife Set set-up

Final set of photos ? to complete of this review 8714 Farmer?s Wife Set Introduced 1996 Deleted 1996 Box Top Box Contents

Thanks Marky. I understand where you are coming from. Great shame as UH are the those losing out, big time!

How do they work then Marky? How does Manfred Weise get his stuff produced? Also Karen and her McCormicks. Seems a little strange as there would appear to be several examples of 'commissioned' models that have been produced. For example do they only produce commissioned models of existing castings or if OEM's requested?

In your defence the change hasn't been advertised very well. Bulldog Fairs do have a reasonable website, always worth checking just prior to a Shepton Fair. As an aside the I see the Shepton Fair in April has moved back two weeks to the 20th April Originally it was on the same day as Exeter Westpoint. The two biggest Toy Fairs in the SW being held on the same day! At least someone has seen sense.

Well if you go on the 16th you'll find yourself all alone!! The Fair date has been moved to Saturday December 29th. Something to do with the Smithfield Show that was on and then cancelled because of F+M. See http://www.bulldogfairs.com/shepton.htm for more info.