jdc

I reckon that in five years from now everyone can give up building custom model tractors. It will just be narrowed down to fitting slightly wider or skinnier tyres and fixing factory errors. Most gaps have been filled and with the hundreds of models coming out every year the rest will be done soon as well.

What remains is some farm machinery, especially local build and from small manufacturers that the big boys are unwilling to take. Although even that is changing.

Is this just a grim look at the future or am I correct? Spoke to some fellow collectors and they all feel like it. Wierd how things can go. Fifteen years ago i'd dream about the wide range of models available today and now you reckon it was best left as it is. For € 500 you'd buy a whole car full of models and nowdays just 4-5 pieces with rediculous special editions and colour variations following each other so quickly one can barely keep up.

I post this in the UH topic but it applies for all manufacturers of course. Nowadays all models are build by little children in China working for 30p an hour in dreadful conditions. The standard of living is increasing rapidly in China and the like so wages will have to rise as well. And then it will be the model prices as well? Plus costs of raw materials rising as well, oil most notably.

I agree with you Niels. On the other hand every UH model I have has been 'modified' (wheels, paint, linkage etc) but I cannot keep up with the releases. All the conversions I and others build from two or more tractors will continue to be unique even if UH bring one out.

Thanks for the review. It looks nicely finished - I did think about this but at €210 thought it was a bit expensive for me....

I'm surprised this New Years gift lasted so long...well something else whisky related for the collection ;D

Better eat/drink them quick before they go off.

Smashing trailer, Marky. I'd be worried about getting it turned in your yard.

Here's one in poorer condition but still used regularly - still have the grain extensions too.

Beautiful model and great review. That's what I call a limited edition - lucky you.

That's an excellent build, with some very intricate work. It looks very realistic.

Thanks for all the comments - I hope it turns out OK.!

now thats a proper scratch build, if i ever get as close and good as that is i would be very very happy john, thats just superb mate

Thank you 'Mr Scratchbuild' - I take that as a real compliment from you.

woww.. that is awesome!! Header has to be the best part in my opinion John. Some work in it with all the brass

whats thickness is the plastic??

It's mainly 0.5mm but some 0.25, 0.75 and even some 1.0.

They used to say they would spray any colour you wished, but AS Blue and MF red seemed to be most popular up here.

They are both unconscious in front of the fire now, drying off - what a tough life.

The full line up ready for grass

With that lineup you're ready for anything.

Trailers look tidy in the yard.

Looking forward to see this finished. It's well made so far.

i take it john,mainly plastruct?

Yes, mainly sheet, but some preformed plastic bars, angle and whatnot. Just a wee bit brass on the header etc.

Thank you Iain.

Just back from a 4 hr walk (squelch) with the dogs round the farm.

I don't know all the County variants well enough, but to me that looks rather smart.

Reel and auger

Header trial

Bits so far all piled up!

I hope to get some primer on the smaller bits tomorrow and maybe even some 1985 NH yellow.

I've been building this for a few weeks and it's finally at the stage where it's almost recognisable.

After checking I came to the conclusion that the Jadi 8070 is a wee bit overscale so decided to do this for my NH lineup.

Basic hull.

Start of grain tank.

Some pulleys where they will be visible!

Intake elevator

Start of the header

Looks well - very tidy job.

A really interesting read, Niels. You certainly seem to be able to find a job every day.

Your machinery all looks well cared for too - I like that!

Now that looks very smart indeed. Nicely finished.

Interesting Marky. You'd much rather be driving Hattie than selling veg.

Looks like a heap of nice stuff.

Beauty! That's a very detailed model you've made. I like all the little details that improve the model no end.

As of today I have completed 30 years in the Police and I am now eligible to retire, after what the Government are doing to Police pay and conditions I am rather glad that I can get out now. However, I am not going to jump just yet as I need a job to go to or I won't be able to afford to keep buying models........get your priorities right is what I say : :

Anybody got a job going? :

I'm looking for a harvest driver - us pensioners have got to stick together.

The driver did apologise for the overalls but said his John Deere ones were in the wash ;D ;D

Bet he just loved all those lampposts.

Yes I just reinstalled it to make sure and it still doesn't work >

Probably stating the obvious, but you may need to enable the dictionary in the 'Add-Ons Manager'.......