robbo

An interesting article, although it is from USA it would appear to have implications globally. https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/news/equipment/article/2022/01/13/north-dakota-farm-sues-john-deere?fbclid=IwAR1PgOk8tA9G8AI3OsmT0kflglEI55H8GvrNa6Rg28sHAgi_X5etVd6jiGQ Basically, the farmer is suing John Deere saying the they are refusing to allow farmers and small independent mechanics access to the software and hardware that is necessary to repair modern machines. The firmware installed in the tractor is as necessary for its operation as an engine, gearbox or steering wheel and once a fault develops that effectively shuts down the machine and puts it into limp mode. Farmers are then faced with not only a hefty repair bill but also delays whilst their tractor or combine is out of action waiting for the dealer to attend. This is costing the farmer both time and money leaving crops unharvested or missing vital deadlines. Deere have also reduced their dealer coverage in recent years making it even more difficult to get one of their official mechanics to attend given the short timescales that farmers are working to. If this succeeds then there are implications for all other manufacturers, not only in agriculture, but in the wider economy where the manufacturers would be forced to give independent mechanics and fitters access to the software needed to diagnose the faults without resorting to paying dealer prices.

Another tractor with a bit of a story to it. Apparently it has around 12,000 hours and has been remapped to give over 250 HP, it is also been tested at 61kph on the road so is a bit of a flyer

Classic case of too much power, not enough skill

Sad announcement from Peter and Sharon We would like to inform you all that we have decided not to continue with the running of our Lakeland models Farm & construction show. Due to The Rheged Centre Penrith using the halls for a visitors centre . We have found ourselves looking at lots of other venues and have found that it’s not currently financially viable in the current climate to continue. We are very sorry to make this decision and if any one would like to take over then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Many thanks to you all for your support over the years. We have lots of lovely memories and stories. Xxx

Nice new acquisition Paul, look forward the story of the renovation

It has been a good year for me with several new Same releases especially from the lesser known model makers with the Samecar one of the favourites. Some of the others, such as the Hercules and related offerings from Schuco were not particularly good and were copies of other, better, versions from people like FM Modelbau. At the end of the year there is also the most welcome news of yet another from Modelagrisystem, the Drago version.

I think that he drove his tractor to Tesco in Northwich the other day apparently to raise money for Alder Hey childrens hospital. The photo that I saw was a large Claas with rear tracks so he seems to have a varied fleet

Arrived in the last 7 days Russells New Holland T6.180 limited Edition Replicagri Massey Ferguson 188 UH Case 1494 2WD Magpie Edition (White paintwork but black chassis)

Some cracking pictures there David, I received notification that my models has been posted today but it will be staying in the box

Mobile phone companies......... Got a text to say that I am due an upgrade so I tried to ring their customer services, get into a queue after which they send me a text and say to go online. I have then gone online and tried to register with the site with my email address and user name, to be told that does not match their records and I have to ring to speak directly to a customer service advisor. I then ring the customer services number who say that I should go on line and enter my email and user name...........you see where this is going......... Have you ever heard of the Worm Ourobouros? It is part of Norse mythology and is is doomed to spend its entire existence chasing its own tail which it can never catch. At what point can I actually speak to someone? Never it would appear!

And providing scope for the model manufacturers to bring out limited editions 😁

Another one for me and the Same fans. The Same Drago is the tractor that first started my obsession with the brand as it would out pull anything else that I had even seen, even a County 954 that was on a neighbouring farm. I am ever hopeful that at some time in the future there will be a cabbed version but until then, I will be happy with this one.

Quick question Smithy. Do you put the fertilizer on before hand and then plough it in or do you spread it on top and harrow it in? I would have thought that ploughing it under would have put it too deep?

Do we know yet if any UK sellers will be getting this new MF 188 model in?

Photos from Diego Caramella on Trattormania. he goes on to say that availability is from 8th December but that is going to depend on import issues

I would hope that with the PAVT wheels it would be a 175/178/188 version but I suspect that it looks to be a 1/43 rather than 1/32, hope I am wrong about that last bit though

I would be quite amazed at your haul David, but then I know what you are like at a show. You must have been straining at the leash for the last couple of years 😁

I am glad that I got PDC to do my Same Jaguar conversions when he did, he used the Zetor as a base model, would have cost considerably more if he was doing that today.

Got a couple of classics this week, not taken photos as I think everyone knows what they look like UH David Brown 1490. 4WD, trying to get the full set of these so have a few more to get yet. Britains Fordson Major 100 year Anniversary tractor, very heavy for its small size, quite impressed

Out of curiosity Gav, as the machine uses water does that not just stimulate regrowth?

On a bit of a trip out today to Norn Iron, early flight to Belfast and now a drive to Omagh. Return trip this afternoon and flight back this evening

Thanks Joe, good price for one of them phew, 544 Euros for a 1/43 model. I suspect that the Samecar version is older, rarer and even more expensive

Whilst on the subject of Samecar, a bit of an appeal. I was sent a photo of a plastic model some time ago, possibly by a member on here. I have never seen this anywhere else despite hunting at every show that I go to (Sean and David as well). Keep you eyes peeled please and if you see it just get it and I will sort out payment asap

Then finally in their display position

They all have rear linkage but it is for show only, you wouldn't want to be mounting anything, they are far too fragile