Greetings from Dyersville!

Thank goodness for warmer weather! It’s that busy time of the year in Northeast Iowa. All the farmers are in the field putting down anhydrous and getting corn in the ground. That means it’s time to also get my garden in shape and start some work around the yard. April is when we get to pull everything out of our shed that we’ve stored over the winter. My wife found a new lawn ornament for this year. I’ve always wanted a Bigfoot sign or statue and now we have one. Now we have to find just the right spot for it. Maybe it will keep the deer away from my apple tree, but I doubt it.

Alright folks, back to farm toy news!

I have some exciting news!! We will have our product showroom open for the Summer Farm Toy Show the first weekend in June. We look forward to showing you our latest models. We will also display the tool from the combine that I used the grinder to destroy in one of my videos. Many of you have never seen a tool in person. This would be a good chance to check it out and ask any questions you have. Our Showroom is located in the TOMY building. We encourage you to check out the store during your visit to the showroom! Our hours will be posted on the ERTL Facebook and Instagram pages.

We have a new product flyer coming out for John Deere. First up are two items that celebrate anniversaries. 1971 was a big year for John Deere as they introduced both the 4320 and the 4620 tractors. To celebrate both tractors we’re offering a 1:64 set (Stock # 45786OTP) that includes both of these tractors with dual rear wheels, cab and FWA. We will also include 500 gold painted sets randomly inserted into the production run. In addition, we’re also offering a 1:16 scale 4620 tractor (Stock # 45785OTP) featuring a ROPS with canopy, FWA and wide single tires. Both of these tractors featured the 404 engine used in the 4020, but with turbochargers. The 4620 even featured an intake manifold intercooler to give it even greater power. It achieved 135 PTO horsepower, quite an increase from the 4520 it replaced. Both of these tractors only stayed in the line for a couple of years until they were replaced by the “30” series. Check out our “Catalogs and Flyers” section on our Ertl website to see the latest releases.

We also have two additional “Prestige” models to discuss. First is a 1:64 set which includes our 4450 tractor and a vintage 7200 planter. (Stock # 45799) Also we’re now offering a John Deere 2020 tractor with rear blade and tire chains. (Stock # 45782). Both of these units include tooling we are leasing from Spec Cast. Dave Bell, who owns Spec Cast, worked at the Ertl Company for many years before leaving and eventually owning Spec Cast. We have additional models planned for later in 2021 as well.

We’re also happy to announce that we’re tooling a 1:64 Claas Xerion tractor for the National Farm Toy Museum (Stock # 16413OTP). This detailed model will include a pivoting cab and steerable axles. This is an exclusive unit for the NFTM. Please contact them directly for more information.

Lastly, I also wanted to give you a quick update on the Prestige Select #2 item, the John Deere WA-17 and WA-14 tractors (Stock # 45999OTP). Over 5,000 units have already been ordered, but I think orders will go even higher after this announcement. We have a little surprise for everyone. In addition to everything we’ve already announced, we will also include a matching die-cast 1:64 tractor with each of the 1:16 models. The consumer flyer for this can be found here: 45999OTP_Consumer_APRIL.pdf (tomy.com) If you haven’t already placed your order with your local John Deere, and you’re a 1:64 scale fan, here’s your opportunity. More info to come.

In my next blog we’ll feature the farm show units, introduce additional new items coming out in 2021, and provide more information on our Summer Farm Toy Show display.

Until next time,

Bill