Greetings from Home!

I hope this blog finds everyone safe and sound. Most of the ERTL crew are now working from home as we practice “social distancing.”

Out my window I can see farm equipment starting to go down the road as everyone is getting itchy to get into the fields. Let’s hope the weather is better this year than last. Even with the coronavirus fields still have to get planted.

When you live in a rural area it’s not hard to stay away from other people for most of the day. At least the weather is getting nice enough that we can be outside working on the yard or in the garden. I’ve spent some time trying to clean up boxes in my basement. It’s amazing what you come across. For instance, check out this Challenger 55 1995 Farm Show Challenger tractor I found. At that time many of our 1:64th modern tractors had the blacked out cab glass vs. a detailed interior. Since we weren’t doing chase units, it also was common for these early farm show units to be on blister cards vs. a box. Things have definitely changed over the last 25 years.

Switching over to new releases, the Two Cylinder Club model 435 tractors are inching closer. (Stock # 16384OTPA) The 435 tractors were unique in that they used a 2-cylinder “GM” 106 cubic inch diesel engine. It had just shy of 33 PTO horsepower when it was tested in 1959. Due to the “GM” logo on the engine block we had to work with General Motors and get permission to include their logo on our toy. These tractors were only produced in 1959 and 1960 in Dubuque, IA. This tractor was also produced in John Deere’s Monterrey Mexico factory as well. In 1964 another version of this tractor was produced in John Deere’s Argentina factory as a model 445.

I also wanted to give you more information on some of our 75th Anniversary models. In a previous blog I told you about the 1:16th Allis Chalmers WC tractor that we’re producing. This replicates the very first tractor ERTL made back in 1945. We have several different variations we’re doing of this model. Here is a quick rundown of the versions:

16401OTP: This version is all die-cast, including the tires and rims. This model comes in a special display box and is limited to 2,500 units. It is only available through our outlet store in Dyersville, IA.

16401OTPG: We are only producing 750 units of this item featuring a weathered gold finish. The tractor is mounted on a display base with an opening box. These are only available through our Outlet Store in Dyersville, IA.

16401OTPS: This is the rarest of the Allis Chalmers WC models. We are producing 75 units in silver chrome. We will be giving these units away throughout the year. It also comes in a special display box with base. Keep checking ERTL's Facebook page for more information.

16402: This last version features plastic rims and tires and is available to all accounts that sell ERTL product. You will see this model at many of your local retailers and AGCO dealerships.

All four of these Allis Chalmers models will be available later in May or early June.

Staying with the 75th Anniversary models, we’re also doing three versions of the 1:32nd John Deere “A” tractor with farmer. Here’s a quick recap of these models:

45727OTP: This model replicates one of the first John Deere tractors that the ERTL Company produced in the 1940’s. It is die-cast construction with plastic wheels. This unit comes on a base with a display box. You will find this unit at John Deere dealerships, our Outlet Store and other retail locations.

45727OTPG: This unit features a weathered gold appearance and is limited to 750 units. This unit is exclusive to our Outlet Store in Dyersville, IA.

45727OTPS: We are only producing 75 units of the silver chrome plated model. We will be giving these units away throughout the year during special events and through Facebook. More details to come.

These units will also be arriving in May.

Don’t forget about our 1:64th Farmall “M” with farmer figure. (Stock # 44205OTP) It is already in stock and shipping. You can find this model at your local Case IH dealership or wherever you buy your ERTL models.

Please stay safe this spring. No matter if you’re trying to get some field work done, checking pasture fences or yard work, make sure you’re thinking about your safety, and the safety of others.

Until next time,

Bill