Greetings from Dyersville!

Now that we’re into July, the weather has turned hot and humid. This weather is great for corn, I just wish it didn’t cause me to sweat as much as I do. Our garden is starting to take shape. The sweetcorn is tassling now and looking in good shape due to some timely rains. My potatoes are being attacked by both potato bugs and Asian beetles. It’s a daily battle to keep them both away. We should be getting tomatoes soon as well. Along our south side we’ve also planted sunflowers. They are now taller than our fence! I also planted squash this year and they want to take over the garden. I have to gently keep putting them back where they belong. I have to give my wife credit as she does most of the weeding.

Switching over to toys, I have a few additional items that I want to showcase from the Summer Farm Toy Show.

First is the 2022 Toy Truck N’ Construction Show unit featuring a newly tooled 1:64^th Peterbilt Semi tractor with lowboy and Bobcat S76 Skid Steers. (Stock # 16446OTP). The newly tooled Peterbilt 579, features die cast construction with an opening hood and opening doors. It will feature a black paint scheme with authentic Bobcat graphics. It also includes two of our 1:64^th Bobcat S76 skid steers on a die cast lowboy trailer. This is a one-time production run and will be available later this fall.

Switching brands, we are also announcing a new 1:64^th Allis Chalmers 8070 tractor for the National Farm Toy Museum (Stock # 16434OTP). This is also new tooling. The tractor will feature rear duals and MFWD front axle. This is also a one-time production run and is available exclusivity through the National Farm Toy Museum. This unit will be available in November 2022. Staying with AC, we will have another 1:64^th set to announce later this year, Stay tuned!

For Ford we have a new Ford 5000 tractor coming out that includes the FFA logo (Stock # 13980). It is in stock now and ready to ship.

Changing colors to red, we’re proud to announce that we’re producing a 1:64^th IH 4786 tractor in conjunction with the Toy Tractor Times. (Stock # 16458OTP). Jason Hasert owns the Toy Tractor Times and is also the owner of a real IH 4786 tractor. Most IH 4786 tractors came with red rims, but Jason’s tractor has silver rims. To commemorate his real tractor, we will be including “chase” units with silver rims in the production run. This tractor is also scheduled to be out later this fall.

Even though we’re staying with Case IH, we’re changing colors again to black. We are excited to showcase our new “Black Knight” demonstrator models showcasing our “AFS Connect” Magnum tooling. Let’s start off with the new AFS Connect 380 Demonstrator pedal tractor. (Stock # 44264OTP). This utilizes our existing Magnum pedal tractor tooling, but adds in the die cast seat, steering wheels, front axle and tie rod. This pedal tractor also includes dual rear wheels and our first ever dual front steel wheels. This is also a one-time production run of 1,250 units. These are going to go fast, so if you’re interested please contact your local Case IH dealer to get one of these pre-ordered. Switching to 1:16^th scale we’re offering an AFS Connect Magnum 380 with front and rear duals with the black paint scheme and “Demonstrator” graphics (Stock # 44294OTP). This is also a one-time production run of 2,500 units. In 1:32^nd scale we’re offering a AFS Connect Magnum 400 RowTrac tractor (Stock # 44296). This is in addition to the wheeled AFS Connect 380 model that is the farm show unit for 2022. (Stock # 44292OTP) Lastly, in 1:64^th scale we’re offering both a wheeled Magnum 400 (Stock # 44297) and a 400 RowTrac model (Stock # 44298) which will be available later this year. All of the “Black Knight” tractors will be available in the August through October time frame. Keep checking with your local Case IH dealer for availability.

We’re getting closer to announcing our next “Prestige Select” model. I will give you a hint that it is not green and yellow. Keep watching our social media pages for additional information.

We’re continuing to update our website with new items. As I covered in my last blog we recently updated the site and are using a new host. Part of this update requires all customers to setup a new account through our Ertl Collectors Club. Your current account is no longer valid. If you signed up to receive emails you will continue to get those. If you want to purchase product from our website you will need to setup a new account.

Until next time,

Bill