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Holiday Greetings from Dyersville.

I can’t believe it is already December. How the time flies when you’re having fun. I recently returned from the John Deere Parts Expo in Houston, TX. It was great to talk to all of the attendees and show them some of the new products we have coming out in 2019.

One of the highlights was the announcement of our planned John Deere 1:16 Scale Die-Cast S780 Combine. (Stock # 45680) This will the first time we’ve ever tooled a 1:16 modern combine that includes die-cast. Many of you are aware of the “Big Farm” combine we’ve had in the line for many years. I’ve heard many requests from collectors for a die-cast version. To make it even more collectible we’ve promised to destroy the combine tooling after our one-time production is done. We’re taking pre-orders on this combine from John Deere dealers until February 24, 2019. If we don’t get enough orders we won’t tool and produce this item. If we do get enough orders, we will only produce to the amount that is ordered.

We were also able to announce our next pedal tractor. We’re tooling a vintage “4430” pedal tractor that will be available in the Fall of 2019. This new tooling will feature a die-cast hood and grille, along with stamped steel and plastic parts. (Stock # 45631) I’ll provide more information in one of the next blogs.

We also have a very special tractor that will be coming out in the Spring of 2019. This tractor has an “orange” based paint scheme, but it isn’t an Allis Chalmers model. The other reason it is special is because we’re only making 500 units. If you’re a member of the “Ertl Collectors Club” stay on the lookout for an opportunity to purchase this item in 2019. If you’re not a member, maybe you should be. Visit https://tomy.com/user/register?registersrc=ertlclub to join! It’s FREE to join!

Lastly, I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Last week I had a chance to sit down with Santa and see whether I was on his “naughty” or “nice” list. I’m still not sure which list I’m on, but Santa waved at me as I left. I think he was happy I didn’t try to sit on his lap.

Until next time,

Bill