by Jason Hasert


   The end of July and first week of August proved to be a good time for 1/64 collectors.  Ertl released the long awaited John Deere 2700 mulch ripper and Scale Models introduced the new 1/64 Challenger MT 765.  Ertl has also just released the 1/64 collectors edition CaseIH AFX 8010 which you can see new in the box in the Toy Tractor Show.com Farm Toy Report.  In September we will look at the Fall Farm Show Edition AFX 8010 with dual tires.    

     The new 1/64 John Deere 2700 is a nice 1/64 tillage implement.  Hopefully it is the first in a new generation of 64th tillage.  This item is a perfect match for 1/64 4wds.   The 1/64 replica is a seven shank model that is nicely detailed with large shanks, disks and levelers.  This model has a 1st Edition stamp on the hitch.  The frame is bulky and has replicated tandem waling wheels, unfortunately they do not walk like the 1/16 model but are cast to add realism.   

    As you can see in the pictures below the 2700 is a great piece for a 1/64 displays.  Since the wheat is harvested on my display I decided to try the 2700 out to work up my wheat field.  There has been debate on Toy Tractor Show.com on what tractors are best for the 2700.  I went to my local John Deere dealer and talked to the salesman about the 2700.  He told me that a 7 shank 2700 is a 4wd tillage tool.  You want all the horses you can get when you are plowing with the 2700.  Looking at toy options if you want to go green your best bets are the John Deere 9420T and 9400 with duals.  The 9420 and 9400 with triples also work but if you look too close the outside edges of the triples just inch past the outside edges of the 2700.  Some people seem to worry they are over powering on their display. In tillage this is hard to do.  If you just insist on not using a 4wd the 8420 and 8520T could work in sandy soils but it is not the recommended size of tractor in most conditions.  Do not go crazy over too much horse power and go too small. Although they are just toys so have fun with your new ripper.


New 1/64 John Deere 2700 mulch ripper.
The 425hp 9420T is a nice match for the 2700.

Some people worry about over powering but do not go crazy.
The 8420 and 8520T look nice but don't over look a 4wd.

      In December 2002 the AGCO corporation purchased Caterpillars Agricultural tractor line.  AGCO markets the Challenger tracked  tractors through Caterpillar dealers under the CAT name and through AGCO challenger dealers under the Challenger name.  AGCO  has granted the MT 700 tracked tractor rights to Scale Models.  In June 2003 Scale Models released a 1/16 MT 765.  At the East Moline Plow City Toy Show collectors got the chance to purchase Scale Models new collectors edition 1/64 MT 765.  TTT author and custom toy builder Dave Tallon purchased one of the new MT 765's and sent in pictures.  Scale Models has done a nice job in detailing the MT 765 Challenger in 1/64.  The decals add to the tractors appearance with several  light decals and painted hazard lights.  Dave reports that the tracks are the nicest rolling 1/64 tracks he has seen from any toy maker.  This first model is a collectors signature edition.  The roof of the toy has "Signature Show Edition" June 2003 imprinted on it.  This would indicate that  Scale Models had planned to release the 1/64 model at the Summer Toy Show in Dyersville, IA along with the 1/16 version.  Joe Ertl the owner of Scale Models has signed many of the 1/64 boxes in marker.  This is a trade mark he is famous for.  The MT 765 is a great new 1/64 tractor for the shelf, 1/64 display or as Dave Tallon has shown for custom detail projects.


Special Edition CAT Challenger MT765 Signed by Joe Ertl.
  Challenger MT 765 Signature Edition June 2003 Imprint 

Front View of new MT 765 by Scale Models
Rear view of MT 765

The Challenger MT 765 is a Perfect Display Farm Toy.
Dave Tallon Customized MT 765 with custom 1925 2 Ton.

Related Link: 1925 Cat 2 Ton

TTT August 2003 Page 12

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