As the last few weeks of 2003 start to dwindle down we have time to reflect on the good and bad news from the past year.  The good news is the National.  Everybody that was able to go had a great time.  The bad news is that it is over.  Some more good news is we can look forward to another National show.  The bad news is that it's still a 10 months and 25 days away.  We will all agree though that the re-release of the TTT is the best thing to happen in 2003.  Jason has been working very hard to make this a top notch magazine.

            It's hard to pick a favorite toy of 2003, there have been so many good toys that we have been waiting patiently for.  Here are the most talked about toys on 2003.

The Big Bud 747

The new Big Bud 747 has been a big hit among collectors of all scales.  An unusual piece, far off the beaten path from the common OEMs we see most.  This one of a kind monster towers over a normal 4WD like this John Deere 8970.  These are the first to have an opening hood and great engine detail.

Three versions of this toy have been made to date.  The first version is the 760 HP model.  The second version is the updated 900 HP model.

There are several differences between these two models.  The most noticeable differences are the white hood and chrome stacks on the 900 HP model and black hood and black stacks on the 760 HP model.  Minor differences start with the grill.  The location of Big Bud was moved and 16V-747 took on a new color.  The printing on the side of the hood has some slight changes as well. 

The next two changes area based on decals.  The 900 HP version has cab decals that wrap around the back of the cab.   The 760 HP does not.  The 900 HP has narrow stripes on the front fenders.  The 760 HP has wider stripes on the fenders.

Two more significant differences on the 900 HP model are "Williams Brothers" on the cab door and the addition of 16V-747 on the back of the cab.

The 3rd version is a special edition 900 HP model.  This model has an extra decal on the bottom of the tractor with Robert and Randy Williams' signature.  A signature card is also included.

John Deere 7920.

The John Deere 7920 was another highly anticipated model.  It was introduced as a Farm Show 2003 Edition.  It came with cab glass, a plastic 3 pt hitch, front and rear fenders, and special paint details.  A scaled down non show version, yet to come, might look like the 7820 pictured.

16 row planters.

The implements we most looked forward to were the 16 row folding planters.  We haven't seen planters like these since the John Deere 1200 was introduced in the 80's. 

With all the moving parts, these pieces might be the best implements yet to come from Ertl.  The John Deere 1790 looks very nice sitting along side the New Holland SP580 and CASEIH AFX 1200.  A blue version and an identical red version allow collectors to stay loyal to their favorite brands.  All three models come with or with out a 1st production run stamp.

Rippers.

Other models we have been waiting for are the new rippers.  John Deere and CNH offered three new implements to their line up.  A blue New Holland ST740 and the CASEIH MRX690 are identical with the exception of the color, again allowing collectors to stay loyal to their brands.  The New Holland has white rims while the CASEIH has grey rims.  Both have a swinging disc arm in the rear.  Both are also 1st production runs with a regular version expected to follow. 

TTT December 2003 Page 2

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