This month I would like to tip my hat to Scale Models for there offerings in 2003. I was particularly impressed by there toy line up for the 50^th Anniversary of the Farm Progress Show. Scale Models offered toy models highlight the 5 decades that the show has served from 1953-2003. The two stand out models from this set in my book were the 1973 Oliver 2255 and CAT MT765 Challenger. With all the talk about AGCO toys on ToyTractorShow.com’s Toy Talk this year I am sure more than a few AGCO collectors were also pleased by these models.

The 1973 Oliver 2255 impressed me because I like the big iron tractors from the 1970's. This was the golden era of farming. During this time crop prices were good, there were as many as 13 tractor brands available and the small family farm with 100-200 acres was still a full time operation. The Oliver brand was purchased by the White Motor company in 1960 and continued on through 1974. Oliver was a well known brand across the corn belt and the east coast. The Oliver 2255 was one of Olivers last big tractors before Oliver, Minneapolis-Moline and Cockshutt all became known as White. The 2255 could serve the small farmer as the king pin plowing tractor or the larger farmer as an acre task master on a field cultivator or tandem disk.

Strong, quite and smooth was Olivers introduction of the 2255. This 145 hp tractor powered by a big Caterpillar V-8 diesel was a horse power leader in 1973. Its competition in the class was the 156 hp Allis-Chalmers 7050, 146 hp Case 1370, 135 hp Ford 9600, 133hp International Harvester 1466, 136 hp John Deere 4630 and 140 hp Massey-Ferguson 1155. Ads you can see in 1973 the Oliver 2255 was almost at the top of its class for power. This big and powerful tractor had a stout, durable diesel with 573 cubic-inches. It was built with a high torque roise, strong lugging power down to 1600 rpm. The tractor has a specially shaped combustion chambers to improve turbulence and reduce exhaust smoke. The 2255 was the leader of the Oliver line in 1973.

Scale Models 1/16 model is a stout replica of the 2255. In my opinion it is the stand out classic tractor of the year. I just like the big classic tractors over 130 hp and I am glad this horse power class is getting more attention. Scale Models did a nice job crafting the 2255. It has the CAT V-8, fender fuel tanks and correct Oliver and CAT decals. The 2255 looks like the tough tractor it is as an open station 1/16 model.

The Oliver 2255 literature is one of the higher priced pieces you will find from the year 1973. It sells for around $25 from most literature dealers who have it in stock. Oliver and Minneapolis-Moline literature tend to bring higher prices than other 70's brands because the brands ceased production at the end of 1974. There is just less Oliver and Minne literature around to collect. A model like the 2255 is more popular because of its size. The brochure is 7 pages long. The cover shows a 2255 with an Oliver cab and duals. Inside the cover a fwa version of the 2255 is pictured. The other pages are black and white and highlight the tractors engine, operators platform, transmission and pto. The open station model is only partly shown to highlight the fender fuel tanks.

1973 Oliver 2255 Literature

Inside Cover of the 2255 Literature

 Thirty year later Oliver’s predecessor AGCO is building and selling ultra modern CAT powered tractors. The Challenger line has made its name as a tracked tractor. Every day farmers are challenged by the land. They are always on the hunt for the perfect tractor to meet their operations need. Thirty years ago the CAT powered Oliver 2255 was about as big as a 2wd tractor could be and had no problem leading in the field with its power. Today with 30ft disks, planters, grain drills and other large implements the demands on a 2wd tractor are greater than ever. The 255 hp Challenger MT765 is built by AGCO to meet the demands of the modern farmer. Big implements need plenty of hydraulic and engine power. Farmers want to avoid using a big heavy machine to pull these implements, that will compact their soil. The MT765's Mobil-trac system keeps the tractor rolling even in the toughest conditions with out compacting the soil. The MT765 is powered by a CAT C-9 engine with 538 cubic-inches. The tractors Mobil-Trac system features a longer wheelbase and an in-line reaction arm that isolates tension from the drive line. The tractors all-new cab boasts more glass area for superior visibility and more interior room than any other tractor in its class.

Scale Models did its home work on the MT765 in 1/16. It was first introduced as a Signature Edition with Joeseph Ertl’s signature in June 2003. Collectors who first saw this model at the Summer Toy Show were very excited. When I purchased the Fall Farm Show Edition I can see why this was one of the most talked about 1/16 tractors in 2003. This is one of the best models I have scene in 1/16. The cab is the real stand out piece. Complete with windows Scale Models really did its home work to detail the MT’s cab. The tracks freely roll and they are hefty to over come any obstruction on the rug farm. The tracks appear to be replicated after CAT’s Extreme Service belts. These belts are used for applications that involve a large amount of road travel, steep slopes or abrasive conditions. The three point hitch with swinging draw bar is another excellent collectors feature on the MT765. One of my favorite details on the MT765 is the plastic tail lights. Rather than using a decal for the tail lights, Scale Models sculpted the casting to insert life like plastic hazard lights. I highly recommend purchasing this model for your collection. The MT765 retails for $150 on average but it does not disappoint in anyway. I feel it is the stand out piece in my 1/16 collection.

AGCO has a 27 page brochure out an the MT700 tractors. It features the MT735 on the cover set up for row crop work. The brochure covers the 180 hp MT735. 205 hp MT745, 235 hp MT755 and the 255 hp MT765. The brochure has many pictures of the MT700's working with Krause built Caterpillar tillage implements. You should be able to find it at CAT Ag dealers.

CAT MT Challenger Literature

Pedal and Precision Tractors

Parts

1/16 Scale Toys

Specializing in Precisions