A new concept in farm tractors was introduced by International Harvester with the unveiling of the 2+2 tractors in 1979. 2004 will mark the 25 Anniversary of the 2+2. The tractors were four wheel drive with the articulated design and a rear half engine from the larger 86 series tractors. A number of farmers purchased them as a low cost substitute for a larger four wheel drive tractor. The 2+2 is more of a modern equivalent of the MX Magnum with fwa than an STX Steiger. In the late 70's fwa was not a common option and the 2+2 gave an option of power on 4 wheels while working like a 2wd model. The 2+2 concept was discontinued after Tenneco purchased International Harvester.

3588 with 1st Edition Imprint 

3588 with 1st Edition Imprint  ground out

Included in the 2+2 line was the 3588 which was equipped with a 466 cubic inch turbo charged motor producing a maximum 150 pto horsepower in the Nebraska tests. Ertl also introduced a toy 3588, in 1979 , as a limited first edition and then as a regular shelf model item. The First Edition, made in a very limited quantity, had cast in lettering on the left side of the frame just behind the grill and came with a colorful display scene. It is quite rare to find the display scene intact. (If any one has a display scene picture please e-mail The Toy Tractor Times at The regular shelf model had lettering indentation filled but was otherwise identical to the First Edition. Apparently there was an excess of First Edition castings so the engraving was ground out but the indentation remained. This variation was sold as a shelf model and it is known to collectors as the "Ground Out" model.

3588 shelf edition 

1982 6388 in 80's IH tan box

The model number designation of the 2+2's was changed, in 1982, with the introduction of the new 88' series tractors. The toy 3588 became the 6388 with a change in the decal, a new red 88' series cab, and gray rims with a black center. The 6388 was only offered as a shelf model in a tan box that was used across the IH 1/16 toy line in the early 80's. The 1/16 IH 5488, 5288, 5088 and generic 3088 were also packed in tan boxes. All of the IH implements of this time were packed in tan boxes. There is a 6388 box variation. In Canada the 6388 was still packaged in the red and white box used by the 3588. This Canadian box shows the white cab 3588 on the back of the box and it has both English and French lettering.  A 1/32 radio control 6388 was also offered by Ertl from 1984-1987.

Canadian box for the 6388 using the Blue Print  Replica box

1/32 scale radio controlled 6388

Dealer introduction 7488 with duals all around

Dealer Edition 7488 with original box

Another change in the 2+2 came again in 1984 with the introduction of the Super 70 4wds. The new breed of 2+2 with a STS Transmission dropped the 2+2 name. The Super 70 "2+2" was beefed and offered all around duals not available on the earlier models. Ertl produced the 7488 in 1984 for International. In addtion to a decal change, the casting was changed in the grill area to more closely resemble the 88 series family of tractors. This family styling is very much like CaseIH’s X tractor family including the DX Farmall, MX Maxxima, MXM Maxxum, MX Magnum and STX Steiger. The IH 88 series in the mid 80's like today’s X models shared a similar grill style and look. The First Edition 7488 by Ertl, has an inscription in the frame, dual wheels, and a grey exhaust to replicate the chrome muffler on the real 7488. The dualed 7488 toy was only offered to IH dealers. The dealer 7488 was packaged in a plain brown cardboard box . In many cases when dealers received their special 7488 they opened the box, removed the tractor and through away the container. The shelf model of the 7488 was offered for retail sale in 1984 and was discontinued in 1987. When Tenneco purchased the IH line in November 1984 they did not buy the Farmall Plant. Only 16 7488's made off the Farmall line before the plant closed in May 1985. Tenneco moved tractor production to its Case tractor plant in Racine, Wisconsin and replaced the 2+2 tractor with its crab steer 94 series 4wds.

1984 7488  in 80's IH tan box

A first Edition 3588 sells in the $350 range while the First Edition 7488 is at the $275 level. These prices have held for 10 years and are found at toy shows, toy dealers and on e-bay in those ranges. The 3588 ad 7488 are among the first "Collectors/Dealer Editions" ever offered by Ertl. Today every new 1/16 model casting from Ertl is now marked with a First Production stamp. A new in box 3588 will cost you around $135 and $95 for a mint original. The 6388 sells in the $75-$85 range new in the box and $65-75 in mint condition. Again the 6388 prices have held firm for about 10 years. The 7488 new in the box has run in the $120-$135 range. This tractors value has jumped in the past few years from the $80 range. The main reason for the price increase is that many collectors are becoming aware of the 7488's existence for the first time. Many collectors were not aware off the 7488 because it is packaged in the same tan IH box as the 6388. If you look quick you might think "oh another 6388." Another reason for the 7488's increased notoriety among collectors is that Super 70 literature offered IH dealers in 1984 has become a common item at toy shows and on e-bay for about $25 a copy. Ken Updike’s book International Tractors 1955-1985 has raised the 7488's prominence. Today's collectors will pay a little more for a toy 7488 because it was the last new IH tractor and a rare one at that.

2004 marks the 25^th Anniversary of the 2+2. With a great 40^th Anniversary set for the Farmall 706 and 806 just released by Ertl one would hope the 2+2 might be the next model honored with a special anniversary collectors toy. There is hope for 2+2 in 2004. The September ToyTractorShow.com Farm Toy Report asked Bill Walters from Ertl if the IH 2+2 was their radar. Bill Walters responded that Ertl was listening to collectors and that Ertl would offer 2+2 replicas in 2004. It will be interesting to see how the 2+2 toy story continues in the new year.