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All the individual toy models discussed have plastic rear rims, rubber rear tires, and side-grooved plastic front tires. It is possible that two latter 544 models loader models also came with plastic diamond tread tires.

The 544's were mass-produced for the toy market and are not valuable enough to re-paint except for the wide front models. Custom projects such as a golden demonstrator 544 would make a nice variation for an IH fan. Correct wheels and tires are available from parts dealers. The wide front models have red rear rims and the narrow front models have the greenish white IH color. Early 544's have water transfer decals and the common models have sticker decals.

Expect to pay approximately $150 for a new-in-box wide front 544. A professional repaint should sell for $85. Beware of repaints vs. originals. A good way to spot a repaint is by check under the front axle. When Ertl paints a tractor axle the areas under the turning mechanism are not hit with paint and remain unpainted. Turn the front tires side to side and if it is an original wide front 544 you will see to unpainted lines. If it is a repaint the axle will be completely panted in most cases. A new-in-box loader model should be in the $75 range. Most often you see well played with narrow front 544's with price tags of $15-$20 outside of toy shows because an antique dealer thinks they really have something because it is an Ertl. These played with models are so common they really should not bring more than $5-$10 depending on their condtion.

Next month I will cover the industrial 2544. Happy Easter to all of the Toy Tractor Times readers.

The Uncommon Versions of a Common Tractor by Doug Harke
The 544 model was introduced by International Harvester, in 1968, with both diesel and gas models. The Farmall version was supplemented with an International utility version. The Hydrostatic versions of the 544's were introduced in 1969. At the same time an industrial version labeled the 2544 was produced. The diesel version had a maximum output of 53 horsepower according to the Nebraska tests.
The toy 544 was brought out in 1969 by Ertl representing the diesel Farmall Version. The first toy photo shows the original 544 with wide front end, thin spindles, and the 544 Farmall number designation. The front end used was the same one used on the Ertl 856 and 1256 toys. A short time latter the thin spindle front end was replaced by one from the 1026 and 1456 which had thick spindles. Some thick spindle models had the 544 decals and others did not. The thick spindle models are quite scarce.
The second toy photo shows another early 544 with narrow front. The narrow front model would become the standard offering of the 544 toy. Many variations of the 544 were offered through 1981 when production ended and the new "3088" International replaced the 544 on the general toy market. Ertl still offers the "3088" cast today as a general play toy. The narrow front 544 pictured here is a nice find for any collector in the International yellow and blue box with the 544 Farmall decal. Another early narrow 544 offering was available with dual wheels. The third picture shows the 544 new in the box and again is a rare find with the 544 Farmall decal. The majority of 544's are out of the box and litter flea markets, antique shops and toy show junk bins it is important to beware of models with dual wheels. The dual wheel 544 is extremely rare! Be careful when purchasing a dual wheel version because most are counterfeit. The dual wheel version should have the thinner string loop on the front. The thin string loop is visible in the wide front 544 photo. Most fakes have the latter thick string loop offered on late 70's versions.

Next up in the long line of 544 variations is the die-cast white loader. Early loader models had a thin string loop and a black plastic steering wheel. The first toy loader shows this model in pristine untouched condition in the IH yellow and blue box. Notice again that it has the 544 Farmall decal. The second loader version came in the red and black Blue Print Replica Box and had a thick string loop and metal steering wheel.

The 544 also was available in several play sets over the years. What could be a better spring time present from the Easter Bunny in the 1970's than an IH 544, 3 bottom plow, disk and wagon. The sets pictured here appeared in the Ertl 1973 Ertl toy catalog. Just like the 544 toy there were many variations of the farm set.

All the individual toy models discussed have plastic rear rims, rubber rear tires, and side-grooved plastic front tires. It is possible that two latter 544 models loader models also came with plastic diamond tread tires. The 544's were mass-produced for the toy market and are not valuable enough to re-paint except for the wide front models. Custom projects such as a golden demonstrator 544 would make a nice variation for an IH fan. Correct wheels and tires are available from parts dealers. The wide front models have red rear rims and the narrow front models have the greenish white IH color. Early 544's have water transfer decals and the common models have sticker decals. Expect to pay approximately $150 for a new-in-box wide front 544. A professional repaint should sell for $85. Beware of repaints vs. originals. A good way to spot a repaint is by check under the front axle. When Ertl paints a tractor axle the areas under the turning mechanism are not hit with paint and remain unpainted. Turn the front tires side to side and if it is an original wide front 544 you will see to unpainted lines. If it is a repaint the axle will be completely panted in most cases. A new-in-box loader model should be in the $75 range. Most often you see well played with narrow front 544's with price tags of $15-$20 outside of toy shows because an antique dealer thinks they really have something because it is an Ertl. These played with models are so common they really should not bring more than $5-$10 depending on their condtion. Next month I will cover the industrial 2544. Happy Easter to all of the Toy Tractor Times readers.

Les Sigrist The East Coast Partsman Farms Toys & 1/16 Replacement Parts/ Decals e-mail: lsigrist@flare.net Fix Your Sand Box Special Up Today