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A lot of folks from my home town USED to work there, they also paid a decent wage. Now I only know a few that work there. My opinion is they are more into auto racing, and the tractor thing is a side line. A very close friend talks about getting containers from China as a big part of his work day. Joe at Scale Modles is a good friend, and is gifted when it comes to remembering folks. The G Allis that Scale Models makes was scaled off our little G, so we have a special place in our minds for that particular toy. I have tried many times to get a (one up favor) on Joe, but he always gives a very generous pay back in my favor. There was a time when Joe had the most considerate work schedule you could imagine. Working parents took their children to school or day care then worked a short shift if necessary in order to pick the kids up again. Like anything else you give a person a little and they indeed take alot. They were stealing him blind so policies were changed. Joe was a perfectionist when he made up the wood proto types, like the 560 IH when he worked for his dad. I personaly would like to see more detail in his toys and a lot less chrome axles that look like hub caps. I also used to know how expensive Joe's molds used to be 20 years ago, and the cost per tractor to the Allis / Deere / IH companies that he paid. To a country pumpkin like me it sure seemed like a lot. I would venture a guess that the coment (HE'S A GOOD OL JOE) started with Joe Ertl. I have not attended a auction at the toy show for a few years, but 20 years ago I have a very strong feeling that the auction was perhaps less than honest. I have friends that observed very high prices paid at the auction, went home to get their old toy to cash out at the auction, but got no where near the price they had anticipated. --OK --- Please do not lecture me as to the differt versions being more valuable (I have collected since 1971). I feel there were a few good buddies that run with the auction ring that delibertly inflated prices, perhaps many toys never exchanged hands after bring big big prices. Please understand this is just my opinion. I perhaps will get off my big lazy butt and run down there, but crowds aren't my favorite thing. I have problems remembering this week end without lots of rain and cold, however this one is one for the records, as it is very nice out today. This may be of some intrest to few of you folks, The name Scale Models (Joe Ertl) Mini Toys (John Ertl) did not include the name Ertl and can not apear. The reason is when Ertl sold out (All Fred Sr.s' boys) they were never allowed to start up a toy factory with the Ertl name. NE IA Dave
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