Toy Tractor Speech

If you had never considered collecting toy tractors, what would get your attention?

In your experience, how do collections appreciate in value?

What is your favorite toy tractor manufacturer~ why?

etc. etc. etc. :)

Any relevant info. would be greatly appreciated. I don"t hate anything in life except public speaking...so, if you don"t have time to share in the forum, at least pray for me like you"re begging for rain!

Thanks much for your time~ Heidi

I kinda fell into toy tractors backwards. 'Bout all I played with as a kid. I've always loved them. I couldn't bear to throw away some of ours when we re-discovered them a few years back as we cleaned out a shed at mommas. I took them home and put them in another shed - to keep.

I stumbled across a toy tractor parts catalog later and decided to dig the toys back out and try my hand at rebuilding them. I think that was in 1998.

Now I have a small shop setup at home to work on toy tractors and implements. I usually re-do 5 or 6 a year. I'm trying to finish up 10 for a show next weekend. All these are for local collectors. I may have a dozen in my collection. My brother has a small collection also. Him and I have gotton involved with starting a statewide club and in putting on the Starkville, Mississippi Toy Show.

I have a ball repairing them. I am trying real hard not to collect (ain't doing too good of a job lately).

I post reguarly on ToyTalk and have met a pile of good folks involved in the hobby. I've even traded parts with ol' Indydirtfarmer!

I just LIKE tractors. Toy ones are a little cheaper to play with.

Mitch

Recent years have seen the #1 manufacturer, Ertl, sell to Racing Champions. They have increased detail to the point some of todays toys look almost real.

Here is a link to a website that is exclusively about toy tractor collecting. www.talk.newagtalk.com Then click on "ToyTalk". If you can raise him, Bill Walters of Ertl/Racing Champions is on there quite a bit. He knows the industry first hand. Also, look for Matt Hasert. He runs the site. They will be most helpfull.

Also, try Toyfarmer.com That is the magazine of choice for most farm toy collectors.

I hope this helps. If not, post again, I'll see if I can dig up any more nfo.

Also, where are you located. I know farm toy collectors and dealers all over the U.S. I might be able to direct you to some of them for more help.

Good Luck! John

I am in SE Minnesota, if you know locals, let me know.

Thanks! ~Heidi

ps. Too bad about the John Deere collection.

RED POWER!! :o)