Collecting 1/64 Variations
by Daniel Adamson 

Dan Adamson is an avid 1/64 collector and has one of the most complete collections of Ertl 1/64 farm toys in the Nation. You can read more about Dan at http://www.toytractorshow.com/dan_adamson.htm

1/64 John Deere 50, 40, 30 Series
 
The 1/64 John Deere 8850 model was introduced in the 1980’s as one of the first four-wheel drive 1/64 tractors produced by Ertl. This was my favorite tractor because the wheels and axles rolled freely. The other models available like the 2+2 and Steigers had axles that were cast onto the frame and the tires had to roll on this stationary post.

The first 8850’s out of the factory were painted light green instead of true John Deere green. This is also true of the first John Deere round balers. These colors were quickly corrected. This quick turn around left the light green version harder to find and the 1st variation to look for.

The next variation has to do with the light on the grill. Both the light green and John Deere green tractors can be found with white or yellow headlights.

The last variation has three lugs in the wheel rims. The other models do not.



The next two models are show tractors. The 1st is the 1990 KCKS Heart of America show tractor. The other is a 1991 NCK show tractor.

Ertl also made an 8850 in the form of a Power Pull model. This model is friction powered through the front wheels. It does not articulate in the middle. The hood is also a little wider than the other models which brings it more to scale next to an 8640.



The frame on the 8850 is different from the other models in the series so it made it even more difficult to customize a smaller model from this casting. Fortunately, there are other companies that took care of that gap. Roy Baker and Walters produced the tractors with the straight frame such as an 8630 and 8640. Here are a few show versions that are a little harder to find.




An 8630 was used for the 1988 CCD show.
 
An 8630 was also used for the 1994 St Louis toy show.





The 2002 St Louis toy show again used this casting. This time in the form of an 8640 with triples.





There are, no doubt, many non-show versions available. If you have come across any other toy show versions please send me an email at mister164@hotmail.com.

If any of you has information on the CCD toy show or the NCK show can you send me an email?

I would like some feedback from you about what 1/64 toys you would like to see featured in this years articles.