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Although still relative newcomers to the world of 1:32 European agricultural models, Universal Hobbies (UH) have caused quite a stir recently with UK collectors due to the superb manufacturing quality and the attention to detail they lavish on their models.
One of the finest examples of their craftsmanship is the recently released McCormick ZTX tractor (230-280 HP). On receipt of this model from G & M Farm Models (UK) I was immediately impressed by the quality of packaging and overall weight of the item. On removal and closer inspection of the model all I can say is “Wow”, you’re immediately grabbed by the aggressive stance of the model and the deep lustre of the blemish free paint job. Moving on to the finer points of detail, all is there (work lights, flasher, wing mirrors, engine detailing etc), however I must draw particular attention to the outstanding level of detail inside the cab, buttons, dials, switches and levers all accurately reproduced, right down to the red cloth trim for the operators seat.
I don’t really need to say any more about this model, the photographs speak for themselves. I cannot really find any fault with this model, but one small niggle is the lack of compatibility with the majority of mounted implements currently produced by other manufactures (i.e. Britains & Siku), which in most cases leaves you with only the option of hitching up trailed implements for display purposes.
Overall I give this model a rating of 9.5 out of 10.
With this model UH have certainly drawn me into their fold as a collector, and in my opinion have raised the standard and set a new benchmark for all 1:32 scale agricultural collectors models to be measured against.
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