Precision Perspectives
By Phil Alstaetter

Normally I focus on green precisions, but this month I want to tell you about 3 new Red Power precisions from Ertl. Case IH has done an outstanding job in choosing three super tractors right in a row to add to its precision line. The three new models are all time favorites that have been 14 years in the making. The Precisions are the 1954 IH Farmall 400 with cultivators, the 1965 IH Farmall 1206, and 1979 International 3588 2 + 2.

In 1991, when Ertl started the precision series, they offered as their second model a John Deere A with cultivators. The A with cultivators flew off the shelves and to this day commands a high price on the collector’s market. IH fans have asked for years where their red tractor with cultivators has been. In December 2004, Ertl answered with a one time only Precision Farmall 400 with cultivators. This tractor was chosen to mark the 50th anniversary of the Farmall hundred series. IH fans can now say that red has topped green. The 400 with cultivators was topped off with an IH umbrella for added detail and realism. If you have ever cultivated a field of corn under the hot summer sun, you know the shade from an umbrella is a welcomed option. Ertl made a great decision when they put the IH umbrella on the 400. If you have not purchased the 400 with cultivators, it may be too late. This model was a one time offering for the 50th anniversary and was produced by the number ordered from Case IH dealers. You will not see it in the 2005 Case IH toy catalogue and it is already selling for 250-300 dollars at toy shows.

The second new IH Precision is the Farmall 1206. The 1206 has been requested from red collectors as long as the Farmall with cultivators. In December 2004, Ertl launched the new key Precision series. The new series replaces the Precision Classic Series and the IH 1206 will be the first model in the Case IH line. IH’s 1206 is probably one of the most famous red tractors after the Farmall M. Debuting in 1965, the 1206 was the first 100 HP tractor from International. It stood out in the red line with a white grill and fenders. This new model will be available at Case IH dealers in the spring of 2005 complete with a replica 1/16 scale 1206 key in the replica’s dashboard.

Red fans are about to be in 7th heaven because Ertl has completed the triple crown of Precisions by announcing the second key Precision model from Case IH. That model is the 1979 International 3588 2 + 2. The 2 + 2 is a perfect match to the big John Deere 8020 4 WD. The 2 + 2 shocked the tractor world in 1979. Its unique look and features set it apart from any tractor ever made. The 2 + 2 stood for two wheel drive handling and turning plus two more wheels drive.

IH was quick to heavily promote the 2 + 2 to the tractor market. It had no choice as this was the strangest looking tractor in a long time. Many people referred to the 2 + 2 as “ant eater” due to the tractor’s long nose. Early advertising at IH was quick to point out that the 2 + 2 looked different because it was different. Here was the answer for the farmer who needed a two wheel drive tractor with four wheel drive traction and flotation. The 2 + 2 could do what other tractors couldn’t. A farmer could plant row crops and pull a spreader through mud and snow. The design advantages of the 2 + 2 were the forward mounted engine and rear located cab. The cab provided unequaled visibility of the field and attached implement while the long front end provided traction and maneuverability.

Ertl has out done itself with these three IH heritage Precisions. I will let the pictures in this article speak for them selves. Ertl has really captured each tractor in life like detail.

Remember: Collect what you like and like what you collect.