Custom 4840 Project

We have seen many exciting new farm toys of various brands and models over recent years, with expectations for more still to come. Although many models have been replicated that have not been replicated before, it would be nearly impossible for any one company to replicate every single variation that is out there of the variety of real machines. One of the models of tractor that has not been replicated, and may be somewhat difficult to feasibly produce in great number is the John Deere large-frame 40 series from the late 70s/early 80s. The models in particular are the 4640 and 4840. Both of these tractors have physical features and/or dimensions that make them somewhat unlike, but also somewhat similar to all other Deere models. There have been many good customized models of these tractors over the years, and I would like to share my project of building a customized large-frame 40 series with you.

The base model that was started with was a damaged 50 series front assist tractor. The first step after disassembly and paint-stripping was to get right to the main difference between the large-frame 40 series and their 50 series counterparts. The front of the fuel tank on the 40 series is slanted inward from top to bottom unlike the large 50 series, thus that angle was measured, scaled down, and the necessary cut was made. Another difference is that on the large-frame 40 series, the side screens do not go all the way to the front of the tractor’s front end. Instead, part of the fuel tank also shows on the sides, thus that measurement was made, scaled down, and the grooves of the original side screens were ground down and the front portion of the fuel tank was rebuild with brass sheet metal as shown in the pictures.

The proper measurement for the side portions of the fuel tank were approximately ¾” on the top side, and approximately ½” on the bottom.

The next step was to convert the remainder of the side screens to resemble the rectangular shape on the 4840 as opposed to the somewhat “T” shaped screens from the original 50 series. The indentations were filled in with JB Weld, and the rest of the original grooves ground down just enough so that there were still slight grooves all the way across. The purpose of this was to hold individual small pieces of wire in place that then make up the new side screens. This method was used because re-cutting new grooves into epoxy filler (or metal for that matter) can get to be very difficult to maintain straightness and uniform depth. The 56 pieces of wire (28 to a side) were measured and cut and secured in place to create the new screens. Clear industrial strength epoxy was used to secure the wires, thus any excess was cleaned out of each groove with a small dremel engraving bit. It happened to come out to the scaled dimensions of the real tractor in my project, which is to be expected if everything else was to scale to begin with.

Next the very front of the nose/fuel tank had to be rebuilt, thus pieces of brass for reinforcement were put in place on the inner part of the casting to support new pieces of brass that were to show on front. One other addition had to be made and that was to add a brass strip bent appropriately to resemble the “slab weight” that is found on the large frame 40 series on each side extending almost half way back along the frame from the front of the tractor.

Once that process was complete, all seams were filled with JB Weld and sanded smooth and shaped to give the correct appearance. At that point the necessary modifications were also added to the rear of the tractor for the hydraulic outlets, PTO, drawbar, and 3 point which was scratch built from brass. After painting, the necessary features were painted black to coincide with the real tractor, including the cab interior. Levers made from paper clips were added in their appropriate places also. For the rear wheels, metal inserts from the 1/16 4620 and/or 4760 were modified by cutting the appropriate slotted holes to better resemble the real wheels and were then added by sliding 3/16” inside diameter brass tubing over the axle pin to retain the wheel and still give the appearance of an extended axle. Many other features were added such as fuel and radiator caps, grab handles, etc, but the main modification was at the front of the tractor’s nose to arrive at a look that is consistent with the real machine.

Completed Custom 4840

Custom 4840 nose to nose with Ertl 4850

Toy Tractor Dealers
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Al and Cathy Van Kley Farm Toys   Dept. W 2307 N.E. Bel-Aire Drive Ankeny, IA 50021 PHONE: 515-964-3548 8 AM to 9 PM CST - 7 days a week FAX: 515-965-3834   E-Mail - vktoys@aol.com http://www.vankleyfarmtoys.com We are celebrating our 20th year in the farm toy business and we value customer satisfaction. When you call us to place an order, you will be talking to the owners! Al and Cathy answer the phones, take the orders, and ship the orders. We stock over 1200 different 1/64 scale farm toys by Ertl, Scale Models, and others (new and older tractors and implements) including Case, Case-IH, Allis, Deutz-Allis, IH, John Deere, Ford, Massey Ferguson, White, AGCO, Big Buds, Knudsons, Versatiles, and Steiger. If we don't have it in stock, we will try to find it for you.