Andre Phillips has become well known for his work with 1/64 combines.  To date he has custom made an International 1480, CaseIH 2188, New Holland TR 99 and John Deere 9650.  Andre's latest project was his first scratch built combine Allis-Chalmers Gleaner F.

Andre Phillips' Combines: Toys or Works of Art?

Andre started modifying Ertl combines castings back in 2001.  He had always liked combines and collected combine literature.  Looking at the Ertl Case International 1660  he  thought could convert it to an International.  He started working on the project and found ways to add more and more detail.  Andre went beyond the normal handrail additions with the IH 1480.  He added a fully detailed clear windowed cab complete with flood lights from a model train supplier.

The 1480 turned out so well Andre tried to detail a CaseIH 2188 next.  The 2188 revived even more detail from Andre.  He added a fully detailed clear window cab, flood lights, metal auger with extension supports, hand rails, and machined banded combine duals.   A machine like the 2188 can run grain heads up to 30ft.  Andre decided his combine needed a large detailed head.  He custom built a CaseIH 1010 header complete with sickle bar and detailed guide units.

The red combines are impressive models and helped Andre build his skill level.  When Andre started his combine work he was modifying existing models to look more life like.  For the next project Andre wanted to make a combine that was never offered as a toy.  Andre selected the New Holland TR 99.  Ertl offered a TR 96, TR 97 and TR 98 but never followed the 98 with a 99.  Again, Andre added a clear window detailed cab, hand rails, floatation tires, extended auger and decked out 30ft header with sickles.   The hardest part of the TR 99 project was the decals.  Andre hand to hand cut each decal to fit.  The TR 99 decal has a swooping black, red and blue checked pattern on the rear side panels.  To create the upward swooping pattern Andre had to cut each checker out and carefully place it on the model.

Once the TR 99 was completed the one thing that disappointed Andre was that he had not changed the frame.  The real TR 99 body was slightly extended over the past TR models.   The next project Andre took on had a full body make over as a result.  Another combine never produced in 1/64 is the John Deere 9650.  This conventional combine was introduced in 1999 along with the  John Deere 9750 STS.  Ertl produced the 9750STS because it was a new rotary model for John Deere.  The 9650 was part of John Deere's traditional conventional combine line.   Andre took a John Deere 9610 casting by Ertl and went to work.  He had to grind, sand and shape the 9610 casting to create the modern rounded 9650.   The project was featured in the October 2003 Toy Tractor Times at http://ttsttt.bizland.com/tttsubscribe/oct9650.htm . 

With four combine projects under his belt Andre wanted a new challenge.   Looking through his combine literature collection he looked for combines lines never produced.  Reading Toy Tractor Show.com's Toy Talk he saw many posts of members wanting a classic Gleaner.  Andre chose the Allis-Chalmer's Gleaner F.   This combine from top to bottom was completely crafted from brass. Andre had to build the frame, cab, unloading auger and header.  The entire combine is impressive but the header really stands out.  It is a 1/64 scale 13ft grain table with nicely detailed scratch built header reel, complete with tines.

Andre is already thing about combine number 5.  He is looking at making a classic Massey-Ferguson, maybe a Case, John Deere 7700 or another brand.   Below are pictures of Andre's combines that were on display at the St. Louis Toy Show.  Remember many hours of work went into these combines.   While Andre wishes he had a magic wand to make these combines magically appear it took several months of trial and error to complete each one.  

Front view of the Allis-Chalmers Gleaner F

Left side view of the Gleaner F

 Right side view of the Gleaner F

David and Goliath: Gleaner F vs. John Deere 9650

The K vs. the 9650 really shows how combines have grown in the past 30 years

 New Holland TR 99 

Detail can  really make a model combine stand out like this TR 99

Andre's first project was an IH 1480

The IH 1480 model is a stand out piece

Andre went all out on the CaseIH 2188's cab and header

Need 1/64 Combine Detail Parts?
Moore's offers 1/64 detail kits for combines, tractors and trucks.  Moore's  build HillCo Hillside Combines in 1/64 scale.  Moore's offers 1/64 3pt implements including v-rippers, wheel rakes and blades.  Front mounted silage blades, pull type wheel rakes and combine header trailers are also available at  www.mooresfarmtoys.com/

TTT March 2004 Page 13

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