Mini Tractors That Really Work

Mini Tractors That Really Work AG WORLD 30-6-24 After Roy Baker retired from farming, he started building miniature farm toys. They range from 1/64-scale to 1/4-in. scale, and include mini tractors that actually run. In fact, he got so good at building them that Deere threatened to sue him. Baker, who is 77, began building and selling miniature working Deere tractors in the 1980's. He was a bit surprised when he received a cease and desist letter from Deere. The company threatened to sue Roy and 12 other toy makers nationwide who made and sold Deere tractors without a license. But instead of suing, Roy was granted the first special license by the company allowing him to build and sell his tiny tractors. Baker says his working 1937 Deere B tractor can pull up to 100 lbs. He started building it in 1991 and had it operating by 1996. "If you want to sell something, make a Deere. It sells a lot better than other brands," he says. As a farmer, Roy had none of the skills that now permit him to mold aluminum and make parts. He searched around until he found someone who could give him guidance. A high school teacher provided some valuable help. He began working with pouring aluminum castings that he first carved out of wood. Roy says the first aluminum he poured was heated by a coal-fired furnace, which says something for his "can do" attitude. He has learned some very sophisticated skills along the way. One is to operate a pantograph. He has acquired a couple of these tools. A pantograph permits a skilled person to trace over an existing part to reproduce the same part in a much smaller size. Before he got into building actual running models, Roy liked to carve out scale models of other tractors. He doesn't limit his carving and model building to tractors. He makes a variety of other items as well. One has to do with implement seats. There's a worldwide club interested in such things. All of this activity was enough to get Roy elected to the National Farm Toy Hall of Fame which is located at Dyersburg, Iowa. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Roy Lee Baker, 7785 Huckelbridge Rd., Shipman, Ill. (ph 618 836-7787).

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