Whether you are a young or old tractor collector, there are plenty of new models on the market for Christmas. And if you’re looking for something special for someone who is a tractor fanatic, there are so many impressively detailed farm models available that they are sure to cheer your gift recipient.

Throughout 2016, model companies have been busy producing new editions across a range of brands and scale sizes. For most model collectors, the 1:32 scale is the most popular. There are loads of implements to match models in this size.

For new collectors, the 1:32 scale is a good place to start if you are over 10 years of age. The level of details in the farm models of today is a far cry from the basic Corgi and Matchbox models that collectors like me have grown up with.

There are opportunities for carpet farmers to have fun and mix and match their farming fleets.

The new models for 2016 will allow them to keep up to date with the farming trends and emulate the real thing with a level of precision that we could never have dreamt of as children of the 1960s and 70s.

For model collectors of 2016, there are a number of brands that provide quality models at reasonable prices. These include Britains, which is the supplier of a host of tractor models and is licensed to supply John Deere models in 1:32 scale. The Britains ranges are solid, durable farm models that are suitable for use by younger hands.

The other popular model brand is Universal Hobbies, which supplies a large range of tractor and machinery models across many brands, but not John Deere. Universal Hobbies models are available in different sizes or scales: 1:16 is the largest, followed by 1:32 – the most popular – and also 1:43; and for smaller, less-detailed models, 1:87.

Universal Hobbies supplies many of the vintage and classic tractor models in the larger 1:16 scale size. These are very detailed models. They are more expensive and are great collectors’ items that require gentle care.

Siku is a popular German model brand and these are less detailed and more durable, making them more suitable for carpet farmers. They are available in 1:32 scale and some come with remote control drive (a feature that is increasingly popular), along with 1:87 scale and 1:50 scale. These latter sizes can allow carpet farmers to operate with great fun in a more compact zone if you feel that the living room is being taken over.

ROS models are available in 1:32 scale and many of the Britains and Universal Hobbies implements will match up with the ROS range. This makes it more interesting to mix and match in a more cost-effective way.

Other model names that you might see at the more expensive and collector end of the market include Marge Models, Replicagri, USK, Wiking and Weise.

The Marge and Weise models are true collector models, with lots of detail. They are more expensive and could qualify for a special occasion gift to many apart from the dedicated collector.

Locally based model suppliers can offer a range of options and well-known names such as Mad for Models and Tinneys Toys will be able to supply most specialist model collectors’ needs.

Often buying at home can be more cost-effective than from foreign websites as there can be significant postage costs from European-based suppliers.

Browse the photo gallery above for pictures of the farm model round-up.

Tommy Hales RIP

There was great sadness in west Cork in the recent weeks following the tragic death of Tommy Hales, Carrigroe, Enniskeane, who was an active member of the West Cork Vintage Ploughing and Threshing Association. Tommy took part in the recent event in October where he drove a Claeys combine harvester on the day, similar to one that he had owned many years ago.

Tommy was a very active farmer and vintage machinery enthusiast. Kevin O’Sullivan of the local vintage association said that Tommy had a lifetime of experience and knowledge that he made available to the local association with great willingness. To his wife Mary, children and grandchildren, we extend our deepest sympathies.

North Kilkenny tractor run

A voluntary group based in north Kilkenny is planning a tractor and truck run on Saturday 31 December (New Year’s Eve) to support those who have been affected by the loss of friends to suicide.

Freddie Farrell of the organising group told the Irish Farmers Journal that the run will leave Ballyragget and travel in two separate directions to light up the two highest points in north Kilkenny in an effort to is to highlight suicide awareness.

Irish Farmers Journal Vintage Diary

4 December Ardee Farm Model Show, Parish Centre, Ardee, Louth 087-971 4756

4 December Shamrock Vintage Ploughing, Wexford 087-222 9038

4 December Newport Model & Diorama Show, Tipperary 086-895 4037

4 December Ballincollig Club Christmas Party, Cork 087-909 6616

10/11 December Durrow Diecast & Model Show, Durrow, Laois 086-886 0598

11 December Broadford Christmas Tractor Run, Broadford, Limerick 086-838 1427

26 December Four Counties Vintage Christmas Tractor Run, Meath 087-276 8406

26 December Newcastle Vintage Club vintage Road Run, Clonmel, Tipperary 086-898 4511

26 December Clonroche/Poulpeasty Vintage Tractor run, Wexford 087-246 4479

28 December Kilbrittain Tractor Run, Kilbrittain, Cork 087-797 8342

28 December Murt & Minty Tractor Run, Kilkenny 086-266 2105

31 December North Kilkenny Tractor Run, Ballyragget, Kilkenny 087-279 7221

8 January Lakeland Vintage Autojumble, Abbeyshrule, Co Longford 087-6649069

*Dates are subject to change. The Irish Farmers Journal does not take responsibility for date or venue changes. Please contact each event before you travel.