1/2-Scale Tractors Look Factory-Built
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We spotted these 1/2-scale tractors while attending the recent Triumph of Ag Show in Omaha, Neb. Mel Hursey of Shelby, Iowa had 3 models on display - a Deere 4020, Allis Chalmers WD45, and Oliver Super 66. All 3 tractors date back to the early 1950’s and 1960’s and were built by brothers Ray and Ron Richardson of Marengo, Ill. (gmapoppopri@att.net; ph 815-568-6494). Both men are retired and build 1/2-scale tractors as a hobby.
“I take my tractors to shows and drive them in parades. My dad had Oliver tractors so I grew up with them,” says Hursey, who belongs to a local Oliver tractor club.
Over the years FARM SHOW has covered quite a few 1/2-scale tractors, but these tractors have exceptional detail and look factory-built.
“We try to build our mini tractors as authentic as possible,” says Ray. “We build them only during the winter so it’s mostly just a hobby for us. Most of our tractors are powered by Kohler 10 or 12 hp. engines with 3-speed transmissions from Cub Cadet garden tractors. We’ve used parts from garden tractors and farm tractors, in which case we cut down the parts and reweld them back together. The hoods are entirely handmade.
“We often take our tractors to local county fairs. Kids love to play on them. When people ask us where these tractors are built, I tell them, ‘in my back yard, one at a time.’”
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Mel Hursey, P.O. Box 302, Shelby, Iowa 51570 (ph 712 544-2341 or cell ph 402 960-2937; meljack@walnutel.net).
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1/2-Scale Tractors Look Factory-Built AG WORLD We spotted these 1/2-scale tractors while attending the recent Triumph of Ag Show in Omaha Neb Mel Hursey of Shelby Iowa had 3 models on display - a Deere 4020 Allis Chalmers WD45 and Oliver Super 66 All 3 tractors date back to the early 1950’s and 1960’s and were built by brothers Ray and Ron Richardson of Marengo Ill gmapoppopri@att net; ph 815-568-6494 Both men are retired and build 1/2-scale tractors as a hobby “I take my tractors to shows and drive them in parades My dad had Oliver tractors so I grew up with them ” says Hursey who belongs to a local Oliver tractor club Over the years FARM SHOW has covered quite a few 1/2-scale tractors but these tractors have exceptional detail and look factory-built “We try to build our mini tractors as authentic as possible ” says Ray “We build them only during the winter so it’s mostly just a hobby for us Most of our tractors are powered by Kohler 10 or 12 hp engines with 3-speed transmissions from Cub Cadet garden tractors We’ve used parts from garden tractors and farm tractors in which case we cut down the parts and reweld them back together The hoods are entirely handmade “We often take our tractors to local county fairs Kids love to play on them When people ask us where these tractors are built I tell them ‘in my back yard one at a time ’” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Mel Hursey P O Box 302 Shelby Iowa 51570 ph 712 544-2341 or cell ph 402 960-2937; meljack@walnutel net
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