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A good friend of mine is in charge of shipping for incoming toys, (Ertl) usualy nasty car. He was explaining how much lead time it takes to get the overseas toys here. You guess where! Shipping costs are high because of all the extra weigh from lead. Scale Models is made in Dyersville, and so is Speck Cast. If you ever buy a toy from Scale Models be sure to have Joe sign it. Joe's a good friend, I helped him camp--pain for a while. He's just a all around good guy. I think his daughter is kinda calling the shots now. We have a special bond with Scale Models as the G Allis Chalmers w/ and wo/ plow was scaled off our tractor. Joe is the type you can not repay as every time I do a favor for him he does a couple in return. The reason there is so much confusion with Ertl, Scale Models, Toy Farmer etc. is understandable. I will try to explain. The dad (Old Fred) sold out (Tru-Scale / Ertl) to Joe, Fred Jr., John and other sons. So (the sons) they sold to I think Kiddey-co, not sure of the spelling. Under the terms of the agreement, one was that the boys were never to make Ertl toys. Was not enough detail to the paper work I assume. Joe started Scale Models, John started Toy farmer (and another name can't remember) John is in my home town,Garnavillo and a neighboring town of Guttenberg. I blow snow for John when a pickup and plow won't handle it. I was in the plant the other day, and did not see any toys being built, more potty chairs, fly swatters, and promotional things. Toy tractors are not a big market compared to other options.
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