Starting a collection: Britains, Wiking and more
If you want to collect farm models, you face three choices: scale, manufacturer and the real tractor make. Here is how to start without regrets.
Start with one scale
A collection looks better when all the models share one scale. Most collectors choose 1:32: at that scale a 6 metre tractor is about 19 cm, and there are tractors, trailers and implements from many brands. 1:87 suits those with little space or who build a model railway.
See our scale guide for the conversion and the dimensions per scale.
Britains, Wiking, Universal Hobbies and Siku
Britains describes itself on its site as Europe's oldest specialist in agricultural toys and collectibles, and has models at 1:32. Universal Hobbies makes 1:32 models that it calls collectibles itself, recommended from 14 years.
Wiking has farm models at 1:87, 1:32 and 1:160. Siku is also available at 1:32, with metal and plastic parts, and has 1:50 and 1:87 as well. Because the brands make at the same scale, you can combine them in one collection.
Choose a tractor make
Many collectors pick one real make: John Deere, Claas, Fendt, New Holland, Case IH or Massey Ferguson. On FarmToyDeals you can see all the models of one tractor make, from different toy brands, on a single page.
What to check when buying
Check the scale, article number and EAN. The same model can exist in different versions, for example with or without a front loader. FarmToyDeals shows one page per manufacturer article, so you compare exactly the same article.
Also look at the age label: many collector models are not meant for young children.
Displaying and storing
Models at 1:87 fit in a small display case, while models at 1:32 need more shelf. Keep the box if you plan to swap or sell later.
Frequently asked questions
Which scale is best to start with?
For most collectors, 1:32: there are many brands and models at that scale. If you have little space, 1:87 is a good choice.
Are Britains and Universal Hobbies toys?
The manufacturers say not. Britains has a Prestige collection for 14+ and Universal Hobbies calls its models a collectible for ages 14 and up. Read the label of the article you are buying.
Can I combine brands at the same scale?
Yes. Models at the same scale, such as 1:32 from Siku, Britains and Universal Hobbies, look good together. The real vehicles then decide the dimensions, so compare the length on the product page.
Keep browsing
FarmToyDeals does not sell or test anything itself. This guide lists what manufacturers state. Always check the age label on the packaging.
More guides
- Which scale to choose: 1:16, 1:32, 1:50 or 1:87 The box says 1:32 or 1:16, but what does that mean for the toy you are buying? Here is how to work it out and how to pick the scale that suits you. Read the guide
- Bruder or Siku: the differences Bruder and Siku are the two best-known names in toy tractors, but they differ in scale and size. Here are the differences and how to choose. Read the guide
- Farm toys by age: from toddler to collector Which farm toys suit which age? We list the manufacturers' age labels side by side, from toddler to collector. Read the guide