Two Legends of the Farm Toy World
If you've spent any time in the farm toy collecting hobby, you've encountered two names more than any other: ERTL and Britains. Both have shaped what farm toy collecting looks like today, and both have passionate followings. But they come from different traditions, focus on different markets, and offer distinct collecting experiences. Here's how they compare across the key dimensions that matter to collectors.
A Brief History of Each Brand
ERTL was founded in 1945 in Dyersville, Iowa by Fred Ertl Sr., a former foundry worker. The company became synonymous with American farm machinery, producing die-cast replicas of John Deere, Case IH, International Harvester, and Ford tractors. ERTL was eventually acquired by Racing Champions and then Basic Fun, but its legacy models remain some of the most collectible farm toys in North America.
Britains dates back to 1893 and is one of the oldest toy manufacturers in the world. Originally known for lead soldier figures, Britains pivoted heavily into farm toys in the mid-20th century, producing highly detailed replicas of primarily European machinery — Massey Ferguson, Ford, Claas, and New Holland being among their most celebrated subjects.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | ERTL | Britains |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | USA | UK |
| Primary Market | North America | UK and Europe |
| Common Scales | 1:16, 1:64 | 1:32 |
| Machinery Focus | John Deere, Case IH, Ford/New Holland | Massey Ferguson, Claas, Ford, New Holland |
| Material | Die-cast metal + plastic components | Die-cast metal + plastic components |
| Play vs. Display | Strong play heritage, 1:16 great for display | Strongly display/collector focused at 1:32 |
| Vintage Collectibility | Very high — 1950s–1970s pieces especially sought after | High — especially pre-1980s lead and early die-cast |
| Current Production | Limited under current ownership | Active, regular new releases |
| Price Range | Budget to premium depending on vintage | Mid-range to premium for new models |
Where ERTL Shines
ERTL's strength lies in its deep connection to American farm culture. If your collecting passion is centred on green and yellow John Deere models, or the red and black of Case IH, ERTL has produced more licensed replicas of these brands than any other manufacturer. The 1:16 scale ERTL tractors in particular are outstanding display pieces — large enough to appreciate detail, accurate enough to satisfy serious collectors. Vintage ERTL pieces also represent strong long-term collector interest, making them appealing from an investment perspective.
Where Britains Shines
Britains excels in the 1:32 scale, producing a consistently broad range of European farm machinery alongside complementary farm animals, fencing, and accessories. This makes Britains the default choice for building complete, cohesive farm scene displays. Their working features — opening tractor bonnets, working hydraulics on implements, moveable figures — add genuine play and display value. For collectors outside North America, or those who grew up with European tractor brands, Britains has an almost unrivalled legacy.
Which Should You Collect?
There's no wrong answer — and many collectors build libraries of both. As a general guide:
- Choose ERTL if you're drawn to American farm machinery, love 1:16 scale display models, or are interested in vintage die-cast investment pieces.
- Choose Britains if you want to build a cohesive 1:32 farm scene, prefer European machinery brands, or value regular new releases from an active manufacturer.
- Collect both if you want the broadest and most comprehensive celebration of farm toy history from either side of the Atlantic.