Scale Models & the 1/24th Gleaner R2 series of combines.

In 1992, AGCO Corp and Gleaner introduced the new Series II Gleaner combines to replace the R0 series. The new models included the R42, R52, R62, and the R72 combine. The combines gained a new refined body style and an ALL new bigger and more comfortable cab then the previous series.

Scale Models did not release a new R2 Gleaner until 1994 or 2 years after the introduction of the real combine. In 1994, Scale Models made a 1/24th Gleaner R62 "Limited Edition" which featured chrome wheel rims, handrails, and mirrors, plus an inscription on the combine saying "Limited Edition 1994". The combine also featured RWA, movable unloading auger, and a straw spreader that rotates, plus the guard around the spreader. Like the old R60 Gleaner in 1/24th and countless previous 24th scale Gleaners, the cab had all black windows and no interior. The 1/24th Gleaner R62 Limited Edition came with both the 8 row corn head, and an interchangeable grain head.

Scale Models soon afterwards introduced a 1/24th Gleaner R62 "shelf model" combine, that came with both heads, but had no handrails, mirrors or rims. The wheel rims were grey. This version was more geared towards a children's model vs. the Ltd R62 which was more for the Collector. Interestingly there was also a 1/24th Gleaner R62 shelf version that left the Scale Models plant with an ALL SILVER Chassis, Silver Rotary Screen, Air cleaner, and feeder house. On the correct version, these features just mentioned were painted the correct color of black. The R62 Gleaner with the Silver Chassis, only came with the 8 row corn head.. Interestingly there was also a Later style R62 Gleaner in 1/24th made with the later style decals that all had the mistake of an All Silver Chassis. Someday I will get the story figured out on those two Gleaner combines with the Silver Chassis, Air cleaner, Rotary Screen, and the feeder house.

The Next 1/24th R2 series Gleaner produced, was in 1995 for the Farm Show Circuit. Scale Models brought out a 1/24th Gleaner R62 that had GOLD Chrome wheel rims, handrails, mirrors, and the entire straw spreader and guard was Gold Chrome as well. The combine had a special decal above the unloading auger that said " Farm Show Edition, September 26th- 28th 1995". Its one of the harder versions of the R62 out there in 1/24th but they do come up for sale.


In 1998, while Gleaner celebrated its 75th anniversary, the Gleaner R2 series combines got a make over. No longer were the combines going to be leaving the plant with just the Galvanized metal side panels, the Galvanized metal was now going to be painted Silver over top of the metal. Plus they updated the decals on the combine.
Scale Models shortly afterwards brought out a 1/24th Gleaner R62 which featured the updated paint job and newer style decals to reflect the changes AGCO made to the real machine. There was no special edition of the later R62 produced, so this model had no mirrors or handrails. It did have the straw spreader and came with both headers.

Another change also happened during the production of the 1/24th Gleaner R2 series. Normally and up to this point Scale Models always choose to do the middle or 2nd biggest model i.e.,N6, R6, R60, R62) But somewhere around 2000/2001 Scale Models released a 1/24th Gleaner R72 combine with the later style decals and paint job. It was just a shelf model, but it had both headers. I remember being very excited to get the 1/24th Gleaner R72 as it represented the biggest combine Gleaner built at the time and was the flagship model. They never made the 1/24th Gleaner R72 very long, so it can be a really tricky one to fine. It was really only a decal change from the R62, so if your at a show and see an R2 series Gleaner in 1/24th with the later decals, look closely as it maybe either an R62 or an R72.

While the R62's with later decals show up more often, the 1/24th R72 Gleaner is getting hardier to fine.

In the next thread we will move on to discussing the 1/24th Gleaner R5 series of Gleaners that were right on the heels not to long after the 1/24th Gleaner R72 came out.