ERTL and the 1/32nd Gleaner combine models

1/32nd is a nice size for collecting scale model farm toys, and in the early to mid 1960's, ERTL choose the 1/32nd scale to produce their very first Gleaner combine models. There is some debate as to what the model # of the combines are but I have came to realize that two different models were produced with different variations. Those model #'s are "C2" and "F" or "G" models. The biggest differences between the "C2" and "G" models, has to do with the castings. On the "C2" 1/32nd model, the engine is off set from the grain back, while the rear of the combine by the straw Walkers is rounded. It can be argued that is model may be an A2 as well. On the later "G" version of the 32nd Gleaner, the engine is centered with the grain tank, while the rear of the combine is more squared. Both versions shared the same tires, wheels and unloading augers. Because of the two different model variations, naturally the decals are different as well. It is also to note that the grain heads were different on some of these 32nd Gleaners. The earlier versions, had an "open end" on both sides of the grain head, while later versions had the closed ends on the grain head. Some of the grain heads were driven by either chains or a rubber belt. When the child playing with the model pushed the combine across the floor, the chain or belt would turn the reel and the auger in the head. The unloading auger was fixed on both versions and it was not able to be swung in or out. However the header did raise and lower, which was pretty neat for an early 60's toy. Later versions of the 1/32nd Gleaner known as the "G" or "F" came with an interchangeable 8 row narrow corn head, and grain head. Again this was nice feature of this Gleaner model, and in fact the "G" in 1/32nd was the only 32nd Gleaner ERTL offered with the corn head. All later combines had the grain head only.
Also some of these 1/32nd early Gleaner versions had different cab variations, some had 3 windows in the cab, while another had 4 windows. There was even 1 variation of the earliest 1/32nd Gleaners that had the metal bar through the middle of the front window. So this version possibly could have been a model "A2", but because ERTL never put the model number on the combine back in the day, its anyone's guess as to what model it really is.
The price range for some of these early 1/32nd Gleaners vary model by model, and also depends on the condition and if the combine is New in the Box or not. I have seen the "G" 1/32nd Gleaner in the RARE Yellow box bring upwards of $1200.00 and that was only because of the box, not the toy. These vintage 1/32nd Gleaners may not be the best detailed combines compared to todays modern toys, but in the early 60's to early 70's it was a decent model.


ERTL next opportunity to produce another 1/32nd Gleaner, came with the Model "L2" combine which was released in the late 1970's. It's interesting that they skipped over the "L" and "M" model Gleaners, when they had the opportunity to do so back then. I guess ERTL or Allis wanted the "L" produced. In any case, The L2 was released in 1/32nd and only came with the grain head only. The cab had black window glass, and the header could not be raised or lowered. However the unloading auger could be swung in and out like the real machine. Also the 1/32nd Gleaner L2 that was made was the early variation and did not have the grain bin extensions. There were a few variations of the 1/32nd Gleaner L2 though. The normal variation of the 1/32nd L2 Gleaner came with the correct silver reel on the grain head, and orange wheel rims. This is the most common variation, there is also a VERY RARE version of the L2 Gleaner in 1/32nd that had Cream wheel rims instead of the orange wheel rims. I guess ERTL used up some spare IH 1400 series wheel rims on a few of these L2 Gleaners. There was also another very RARE version of the L2 that I have only seen pictures of. Its all correct except that it has a BLACK REEL on the grain head, instead of the silver reel. The L2 Gleaner with the BLACK REEL is one of the variations that I am seriously trying to locate but they are few and far between. Someday I hope to add this version.

Right on the heels on the L2 Gleaner in 1/32nd, came the L3, ERTL retooled the casting to incorporate the bin extensions that the later L2's and L3 Gleaners had standard. Like the L2, the L3 Gleaner in 1/32nd came with the grain head only, and the reel and auger turned by plastic gears, plus the unloading auger swung in and out just like the L2. In 1985, Duetz Allis acquired the Allis Chalmers Farm Equipment Division including the Gleaner combine line. In 1986, ERTL released the L3 Gleaner in 1/32nd under the DA color scheme, with the black cab and grey wheel rims, and Green Strip decals. Like the older AC L3 version, it only came with the grain head only. The Duetz-Allis L3 Gleaner in 1/32nd also has a RARE Variation: A few dozen or so of the 1st run of Duetz -Allis Gleaner L3's left ERTL with ORANGE wheel RIMs. Very few of them were made with the Orange rims, and if I were to guess, likely less then 100 were made this way using up remaining wheel rims from the AC L3 Gleaner. With the DA L3 Gleaner in 1/32nd, it was the last 1/32nd Gleaner to made not only by ERTL but by any other toy company as of 2016. ERTL moved on to the 1/64th Gleaners, while Scale Models continued on with the 1/24th Gleaner line of Scale Models.

We will take a look at the 1/24th Gleaners in an upcoming thread.