When actively looking to get specific brands, ERTL farm toys should be the first types you look for. This way you know for certain that you are getting a high level of quality. You also know that they will retain or increase in price over the years. This is especially true if you manage to get your hands on the rare editions. Oddly enough, many of the most valued pieces are those that were mistakes. Some batches of farm toys were put together incorrectly and later changed, thus leaving a very small number of pieces on the market. These can fetch thousands apiece. You could even have a few packed away in a box if you ever were given such toys as a kid. It would be wise for you to go give your old things a good rifling through. Pretty much everyone has at least a couple of tractor toys floating around and hiding behind things. I lucky to get most of mine set up in a display in a room I have set aside for my collectibles. This is a good tip for those of you who are looking to get organized. It is smart to have space dedicated to your collections.
These ERTL farm toys can be played with too, obviously. This may seem atypical, but little kids do like playing with toys. You may benefit greatly from having your kids or some relatives get involved with various tractor toys or other farm related replicas. It helps them appreciate the hobby and who knows, you may garner yourself a partner in the process. It is great to pass down a hobby as well. It keeps it alive and well which is a great thing. Little kids usually like playing with these pieces, so you may consider getting copies so they can have a set to get rough with. You can pack away the other set or put them on display. This is something I ended up learning the painful way when a young cousin of mine decided to have some fun with an Ertl farm toys tractor of mine. He broke it in a few places and fixing it was next to impossible. I was not too furious because it was partly my fault for having it within reach, but it does teach a valuable lesson that all collectors need to know.
