I removed an Ertl Precision New Idea picker from the A-C D 17 and mounted it on a Precision 706 that had been converted to narrow front. The major rework was modifying the axle brackets and replacing the paddles above the husking rolls with the usually-seen flexi-fingers. I got the finger wheels and open-mesh boarding ladder from Steve Schulz in Wisconsin. I fabricated mounts for a grease gun and fire extinguisher, and added a tool box and hitch pin and rope. I painted the snapping and husking rolls and the chains and fan belt appropriate colors as needed. The super snoot was made from plastic sheet and perforated brass sheet. The holes are larger than on the real thing but it captures the look. Thank you to Kirk Affeldt for sending the photos and measurements I needed. The wagon is the Ertl Precision IH flare box. I made both sets of side boards from scale lumber and brass strip stock. The bottom boards are painted and the upper pair are weathered.
I know I have followed this along the way, but it still is amazing every time I see it. You have done a great job in putting the two together and adding those "little extras" to make it the way it should be. I hope one day I will get to see this in person!!
706 was just about The Perfect picking tractor, a hydrostatic transmission would have mede it perfect. The detail you created is awesome! Grease gun and grease gun holder. Never saw a holder like that, we always used the over-center style with a pistol grip gun, every tractor had one, and a toolbox big enough for at least two tubes of grease.
Wagon looks nice too. Next you need to build a crib of some sort, find a scale elevator, and a wagon hoist of one style or another.
Incredible work !! I*'d like to see the picker on a d 17 and wd ac too.Wish they would make the old style new idea with the trailing husking bed. Great job !!!