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This episode tells the story of International Harvester’s 2+2 tractors as an engineering and market experiment: a four-wheel-drive row-crop machine that tried to merge two worlds—classic row-crop visibility and maneuverability with the traction and flotation of powered front wheels. That core idea is repeatedly documented in period marketing/advertising artifacts preserved in archives, and it is echoed in later technical histories and community experience. Primary and archival sources Wisconsin Historical Society catalog record for an IH 2+2 brochure spread (“Introducing a Bold New Design in Row Crop Tractors” appears as brochure title metadata) and access conditions for images. Wisconsin Historical Society advertising proof record (dated Feb 1979) showing how the 2+2 was framed as a “row-crop break-thru” dealer-driven pitch; includes publication/context notes. University of Nebraska–Lincoln Digital Commons metadata page: Test 1319 (International 3388 and 6388 Diesel 16-Speed) with date and test-procedure abstract. Digital Commons metadata page: Test 1320 (International 3588 and 6588 Diesel 16-Speed) with date and test-procedure abstract. Digital Commons metadata page: Test 1377 (International 3788 and 6788 Diesel 12-Speed) with date and test-procedure abstract. Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory “Test Reports” hub page (institutional pointer to publications/test access). TractorData.com model pages for production totals, serial-number breakpoints/locations, and key configuration fields (engine/transmission/hydraulics/PTO). Binder Books listings for IH operator manuals and parts catalogs commonly used in restorations (example: operator manual BB-1096188; parts catalog TC-190). Jensales reprint PDFs and listings (note their disclaimer that the digitized manuals are reprints not authorized by IH). Messicks online parts diagrams for models such as the 6388 (useful for parts identification even when sourcing elsewhere). Abilene Machine catalog references showing 2+2 coverage across multiple models (aftermarket support signal). Agriculture.com long-form historical summary emphasizing IH promotional claims, design differences, and timeline framing; also discusses the Case IH transition and market context. Red Power Magazine forum threads with scanned brochures and owner commentary. Yesterday's Tractors Forums for recurring mechanical-issue themes: hinge-point wear, hose/electrical routing issues, and consequences of over-powering/over-dualing. Diesel World technical narrative for a consolidated “shop-floor” explanation of architecture, weak points, and operator experience (secondary, but detailed). John Deere is referenced in reception stories as the comparison benchmark in user anecdotes and later market context discussions. Nebraska Tractor Test sourcesSpecifications, serials, and compiled production countsManuals and parts ecosystem for restorersReputable narratives and community evidence

In this episode of the For the Love of Tractors Podcast we talk with Doug Simon of Ertl. We talk about how he got started displaying, and how he got a job with Ertl.

I'm back from Lafayette with some thoughts. is Lafayette now the big show? it sure seems that way.

in this episode we take a look back at some of the best toys of 2024 and we look forward to the new toys of 2025 and what else is coming down the pipe

I am back from Dubuque and Dyersville. Let's talk new toys.

Harvest is here it's time to talk corn combines quadtacs and who knows what else.

In this episode I talk about 3d printing farm toys and the ups and downs of making your own parts

In this episode I talk about upcoming projects and some new toys coming

Back from Lafayette with a recap episode. Talk in lots of customs and other cool things at the show.

I discuss the challenge to making custom farm toys for the a reasonable price.

In this episode we talk about the recap of the St Louis Gateway Farm toy show. We talk about the new toys that are coming and the awesome displays.

In this episode we discuss how crazy the price of the new Precision IH 1066 5 millionth Tractor is.

I take a look at the best toys of 2023 and we look at the upcoming toys from 2024. We talked about John Deere versatile Case IH and others in this episode

I discuss some recent Farm Toy Shows and talk about some upcoming episodes.

I talked about new toy prices new toys including the first gen Dodge Rams and the John Deere 8850