TOYTRAC 2008

THE FARM TOY SHOW FOR THE SOUTH AND WEST!

Sunday 19th. October, 10am - 3.30pm.

Held at The Pavillion, Wincanton Racecourse
Fully signposted off the A303

Over 100 tables of farm toys and models, plus the farmstead with extensive vintage tractor and implement collections.

Historical Photos - the later TT at Famer Giles!

Barn Again - The Great Barn full of Farmtoys	More of the Barn - soon after opening
Cenfyn Davies - The King of 1/43	Tractor Connection - Martin Smits from Holland
Lives of Brian - Norman and Holmes!	Day and Hopper - Clasic Tractor's Editor attends!
www.farmmodels.co.uk - Karen	Ian Leathers - Agrium Models
Bill & Jean Richardson	Nigel & Cathy Ford - AKA Scaledown Models
One of the many Fergies on Site	More Vintage and Classics

Toytrac History:

2007 saw the move to the new site at Wincaton Racecourse, however here is how it all started..

The year 2000 saw many things. Millenium fever came and went with a bug that didn't happen. Floods and rains of biblical proportions were both the high and low points that people remember the year for. However, for tractor enthusiasts, one good thing that did happen was the running of TOYTRAC 2000.

Prior to this event, collectors of farm toys and models had to travel to the dismal dark depths of East Anglia to attend a large swapmeet dedicated to farm toys and collectables. However, realising that there was an untapped demand amongst the many collectors in the growing hobby of farm toy collecting, the organisers decided to run TOYTRAC 2000 in an effort to meet the needs of collectors in the area.

This successful event, held at Farmer Giles Farmstead, Teffont, Near Salisbury, catered for the many hundreds of collectors of toy and model tractors, such as Britains and Ertl models, that there are amongst the agricultural communities of the South West. As farm sizes increased, and, technology and economics dictate that fewer and fewer people are employed on the land, many keep in touch by collecting farm toys, of machinery both old and new, a phenomenon which occurred in America some twenty years ago, and, is now a growing hobby here in the UK. Those who relate to their grandfather's era can collect anything from the early Britains horse drawn implement and lead models to the little grey Fergie; for the techno buffs there are models of the latest 500 horsepower satellite guided behemoths to collect. Like Formula One, there are also favoured teams; however instead of Ferrari, Jaguar, Williams and Mclaren, names like Deere, Claas, New Holland, Case and Caterpillar cause feverish brows amongst the followers. Like Formula One, big business own and control the teams - Fiat own Ferrari and Alfa Romeo, they also own New Hiolland and Case!

Despite the heavy rains that afflicted the south at the time, well over 700 people attended the first event, held on the first Sunday in November. This was a date chosen to be coincidental with the American National Farmtoy Show, held in Iowa on the same weekend, Wiltshire has the same mix of Agriculture and business so why not! Leading British traders and dealers, such as Brian and Ann Holmes, Steve Miller and many others from all over the UK made the effort to attend ensuring the show's success, and, Martin Smits from Holland made the Channel crossing giving the show an international dimension.

As the first show was so well received by both trade and the collectors, the decision was taken to run the show as an annual event, and, as a result, TOYTRAC 2005 will take place at the same venue this Sunday, November 6th., again at Farmer Giles Farmstead, Teffont, Nr. Salisbury. Last year's event in 2004 saw over 1000 people attending the show, making it the fastest growing farmtoy show in Europe.

Full catering facilities are on site as well as a large collection of vintage tractors and implements and other attractions of the farmstead. The regular farm toy dealers will attend, with the welcome benefit of some additional traders to last year giving even more variety. Expect to see the latest models from Britains, Ertl and Siku, as well as the highly detailed low volume hand produced models from such as Hillside Toys, Brian Norman and G and M Originals. There is also the possibility that you might find that long forgotten toy from your childhood, or, that elusive item to complete your own collection. Ian Leather of Agrium models will be selling his latest conversions, as will Paul Capon of PDC Models. Conversely, even if you only want a valuation, free advice or have a farm toy or model to sell, then this is the event. If you want something keep you sane and occupied over the Xmas holidays, white metal kits will be available directly from the country's leading suppliers, Nigel & Cathy Ford of Scaledown Models.

For frustrated wives and girlfriends who may balk at the idea of their husbands having a day out don't fear - if they desire (and need) retail therapy of their own the Wilton out of town shopping village is only eight miles away, so everyone can solve the eternal problem of what to get for Christmas on the same day. Farmer Giles, and TOYTRAC, lies just off the A303 and is fully signposted.

For information contact the show organisers Steve & Karen Harris on 01380 830659 or Warner & Sue Hall on 01264 361307.

Traders: booking forms available from Warner Hall 01264 361307