Frederick Ertl was a skilled craftsman and proficient molder at the Adams Company in Dubuque, Iowa. In 1945, he found himself without a job, so he began making toy tractors in the furnace of his home by melting down defective aluminum pistons and implementing a sand-cast technique he perfected at the Adams Company. Within a year, Ertl had scaled production up from his home furnace to a 1,000 square foot building. By 1947, the side hustle had grown into a full-fledged business and moved into a 11,000 square foot building in Dubuque, Iowa and employed a host of local craftsmen. Details 1/25 scale model Over 62 unassembled pieces NOS, New in Box condition. Please refer to images for signs of wear and tear. "Blueprint Replica Model Kit" Original unopened box Sold as is