Marge Models 1/32 Fella Tedder

Marge Models in late 2008 began production of a new line of high detail / precision agricultural replicas. The model was released in 2009 having taken considerable development to get the product finished, but more importantly, correct and to a standard that would impress the farm model enthusiast.

Model Origins

The first model from Marge Models is the Fella Tedder TH680D Hydro. As many will know, Fella is a company based in Germany specialising in grass harvesting and processing. Fella products are found on many farms in the UK and all over mainland Europe. They have an excellent reputation at delivering quality forage based machinery and sales continue to be encouraging. Marge Models have carefully reproduced the TH680D in 1/32 scale by means of CAD and taking measurements from the real piece of machinery.

Precision Perfection

Our first impressions are that Marge Models are trying to appeal at the top end of the farm model market. Precision collectible is a phrase that is waved around when UH release a model but in our opinion, Marge Models have addressed this with a little more authenticity. The first hint of this is the packaging. A luxurious box greets the collector finished with thick glossy cardboard. Opening the box you see an elegant red ribbon which in effect, is the only thing holding the item in the box. Much better than all the wire ties seen on other products. Styrene foam is used to cushion the model within the packaging and is used effectively. As a nice touch, there is a Fella leaflet included which provides collectors with some information on the original model. Such details as seen in table on the page opposite are included. On taking the model out of the box we noticed how heavy the model is. This is down to the amount of diecast used in producing the item. Very little plastic is used which is a huge plus in our opinion. Supporting this is the delicate detail included. The tines are and joints are immaculately machined with some very impressive detail. Throughout the model, you notice just how much detail has been included and the true to life representation is brilliant. There are plenty of decals used and are reproduced in 1/32 with near perfection. The model folds into its working or transport position with ease and we commend the hitch attachment which enables use with tractors from other model manufacturers. We also like the quality of finish. The paint is consistent with very little, if any, blemishes noticeable, the decals are applied correctly and components are sturdy enough to not have bent due to post production ageing.

Very little to fault

The drawbacks in our opinion on the model are very insignificant. We struggled to move the tedder to the different positions to start with but after several rotations, the mechanism did ease up. We were also very conscious of breaking parts off, particularly, the tines, but for collector’s, it is obvious this item is a shelf / cabinet item and will not stand up to play time! Price is not cheap but as we started the review, this is a specialist item and we think the price is reasonable.

Summary

All in all we love this model and look forward to seeing more Fella items from Marge Models. Price may put some people off but if you are an enthusiast and connoisseur of fine detail, this item will certainly not let you down! Our ratings reflect our good feeling on the tedder but do not be distracted by the low rating for playability. The item is obviously not a toy but scores pretty much top marks on all other aspects. We hope to ‘feature news on Marge Model’s next item in the next issue of Model Farmer.