John Deere 8295R Spalding show model

The John Deere 8925R was a special edition produced for the Spalding Spring Model Tractor Show. 300 pieces were produced and to make the model unique, it was given a weathered finish by Oranda Design to portray the tractor, having been working in a field. As many now know, the model quickly sold out on the day, priced at £25.00 and was seen as very good value by collectors.

Model Origins

The model is based on Britains standard shelf model, the JD8925R. With their permission, 300 models were shipped to Oranda Design for individual finishing. An authentic muddy and dusty finish was applied via airbrush by Dan Higgins and his team to each tractor. Naturally, each model has subtle differences from the next which in many enthusiasts eyes, is seen as an attractive characteristic. The model is individually numbered with this being located under the front weight. It comes packaged in original Britains box with the addition of a sticker commemorating the exhibition.

What we Like

Weathered models have come into their own over the past 18 months. We have noticed a significant increase in the number of models available with custom finishes that remove the “factory-fresh” image standard, which the vast majority of models are produced to. As stated, this model is hand finished and each model is different. We like the contrast in mud tones which suggest the model is dusty, rather than dirty. We see smoke stains on the cab roof as a consequence of the exhaust which we think is a nice touch. The bottom of the model has a greater proportion of dust which you would expect to see on the real machine. We also think the effect on the cab glass is highly effective showing a concentration gradient of dirt as we move up the cab and subsequently away from the bulk of where the dust originates. As a model tractor in its own right, we do think its a great looking item. There are nice pieces of detail and although technically, we are talking about a toy, I feel with the addition of this weathered effect, collectors would be happy to class this as a model.

What we don’t like

As always with our reviews, we like to be honest and give balanced views. We feel on some parts of the model, there are over exuberant patches of mud which, if you are being particularly picky, would argue would not occur in real life farming conditions. Similarly, due to the nature of this type of finish, some patches of the dust effect have not dried properly and have subsequently become tarnished. In places where the wire from the packaging has crossed over the model, patches of factory fresh paint are visible. Of course, these are only minor faults. Concerning the model itself, we were a little concerned about how the thing was put together in China. From the main image above, perhaps you can draw your own conclusions on how the bonnet lines up to the chassis!

All in all

All in all, we think this model is good and a worthy investment. Mainly due to the simple fact that only 200 were produced and each one has unique differences. We think it has made a reasonable “Britains Toy” into a highly collectible farm model. The bad news is that if you do want one, the £25.00 price tag is no longer sustained. In recent weeks on Ebay, we have seen 100-200% price increases of this item with the trend continuing to increase each week. Our advise is if you do fancy adding one to your collections, get hold of one now since we fully anticipate that once dealer stocks disappear, very few will be available on the market, potentially hiking the price up even further.

Another good Spalding show model, I think there were quite a few disapointed people on the day who didn't get one, one sold on E bay for £64.00 so might be for the completests only.