Britains to Mark 100th Anniversary with First Ever Tractor Re-release
The brand is also set to announce a brand-new license
Britains, Europe’s oldest specialist in agricultural toys and collectibles, is set to celebrate its 100th Anniversary next year with the launch of its original Fordson Major Tractor, which will be one of only 7,500 units available from July.
In 1921, Britains unveiled its first farm vehicle, the ‘4F’ Tumbrel Cart. Shortly after World War II came to an end, Britains introduced its first ever tractor in 1948, just three years after the real tractor appeared. It featured a choice of metal or rubber tyres and came with a character driver within a traditional matchbox. The 2021 limited-edition version will pay tribute to these nostalgic features, with a fully diecast tractor including rubber tyres, a lookalike toy driver and the original packaging.
To drive demand for the Fordson Major, Britains will be hiding 100 Gold finished tractors within the 7,500 range for collectors to find, as well as creating 10 Silver versions for social media and press giveaways to build further awareness.
The brand has also expanded its global licensed offering, with the introduction of CLAAS – one of the biggest licensees in the world. The new partnership is expected to be key for 2021 and will see the launch of the CLAAS Xerion 5000 model with detailed features and a rotating cab, available from January 2nd. The following month Britains is set to launch two new additions to its Heritage collection, the International Harvester Farmall 1066 and the Case International 4894, giving further kudos to the nostalgic feel of 2021.
Mary Wood, General Manager UK & Head of EU Brand Development at TOMY, said: “We are very pleased to be celebrating our 100th Anniversary next year, but we couldn’t have reached this huge milestone without our longstanding and devoted fans, from collectors to farming families, our core fans have played with and grown up with Britains for years and we want to thank them for all of their support.
“To mark this celebration, not only do we have some exciting, limited-edition products for our core fans, but we will also be supporting the anniversary campaign with an emotive brand video, bespoke POS materials, a newly designed logo and a celebration event.
“Over the years we have achieved world firsts for Britains, from launching the first ever tractor replica, to a radio-controlled tractor, being at the forefront of trends in the industry, leading the way on quality and design, and achieving number one status in the market for 1:32 farm replicas.
“We are extremely proud to have reached this landmark and we want to thank everyone, especially the retail support from independent toy stores, who have contributed to the 100-year success of Britains.”
100 Year Key Milestones:
- 1921 –Britains Model Home Farm launches – the brand’s first ever farming item
- 1948 – The iconic, first ever tractor, the Fordson Major launches
- 1970 – The 4711 Model Farmyard launches and is one of the bestselling items of the whole Britains farm collection
- 1976 – The 9570 Massey Ferguson 760 Combine receives ‘Toy of the Year’ Award at the London Toy Fair
- 1997 – Britains is bought by ERTL, one of the largest toy manufacturers in the world, giving Britains access to global licenses to produce models from John Deere and Case IH, which have since gone on to be one of the best-selling ranges
- 2008 – The 1:16 Britains ‘Big Farm’ is introduced with 3 tractors and 2 trailers. The ‘Big Farm’ range is then extended in 2009 with radio control function added to one tractor
Britains is a leading manufacturer in die-cast models and is a name synonymous with quality models since William Britain started making toy soldiers in 1893 using the hollow casting process.
Today, Britains has established itself with high quality innovation in perfectly replicated diecast miniatures, whilst remaining true to its 100- year heritage. Britains offers a full range of diecast farm models including tractors, implements, vehicles and accessories, allowing children aged 3+ to build their farm, as well as constantly refreshing and updating its collection for its enthusiasts.
For more information on Britains, please visit: https://britainsfarmtoys.co.uk/
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