Big toy trucks and trailers are popular among children and collectors of farm toys for many reasons, and the ERTL company has been manufacturing these toys for decades.
ERTL’s big toy trucks and trailers are iconic because of their superb level of detailing that mimics their real-world counterparts and gives them unmatched authenticity. Children respond to them because of their potential for imaginative play, and the fact that they are reflective of real-world activities and scenarios. Collectors are drawn to them because they are beautifully crafted and have an iconic appeal. Many big toy trucks are also manufactured alongside licensing agreements that allow big names such as John Deere to be reimagined in miniature.
So whether you’re an avid collector who wants to display a big toy truck in your home or truck’s dashboard, or a child who is learning about the magic of immersive play, ERTL has the perfect toys and collectibles for you.
- What are big toy trucks and trailers?
- What kind of big toy trucks and trailers does ERTL make?
- Why are big toy trucks and trailers so popular with children?
- Big toy trucks and trailers for collectors
- How big are ERTL’s big toy trucks?
- ERTL’s 18-wheel semi-trucks
- ERTL’s ride-on tractors and trailers
- A commitment to timeless toys
What are big toy trucks and trailers?
Big toy trucks and trailers provide an immersive, educational, and fun play experience for children, including toddlers, and are also popular with collectors. Big toy trucks often combine realism, interactive features, and versatility that have ensured they have longevity in the world of children’s toys. They remain popular with children because typically kids are fascinated by vehicles that exist in real life, and they enjoy being able to replicate the world in miniature.
This line of toys refers to large-scale toy replicas of real trucks and trailers that are used in construction, transportation, agriculture, and other industries. Often these toys are designed for children so they may include interactive features, moving parts, and realistic details. Big toy trucks and trailers are typically made from durable materials such as plastic or die-cast metal, so they can sustain rough play.
What kind of big toy trucks and trailers does ERTL make?
ERTL produces a wide variety of big toy trucks and trailers, and they’re particularly well-known for their range of farm and construction ranges. Lines and models often change over time, and so availability depends on the popularity or scarcity of specific items. A benefit of this is that certain ERTL toys are incredibly collectible.
If you want to find out more about ERTL’s current big toy truck range you can check out the website or product catalog. Here are some of the types of big toy trucks and trailers that ERTL has made over the years.
- Big Farm Series: ERTL's Big Farm series includes large-scale farm vehicles, trucks, and trailers. True to the play experience, these toys are often designed specifically for outdoor play and may feature realistic sounds, lights, and moving parts.
- Construction Vehicles: ERTL produces realistic big toy trucks that mimic construction vehicles and include dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and other construction equipment.
- John Deere Licensed Toys: Since the 1960s, ERTL has maintained a partnership with John Deere to produce replicas of John Deere machines and vehicles.
- Monster Treads Series: This series features big toy trucks that are designed to look like monster trucks. They are rugged toys with oversized wheels and can often perform cool stunts.
- Farm Machines Series: This series includes various popular farm equipment and vehicles, including big toy trucks like grain trucks, hauling trailers, and utility vehicles.
- Adventure Force Construction Vehicles: This series features big toy trucks and construction vehicles characterized by their durability and interactive features.
- John Deere Sandbox Toys: ERTL’s sandbox toys are perfect for outdoor play and include big toy trucks and construction vehicles.
- Transportation Vehicles: ERTL produces big toy trucks that resemble transportation vehicles, including semi-trucks with trailers, delivery trucks, and garbage trucks.
- Fire and Emergency Vehicles: ERTL produces a range of themed playsets including big toy fire trucks and emergency vehicles.
Why are big toy trucks and trailers so popular with children?
Big toy trucks and trailers are modeled on real-life vehicles and they go beyond simply being entertaining. Playing with these toys has numerous developmental benefits and contributes to developing the imagination by allowing children to create their own scenarios and immerse themselves in real-life worlds. Children are fascinated by adult activities so big toy trucks and trailers open up experiences such as construction and farming.
Here are some other benefits of playing with big toy trucks and trailers:
- Understanding Cause and Effect: Many of these toys have moving parts, which are very useful in developing the concept of “if I do this, x will happen”.
- Developing Fine Motor Skills: ERTL toys are incredibly detailed and often have moving parts that help to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Exploring the Senses: A lot of the big toy trucks and trailers include different textures, materials, and sounds.
- Developing an Interest in How Things Work: ERTL big toy trucks and trailers are designed with educational features. Children are naturally fascinated with vehicles and machinery so these toys tap into that sensibility.
- Encouraging Outdoor and Social Play: Many ERTL toys are suitable for outdoor play and they allow for collaboration.
- Appealing to All Genders: ERTL big toy trucks and trailers are diverse and have wide appeal.
Big toy trucks and trailers are the perfect toys for children because they are versatile, timeless, and have a universal appeal.
Big toy trucks and trailers for collectors
Since 1945, ERTL has produced high-quality die-cast metal replicas. Many of these toys are incredibly sought after by collectors because of their history and beautiful attention to detail. Typically ERTL trucks and trailers fall into the 1:16 and 1:32 scales.
Die-cast metal adds to the realism, durability, and detailing of the models. Furthermore, ERTL often uses color schemes, logos, and components that are true to the original truck or trailer. Details and features such as having movable parts can often add to their value.
Collectors love ERTL because they are so accurate and have a level of craftsmanship that is unmatched. Plus, there’s the addition of the nostalgia that has been developed throughout the company’s long history.
How big are ERTL’s big toy trucks?
ERTL produces a variety of toy trucks and trailers in different sizes. The big toy trucks are large-scale and are either 1:16 or 1:32. These scales allow toys to be relatively larger and provide scope for more detail, additional features, and moving parts. Typically these sizes are better for children because they are larger and allow for more immersive play.
1:16 or 1:32 refers to the proportion or ratio between the size of the toy and the size of the real vehicle. So 1:16 means the toy is 1/16th the size of the actual vehicle and 1:32 is 1/32nd the size of the actual vehicle.
To check out the actual dimensions of an ERTL toy, you can have a look at the details on the packaging.
ERTL’s 18-wheel semi-trucks
ERTL’s die-cast metal range extends to 18-wheel semi-trucks which mimic real-life tractor-trailers used in transportation and logistics. This range is typically part of their larger-scale collections and are known for their realism and attention to detail. They might feature logos, iconic paint schemes, and brand designs, which they can draw on because of licensing deals. Some ERTL 18-wheel semi-trucks are released as collectors editions which can be highly sought after and collectable.
ERTL’s ride-on tractors and trailers
The ride-on tractor is the biggest in ERTL’s range of toy tractors, and the specifications vary depending on the model and design. Certain models may be produced under licensing agreements with well-known and iconic brands. Ride-on tractors are designed for kids to sit on and ride, providing a fun, interactive, and memorable play experience and they may also include tow hitches for wagons and trailers. These toys epitomize fun outdoor play and ensure great photographs to document happy childhood moments.
A commitment to timeless toys
Most of us have memories of playing with toy trucks and trailers, and their enduring popularity is timeless. They help us to create miniature worlds, and explore things in new ways, and their versatility means there’s a toy that will no doubt appeal to any child or collector.
We have a visceral connection to these toys, and the ERTL company has continued to inspire and create play since 1945. For parents, a simple toy like a big toy truck and trailer offers children a varied and complex play experience that has numerous benefits. The reality is that whether they’re for play or for collecting these magical toys continue to capture our hearts and minds.
Follow us:
Share this blog:
