INTERMEDIATE BUILD FERGUSON TE-20
Steve Budd steers Heller’s engaging kit of Ferguson’s successful 1/24 TE-20 tractor over the finish line
Designed by Irish-born Harry Ferguson, the 15hp TE-20 was a production staple of the Standard Motor Company at its plant in Coventry from 1946 until manufacture ceased in 1956.
Those ten years of production resulted in more than half a million little ‘Fergies’ being released into service and 63 years later there are still examples around the world earning their keep day in, day out. Among the many nicknames this vehicle earned was ‘Petit Gris’ (Little Grey) and its longevity was testament to the firm’s engineering, robust construction and simple maintenance requirements.
The ‘heart’ of the little Fergie was accomplished over assembly Stages 1 and 2. Fit was mostly fine, but part B15 (located over the final drive housing) left a narrow gap that was closed easily with Mr. Hobby’s Mr. Dissolved Putty. A decision to defer paint until the entire kit, minus bodywork and wheels, was assembled was settled on from the outset.
Unfortunately, Heller’s engineering wasn’t to its usual standards when trial-fitting the coolant hoses in Stage 8, as the lower section fouled the left side of the suspension arm (Part D7). The location point on the radiator was simply moved until it was clear of the component, after which the lower hose was then cut free, extended with plastic rod and reattached.
Adding wires from the spark plugs to the distributor cap was an essential extra detail, given the visibility of this area. Reference photos from the internet confirmed the correct wiring sequence. Shep Paine’s principle of ‘creative gizmology’ was gleefully adopted, with scraps of fuse wire and leftover photo-etched (PE) metal parts from the spares box.
Stages 11 to 14 resulted in the addition of the exhaust manifold and related items. This was also a time to start considering whether to model the diesel version (with a vertical pipe) or the petrol option (with its low, horizontally mounted exhaust). In the end, the latter was selected, but this was a decision Heller’s instructions left until Stage 55.
Navigating Stages 16, 17 and 18 resulted in the little Fergie receiving a fuel tank, battery and dashboard. By this point, it was clear in my mind the forward bodywork would be closed – the kit allows for it to hinge if desired, revealing what lurks beneath. No wiring was added to embellish the battery as it would be hidden.
Rather than opting for a British seat and associated spring support, it was decided to use the French item instead (Parts B31 and B9), as these seemed more suitable for the subsequent weathering. Undoubtably, 60-plus years after leaving the Coventry factory, there are Fergies loose in the world with ‘mixed parentage’ features such as this.
Although vinyl tyres don’t attract much love in the modelling world, I was perfectly happy with them here. A test-fit on the assembled hubs confirmed the tyres sat snugly, ensuring most of the necessary paint and weathering could be applied before proceeding to that stage. No glue was necessary later and this meant no risk of damage to the finish.
The engine/radiator cover was a three-part sub-assembly that required Mr. Dissolved Putty to seal a few minor seam gaps. The mudguards revealed a selection of ejector pin marks along the top inner faces that would still be visible after the rear wheels were in place and the same product was employed to treat them.
Heller suggested holes should be drilled in the engine cover if headlights were to be fitted, but a ‘clean’ look was preferred, with just the reversing lamp on the right-hand mudguard installed in this instance. Assembly was made easier by gluing the side panels in situ and the front section last. Minor tidying of the Mr. Dissolved Putty was all that remained before painting commenced.
PERFECT PREPARATIONS
