We've never seen such a detailed model of the John Deere 9620RX remote control tractor. So we asked modeler Roman Hanel about his tractor...
.
How long have you been making RC models and what were your beginnings?
My beginnings in modelling were with airplanes. But how did I get into ground engineering? That's kind of funny. For Christmas 2018, my wife and I bought an Xbox game console and of course Farming Simulator. I really enjoy it, so I started searching the internet for rebuild tutorials. So I set out on my first rebuild.
What was the first Bruder model you rebuilt and "got moving"?
The first model was a New Holland T7. Back then, it was still simple and 360° servo drive, nothing too complicated. Once I thought it needed some challenge and especially something that you don't see much of at events in the country. That's why the choice fell on the 9RX. Of course, when it arrived and I took it apart, I didn't sleep for about 2 nights to see if I could do it.
The John Deere 9620RX tracked conversion looks great, how long will it take to build a fully functional RC model?
It took about 3 months to get it to a moving model and glowing. However, to the state you can view now, it's been two years of work in stages. It's always the details that are the worst, and since I'm a huge detailer, it just had to be.
What parts are needed for this? Do you make them all yourself?
If we listed all the parts here, it would make a small book. The main parts are, of course, the engines and gearboxes. These motors control two controllers (separate right/left side). The other integral part is the cornering servo with a force of 48 kg/cm. There is also a light module, sound module, light switches, 24 channel kit and a total of 8m of cables and nearly 60 LEDs.
What can this John Deere do after your "intervention"?
The model drives forward/reverse, turns (electronically set differential), parking lights, low beams, turn signals, front/roof/rear working lights controlled separately, beacons, engine sound. The modification of the model was consulted directly with the John Deere tractor manager for the Czech Republic, so we tried to do everything according to the great original.
What other Bruder model do you have in your sights for conversion?
I don't have another model in my sights yet. I'm still modifying mine. I'm still redoing the Krampe dump siding in 2020, so the constant modifications keep me quite busy.
What is your modeling dream, do you have a dream model?
I've always had a modeling dream. And that is to have a model that people will really like at events. To have a model that is not just seen and that satisfies me. I like to help other modelers with various gadgets and electronics.
Your tractor is really neat, have you won any awards with it?
Not awards directly, but the model has been written about in various magazines like RCModels, in the newspaper Deník and the biggest honour so far has been the German magazine TruckModell.
Do you also do custom conversions or do you just build for your own pleasure?
I don't do custom conversions. It's only for my own pleasure. As I wrote before, I help other modelers with various electronics and lighting.
All it takes is "just" two years of work and it's a thing of beauty.
