This model was born from the memory of the first tractor an ex-tractor operator from Siziano, near Pavia, set foot on, marking the beginning of a career that continues even decades later.
“You never forget your first love,” says a popular adage, and like most sayings, it holds a grain of truth. This sentiment resonates in the story of a small John Deere “3350” rice field edition, commissioned by Walter Pettinari, a tractor operator from Siziano, to commemorate the machine that launched his career decades ago.
Walter’s start was a challenging one, not only because he had to master a significant machine but also due to the demanding working conditions: a flooded rice paddy and a heavy Kuhn “MDS 19” seeder. It was a rigorous trial, but Walter succeeded, paving the way for a career that remains active today, albeit with more modern and advanced equipment.
That John Deere “3350” left such a lasting impression on Walter that when he came across a Britains 1:32 scale replica, he didn’t hesitate to buy it, knowing full well it was a toy and not a collectible model. However, it was transformed into a masterpiece by modeler Giorgio Galloni, who completely disassembled the replica and began a meticulous process to bring it aesthetically closer to the original tractor.
The transformation began with removing the Siku rear lift and replacing it with a “PMA 32” unit crafted by Frédéric Gaillot, a French artisan whose work is available online. The cabin interior was rebuilt from scratch, and the molded rail on the hood was replaced with an accurate 0.8 mm brass wire version, scaled to match the original. Holes were drilled in the hood for mounting the exhaust pipe, air intake with oil-bath filter, and the fuel tank cap. The lights were simulated with rhinestones, while decals were custom-printed, and the paint job was tailored to mimic the wear and aging typical of rice field work.
The most challenging modification involved fitting rice wheels. These were first designed in 3D CAD, then prototyped in resin to create masters for the final wheels, cast in brass using the lost-wax technique by a specialized company.
The final result is a unique model that now proudly adorns Walter Pettinari’s desk.
Title: John Deere “3350 Riso” model by Britains, a tribute to the past
Translation with ChatGPT
