Ertl started its long history in 1945. The company began manufacturing diecast scale models of farm equipment and other vehicles with the motto "Just like the real thing, only smaller". The Ertl company was based in Dyersville, IA where an whole entire museum is solely dedicated to diecast models and farm equipment of ages gone by. RC2 now owns Ertl and produces diecast models all over the world. Since RC2 has taken over sports vehicles and diecast race cars has been added. RC2 has retained Ertl's brand and quality.
Ertl's most popular diecast models are 1965 Ford Mustang, Vintage John Deere Farm Equipment.