[THE DC]

Joe’s work is clearly remarkable. He builds his models in micro scale but with macro detail. His exhibits displayed features rarely attempted in much larger scaled models. In the previously described B-17, and other aircraft kits, (see Thread chapter: Teakell’s Table) the small aircraft had rotating turrets, moving machine gun barrels, and rotating propellers. That kit had also been made from silver gift wrap paper; a technique that Joe expressed pride in. He’d added water-slide decals for extra authenticity.

This may not have been Joe’s favorite build, as one demonstration of his described modeling led him to share features of other kits, making any determination of his favorite build to be difficult. He pointed out how his mini-tanks had turning turrets and how his rockets had accurate, detailed stage separation pieces. He’d shared how he’d used different skins from different kits for his space shuttles, while developing options of moving parts and detail. He seemed less enamored with any one particular build as much as the pleasure of experimenting and “kit bashing” different designs to create all the detail and features that he desired. In talking to Joe, though he would recommend specific designers, like Bruno Models, he enjoyed exploring the interchangeable possibilities of multiple model designers to create his vision of the final build.

Creativity is his co-pilot.

This extended to the size of the kit. He was comfortable reducing larger sized kits to make micro-versions. In one instance, an African Corps kit from ABC, which had been in HO scale, had been reduced to 240 scale; requiring a couple of weeks to accomplish the task of creating the parts for the diorama that he wanted to attempt. Similarly, another ABC kit was scaled to accomplish a tiny Stalingrad diorama, or another one of Normandy. In these tiny tanks, and even more so in the tinier guns of the aircraft, he shared how rolling the paper to create gun barrels to be so small required many hours of practice to achieve clean results. Even with the built up skill, he admitted that he still had messed up in an effort on many occasions, but as is the benefit of paper modeling, trying again was time consuming but not materially prohibitive.

In another example, he used the models to show off aerodynamics by building air-launch, flying versions. In this respect, Joe wasn’t only interested in creating the design and look of the kit; he was interested in exploring the function of the represented craft. Joe’s approach to model building is quite intense and comprehensive.

His experimentation with foil paper increased the metallic appearance of the rockets, while he worked to mimic the rounded folds of the Saturn 1 and Apollo 7 designs, to accomplish as realistic, as possible, mimicry of the actual craft. Though he might seek out a Mars Designs model, his kit bashing, part swapping, and modification was an exploration of paper modeling, as much as it was the mastery of a specifically attractive kit.