The Walk-Thru of the 2023 International Paper Modeler's Convention (IPMC); the 25th

[rmks2000]

Thanks for documenting the displays, DC. Tyler's builds are always a highlight of the show.

[THE DC]

Tough Tyler is a scratch builder, he has tips for his art that can translate to any paper modeling effort. So engrossed is he in his scracthbuilding, he was seen working on the project during the convention (see pic 1). Note the punch at the top corner of the sign, to get an understanding of how wide a range of tool he employs.

Specifically, relating to scratch builds, he suggests that scratch-builders need 1:1 drawings of parts to draft out build parts. Free-handing parts is sometimes necessary. Even builders of pre-designed kits can relate to improving a pre-design, or altering/bettering a kit part or process.

Choosing the thickness of paper is important, from thin to thinner, to resolve the challenges between mobility needs versus structural support demands. Bolt marks are accomplished by using thin receipt paper to permit dimpling on his planes. Thicker paper used for skin, to provide sturdiness against damage. Regular paper made glue tubes possible. After the correct thickness is determined, the choice paper combinations may still need to be sanded down to create a smooth surface, which can then be painted.

Tools are an important part of Tylers success, and they may even be found around his exhibit sign, so important are they to his efforts (see pic 2). His Exacto knife #2 springs to mind quickly as a favored tool, with his #11 for bigger cutting efforts. Tyler recommends a thick handle for better management of cutting efforts, and for ease of use; as well as to avoid the pain or cramps experienced with thinner handles, upon the vulnerable hands. He uses a Dremmel for sanding paper parts (see pic 3) . A little drill for tiny holes, like on the tail section, like for the tail wheel. Tyler also used a sewing tool to create symmetric rivet patterns on his paper, to improve texture details (see pic 4). Other tools augmented the riveting effects, promoted scoring success, and folding efficiency (see pic 5).



Picture 1: Tyler's exhibit work mat & tools…

Picture 2: Tools & Tyler Hafley sign…

Picture 3: Tools - sanding wheels…

Picture 4: Tools- picks, rivet wheels…

Picture 5: Tools- scoring and stippling tools

[THE DC]

As mentioned before, Tyler has to fly out from all the way of Utah; that’s hard on the arms! Why would he make such an expensive and difficult Trek? Tyler explained, that like so many interviewed so far, fellowship compels the effort. He shared that he’d been coming to the IPMC for three years and that it was fun to see people’s progress on their projects over the year, over that period.

He also says the IPMC is a great place to learn techniques. Though he is primarily a scratch builder, he shows interest in prepared kits and the techniques that they use for mass production, to consider for individual paper sculpting.

He gets to re-connect with fellow builders. His wife doesn’t get his passion, at least so far, he admitted, so its nice for him to chat with people who appreciate the details of building. He also noted that these peers understand the level of his effort and appreciate the work he has put into his sculptures in a way the novice observer simply can not.

I think you will agree; this work is appreciated!

[THE DC]

And so includes the Tyler T-half exhibit. There was much to say about one build and I hope it was interesting and enlightening.

The next artist to feature also scratch builds, by creating his models on the computer and then builds them for exhibition. Unlike Tyler, he exhibit is enhanced by the largest number of models in a single exhibit...

A contrast like no other in tables!

[THE DC]

I know what you are thinking; how can he finish the tour of the 2023, 25th anniversary convention before the 2024 IPMC starts?

I dunno!

Especially when you see my next visit. This exhibit took up almost the entire side of Room 2! Sorting photos alone has taken a month!

Poor Tyler, working feverishly, and being hospitable to visiting guests, yet he was sandwiched against an exhibit of about three tables, end to end! This exhibit belonged to Matthew “Tractor” Jefson.

Jefson has a particular, and easily guessed, theme to his exhibit; John Deere equipment.

One would question whether he worked for John Deere, or at least was paid by them, given the astounding volume of vehicles that he has replicated. Surprisingly, he denied such a relationship.

Jefson has had a passion and appreciation for farmers and their efforts. This interest was instilled by his father and mother’s families; both from farm stock. His father was a farmer too, losing his farm in one of the 80s economic downturns. He’d learned to appreciate the equipment and process, collecting die cast models, at a young age, and then when matured, started designing and building his own. He learned to AutoCAD them about 30 years ago…and he built, and built, and built, and built….

[THE DC]

Matt’s John Deere honorarium was a bit overwhelming. He nestled himself behind the large central exhibit display, where he could work on future designs, and provided protection and careful exhibit detail to provide visitors an education and appreciation of the entirety of the history that he has replicated of this company's farm equipment.

There are so many vehicles to examine, and details to soak in, that you could spent a half of a day on his work alone. It is as impressive as it is prolific.

If only I could post larger photos...



Picture 1: Matthew "Tractor" Jefson's massive exhibit…

[THE DC]

Jefson‘s massive exhibit must have cost him a lot of money, as recall, these artists pay rental space for the tables that they used. He had three; a considerable investment.

His collection of John Deere equipment started with a table that displayed a series of tractors, and related equipment enclosed in protective display cases, stacked atop each other (see picture 1). These nineteen protective cases enclosed tractors, support, earth-moving equipment, tractor trailer trucks, and trailer-hitched Deere farm devices. As you know, much farm equipment is towed behind a tractor.

In front of these cases, a few straggler tractors were situated near representations of silos.

As you moved down the first of his three tables, further protective plastic cases displayed singularly detailed builds in cases sitting next to collections of similar tractors and their support equipment (see picture 2). The builds were of differing scales and differing types of tractors. Even the silos sitting in front of the display cases were detailed and one finished in silvered paper.

As you continued down the exhibit, the end of the third table displayed two sets of stacked, plastic display cases along the back of the table, while silos, smaller, singular tractors, and a few single display cases along the front. Three large and detailed builds completed the first table’s exhibits (see picture 3).

The big builds at the end of the first table are remarkable. The first is a John Deere tractor with a shovel/loader at the front of the vehicle. Even the tires are detailed well, despite still made of paper (see pic 3 again); in front of it is a small bobcat, barely in frame. The bobcat may be seen in another image, with all of its detail, including the front loader/shovel (see picture 5). The third build is of an even bigger scale Deere with a tank trailer trailing behind (see pic 3 and 4).






Picture 1: Starting Matthew "Tractor" Jefson's exhibit…

Picture 2: Continuing the start of Matthew "Tractor" Jefson's …

Picture 3: More of the start of Matthew "Tractor" Jefson's …

Picture 4: Starting midway Matthew "Tractor" Jefson's

Picture 5: Close to midway Matthew "Tractor" Jefson's

[THE DC]

Jefson‘s massive exhibit of John Deere equipment continued to a middle table, quite different from the rest. A large back-panel display explained his entire exhibition, yet in front of this back-panel were several interesting builds.

Next to the Deere trailer puller from the previous table, a large build of a white CASE pulling a blue trailer sat nearby. The next big build was of another Deere with a series of tanks mounted upon a trailer, detailed with bags of supportive/material strewn across the structure (see picture 4, last chapter). Even the interior of the tractor compartment is carefully completed in this build.

Next to this tank-puller, two small exhibits take up the table, middle section. A detailed antique tractor rotated upon a circular mirror floor-stand, protected by a plastic case, and in front it a clear display case containing a barn and an old tractor (see picture 1). Note that there are a group on unfinished tractor tires trailing along the bottom of the back-panel display stand; all deeply sculpted with detail. In front of these tires is the old tractor, a John Deere Model A, now having rotated around for a better view (see picture 2).

Behind all of these builds, a three panel back display ties the entire exhibit together, and will be described better in the next chapter (see picture 3).




Picture 1: Mid-way Matthew "Tractor" Jefson's exhibit…

Picture 2: Close up midway…

Picture 3: Midway Matthew "Tractor" Jefson's exhibit backpanel…

[THE DC]

Jefson‘s massive exhibit includes a back panel to explain and guide the spectator. It is a master of exhibition, drawing order to the many pieces.

The first panel of three described the design process by illustrating the design software used and the materials employed (see picture 1). Note that the design software is described for the aspiring paper model designer. The materials and designs are detailed in the next two panels, suggesting the themes and shapes that must be mastered.

The next two panels, in the middle of the back-panel, furthered his tutorial. He clarified in the top one the inspiration of his efforts, and then offered an example of a sheet of parts from one of his designs (see picture 2).

The next three panels on this display detail steps of the build further (see picture 3). Jefson described the process of matching colors to OEM [original equipment manufacturer]. He then elicits the step of printing the parts pages. Finally, he guides the build process with the designed kit, through the specific tools needed. Jefson, through this display, explains his process and tutors the novice designer/builder.




Picture 1: Build process panel 1…

Picture 2: Build process panel mid…

Picture 3: Build process panel 3…

[Don Boose]

Matt's exhibits are always truly spectacular!

Don