The past few weeks have not been kind to the hobby…
This past weekend, the modeling world learned of the death of Sheperd Paine. Most of us were introduced to Shep's work through the Diorama Hints and Tips sheets that Monogram Models included in some of their armor and aircraft kits throughout the '70's. I know, personally, that the first time I saw one of those brochures, I was amazed. I must have been at the right stage in my modeling career, because the information Shep was giving us was the type of thing I was looking for to take my models to the next level. While I never attempted to duplicate one of his dioramas, I did follow some of his tips on a Monogram B-17G–I added the floor boards in the aft fuselage, and copping the tip from the B-24J Assembly Ship diorama, I added "battle damage patches" using index card. This model was, at the time, the culmination of my new skills as a modeler–aside from the little things I just described, I actually filled seams, airbrushed the finish, and used the MicroScale system on the decals. (Several years later, this would be the B-17 that I refinished in 1985.)
Shep's work and inspiration became like a thread that wound its way through my modeling adventures. When I was again looking to bump things up to the next level, what should I spy on the hobby shop book rack but "How to Build Dioramas" in 1982. Sitting next to that book was the Test Issue of "FineScale Modeler", and both of them came home with me, even though it meant I spent my entire weekly modeling budget on them. I read both from cover to cover, including the article on the boxed diorama that featured Nelson before Copenhagen. Wow. I absorbed this like a sponge, and received a new bit of inspiration, thanks in no small part to the work of Mr. Paine.
Throughout the years, I would refer to the book as a Modeling Bible. By the time I bought a second copy, the original had become so dog-eared and shop worn that I had to replace it. And, when the Second Edition came out, I had to but a copy. It goes without saying that I also bought the other books penned by Shep for Kalmbach…
A few years ago, my wife gave me a signed copy of Schiffer's "Sheperd Paine–The Life and Work of a Master Modeler and Military Historian" by Jim DeRogatis. If you are looking for the "ultimate" Sheperd Paine "How I built…" book, this isn't it. It is much better. This book got beyond the models and told the stories behind why he did what he did. It covers his life and varied careers in modeling, sculpting, and collecting military memorabilia. It also tells of his early life, and how he became who he was. More fascinating sometimes were the sidebar stories told by other modelers and collectors about their relationships with Shep. I read it cover to cover when I first got it, and I read it again yesterday reflecting on all those models, dioramas, and figures that still keep me in awe.
If anyone deserves the title of Master Modeler, it is Sheperd Paine. Fair Winds, Mr. Paine. You may be gone, but your work will remain as a reminder of your talents.
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Another entry on the obituary page is Jerry Campbell, one of the founders of the Squadron Shops and Squadron Mail Order. I first became aware of Squadron in the early 1980's, when I was in college. I remember receiving a copy of their flyer in the mail, and the prices back then were terrific. I quickly put a minimum order–ten bucks back in the day–and was amazed at how fast the order was processed. I received it the following week, which was pretty quick by the standards of the day. I would continue to pick up bargains here and there–Tamiya 1/48 F-2A Buffalo kits for $8, anyone?–and I believe my stash was probably started in earnest thanks to my dealings with Squadron.
I stopped using them a few years ago, when Jerry sold the business. Just as well, the quality of the service wasn't as good as it was when I started using them. For what it was, though, and what effect it had on the hobby back in the day, we can thank Jerry.
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For the last entry today, Kevin Suddarth also passed away in June. Another modeler I never had opportunity to meet face to face, I still have his article from "FineScale Modeler" on converting the Hasegawa 1/72 SP-2E Neptune to the AP-2H gunship, ready for when I decide it is time to build my very own "Iron Butterfly". Kevin's work was sprinkled in many books and magazine articles I read over the years, and I always managed to take something away from his writings and his models.
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It was kind of a bummer today, but if it points out anything, it points out the need to be good to one another. You never know when your number will be called.
Thanks for reading. As always, I bid you Peace.