Inspiring work by Juha Airio

[Ace-Garageguy]

I just discovered this guy's work in a vintage model car mag. He's a real wizard, and if you're not familiar with his models, they're certainly worth a look.

https://public.fotki.com/Rikster/model_cars/model_cars_from_others/models_by_juha_airio-1/

Edited November 2, 2017 by Ace-Garageguy

[Sixx]

His work is amazing!!! I'v been diggin his models for years!!!

[maltsr]

He was a regular contributor to the other mag and an amazing replica stock builder.  My favourite build of his is this 'Cuda concept from the late 90's - if only this had been built by Chrysler alongside the new Challenger.

[cobraman]

Ditto.

[Erik Smith]

Probably one of the world’s best. 

He bought one of my kits on eBay once. Useless point, but I thought I was cool for a second. 

[Modlguy]

And you just missed him. He was at NNL East this past April. Very nice guy and willing to discuss his techniques all day long.

[Ace-Garageguy]

... My favourite build of his is this 'Cuda concept from the late 90's...

That was the one that got my attention. It's such a totally competent, clean, well-balanced and original design...and a ONE MAN DESIGN...it really makes you wonder how most of the real-car manufacturers, with huge styling staffs and budgets, continue putting out geegaw-laden and superfluous-styling-gimmick-encrusted crapp, year after year after year.

I assume he's an industrial designer, and I hope a very well paid one. (Sorry...I couldn't find any other pix of the car online, and this one doesn't do it justice.)

 

 

[maltsr]

I assume he's an industrial designer, and I hope a very well paid one.

Actually he's a pharmacist!

[peteski]

Anything Juha builds is inspiring!

[bobthehobbyguy]

He also does amazing factory stock conversions.

[Zoom Zoom]

It was great to meet him and his crew at the NNL East this past spring; his work has inspired me for decades. I'll be building the Marauder X100 resin kit he mastered soon. His eye for both design and detail is amazing; his customs are really cool. 

I won't be surprised if they're a yearly fixture at NNL East; they sold a ton of product this year and it easily covered their trip expenses (Airtrax resin from Juha and Tapani Rauramo, and Eero Kumanto's Highlight Studio etched products mainly for vintage VW's). 

[Russell C]

He also does amazing factory stock conversions.

You can say that again. I saw his Delta 88 in person at the GSL contest years back. Man, what a nice engine.

[djflyer]

That Cuda concept could/should be built by Chrysler. Fantastic lines with sweep and balance.

[br67]

Ive admired his work for ages - a true scale genius!

[peekay]

"Nobody does it better."

[matthijsgrit]

The 'Cuda Concept was a great inspiration for me as well. After seeing that, I've checed out his work and sought for his stuff. If was, I believe, at Replicas & Miniatures of Maryland that I found this kit: https://public.fotki.com/Rikster/model_cars/model_cars_from_others/models_by_juha_airio-1/48_ford_custom/

This kit is stunning, to say the least and it's kinda my holy grail kit. I haven't built it yet, because I hardly dare to. But boy, is it gorgeous...

Unfortunately, obtaining this kit als set the benchmark for other resin kits/parts really, really high...

I kinda feel lucky I got this kit!!

Edited November 2, 2017 by matthijsgrit

[Mr. Metallic]

 

I kinda feel lucky I got this kit!!

I feel lucky to have one as well. When I saw this kit in the RMCM booth almost 20 years ago, the casting was so excellent I though the hood was molded shut, but it is removable. I had to have one and purchased it that day(despite having blown my budget already that day) Juha's design on the master is excellent, and my skills couldn't do justice to the design at the time, so I never finished it. I think I've only seen one finished. it was metallic orange(can't remember the builder)

Juha does some phenomenal work, on his factory stock conversions, what-if design studies and customs. But his execution and paintwork(and photography) are also amazing. Looking forward to his endeavors into resin casting. 

Edited November 2, 2017 by Mr. Metallic

[matthijsgrit]

That was, if I'm correct, Michael Winkler. He's active here and know as Carsntrucksforyou (if spelled correctly).

 

Then there was this one:

What's not to love about this car???

Is there any info on the number of kits produced?

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 5, 2017 by matthijsgrit
text added, other pics

[matthijsgrit]

Michael's orange car:

http://public.fotki.com/carsntrucks4you/model_cars_related_stuff/my_models/hot_rods/48_ford/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 5, 2017 by matthijsgrit
Other pics

[Zoom Zoom]

Ted "Chopper" Lear built one of the resin Fords in metallic orange. I have the unbuilt kit in my stash...it's amazing.

[randyc]

Probably one of the world’s best. 

He bought one of my kits on eBay once. Useless point, but I thought I was cool for a second. 

I felt that way when I sold Harry P a kit... 

[Mr. Metallic]

Michael's orange car:

Sorry Matthijs, can't see your pics.

Bob, I'm guessing the one I saw was Choppers since it was at NNL East. it was phenomenal (another reason I haven't dragged it out to finish it because I'll keep comparing it to that build)

Edited November 2, 2017 by Mr. Metallic

[jeffdeoranut]

the only explanation for his awe-inspiring models is that he has dozens of 1/2 inch tall finnish elves working for him!  for a treat google his name and VANOMAD

[MrObsessive]

At this past NNL East, I got to have a very lengthy and nice conversation with Juha. It was the first time I had met him, and I got some very nice compliments from him, and I to him. He was set up at a table next to Tapani Rauramo (Airtrax Resin), and one of my regrets is that I didn't pick up one of Tapani's absolutely beautiful Aston Martin kits!

I had the money then and didn't get it...........now I don't have the money and want one!

I got some neat insight into how Juha does certain things, and I gotta tell you-----pictures don't do his models justice! You HAVE to see them in person to be taken aback as to how nice they truly are!

I didn't think to take a picture of him, but several people that were around us did, so somewhere out there in the hinterlands of someone's hard discs is a picture of Juha there at the show, and me talking to him.

Edited November 4, 2017 by MrObsessive
Grammar!

[matthijsgrit]

Sorry Matthijs, can't see your pics.

Bob, I'm guessing the one I saw was Choppers since it was at NNL East. it was phenomenal (another reason I haven't dragged it out to finish it because I'll keep comparing it to that build)

Don't know what happened... I'll try to find an alternative. Might take some time...