who is the best

[Chuck Most]

But Gerald is indeed a modelbuilder. He is quite good. The French Ferrari guy made a functioning autonobile in smaller than usual size. There was a guy back in the '80s who built a running Locomobile race car. It ran and shifted, braked, etc. Again, not a model!!

Right! That's kind of why I had the 'mere' part in front of 'modeler'! Sure, a Wingrove isn't operable, but to look at one, you're kind of bummed (and a little shocked, even) to realize it isn't!

To me a model is a non functioning representation of something(usually in scale).

By your 'non-fuctioning representation of something' defenition, any of several of my past 1:1 vehicles could be considered models!

[The Modeling Hermit]

I don't think there is such a thing as "the best". No matter how good one gets at anything, there will always be that time when they look at somebody's work in awe and say, "How did you do that?" I think the phrase you were actually wanting was, "Who do we find most inspiring?"

[cnaind]

I appreciate both cheap draft beer & 30 year old Scotch.

Hey Mark - the next time you come out this way you'll have to stop by & see my collection of single malt.

As an old timer, I loved the stuff from Shuklis, Emmons, Paeth & Keeler when I was building many moons ago. (Did anyone else enter the contest won by Jim with his Dodge Fever model??) There were many standouts in the next era with all the MPC & IMCA championships, ie Doty, Owen, the Bowmans, Behouneh, etc. And today's builders are at yet another level as detail & techniques continue to progress. I think there are too many top builders to list! After 48 years, it's still a hobby & I still enjoy it.

[Modelmartin]

By your 'non-fuctioning representation of something' defenition, any of several of my past 1:1 vehicles could be considered models!

I share your pain, Brother!!!