Modeler Hall of Fame?

[Modelmartin]

Like many things in this world, one needs to know the whole story about something. As Tim Boyd stated- it is administered by Mark G. and his board. The inductees are people they know about. If someone is outside of their circle they may escape notice. It is more than just a list of good model builders. It is for people who contributed more to the hobby than just building great models. Like any list there will be oversights. I did not see Don Emmons name listed. That is a major oversight. To me the biggies were there - Gary Schmidt, Tim Boyd, Hank Borger, and a bunch of the industry people. Now someone suggested John Teresi. I know John and he is a great guy and a great builder but seriously? HOF? Why not me? Why isn't Randy Derr in it? This is for people who have really done more than just build models. You need to have really accomplished something FOR the hobby.

[johnbuzzed]

Like many things in this world, one needs to know the whole story about something. As Tim Boyd stated- it is administered by Mark G. and his board. The inductees are people they know about. If someone is outside of their circle they may escape notice. It is more than just a list of good model builders. It is for people who contributed more to the hobby than just building great models. Like any list there will be oversights. I did not see Don Emmons name listed. That is a major oversight. To me the biggies were there - Gary Schmidt, Tim Boyd, Hank Borger, and a bunch of the industry people. Now someone suggested John Teresi. I know John and he is a great guy and a great builder but seriously? HOF? Why not me? Why isn't Randy Derr in it? This is for people who have really done more than just build models. You need to have really accomplished something FOR the hobby.

Andy's right (in my opinion). There are a lot of people who could qualify if the only means was building a fantastic model and having a feature in a magazine. I can think of three without even trying- Anthony Cairo, Vin Lobosco and Rich Manson. Have you ever seen their work up-close, live and in person? Phenominal. And there are MANY more who can and do build on the same quality level but go mostly unsung (if you will) for reasons unknown- Lenny Cromwell, Rich Seagraves, Bob Seagraves, Andy Behrens, John Panteleone... I know all whom I mentioned; they are (or have been) in the L.I.A.R.S. club (to which I also belong) and I have seen their work.

[Harry P.]

I agree it would be awfully hard to decide what model builders deserve a spot in the HOF. There are literally thousands of model builders around the world that build to HOF levels or higher, but they are anonymous. Then there are dozens of people right here on this forum whose work would pass any HOF test... but how do you possibly draw the line between who gets in and who doesn't get in?

I can see industry insiders and innovators in the Hall... people who founded model companies or in other ways made their mark on the hobby in important and memorable ways, because there are so many fewer of those types of people. But model builders? I couldn't make that decision. Way too many of them who are worthy.

[Scale-Master]

Randy Derr is in there, he was inducted at the same time I was, and I must say, that was icing on the cake to be inducted along side with him.

The last round of inductees was in 2012, so the site is just not quite up to date at this time.

[Art Anderson]

Like many things in this world, one needs to know the whole story about something. As Tim Boyd stated- it is administered by Mark G. and his board. The inductees are people they know about. If someone is outside of their circle they may escape notice. It is more than just a list of good model builders. It is for people who contributed more to the hobby than just building great models. Like any list there will be oversights. I did not see Don Emmons name listed. That is a major oversight. To me the biggies were there - Gary Schmidt, Tim Boyd, Hank Borger, and a bunch of the industry people. Now someone suggested John Teresi. I know John and he is a great guy and a great builder but seriously? HOF? Why not me? Why isn't Randy Derr in it? This is for people who have really done more than just build models. You need to have really accomplished something FOR the hobby.

Unlike so many, better-known-to-the-general-public-at-large, whose knowledge of say, sports heroes, hollywood stars, musical artists--the VAST majority of model car builders are relatively unknown outside of (1) their local or regional area, or (2) COMPLETELY unknown and unheard of unless someone, somewhere, sometime "outs" them either through a chance discovery by the news media or by having been "discovered" by other modelers (generally without the modeler(s) in question here having suddenly decided to "come out of their closet/model room" and enter a contest someplace.

Those of us who frequent this and/or other online message boards, enter contests, go to NNL's, or even belong to a local model car club are, in my belief, a rather small "tip" of a very large "iceberg". This alone makes it pretty difficult to recognize more than a handful of modelers, simply because of a relative invisibility of so many others who probably have moved or shaken our hobby (but remain little-known to most of us, and probably those responsible for the Hall of Fame. (?)

As for "Industry Insiders", I do find it interesting that the Gowland Brothers have yet to be recognized--yet those two Englishmen did an awful lot to put the concept of injection-molded plastic to model car subjects WAY back over 60 years ago--more so than any other model kit designers of their time or even earlier. They were the ones who made it possible for Revell (for example) to get into the business of making model car kits (Highway Pioneers) 3 or more years before Revell even got into making model kits of planes or ships, even their own in-house researched and designed model car kits of then-more contemporary model car kits. While I'm at it, why no recognition of the founder(s) of the likes of Tamiya, Hasegawa, Fujimi, Heller, Airfix? Hmmm, in a number of ways those pioneering plastic model kit entrepreneurs really are the ones who acquainted us modelers here in the US with current (for the years they were introduced) "foreign" exotics, Formula 1, and Lemans-type cars in plastic kit form.

So, in this area at least, it gets "curiouser and curiouser" as to why no such recognition, IMO.

Art

[Harry P.]

As for "Industry Insiders", I do find it interesting that the Gowland Brothers have yet to be recognized--yet those two Englishmen did an awful lot to put the concept of injection-molded plastic to model car subjects WAY back over 60 years ago--more so than any other model kit designers of their time or even earlier. They were the ones who made it possible for Revell (for example) to get into the business of making model car kits (Highway Pioneers) 3 or more years before Revell even got into making model kits of planes or ships, even their own in-house researched and designed model car kits of then-more contemporary model car kits. While I'm at it, why no recognition of the founder(s) of the likes of Tamiya, Hasegawa, Fujimi, Heller, Airfix? Hmmm, in a number of ways those pioneering plastic model kit entrepreneurs really are the ones who acquainted us modelers here in the US with current (for the years they were introduced) "foreign" exotics, Formula 1, and Lemans-type cars in plastic kit form.

So, in this area at least, it gets "curiouser and curiouser" as to why no such recognition, IMO.

Art

I couldn't agree more. Exactly what I was thinking, and it's the exact reason I questioned the HOF election process in the first place. In most HOFs, the pioneers and founders/innovators/creators of the field are generally the first inductees.

[Darin Bastedo]

I question the need for a hall of fame. Is this not a hobby? Do we do this to be recognized? I did this hobby for 15 years before I discovered model car magazines. The only contests I entered were at the local hobby shops and at the Syracuse Motorama, and I did that mostly just for fun. The only trophies that I have kept over the years are one for best paint, as I was really proud of that one. (I had struggled with paint for years up to that point.) and one from my model clubs meeting. Basically each month we'd bring our recent completions and during the meeting vote for the one we liked the best. They chose mine, and that was a real honor.

Beyond that awards and recognition is so far down on the list that it doesn't register most days. Turning this hobby into a popularity contest I think takes some of the fun out of it. How many times have we seen people in the forums self destruct over ego? Would people get hurt if someone who had been at this less time who they perceived as a lesser builder got in the Hall of fame and they didn't?

Will my enjoyment of the hobby be increased if someday that list includes my name? Will it get me dates? Will it bring in big dollar endorsements? No it simply means that a small percentage of modelers, who represent the car model hobby, which is a niche with in Model building, which is a niche within the hobby world, voted me in. This is not to discount the achievements of those on the list, but just to put things into a real world perspective. Take that list to a crowded street and ask people who the people in the list are, and you will draw blank stares. We are the only ones who do care.

So how about this. If someone on this board inspires you let them know now. Comment on their builds shake their hand at a show, let them know they are special now, not decades from now when they are either dead or have "finished their careers". Given that there are only so many inducted in a year, the odds are that almost all of us will never be on that list. But the words "cool build" will always raise my spirits for the day, and that for me is enough.

[Darin Bastedo]

I couldn't agree more. Exactly what I was thinking, and it's the exact reason I questioned the HOF election process in the first place. In most HOFs, the pioneers and founders/innovators/creators of the field are generally the first inductees.

I think the reason is the current "Hall of Fame" is from the The International Model Car Builders' Museum. I think that is the main thrust.

[tim boyd]

I did not see Don Emmons name listed.

The Hall of Fame goes back to 1992....amongst the names inducted in the 1990's include Dave Shuklis, Budd Anderson, Don Emmons (in 1993), Oscar Koveleski, Phil Jenson, Herb Jackson, Bob Barnett, Bob Paeth, and George Toteff. I believe the earlier post listing those so recognized only went back to the year 2000? This list of honorees may add some context to how the nominations and awards were determined. Also, some of you may recall that there was a yearly ballot in Scale Auto magazine for readers to vote on the nominees for each year, although at some point in the last decade that process was discontinued.

I do hope Mark is able to respond, as he has put a great deal of thought into his nomination and Hall of Fame process, and he is always looking for input on who should be considered for future awards.

TB

[Casey]

I question the need for a hall of fame. Is this not a hobby? Do we do this to be recognized?

If you're pulling out the n-word (need), no, it's not needed. Neither are many other things in life, but let's not get into need versus want.

I had the pleasure of working with one of MCBM HOF Inductees mentioned on page one for about a year, and ego simply never came into play. In fact, I never even realized just how much he had done for the hobby until after he left the company where we both worked and the light bulb went on over my head. He never talked about it, and I never thought to ask about it, even though he had some of his models on display in a few hallway display cases.

I think most people would agree it's nice to have your work appreciated and your contributions to the hobby you love recognized, regardless if it's just a simple "thank you" from someone at a show, or if you're inducted into the MCBM HOF. Maybe some do what they do for themselves first and their actions have the fortunate consequence of benefitting others, and maybe the intent was to only help others and not one's self from the start, but either way, the hobby we love benefits, and recognizing those who contributed in a major way is a great way to show our appreciation for their efforts.

[Darin Bastedo]

If you're pulling out the n-word (need), no, it's not needed. Neither are many other things in life, but let's not get into need versus want.

I had the pleasure of working with one of MCBM HOF Inductees mentioned on page one for about a year, and ego simply never came into play. In fact, I never even realized just how much he had done for the hobby until after he left the company where we both worked and the light bulb went on over my head. He never talked about it, and I never thought to ask about it, even though he had some of his models on display in a few hallway display cases.

My concern about ego is not fear that those who were inducted would get a big head, but that there are those who often see themselves as more influential than they are, and that their ego would bruise if not recognized. look at how many people complain about the judging at contests and how the same people always win, and how they should change the judging etc. All this over a ribbon, certificate or cheap $2 trophy.

[Casey]

My concern about ego is not fear that those who were inducted would get a big head, but that there are those who often see themselves as more influential than they are, and that their ego would bruise if not recognized. look at how many people complain about the judging at contests and how the same people always win, and how they should change the judging etc. All this over a ribbon, certificate or cheap $2 trophy.

I see what you're saying. We all have to keep our egos in check and tiptoe the line between hubris and humility on a daily basis, but some are better at doing that than others.

At any rate, I think what the MCBM is doing is both important and worthwhile, and I certainly don't envy all of the effort it takes just to maintain the Museum. It's definitely a labor of love, and is probably a way for those involved to give back to the hobby they love and want to see continue growing.

[Dr. Cranky]

I've been wanting to make the trip to visit the museum in Utah. Sometimes I wish it were more central. I plan to visit it the day I go to Bonneville to see the Speed Races.

[Harry P.]

I think the reason is the current "Hall of Fame" is from the The International Model Car Builders' Museum. I think that is the main thrust.

Yes, it's the Model Car Builders museum, but the HOF has two inductees every year: an "industry insider" and a "builder/writer."

[johnbuzzed]

Scale modeling of any type is basically a solo hobby. After a while, critiquing one's own builds or hearing the accolades of family (or friends) who do not build can leave a builder wanting. It is nice to have one's success accomplishments recognized by peers on any level.

Edited December 2, 2013 by johnbuzzed

[Deano]

The Hall of Fame goes back to 1992....amongst the names inducted in the 1990's include Dave Shuklis, Budd Anderson, Don Emmons (in 1993), Oscar Koveleski, Phil Jenson, Herb Jackson, Bob Barnett, Bob Paeth, and George Toteff. I believe the earlier post listing those so recognized only went back to the year 2000?

That would have been my post and I cut the list off at 2000 because of the point I was making that most of the guys on THAT list were still active, building/working guys (ie their careers were not over). My post was made in response to the post that said "Nobody can be enshrined in a Hall of Fame, whether it's baseball, football, modeling, or anything else, until their "career" is over and that person's body of work or accomplishments can be evaluated in total."

[Harry P.]

The very idea of a model car HOF that doesn't include West Gallogly Sr. (the founder of AMT), Royel and Lew Glaser (the founders of Revell), John Haenle (founder of JoHan) and George Toteff (founder of MPC and creator of the molding technology that made it possible to produce one-piece model car bodies) strikes me as patently ludicrous.

And, I have to concur with Harry ... any model car HOF that doesn't include Tom Daniel is not one I feel compelled to pay attention to. I believe Ed Roth (whose persona was basically created by Revell's PR department) Gene Winfield, Darryl Starbird and yes, even George Barris all belong there as well for their contributions to the hobby.

Carl, the list that was posted earlier in this thread was incomplete. It turns out that George Toteff was inducted in 1999, but I don't see any of the others you listed.

[Tom Geiger]

The very idea of a model car HOF that doesn't include West Gallogly Sr. (the founder of AMT), Royel and Lew Glaser (the founders of Revell), John Haenle (founder of JoHan) and George Toteff (founder of MPC and creator of the molding technology that made it possible to produce one-piece model car bodies) strikes me as patently ludicrous.

And, I have to concur with Harry ... any model car HOF that doesn't include Tom Daniel is not one I feel compelled to pay attention to. I believe Ed Roth (whose persona was basically created by Revell's PR department) Gene Winfield, Darryl Starbird and yes, even George Barris all belong there as well for their contributions to the hobby.

All good examples of deserving folks who should be inducted over time. And I believe it will happen.

The intent is to honor people who made significant contributions to the hobby that have stood the test of time. That means folks who were noticed in their day and are still remembered today. Your uncle in rural Arkansas who built a few models in the 1980s and never showed them to anyone doesn't qualify because he didn't influence anyone. Just like as if Kelly Clarkson wasn't noticed on American Idol, she'd still be a very good singer and a waitress in Texas.

The museum has another avenue of recognition, the Hot 150 and Clone The Past programs. This is recognition for influential models of the past. To Mark's credit, he has personally contacted an amazing number of builders of models from the 1960s and a good number of them have donated / loaned the original models to the museum. It's a spectacular show of the history of our hobby. For those models that have been destroyed or can't be located, the Clone The Past program gives you and I the opportunity to clone a historic model for inclusion in the museum.

[martinfan5]

Jim Keeler needs to be in there as well ... as do the founders of Aurora, Renwal, Pyro and Lindberg. And it's supposed to be an INTERNATIONAL HOF and museum, right? So why no no one associated with Tamiya, Fujimi, Airfix, Revell of Germany, Heller, etc.? Guess they've never contributed anything of importance to the model car hobby, huh?

Sorry, but it seems to me there's a sense of myopia involved in this thing that's pretty staggering ...

I gotta agree with Carl

Edited December 3, 2013 by martinfan5

[Scale-Master]

"2002 Jim Keeler – Industry Insider"

[Lunajammer]

And it's supposed to be an INTERNATIONAL HOF and museum, right? So why no no one associated with Tamiya, Fujimi, Airfix, Revell of Germany, Heller, etc.?

Reminds me of a John Cleese quote comparing British sports to American sports...

"When we hold a World Championship for a particular sport, we bother to invite teams from other countries to play, as well."

Edited December 3, 2013 by Lunajammer