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Model cars run The family that glues together sticks together. At least, that's the conclusion of Rich Robertson of Makiki, who learned about building car models from his father, and who shares the hobby with all three of his sons.
in the family
The Robertson clan has devoted
hundreds of delightful hours to
perfecting their miniature
dreams on wheelsBy burl burlingame
bburlingame@starbulletin.comIan and Scot Robertson have grown up now and left home, and left behind a display case full of gleaming miniature automobiles. But Graham Robertson, 11, and his father are often found sticking together tiny parts, trying to create an award-winning model.
And they do often win awards in local modeling contests, and their work has been featured in scale car-modeling magazines.
"I was building models even before junior high in my hometown of Salem, Ore.," said Rich, who's a wood-shop teacher in real life. "My dad was into one-fourth-size midget racing and Go Karts, and we also did control-line flying model aircraft, which were really popular in the '50s. To this day he's still driving a cool car, a 'Vette!
"And so I got into cars in particular, and then I got distracted by the high-school swimming team, and then by the Navy. When I moved here in 1976, I was racing radio-control model cars and working at the Hobby Co. and then at Hobbitat. Chris Delfico and I organized a model car club here and regular contests. But R/C cars are expensive! So I got into what is called 'static' models. They just sit there and draw static!
"Since this was always going on, the boys were naturally drawn to it" -- Graham nodded at this -- "and building car models is a way of having a collection of cool cars without spending big money. You visualize it in three dimensions and build it yourself.
"You plan it, do the research and construction, and figure out the way it works best. It's an intellectual exercise."
"You make something directly from your mind," said Graham. "You try out different ideas. The difference between car modelers and other model builders is that we're customizers and other modelers are replicaters. They're trying to build a miniature of the real thing. We're building something that doesn't exist in real life -- but the model can be a guide for making a full-size car."
The hobby, said both Robertsons, is currently split between builders and those who simply collect die-cast miniatures. "At least we can go shopping together and have something to do together while we're watching TV," said Rich. "It's great to have your kids share one of your passions."
They've collaborated on modeling tips that have appeared in national magazines, and co-entered the parent-child division of local contests. "Graham once won $50 in a drawing at a contest," laughed Rich. "All these older adult modelers were grumbling!"
Modeling is primarily a boys' activity, it seems, although both Robertsons are quick to say that girls make excellent model builders. Maybe more moms need to model. "It's good for your dexterity and motor control, and it's very creative," offered Rich.
"The thing I used to like best about models," said Graham, "was crashing and breaking them! Then I started to build them to look nice. Now I'm interested in crashing and burning again."
He also builds Gundam Japanese science-fiction models and is currently getting seriously distracted by video games -- a hobby that causes father Rich to go into another room and shut the door.
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