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Local men share hobby at 'Boots and Treads' scale model show
By Katie Mintz - Sun Newspapers
For Tim Streeter of Edina, modeling is more than glue and decals. A member of the Minnesota Military Figure Society, historical accuracy is key.
"One of the neat thing about modeling is you can get really into the research," said Streeter, chair of the group's upcoming scale model show "Boots and Treads II" Saturday, May 21, at Fleming Field Municipal Airport in South Saint Paul.
Streeter will enter three versions of an M7 Priest, a self-propelled artillery vehicle used in World War II in the show. Equipment often had several variations as troops made upgrades. For one figure, he spent hours determining just how the driver's instrument panel was laid out.
"Back in the 1940s no one was running around taking pictures thinking 60 or 70 years later someone might want to make a model of this instrument panel," said Streeter.
He said military modelers often consult technical manuals from the period, newsreels, books, magazines and catalogs in their quest for accuracy.
Streeter said the research he puts into modeling is a way of honoring veterans, something he reflects on especially as Memorial Day nears. When he does find a photo that shows a vehicle with its crew, the soldiers give the work meaning.
"You think about that being what they rode off to battle in, what they lived in, worked in and tried to keep in good running condition, and many of them unfortunately died in," said Streeter. "You look at their faces and wonder what their fates were. It's so much bigger than modeling, but it's a way I pay tribute to their efforts. I make a connection with those faces."
The Minnesota Military Figure Society was founded in 1973 as a club and resource to promote the art and craft of historical scale modeling. It has more than 35 members from around the Twin Cities ranging in age from late teens to early 60s. The show Saturday, May 21, will feature some of the region's leading modelers of miniature historical figures and armor fighting vehicles.
"We have some excellent quality artists," said Merrill Anderson of Edina, a member since 1987 and current club president.
He said a highlight is a one-sixth-scale M5A1 Stuart light tank used by the U.S. during World War II. Bob Steinbrunn of Stillwater spent more than 2,500 hours over four and a half years creating and assembling the nearly 11,000 parts.
"Boots and Treads II" is open to modelers of all skill levels. In addition to historical armored vehicles and military figures, the club welcomes models ranging in topic from Roman soldiers to science fiction.
Gary Anderson of Bloomington, a member since 1981, is a U.S. Navy veteran. While he primarily builds ships, he enjoys making "everything and anything." He just finished a small squadron of skeletons from fantasy game Warhammer.
"You dream up color schemes, build cloaks, put hair on them, cut off different segments of their bodies and add armor to customize it," he said. "You just let your imagination go."
He said most modelers will use a variety of mediums to reach the desired appearance. For the skeletons, he used jewels to create glowing eyes. For a larger 1800s mountain man made of pewter, he used oil paints to achieve a natural looking face, and a combination of draftsman ink and denatured alcohol for the right texture on a fringed leather jacket.
Merrill Anderson said the club and show is chance for those who enjoy modeling - a "kind of quiet hobby" - to share techniques and be recognized for their work.
Last year's show was the first in 17 years. This year's show theme is "Then and Now," and modelers of all ages and skills are invited to bring in their earliest military model and one of their most recent works.
Modelers of all skill levels are invited to participate and awards will be given to recognize quality efforts in modeling military figures of all eras, and armored fighting vehicles and military diorama subjects of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Registration for modelers begins 9 a.m. and closes at noon. The registration fee is $3 per model. The show opens to the public at 11 a.m., with an awards ceremony at approximately 4 p.m.
What's Next
What: "Boots and Treads II" Minnesota Military Figure Society Scale Model Armor and Figure Show
Where:Fleming Field Municipal Airport Terminal Building, 1725 Henry St., South Saint Paul
When:11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21
Price:$5 adults, free for children ages 15 and under
Info:www.mmfs.wetpaint.com
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