Tom Cockle, Model Builder

This past Tuesday, we heard from a local builder of model tanks and author of several books on model building, Tom Cockle, pictured. Tom started building models as a child and continued doing so as a hobby in his spare time as an adult. Over the years he has built many different kinds of models, but for the last thirty years he has specialised in models of German military tanks.

Models have changed a lot over the years. Models in the 1970’s were not nearly as detailed or accurate as they are today. A lot more historical information is now freely available, including old photographs, so that the makers of models can create much more realistic versions. The materials and methods used to make the pieces also make it easier to ensure details are more accurate. Newer production methods use injection molded plastic. He also said that eventually, he thinks model builders will be able to purchase a computer file of the 3D printing instructions and then print their own models at home using a 3D printer. The details achievable with 3D printing are amazing.

Tom has written many articles for all kinds of model building magazines, on how he is able to achieve more realistic looking models. Most of the models he builds are at the 1/35 scale and take anywhere from eighty to four hundred hours to build. He has also worked for several model building companies to help them ensure accuracy. He currently works with one modeling company to ensure their technical details are accurate, by researching and then reviewing the CAD drawings of their upcoming models and suggesting changes, prior to production. He has also assisted with production of several books of photograph collections, by researching and captioning the photos.

Overall it was a very enjoyable talk and it reminded many of our members of the many ways in which a hobby can contribute to the enjoyment of life, and sometimes even lead to another chapter in their working lives.