Pre-Teens at the 2006 Nats

Modeler's Spotlight: Calvin Neumann

by Steve Filak, Sr. 

ARC Staff

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  IPMS USA Nationals 2006

Calvin Neumann, age 12, with his dad, David Neumann

 

By now, you're probably read the article posted by Steve B. and Frank Crenshaw in yesterday's update, which focused on the outstanding work displayed by the Juniors at the 2006 IPMS/USA National Convention.  What you haven't seen yet is any of the work done by the pre-teen modelers, who were also very well represented at the show.  Unfortunately, we didn't get the opportunity to speak with too many of the pre-teen modelers, but I did have the distinct pleasure of meeting twelve-year-old modeler Calvin Neuman.  Calvin and his dad attended the ARC seminar on Friday, and we got to talking about his models on display, which he assured me were "pretty good".  I told him to find me in the contest room, and I'd grab some pictures of his models to post at ARC.

As luck would have it, I met up with Calvin and his dad the next day at the Juniors table.  Now, keep in mind that Calvin had already told me that his models were pretty good, but I have to tell you, I was somewhat taken aback - they were extremely well done!  As I commented to Calvin's dad, my models were nowhere near as Calvin's when I was his age, and I was truly impressed with his work.

Calvin had three entries in the show, all in 1/72.  He entered a Hasegawa Bf-109, an Academy P-40B in Soviet Markings, and a Matchbox P-38 Lightning.  His entries were all very well done, and it's obvious that he really pays attention to detail, According to Dad, "that boy is motivated", and you could see how proud that David was of young Calvin.

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I think the thing that impressed me the most was the fact that a twelve year old boy had the courage and motivation to show his models in public (most of us wouldn't at that age), and was interested enough in the hobby to attend a National Convention with his dad.  Not that he had anything to worry about, mind you; his models were top-notch.  Calvin even took home a medal for his P-38, which was well-deserved. Calvin is a very bright and enthusiastic young man, and I was impressed at how polite and articulate he was.  I was also very impressed at how genuinely interested he is in the hobby.  He obviously likes what he does, because as the photos show, he is very good at it!  Below, you can see his models in a bit closer detail, and I think you'll agree that this young man is well on his way.  I think that we'd all better watch out in another few years!

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Finally, for all of those who lament about the future of the hobby, I think we can breathe a sigh of relief.  With up and coming modelers like Calvin turning the corner, I think that the future of the hobby is quite safe indeed.  Congratulations to Calvin and ALL of the Pre-Teen and Junior Modelers who participated in the contest.  I think that the KC staff should be highly commended for their support of the Juniors and Pre-Teens, and as a collective, this is one of the most important things that we can do to promote the hobby.  The world needs more kids like Calvin to put down the Xbox controller, take up the mantle, and keep building - he is a fine young man, and a credit to the hobby.  I look forward to seeing more of his work in the future, and hopefully, he'll consider writing some article for ARC to show off his completed models.

In closing, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I was impressed by all of the Junior and pre-teen entries that I saw in Kansas City.  To be honest, I think that we're all going to be in trouble in a few years, because these kids can really build!  Unfortunately, I don't have any information on any of the other pre-teen modelers that attended or competed.  I did see some models that really caught my eye, though.  If any of the pre-teens or Juniors who weren't showcased in these articles would like to send in pictures of their work, by all means, please send in your articles to Steve Bamford....mention you're a Junior modeler in the subject line of your e-mail and the article will be fast-tracked and will get on ARC very quickly.  A Junior modeler to us is anyone under 18 years old.  We'd really like to hear from all of you!

Steve

Photos and text © by Steve Filak, Sr.  ARC Staff