Steve, thanks for agreeing to do an interview for us at JWO.   First big question, and probably the most frequently asked, ..  how did you end up in this hobby?

I got into the hobby from model making. I've always been a collector of sorts. I collected Hotwheels for 10 years before selling my collection, it was then time to find a new item to collect. I've always like 1/6 stuff -- gijoes, starwars and so on, and when 21st put out their Vietnam series, I was hooked. When Dragon came on the scene with Hans, it was all over, I couldn't get enough .

You are widely known in the WWII sanctions of our 1/6 scale hobby.   Is there a specific event or person from that time period that caught your interest, or is it the entire WWII era?

Most of my family has served in the military, or worked for the government in one form or another. I don't think it really influenced me that much, I was always a model builder and the progression to WWII subjects just came naturally. There are so many different vehicles and the history is so rich.  Since collecting 1/6th, I've had to narrow my focus to the Eastern Front, German and Russian figures but I do have some examples of other theaters and era's. Lately I've been big into early cold war era stuff.

Steve, you're widely known as a great modeler and customizer with vehicles.  How did you get so interested in vehicles and why did you start making them?

Well , thanks, I don't think I'm that great, LOL. I really don't make many things these days, there's so many guys out there that are way more talented then me but vehicles seemed like the cool thing to do. When I got my first few Hans dolls they needed some transport, so why not a tank!

A friend joined me in starting to make the master parts for a panther. At the same time I was learning to use the computer and discovering a large community on the internet that was collecting the same stuff. This was when the original Warrior Forum was the place to be. I was far to new to post then, but I was a big time lurker.  I decided to start a website to hone my computer skills and share what I was doing with the 1/6th community at the time. I was not even prepared for what
came next as I started getting email after email asking if I was going to sell the running gear parts.  People were really excited about it. At first, I was not real interested in making stuff for sale, but as time went on, a few close friends pushed me in that direction and as they say, the rest is history .

You also operate "Panzerwerk", your own 1/6 scale business, which offers resin vehicles and parts, as well as diorama accessories.  Do you find owning your own business in this hobby rewarding?  What is the hardest part of operating a business in this hobby?

I don't know how rewarding it is! It can be a real pain sometimes but at the same time I'm very happy to be helping other people in the hobby to get the things the big guys are not making.

The hardest part to the business part is the paper work, taxes , and trying to make it all work. The hobby's not as big as alot of collectors think and competition for the kind of stuff I make is growing, so it gets challenging sometimes.  The great part is trading. I really get a kick out of trading for the stuff I make!

Of all the vehicles you've had a hand in, does one stand out above the rest?

Wow, I have to say they all stand out for different reasons. The one that means the most to me is my Stug, it was the first production vehicle I had made. BTW the hull was made by Mardon Callanta with my resin running gear and tracks, It was awesome when I opened that box and saw how big and cool it was.

Steve, you've recently been nominated and voted as the "Best Joe" in the 1/6 Scale Awards for 2005.  Congratulations!  What do you think about that?  Do you think it means allot to be so respected within the hobby?

I think its cool and I hope to be able to contribute to the hobby. Its been a very rewarding hobby for me and I just hope to give back as much as I get from it .

A recent on-line project you've taken on is to help establish a new discussion forum called the Sixth Army Group.  It seems to be off to a great start!  What are some of the goals for the new forum?

I'm a very small part of the sixth army group but from what I know, most of the 1/6th boards are owned and operated by an individual. The goal of the "Army" is to be a more community run board with group of dedicated "veteran" hobbyist's at the helm.

For me, its a chance to have a fun board run by a great group of guys who I don't think take themselves to seriously and want to have some fun with the hobby. We're doll collectors first and foremost, amateur historians second LOL .

I know it's hard to single some people out, but who are some of the people in the hobby that you admire and why?

This is a hard question for me as so many people have become close friends to me. First would be Charles David, he helped to make Panzerwerks what it is today and without him, it may not have happened at all.  Second would be all the guys who selflessly make and offer masters to me for sale to the community at large, guys like David Webb (exacto11), Wayne Lint   (sixtydriver), John Smith (jepy), and the other John Smith(veritaz), and guys like Tad Burland, Ed Lem and all the Evil Llamas LOL. Some of best friends I've ever had!

There's so many more, and I'm sure so many I have yet to meet. One of the cool things about the internet is its world-wide reach. I never thought I'd have such great friends in other countries like my buddies Henrik(loke666), and Ralf. Like I said, I could go on forever .

The hobby has changed over the years, and seems to be evolving again as some of the manufacturers are beginning to scale back or focus on other projects. Where do you see the hobby heading in the next five years?

To be honest, I have no idea.  All I can hope for is it continues to grow. We have more companies stepping up with big investment projects like the new 250 from Armor Hobbies and new companies like DID. I think the future looks pretty bright!

Do you plan to make any 1/6 scale shows or conventions this year so that ollectors can see your awesome vehicles in person?

I don't know right now, I'm looking to relocate but I hope to do either WOH 05 or the Dragon convention, but Im just not sure about either yet .


To wrap things up, what's your advice for someone just starting out in this hobby?

Have fun! Its a hobby, play till you drop!

That's it for my questions, Steve.  I greatly appreciate your taking the time to answer my questions and for agreeing to do the interview.   I'm sure there are allot of collectors who will find your words encouraging and interesting!