Name: Pico Elgin

When did you start building models? – I was about 10 years old and started building military models, primarily planes and ships.

Why? – My Dad was in the Seabees and I started building models of the planes, ships and boats he told me about in his stories.

What was the first model car you built? – 1961 Ford convertible 3:1 kit. I slapped every part in the kit on it and brush painted it with enamel. It was something else.

What types of models do you build? – I like to build models of the most significant cars across different time periods. Those which were significant because of their styling, engineering, or both.

What brand(s) of models do you build the most? – I build mostly my own designs and over the years I developed skills in carving masters, modifying existing kits, and now really focused on using 3D design and printing.

What do you like most about model building? – Hard to say there is just one thing, I Really enjoy doing the initial research and developing new skills to bring the models to life. I truly enjoy building and my building day typically starts at 6:30 AM.

What part(s) of model building do you find the most challenging? – Manually scribing panel lines and other surface details. Sometimes two-tone paint schemes can be very challenging as well.

Anyone special who provided you guidance/inspiration/support? – Yes, Lee Baker influenced many of my builds and provided inspiration for many more.

If you could have one older kit reissued what would it be? – Heller Bugatti Type 50 What new model would you like to see issued? – 1956 Ferrari 250 GTO, body by Zagato, chassis number 0515.

Below are some pictures of Pico’s favorite models and a screen capture of a 3D he is working on in order to print a body.