| Members |
| Andy Useman, President |
| Tommy Hecker, Vice Pres. |
| Dr. Jerry Voorhees |
| Larry Rhodes |
| Clyde Angelo, Event Coordinator |
| Al Barron |
| Andy began "seriously" modeling just over four years ago. He was throwing around the idea of a hobby and considered photography or modeling. Well, we can see which one he chose. He was always fascinated with WWII aircraft at an early age and returned to this fascination with scale modeling. So, his main subject is 1:48 scale vintage planes. He also has been known to build cars on occasion. He enjoys building muscle cars from certain movies. After a few years of solitary modeling, Andy wanted to get an area club started to promote and enjoy the hobby with others. He also supports and gets involved with area shows and events. |
| Tommy started his modeling career in 1979. He began modeling wooden ships (plank on frame) which lasted for about three years. These models were very time consuming and required lots of patience. So, Tommy redirected to plastic and has been addicted ever since. Tommy dabbles in any scale and several subjects. However, 1:48 vintage and modern planes are his favorite. He also enjoys 1:35 tanks, dioramas, some cars and sci-fi figures. He loves the hobby and especially enjoys the contests to meet fellow modelers. Also, being the Vice President of a brand new club is the file' in the gumbo! |
| Clyde has been modeling since he was ten years old. He remembers his first model being a car. Now, he concentrates on 1:32 scale aircraft from WWII to present. Clyde is active with the club as Event Coordinator. He is a former member of another club and brings good ideas and input to this club. Clyde is married with two children and five grandkids. |
| Larry started modeling when he was nine years old. He started out with plastic models in the 1950's. In the 1960's while in the Army, Larry started modeling radio controlled aircraft. After a long break, he started back with building and flying large scale radio controlled warbirds and is still active with it. Over the past year, Larry has returned to scale modeling as well. He enjoys all subjects including cars, subs, warships, tanks and WWII aircraft. Being a newcomer to competition, Larry has already won several awards for his work at area contests. |
| Jerry began his modeling "career" with wood, stick and paper and balsa kits in 1949. As a younger man, he dabbled with U-control models and eventually into the 1:72 model line, which was introduced in 1961. Jerry decided this scale to be his standard and focused on WWII aircraft. He builds the standard plastic kits and is a master of the vacuform kit. His skill with these kits is second to none and relies on scratchbuilding to authenticate and improve his subjects. Today, his collection totals around 200 models and has built two large showcases to protect and display his work. With his experience and skill, he certainly qualifies as a 'master modeler'. |
| Al has had a profound interest in modeling since 1975. He builds anything that peaks his interest, from real machines to flights of fancy. However, his favorites are 1:72 aircraft and 1:35 armor. With a new baby on the way, Al's time at the work bench is reducing but still gets the same satisfaction from "hanging" around Hammond Hobbies and the club folks. |
| Claude Zeringue |
| Claude started building 1:48 aircraft and 1:35 armor during his high school years. After a twenty year hiatus, he rejoined the hobby in earnest. He focuses his attention on 1:48 and 1:32 WWII aircraft, 1:35 armor and some large scale subs. When Claude is not modeling, he enjoys camping, woodworking, collecting WWII artifacts and working on his home in Pearl River. |
| Jack Knight |
| Jack starting modeling at the age of 12 with solid wood and balsa/silkspan. His favorites were Navy and Air Force fighters. After a long hiatus, he returned to the hobby 6 years after he retired from Northwest Airlines. There, he was a DC-9 Captain. Jack's main subject is 1:48 and 1:32 USAF aircraft. He builds some of the very same ones he flew in the military. |
| Warren Dickerson, Treasurer |
| Warren began building at the age of 8. At the time, he would buy a 1:72 aircraft on Friday, build it on Saturday and hang it on the ceiling by Sunday. By age 16, Warren took an long hiatus from modeling until three years ago. His kids had grown and his wife suggested he get a hobby to occupy his time. He realized he had the three resources to continue modeling: time, money and space. So, he dived head first and has never looked back. He has completed some 60 models and may have 10 on the bench at any time. Warren belonged to the Pensacola Modeleers and recently moved to this area. |
| Herb Wiley |
| In Progress... |
| Derek Keen |
In Progress... |
| Jake Groby |
| Jake began modeling in 1972 at the age of 9. His first kit was the USS Arizona because of the dramatic box art. In 1983, he started "Jakes' Ship Shop", a model restoration, repair and building service. His first love is sailing ships of all scales and periods, the more rigging, the better. In January 1989, Jake's work landed him on the cover of Finescale Modeler magazine. In 1998, Jake assisted Minicraft Models in making corrections to the 1/350 RMS Titanic. |
| Kelly White |
| Kelly began building at the age of 9. He sparked his interest with cars and armor by drawing them. Then, he tried the 3D version and built his first car. After four years into the hobby, he tried his first aircraft. Kelly had a friend whose dad showed him how to build aircraft. Now, his first love is scratchbuilt subjects from all eras. He also enjoys to attend area contests and shows to promote the hobby and support regional clubs. |
