Spotlight Modeler: Joe Hartigan

During the July BPMS Meeting we voted in our newest member: Joe Hartigan. While most of us think of Joe as the friendly gentleman who is very knowledgeable about model trains, he turned heads at the meeting with his stunning 1/24 scale Ford and Volvo trucks.

For Joe, getting this this point has been a journey, like most of us. At ten years old he took a shot at his first plastic model. It was the Monogram Little T which he promptly ruined. (Hint, that’s how you build like a 10 or an 11-year-old. It’s about getting it done while having fun!) From there, growing up in College Point, Queens, life happened with its twists and turns. Model building took a pause. He went to St Peters College. He put in his years as a Fire Fighter. Now in retirement Joe was able to return to the hobby.

Now that Joe has been able to get back to the hobby he’s been reacquainted with the best part of it: the FUN of building in his basement and getting projects done. While he does enjoy his train set -ups he also likes getting his plastic models done, too. Of course, that requires inspiration. Where better than the hobby shows? Back to the journey. Going to a local show can easily include side trips to other places of note, especially hobby shops. And, despite being a big train enthusiast, all shows can provide inspiration, and you never know what might show up in the vendor rooms.

Joe sees great value in learning from the mistakes of others. Why re-invent the wheel? Do your research and watch YouTube videos and be prepared for your builds, he suggests. You can also find good detail parts from flea market and FB Marketplace finds. Some of those trashed dis-cast models can be a treasure trove of useful parts.

His outlook for the hobby is positive. With advances in the technology with 3D printing and printing companies that are ready for the future.

When Joe came to us at the BPMS he was impressed with the friendliness with which he was greeted. He had been to other places that things didn’t go so well. Plus, we aren’t very far as currently resides in Belle Harbor, NY.  

In closing, Joe can’t emphasize enough that we should just try to finish off more our projects. They won’t finish themselves! 

~BP