...for all you "bigger is better" guys...

holy crap. holy freakin' . someones got waaaaaaaaaaay too much time on his hands

Sadly, the museum that housed all these super-dioramas in St. Charles, Missouri, is gone. I had the privilege of seeing them first hand many years ago, truly amazing work. I wonder what was the fate of the models? VLS corporate HQ is nearby, I guess they probably ended up back there. I tried to tour their plant once, but they won't let you get past the front office. Took me for a spy......

Man, I can't imagine the time it takes to make one of those monsters. They sure are great to look at though.

VLS was bought out by Squdron and I know they dont have them.

 Thad

 

Kykeon wrote:

Sadly, the museum that housed all these super-dioramas in St. Charles, Missouri, is gone. I had the privilege of seeing them first hand many years ago, truly amazing work. I wonder what was the fate of the models? VLS corporate HQ is nearby, I guess they probably ended up back there. I tried to tour their plant once, but they won't let you get past the front office. Took me for a spy......

That makes me very sad...I too saw that museum in the mid-90's. I was fairly young, and it made a very important impression on me. That museum is probably the reason that I have been so gung-ho on modeling fro so long. Very impressive works in that collection. I was trying to find that museum so I could visit it during an upcoming vacation, but I guess not now.

Lewis Pruneau is a friend of mine---I'll find out where these were moved to.

KINGTHAD wrote:

VLS was bought out by Squdron and I know they dont have them.  Thad

 

Speaking of which, are VLS products readily available now? I remember looking at their site about a year ago, and you could not order a thing...

 

On topic, I have always been obsessed with Bob Letterman's work. He definitely brings a shocking level of craftsmanship to these monstrosities. Always loved the shot of the rail gun factory. I've always tried to find more details, writeups, and pictures of these works, but my efforts online have been fruitless. Such a shame too, since you'd think there would be plenty on these masterpieces.

zokissima wrote:

KINGTHAD wrote: VLS was bought out by Squdron and I know they dont have them.  Thad     Speaking of which, are VLS products readily available now? I remember looking at their site about a year ago, and you could not order a thing...   On topic, I have always been obsessed with Bob Letterman's work. He definitely brings a shocking level of craftsmanship to these monstrosities. Always loved the shot of the rail gun factory. I've always tried to find more details, writeups, and pictures of these works, but my efforts online have been fruitless. Such a shame too, since you'd think there would be plenty on these masterpieces.

 

i recieved a special catalog from squadron with all the vls products in it. as far as i know squadron will still be selling all vls products

it doesn't matter the size of the dio, what matters is the look, details and story.

My first diorama(which is not yet done) is quite huge.

The VLS site should have directed you to Squadron. Squadron is selling most of the old VLS lines but there are some lines that have been shelved.

Just talked to Dave (Former VLS,he know works for Squadron) and he said Bob has his stuff at his house.

Bob web site is www.bobletterman.com

 

Thad

T-rex wrote:

it doesn't matter the size of the dio, what matters is the look, details and story. My first diorama(which is not yet done) is quite huge.

Thats true, except his dioramas are A. Detailed B. Tell a Story and C. HUGE.

I too have that book and it has been a source for great inspiration.

David

Hi all,

I am retired now and Lewis Pruneau is as well. Many of the pieces of work in the museum in St. Charles are now in two places. Part are in Rockford, Illinois in a private collection. The rest are in my collection. When Susan and I retired, I built a building behind my house to house the dios and models. It isn't open to the general public, however, any modeler (s) who happen to be in the St. Louis area are welcome to see it. 9Please contact me first to make sure I will be home. Aside from mine, I have 16 of Lewis' dios, as well as at least one of all the "Old Guard" Dioramas and models, There are over 200 dios and models in my collection as well as memorabilia from the many many years I have been involved in modeling.

Check out the non-commercial website www.bobletterman.com

It has a contact link and a message board (Forum), a gallery, etc., etc.

Bob Letterman

bobletterman wrote:

Hi all, I am retired now and Lewis Pruneau is as well. Many of the pieces of work in the museum in St. Charles are now in two places. Part are in Rockford, Illinois in a private collection. The rest are in my collection. When Susan and I retired, I built a building behind my house to house the dios and models. It isn't open to the general public, however, any modeler (s) who happen to be in the St. Louis area are welcome to see it. 9Please contact me first to make sure I will be home. Aside from mine, I have 16 of Lewis' dios, as well as at least one of all the "Old Guard" Dioramas and models, There are over 200 dios and models in my collection as well as memorabilia from the many many years I have been involved in modeling. Check out the non-commercial website www.bobletterman.com It has a contact link and a message board (Forum), a gallery, etc., etc. Bob Letterman

WOW......I met you in 1992 at Mastercon and I've followed your work all of my modeling life...I also met Lewis at that same time and he and I stay in touch...what an honor to have you post in this thread!!!

bobletterman wrote:

Hi all, I am retired now and Lewis Pruneau is as well. Many of the pieces of work in the museum in St. Charles are now in two places. Part are in Rockford, Illinois in a private collection. The rest are in my collection. When Susan and I retired, I built a building behind my house to house the dios and models. It isn't open to the general public, however, any modeler (s) who happen to be in the St. Louis area are welcome to see it. 9Please contact me first to make sure I will be home. Aside from mine, I have 16 of Lewis' dios, as well as at least one of all the "Old Guard" Dioramas and models, There are over 200 dios and models in my collection as well as memorabilia from the many many years I have been involved in modeling. Check out the non-commercial website www.bobletterman.com It has a contact link and a message board (Forum), a gallery, etc., etc. Bob Letterman

Wow, thanks for taking the time for responding to our "quest" for yours and Lewis Pruneus models. Now, the big question is that is this a one time post or are you "staying here" so to speak. I know of many people, myself included, that would love to have your advice and techniques shared around the forum. Not to pressure you or anything. But if it is a one time post then thankyou for taking the time to help.

David

To quote Garth Algar, (Wayne's World, SNL);

"We're not worthy!!!!"

Thank you so much for answering our query, Mr. Letterman.

I have friends in St. Louis and I travel there on occasion, perhaps we'll meet again someday, (as I'm sure you don't remember everyone who dropped in your office).

I never forget a face, but... admittedly, I have never been good at remembering names! Hey, I appreciate the kind words, but I'm just a modeler like everyone else. I can speak for Lewis and he would be embarrassed by this kind of stuff.

I have added this to my "favorites" and will continue posting here!

Bob

I am here to stay, and I always share any and all of my "secrets", if there are any! I am now retired from being the "Hobby Fuhrer" as I have been called, that's a joke btw! I will gladly answer any questions that you think I am qualified to answer!

Please visit and post on my web site as well!

Thanks

Bob

Hey Kykeon,

I'm not worthy of all this, It's embarrassing. I built my first model when I was 4 years old. That means I have been doing this stuff for 62 years. If I'm not better than average, I should be looking for a new hobby! Thanks for the kind words, and do stop by next time you are in town!

Bob

Bob,

I apologize for the embarrassment, but you deserve our accolades. Your work has been an inspiration to all of us for many years. You have helped set the standard by which we attempt to achieve. Our hobby would not be the same without your contributions.

Kykeon wrote:

Bob, I apologize for the embarrassment, but you deserve our accolades. Your work has been an inspiration to all of us for many years. You have helped set the standard by which we attempt to achieve. Our hobby would not be the same without your contributions.

 

DEFINITELY!!!!