MEET THE NEXT GENERATION OF MODEL MAKERS

In the city of Traralgon, in the state of Victoria, Australia,
a new generation of model makers is gaining valuable
training and experience in the art, craft and science of
model making.

These students are part of the Children’s Academy of
Model Making, the brain child of Zibby Lelito a professio-
nal fine art painter and model maker of vast experience.
The Academy has three successful years of operation, with
over 60 students having participated to date.
Using laser cut card models, sourced from Shipyard
Models, students learn to read plans, construct frames and
fittings and fashioning the exterior parts of their models,
producing highly creditable results, as can be seen from
the photographs.

The Academy started in the Model Maker’s Workshop of
the Traralgon Men’s Shed, and now has three chapters,
two in Traralgon and one in Shepparton. The Academy
seeks to provide a high quality model making experience
to year 5 and 6 students, who range in age from 9 to 12
years. Each lesson has a duration of up to two hours
including cleanup, follows a lesson plan and has a strong
ink to curriculum and assessment for the school’s purposes.
Zibby is ably assisted by three volunteer staff from the
Model Makers Workshop: Garry Mauger a professional
engineer, Don Gunn, a supervisor fitter and turner, and
Theo Moresink, a professional photographer, together with
staff from the schools from where the children are drawn.

An introductory training course is now available for
teachers or other trainers who may wish to set up a chapter
of the Children’s Academy of Model Making in their
location. It comprises 4 hours of theory and practical
instruction on laser cut card model making by our Master
Model Maker. There is also additional material available
for Teacher support.

The children’s concentration on task is amazing, and their
skills in plan reading and fabricating their models is a joy
to watch. Teachers comment on improved attention spans
and the great enjoyment the children exhibit. At two recent
Australian Model Expos, the children’s work was displayed
to the public, with great acceptance and much favorable
comment. People are surprised at the excellent work
of such young people new to model making.

Please feel free to contact Zibby on +61 418 325 954
or visit www.abadonna.com.au

For more information on laser cut card models,
please visit www.model-shipyard.com