INFORMATION !
Please take the time to read this, before contacting me, on any project question.
I am a small operation, and I produce only a few pieces every year. I worked many years as
a Prop Maker, and Scenic Artist, in the Media business, which included Theater, Film, and
TV production. I have been building models since the age of 6, and now at the ripe old age
of 47, it's been a real learning experience! A lot of Patience is absolutely required from
clients, this is not a fast process. Prop reproductions can take several hundred hours, and
they can be very expensive. Less complex projects can be quite reasonable in cost, but if
you want something truly amazing, the price will be set per hours required, materials used,
and complexity of the project. The "Pro" level work is very time consuming and prices are
of an "adult" nature. No one under 18 can order through this website. These are not "toys",
but works of art. Clients submit the kit to be produced and describe the options they want.
A date is set for production, that depends on how many other projects are in line already.
The production schedule is always being filled by various projects from clients, media, and
other sources that require this type of work. You can choose a "clean" model display, or a
"weathered" version which is a lot more like the real version. A 50% deposit is required
from clients who wish to reserve a time slot for the production of their project. The other
50% is due upon completion of the project. Shipping is not included and we recommend
UPS Overnight Air Express, as Ground, will destroy these fragile constructs no matter how
good my packing methods are. Shipping prices always include insurance for the full retail
value of the item. Once the project is completed, it must be paid off within 14 days of the
notification of it's full completion. If you are unable to do this, for some unplanned event,
simply contact me, to work something out. If you do not make the effort to contact me
before the 14 days expire, this will be considered a forfeit and you will lose your deposit.
There are no refunds unless I cancel the build for reasons beyond my control. Once the
item is shipped, it is your responsibility to unpack it carefully, per my thorough & detailed
instructions. Items are thoroughly tested and are intact upon shipping. If you damage the
item during unpacking, call me immediately to work out details for a repair. You will always
be treated fairly, I don't cheat anyone and former clients will happily vouch for my integrity
and quality items I produce. Once we have agreed on a price and options you desire, the
deal is set, no "last minute" changes permitted once the project begins production. You
can change options as long as I have not yet begun your project. Wait times are usually in
months, as I am a very busy builder, no sitting around for this guy. This should indicate to
you that my work is in demand, as a bad modeler has no orders and is ready to take your
cash and whip out an inferior piece within days. There is a "HUGE" difference between so
called "Pro" modelers, and the "real thing". If they don't have past credentials, or at least
some work to show you, they are wasting your time and money. Be especially weary of
E-Bay sellers who claim to create "Pro" level work for a few hundred bucks, no such thing.
In this realm, you get what you pay for. Once we have E-mailed each other in the initial
stage of contact, you are requested to call me at the service number. It's much faster and
more efficient to iron out details in one conversation, than hundreds of E-mails. One call will
do it, and if I require any more information by phone, I will call. Clients, can get a weekly
notification on their projects by E-Mail, of newly, web-posted, updates. This gives you an
"inside" look at how these detailed items are created, and some tricks and tips for your
own use. I also provided a CD-Rom of the entire project, along with the model, or prop, for
your personal records, and a signed certificate that I produced this item in the Studio. Set
fees do not include model kit, or shipping. I am not responsible for shipping damages. I
always, at first contact, by e-mail or phone, encourage you to read this policy statement
before ordering. It's clearly written down here, and there is no,"hidden", or "tiny", print
anywhere. By sending a down payment, you confirm that you understand how the service
works, that you have read this contract, and will abide by these very basic rules of conduct.
These are each unique "works of art", and are made specially for you, per your own specs.
Contact me for more info, on this unique, one-of-a-kind, Model & Prop building service.
I am a small operation, and I produce only a few pieces every year. I worked many years as
a Prop Maker, and Scenic Artist, in the Media business, which included Theater, Film, and
TV production. I have been building models since the age of 6, and now at the ripe old age
of 47, it's been a real learning experience! A lot of Patience is absolutely required from
clients, this is not a fast process. Prop reproductions can take several hundred hours, and
they can be very expensive. Less complex projects can be quite reasonable in cost, but if
you want something truly amazing, the price will be set per hours required, materials used,
and complexity of the project. The "Pro" level work is very time consuming and prices are
of an "adult" nature. No one under 18 can order through this website. These are not "toys",
but works of art. Clients submit the kit to be produced and describe the options they want.
A date is set for production, that depends on how many other projects are in line already.
The production schedule is always being filled by various projects from clients, media, and
other sources that require this type of work. You can choose a "clean" model display, or a
"weathered" version which is a lot more like the real version. A 50% deposit is required
from clients who wish to reserve a time slot for the production of their project. The other
50% is due upon completion of the project. Shipping is not included and we recommend
UPS Overnight Air Express, as Ground, will destroy these fragile constructs no matter how
good my packing methods are. Shipping prices always include insurance for the full retail
value of the item. Once the project is completed, it must be paid off within 14 days of the
notification of it's full completion. If you are unable to do this, for some unplanned event,
simply contact me, to work something out. If you do not make the effort to contact me
before the 14 days expire, this will be considered a forfeit and you will lose your deposit.
There are no refunds unless I cancel the build for reasons beyond my control. Once the
item is shipped, it is your responsibility to unpack it carefully, per my thorough & detailed
instructions. Items are thoroughly tested and are intact upon shipping. If you damage the
item during unpacking, call me immediately to work out details for a repair. You will always
be treated fairly, I don't cheat anyone and former clients will happily vouch for my integrity
and quality items I produce. Once we have agreed on a price and options you desire, the
deal is set, no "last minute" changes permitted once the project begins production. You
can change options as long as I have not yet begun your project. Wait times are usually in
months, as I am a very busy builder, no sitting around for this guy. This should indicate to
you that my work is in demand, as a bad modeler has no orders and is ready to take your
cash and whip out an inferior piece within days. There is a "HUGE" difference between so
called "Pro" modelers, and the "real thing". If they don't have past credentials, or at least
some work to show you, they are wasting your time and money. Be especially weary of
E-Bay sellers who claim to create "Pro" level work for a few hundred bucks, no such thing.
In this realm, you get what you pay for. Once we have E-mailed each other in the initial
stage of contact, you are requested to call me at the service number. It's much faster and
more efficient to iron out details in one conversation, than hundreds of E-mails. One call will
do it, and if I require any more information by phone, I will call. Clients, can get a weekly
notification on their projects by E-Mail, of newly, web-posted, updates. This gives you an
"inside" look at how these detailed items are created, and some tricks and tips for your
own use. I also provided a CD-Rom of the entire project, along with the model, or prop, for
your personal records, and a signed certificate that I produced this item in the Studio. Set
fees do not include model kit, or shipping. I am not responsible for shipping damages. I
always, at first contact, by e-mail or phone, encourage you to read this policy statement
before ordering. It's clearly written down here, and there is no,"hidden", or "tiny", print
anywhere. By sending a down payment, you confirm that you understand how the service
works, that you have read this contract, and will abide by these very basic rules of conduct.
These are each unique "works of art", and are made specially for you, per your own specs.
Contact me for more info, on this unique, one-of-a-kind, Model & Prop building service.
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WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR UPDATE COMPANY POLICY AT ANY TIME MERCS 2008
A COMPILATION OF BIOGRAPHICAL DATA ON THE ARTIST
| These old photographs show me in younger times actually working on Theater and TV productions. The article next to this text box was recently written in my local paper. Click on the image and you can read it online. I worked as a Scenic Artist and Prop maker during the 1980's and retired from the biz several years ago. I began selling my models on E-Bay and soon found the demand was enough to open my own website location. Since 2002, I have produced hundreds of Models and Props for clients around the world. You can see more work on many Internet sites such as Starship Modeler, Uncle Odie's Collectibles, and many others! Since an early age, building models and props was my "thing" and I made into a career first in the Media Industry, then for myself in my little Studio. I prefer the latter! I have done artwork for Paramount Pictures, Universal Studios, MTV, Disney, and worked with Rock acts of my days, such as Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick, Neil Young, and may others. Some of my Backstage Passes are shown below, along with a few fuzzy pictures of my artwork on "Story boards" for various projects. Model building has long been regarded as a "mere" hobby, and it's time people realize the very complex nature of creating these marvelous constructs. The artist must have skills that range from Airbrush technique, to Electronics assembly. It's been long overdue to be considered a true form of art. In the aftermath of the Star Trek auction at Christie's, it seems more people now realize that with the take-over of CG, Model and Prop-Making, may soon be a "Lost Art". |
QUESTIONS? CALL (386) 295-7997 FOR ANSWERS!
| "PAPA SMURF" AT WORK BEHIND THE SCENES IN 1986 |
| SIMON "PAPA SMURF" AT THE STUDIO |
A FEW LINKS OF OTHER COOL WEBSITES
| VISIT OUR PRODUCT SITE FOR FANTASTIC BASES! |
| THE BEST IRWIN ALLEN SITE ON THE INTERNET! |
| MY PERSONAL FAVORITE "VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA" SITE! |
| A GREAT WEBSITE, OF A GREAT MODELING MAGAZINE! |
| MANY SPECIALTY, AND HARD-TO-FIND KITS ARE HERE! |
| A REAL MODELING SITE! |
| FINE SPECIALTY DECALS! |
| AN ULTRA-COOL AUSTRALIAN STAR WARS WEBSITE! |
| A GREAT SPANISH "LOST IN SPACE" WEBSITE! |
| SOME OF THE BEST AFTER-MARKET KITS CAN BE FOUND HERE! |
| COURIER AND SET-UP SERVICES FOR HIGH-END PROJECTS |
| WE NOW OFFER SPECIALTY VIP COURIER DELIVERY AND SET-UP SERVICES, FOR OUR VERY "SPECIAL" PROJECTS. THIS SERVICE IS FOR THOSE PROJECTS IN THE 15k-20K, AND ABOVE, RANGE. THE FEE IS BASED ON DISTANCE, GAS PRICES, AND SIZE OF VEHICLE NEEDED. OUR COURIER WILL DELIVER YOUR COMPLETED ORDER, TO YOUR PLACE OF BUSINESS OR RESIDENCE, AND SET UP THE PROP REPRODUCTION, ON YOUR PEDESTAL, OR PRESENTATION SPACE. ELECTRIC HOOK-UPS AND ANY DETAILS REQUIRED TO INSTALL THE PROP REPRODUCTION WILL BE DONE BY A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL, AND SOMETIMES EVEN ME! THIS IS AN EXCELLENT OPTION FOR THOSE WHO ORDER A VERY COSTLY PROJECT, AND DON'T WANT TO RISK POTENTIAL DAMAGES THAT PRESENT-DAY SHIPPING COMPANIES UNFORTUNATELY CAUSE, IN SOME CASES WHERE SPECIAL CARE WAS NEEDED. OBVIOUSLY THIS LEVEL OF SERVICE ISN'T INTENDED FOR SIMPLER PROJECTS. THE SERVICE IS AVAILABLE IN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES ONLY, EXCLUDING ALASKA & HAWAII. IF YOUR CONSIDERING ORDERING ONE OF THE BIGGER MODELS OR PROPS WE OFFER, BUT ARE WEARY OF DAMAGE POTENTIAL TO A VERY FRAGILE AND COSTLY ITEM, PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS. IF FED-EX WOULD HAVE BROKEN IT, WE GET IT THERE INTACT! |
| HOW "THE KIT FACTORY" GOT IT'S NAME |
| FOR MANY YEARS MY NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS HAVE SEEN ME BUILDING MODELS OF EVERY KIND, IN MY STUDIO. EARLY ON, WHEN I WAS DEVELOPING THE CONCEPT FOR THIS SERVICE, I COULDN'T THINK OF HOW TO NAME IT. A NEIGHBOR SAID TO ME ONE DAY, "JEEZ, YOUR LIKE A MODEL KIT FACTORY IN HERE!", HENCE, THE NAME STUCK! |
| by Peyo 2008 |
| CLICK ON PICTURE TO READ ARCHIVED ARTICLE |
| I strive hard to make all the models and prop reproductions as accurate as possible. There are times when a client will prefer a detail, or section of lighting, to their preference. So when a posted project states that it is a "Prop Reproduction", it's as accurate as the Movie/TV Studio version of that item. If it's notated as "Model Display", or "Special Build", some changes over the original version where made to please the client, and deliver exactly what their "vision" of that project should look like. There is also a certain amount of "Artistic Liberty", when choosing color schemes, and other details, as each artist sees differently. It's important for potential clients to know exactly what they want, and specify it, at the time of initial negotiations. Clients may also base their own specifications on a project, based on their "memories", of what they remember, at the time the Show, or Film, captivated them, for that very first time. So all these posted projects are a compilation of the Clients Wishes, Dreams, Childhood Memories, and so forth. I am really just the "instrument" by which their desire for a certain Space Craft, or Robot, is brought to reality. These are not just simply "Copies", they are "Works of Art", that invoke memories of a better time we lived in |
STAGE PASSES & STORYBOARD ART
| AN OUTSTANDING SITE FROM THE UK! |
| THIS SITE IS PURE "MODELING", A PERSONAL FAVORITE! |
My name is Simon Mercs, I was born in Montreal, in 1960. Found myself fascinated by Science Fiction, from the age of 4-5
until, today. Oddly enough, the birthplace of, William Shatner, AKA, "Captain Kirk". I have been building models for 40 plus
years, and have many fond memories of watching Star Trek, Lost in Space, and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, through
the long, cold, Canadian winters. I just can't walk past a hobby, or toy store, without checking out the latest Space Toys! I
began as a Production Assistant first. Loading, and unloading trucks, assisting other Technicians. Then, on to Scenic and
Set Artist, Stage Manager, on one occasion, and then Prop Maker, during the 80's to mid 90's. Clients included Paramount
Pictures, M TV Productions, Walt Disney, Warner Brothers, and many more. I have worked with many top Rock acts of those
days. Iggy Pop, Foreigner, The Pretenders, Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick, Jefferson Starship, Los Lobos, and many others.
I began, by selling built kits on E-Bay, under the seller name of, Normandin, and ode to my recently departed Grandfather.
This was a way of dealing with his death, we were very close. He once told me “You love toys too much, kiddo”, I suppose
he must be in Heaven looking down, and realizing, “The little guy seems to have known his destiny better than I did”, and
laughing at the comment he made so long ago! This is a comforting thought when I think of him.
I was very surprised when the builds began selling faster than I could produce them, on a part-time basis. Then, I realized
the potential, and established The Kit Factory, in my small workshop/garage converted into a studio. There, I create the
prop reproductions and models that have really begun to "get around". I am surprised at the background of people that
enjoy this art form. NASA Technicians, Police Forensic Specialists, Boeing Technicians, Showbiz people, Executives, and
just “people”, of all walks of life, make up my clients list. My job, is to deliver exactly what they desire in their project.
In the last couple of years, I was approached by Chatham Publishing, the Book Company that publishes and distributes the
“Ship Craft” model book editions, for the inclusion of one of my more complex U-Boat builds. The writer, Roger Chesnau,
got in contact with me, after seeing one of my posted IPMS Member Gallery works on an Italieri, 1/72nd scale, U-Boat
Submarine, with weathering details. This was published, and I was extremely proud to finally see my work in a prestigious
publication. It's hard to describe how one feels, after many years, to receive some exposure on their work.
Then, my Local paper, the Daytona Beach News-Journal, published a half page story on my little studio, and I became well
known, as a local artist, in my own community. Many people in the neighborhood "pop in", if the door is open, to take a look.
This was also very much appreciated, and I was presented with the actual Printing Plate, free of charge, by the Editor, who
has since become a fan of the site. At that point, I decided, this was going to be the career I had wished for over the years.
Just these last couple of months, I have been working on an article for the IPMS Journal (International Plastic Modeling
Society), on my large scale, Star Trek Refit Enterprise Star Ship project. To be released in May, early June 2008, I have seen
the proofs for the layout, and they did a marvelous job! This is a very exciting prospect, as the Magazine is distributed all
over the world, and I expect it will be well received. The Refit Project was extremely complex, and required almost 1 year.
Presently, The Kit Factory is flourishing, and I am "booked" until almost 2010, at this point. You can see my Production
Schedule on the Workbench Page of the website. Although I was severely injured in 2004, the result of a nasty fall during
Hurricane Frances, I am still going strong. My Studio is set up “Handicap Friendly”, and my shattered leg does not prevent
me from doing anything I could do before the accident. I have some difficulty in standing for long periods of time, but
otherwise, it’s all good. No pity please, it just goes to show how anyone can overcome any tragedy, with a positive mental
attitude. If anything, it taught me the virtue of "patience", an important thing, in a world that's in too much of a rush now.
I attended the local Community College in the 80’s, and learned Computer Technology, and most importantly, Electronics
Assembly. This has allowed me to really “push the boundaries” when it comes to specialized lighting, on my client orders.
Lasers are the “hot thing” lately, and I have added several types to recent builds. These are only sold to responsible
adults, and like any other, now common, tool, that has a Laser included, caution is well spelled out in the instruction
manual, included with every build. I build safe items, and sell responsibly. I do not sell to minors.
Although I do almost every theme in modeling, Figures, Military, it’s Science Fiction that makes up 95% of my orders. Oddly
enough, I thought that Star Trek, or Star Wars, would be the top-seller. However, much to my surprise, it is Irwin Allen's
shows, especially “Lost in Space”, that are the top sellers. The “Baby Boomers” of the 60’s, seem to have a great desire for
the things of “their” time. In our troubled, and confusing age, I believe this is a sort of, “reaching back”, to happier times,
for my own generation. I now understand, why my Grand Parents missed their "old times" so much, things change so fast.
Lately, I have had the good fortune of being introduced to a fellow, who desires his identity kept private. This man works as
a Technician for NASA, makes circuits presently utilized on the ISS (International Space Station), and as a talented modeler
himself, he supplies me with amazing circuits that no one else has at their disposal. A real Professional Builder must have a
“Tech Guru” for circuits that are very unique, and specialized. Although I make up most of my own lighting in the Studio, on
occasion, something “very special” is required, beyond my capabilities. He has proven to be the ultimate answer to this
requirement, and I am planning many new circuit kits for re-released kits, and ones, still available on sites like E-Bay.
You can see some of these new circuits have now become “standard issue” in my version, of the 12 inch diameter, Polar
Lights, Jupiter 2 Saucer, from “Lost in Space”. My all time, number one seller. Who would have guessed that a very old
show, I first saw as a child, on black and white TV, would still have such an effect on today’s SF memorabilia buyers?
I now reside in Daytona Beach, Florida, a few hundred feet from the beach. With my Wife of almost 20 years, Laura, who
supported my ambitions for many years. And, it's to her, I owe much thanks, love, and devotion, for allowing me to pursue
my dream. Our two "kids", "Spinner" and "Spice", a pair of sisters, from the same litter of Labrador Retrievers, a Cat named
"Sweet Pea", and a very rowdy Indonesian Lorikeet, named "Ruby". We live a simple life, and enjoy Swimming, Gardening,
playing with our Dogs, and live a satisfying, and full life. We have much to be thankful for. Life is precious.
In closing, my life long dream to leave some sort of artistic legacy behind, seems to be coming true. I thank the Modeling
Gods, every night, for this great opportunity, to make a small addition in the history books, in this very demanding art-form.
This article was written 4/14/2008, for the Association of Professional Model Makers. Simon "Papa Smurf" Mercs 2008
until, today. Oddly enough, the birthplace of, William Shatner, AKA, "Captain Kirk". I have been building models for 40 plus
years, and have many fond memories of watching Star Trek, Lost in Space, and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, through
the long, cold, Canadian winters. I just can't walk past a hobby, or toy store, without checking out the latest Space Toys! I
began as a Production Assistant first. Loading, and unloading trucks, assisting other Technicians. Then, on to Scenic and
Set Artist, Stage Manager, on one occasion, and then Prop Maker, during the 80's to mid 90's. Clients included Paramount
Pictures, M TV Productions, Walt Disney, Warner Brothers, and many more. I have worked with many top Rock acts of those
days. Iggy Pop, Foreigner, The Pretenders, Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick, Jefferson Starship, Los Lobos, and many others.
I began, by selling built kits on E-Bay, under the seller name of, Normandin, and ode to my recently departed Grandfather.
This was a way of dealing with his death, we were very close. He once told me “You love toys too much, kiddo”, I suppose
he must be in Heaven looking down, and realizing, “The little guy seems to have known his destiny better than I did”, and
laughing at the comment he made so long ago! This is a comforting thought when I think of him.
I was very surprised when the builds began selling faster than I could produce them, on a part-time basis. Then, I realized
the potential, and established The Kit Factory, in my small workshop/garage converted into a studio. There, I create the
prop reproductions and models that have really begun to "get around". I am surprised at the background of people that
enjoy this art form. NASA Technicians, Police Forensic Specialists, Boeing Technicians, Showbiz people, Executives, and
just “people”, of all walks of life, make up my clients list. My job, is to deliver exactly what they desire in their project.
In the last couple of years, I was approached by Chatham Publishing, the Book Company that publishes and distributes the
“Ship Craft” model book editions, for the inclusion of one of my more complex U-Boat builds. The writer, Roger Chesnau,
got in contact with me, after seeing one of my posted IPMS Member Gallery works on an Italieri, 1/72nd scale, U-Boat
Submarine, with weathering details. This was published, and I was extremely proud to finally see my work in a prestigious
publication. It's hard to describe how one feels, after many years, to receive some exposure on their work.
Then, my Local paper, the Daytona Beach News-Journal, published a half page story on my little studio, and I became well
known, as a local artist, in my own community. Many people in the neighborhood "pop in", if the door is open, to take a look.
This was also very much appreciated, and I was presented with the actual Printing Plate, free of charge, by the Editor, who
has since become a fan of the site. At that point, I decided, this was going to be the career I had wished for over the years.
Just these last couple of months, I have been working on an article for the IPMS Journal (International Plastic Modeling
Society), on my large scale, Star Trek Refit Enterprise Star Ship project. To be released in May, early June 2008, I have seen
the proofs for the layout, and they did a marvelous job! This is a very exciting prospect, as the Magazine is distributed all
over the world, and I expect it will be well received. The Refit Project was extremely complex, and required almost 1 year.
Presently, The Kit Factory is flourishing, and I am "booked" until almost 2010, at this point. You can see my Production
Schedule on the Workbench Page of the website. Although I was severely injured in 2004, the result of a nasty fall during
Hurricane Frances, I am still going strong. My Studio is set up “Handicap Friendly”, and my shattered leg does not prevent
me from doing anything I could do before the accident. I have some difficulty in standing for long periods of time, but
otherwise, it’s all good. No pity please, it just goes to show how anyone can overcome any tragedy, with a positive mental
attitude. If anything, it taught me the virtue of "patience", an important thing, in a world that's in too much of a rush now.
I attended the local Community College in the 80’s, and learned Computer Technology, and most importantly, Electronics
Assembly. This has allowed me to really “push the boundaries” when it comes to specialized lighting, on my client orders.
Lasers are the “hot thing” lately, and I have added several types to recent builds. These are only sold to responsible
adults, and like any other, now common, tool, that has a Laser included, caution is well spelled out in the instruction
manual, included with every build. I build safe items, and sell responsibly. I do not sell to minors.
Although I do almost every theme in modeling, Figures, Military, it’s Science Fiction that makes up 95% of my orders. Oddly
enough, I thought that Star Trek, or Star Wars, would be the top-seller. However, much to my surprise, it is Irwin Allen's
shows, especially “Lost in Space”, that are the top sellers. The “Baby Boomers” of the 60’s, seem to have a great desire for
the things of “their” time. In our troubled, and confusing age, I believe this is a sort of, “reaching back”, to happier times,
for my own generation. I now understand, why my Grand Parents missed their "old times" so much, things change so fast.
Lately, I have had the good fortune of being introduced to a fellow, who desires his identity kept private. This man works as
a Technician for NASA, makes circuits presently utilized on the ISS (International Space Station), and as a talented modeler
himself, he supplies me with amazing circuits that no one else has at their disposal. A real Professional Builder must have a
“Tech Guru” for circuits that are very unique, and specialized. Although I make up most of my own lighting in the Studio, on
occasion, something “very special” is required, beyond my capabilities. He has proven to be the ultimate answer to this
requirement, and I am planning many new circuit kits for re-released kits, and ones, still available on sites like E-Bay.
You can see some of these new circuits have now become “standard issue” in my version, of the 12 inch diameter, Polar
Lights, Jupiter 2 Saucer, from “Lost in Space”. My all time, number one seller. Who would have guessed that a very old
show, I first saw as a child, on black and white TV, would still have such an effect on today’s SF memorabilia buyers?
I now reside in Daytona Beach, Florida, a few hundred feet from the beach. With my Wife of almost 20 years, Laura, who
supported my ambitions for many years. And, it's to her, I owe much thanks, love, and devotion, for allowing me to pursue
my dream. Our two "kids", "Spinner" and "Spice", a pair of sisters, from the same litter of Labrador Retrievers, a Cat named
"Sweet Pea", and a very rowdy Indonesian Lorikeet, named "Ruby". We live a simple life, and enjoy Swimming, Gardening,
playing with our Dogs, and live a satisfying, and full life. We have much to be thankful for. Life is precious.
In closing, my life long dream to leave some sort of artistic legacy behind, seems to be coming true. I thank the Modeling
Gods, every night, for this great opportunity, to make a small addition in the history books, in this very demanding art-form.
This article was written 4/14/2008, for the Association of Professional Model Makers. Simon "Papa Smurf" Mercs 2008
RECENTLY WRITTEN BIOGRAPHY FOR APMM
| EXCELLENT CASTING QUALITY AFTER-MARKET PARTS! |
MY ASSOCIATE BUILDER, DOUGLAS COWLES
| I met Doug Cowles many years ago, when the Kit Factory, first became a site, on the Internet. When I began, I had few builds to show, so I had a "Gallery" of other builders work, to give other talents, some exposure. Doug was one of the very first, to submit photo's, of his excellent work, and, I was impressed. Since that time, the growth of this service beyond my expectations, many things had to be revised. This website has become "competitive" with other, larger, operations, so we focus on our unique & special, Build-Ups. Doug, has become an asset to the Kit factory, has I had a feeling, long ago, he would. The only other builder who I post, on my personal works site, and he earned it. He has built several projects for me, in the name of the Company at first. Now, he his a part of the "Creative Team" that provides these very, unique, artworks. Doug's work is "top-notch", a "true" Artist! |
| DOUG DOES MANY PROJECTS FOR CLIENTS, A TALENTED ARTIST, AN OFFICIAL KF "TEAM MEMBER"! |
| DOUG, NEXT TO JUST A FEW OF THE MANY BUILDS HE HAS CREATED |
| AN "ULTRA-COOL" MODEL SITE FROM JAPAN, A PERSONAL FAVORITE! |