JLab140

When Bob Bieber (Art Department) was younger, he found his passion for model kits. Back in the 1960s it was really popular.

“That’s just what you did. You either played sandlot football or baseball, listened to 45 records, read comic books or built model kits,” Bieber said.  Back then, he explained, model kits were more affordable, but nowadays kits can be up to thousands of dollars.  Bieber has collected over 6,000 kits.

With that knowledge of Bieber’s passion, in 1999, two students, Jesse Gone and Aaron Hill asked Bieber if he would sponsor the Model Club.  Now, still going strong, the Model Club has 12-15 diehard students who like getting together to build model kits and learn how to put them together.  Club members must provide their own kit of their own personal interest and have that one kit to complete throughout the year during resource period.  Kit lovers generally have their own personal interest whether it be figures, military, or cars.  Sometimes, the club has a contest at the end of the year to see whose skill can be put to the test and admired by the rest of the club. Plaques and trophies are also awarded to those winners. 

This hobby teaches one patience and craftsmanship, and gives one skills for a potential future profession.  One of the model magazines said if someone worked less than 500 hours on a kit, then they didn’t do a good job.

“The downside is it takes a lot of patience, but once you start, you’re hooked,” Bieber said about his lifetime hobby.