Shep was one of the greatest influences in my entire life! As an avid model builder, I will NEVER forget the first time I saw his dioramas featured on the Monogram Model boxes! It was one of the best days of my life. I had walked all the way to school, in a snowstorm, not knowing that school was cancelled. It was the day before Winter vacation, 1974, on a Friday. Since I was already out and about, and had a small fortune of about twenty bucks in paper route money on me, I decided to go to Porrier's Hobby Shop in Downtown Lowell Ma. to buy a new model, before heading home. I still remember the model I was considering getting. It was The Black Knight, in the series of Medieval Knights that were available at the time. I was holding the box when my eyes roamed a little toward the military model section, and that was the moment the Earth Stood Still! I gazed upon a stack of tank models, with photos on the side, of ruined buildings and soldiers in action. My life was never the same again! I walked home in the snow, eager to build my first military diorama, with the Panzer 4, and the Sturmgeschutz kits in tow. I copied both of Shep's dioramas to such a tee, NO ONE believed that the whole diorama wasn't a kit! I spent that entire week of school vacation, building those dioramas, and the next 40 plus years working on more dioramas. I don't always have the time to build as much as I want to, and a lot of other projects get in the way, but I will always be a diorama builder, and I will never forget Sheperd Paine!!
I was inspired 30 years ago; I still am... My first investment in this hobby was "How to build Dioramas", 30 years later, I still go to it for a quick reference. Thank you Shep. R.I.P
i was just another kid in england back in the '70's when i picked up mr paines books. they sent me on a journey im still on all these years later and they changed my life. thanks for everything. rip
just saw this, thanks! he inspired me as a kid in the 70's, and made me love Monogram models. Paul Freiler's Historical Models in Torrance, Ca. was full of beautifully built models on display, my favorite place to buy models ever.
I cannot say I was well acquainted with Mr Paine, but, we knew one another. One night, at MMSI, long after the hospitality suite had emptied out, Shep came in, and Shep sat down with about 5 of us. We talked and told stories until sun up. All I can say is this: He was a good man.
The genesis of the hobby of scale plastic modelling started with this guy. They were building models before him, but they weren’t building them into an art form like him.
I think my Sheperd Paine story is fairly typical for those of us "of a certain age." I was thinking about getting out of the hobby when I was 13 in 1973. I decided to build, "just one more model," and picked up the Monogram Panzerkampfwagen IV in the "White Box" from Kmart. One look at that "Tips on Building Dioramas" sheet, and I was hooked for life! I give all the credit to Shep Paine for keeping me in the hobby. Sadly, I never got to meet him to thank him personally. RIP, Mr. Paine. What an amazing legacy you have left for all of us . . . .
As a kid growing up in the late 70s early 80s I was really interested in Aircraft from WWI up thru the Korean war. I'd sit in front of the Television and watch any Documentary on about War. I was fascinated by B-17s Hellcats , Corsairs, German Tiger Tanks etc. I was probably the only kid in 5th grade who knew all the names of WWII aircraft. My older brother and My dad built plastic models and I remember how cool they were compared to the junky blobs I had for toys that semi resembled WWII vehicles. On my 6th B-day my Dad came home with a model kit for me to build. It was the 1/48th Monogram Tiger Tank( yeah the snap together one) That started the embers glowing inside me for scale models. Afew yrs later and another B-Day my grandmother took me to Lakeshore Hobbies in Gainesville Ga. She handed me 20 bucks and said spend it on what ever you want. Man I was in Heaven, 20 bucks was a lotta money back then. After looking the models over 2 and 3 times I spotted a 1/48 Monogram B-17G kit. It was high up on a shelf and I couldn't see the price. So I told the clerk if this 20 dollars will get me that B-17 kit I'll take it. It was 15.00 bucks and I had money left over for a can of O.D spray paint. Once home I was excited as a kid on Christmas morning to open the box and get this thing built. After pulling out all the sprues I noticed the Shep Paine pamphlet on building a crashed B-17 Diorama(I had never heard of a Diorama before) I was absolutely fascinated by what I saw. I wore the pages white looking over it so much, in fact Mrs. Olsen my 6th grade Teacher even took it from me more than once cause I was paying her no mind but instead studying how to make my models look like Mr. Paine's did. As a kid I got that same thrill every time I got a Monogram kit that had a How to pamphlet inside. Another trip to the local hobby shop I found Sheps book "How to Build Dioramas" I immediately bought it and reading this book turn those embers that my 1st model kit ignited turned into and inferno that's been burning bright ever since. I still have that copy and to me it is and always will be the book of inspiration. I wish I could have met Mr. Paine. It would have brought me pleasure to tell him how much I appreciated his sharing his work and ideas with the hobby world and just how much it meant to me. I sit here tonite 9/3/17 still modeling and still building dioramas. That is a direct result of Sheps inspiration. I now have a fondness for those older kits Shep worked on even though the kits of today really are museum pieces straight out of the box, they don't have any of that nostalgic feeling attached to them. Your legacy lives on Shepard Paine. Thanks for the inspiration.
@@richardhill5662 Always glad to share with fellow modelers. We're a special kind of people, my favorite kind. Modelling is a wonderful hobby and I believe we all share a bond of sorts thru it. I've been to model shows all over the country and never once did I feel outta place just the opposite I've never met a stranger there.
Oh my goodness, so many fond memories!! And some I have not seen before. Shep was an absolute master!!! I remember the day I got that Monogram Panzerpahwagan kit I poured over Shep's pamphlet and was amazed at everything he did. He converted the frying pan guy into a tire changing guy! Wow! and all the rest Wow wow wow!!! Changing the steering angles of the 8-rad. So many great details. He was incredible!!!
The Pain diorama sheets were what made those era Monogram kits so special. They were an inspiration to bring the best effort you could give. That ditched Devastator was my favorite, with the winter whitewashing of the "Screaming Mimi" Sherman tank right up there as well. I built both those kits several times each, never once matching his level, but the enjoyment was always there. Still have one of each now.
He will be forever more the greatest inspiration to me when I was a young boy pursuing how to build models back in the 70’s. The very last part of this video when he was asked about why he quit building models, is because it stopped being fun--wow--- so let that be a message to all model builders throughout this world, that we are here to help and nurture one another in this life. Lets keep the hobby fun and growing…because we can only have it for a short time in this life…and when its gone..its gone and you certainly cannot take it with you..wherever your destiny takes you…. RIP Shep your passing has re-inspired me and has given a more profound meaning to this hobby. I pray that it will always be fun…….
Victoria Nasim Well said, Mark. Keeping model building fun should be the very foundation from which we build our models. I've seen too many individuals get lost in competition.
Thank you Russell for this excellent tribute. There never was, or will ever be another Sheperd Paine, we are all the best for knowing him and of his extraordinary work, Our thoughts and prayers are with you my dear friend.
That's an awesome tribute. It's too bad he stopped building because it stopped being fun for him. It was he who inspired me to build model kits when I was a boy. It's because of him that I still build model kits.
Thanks. As he was a professional model builder, I wonder if it just became too overwhelming. Of the power three: Shep Paine, Bob Letterman, and Francois Verlinden, Shep appears to be the quiet one. The other two certainly made names for themselves in the industry. Can't agree with you more. Shep Paine is and always will be a great inspiration to model builders world wide. He was more than a model builder, he was an artist. I mean, a person who can take a Rembrandt painting, and make it into a three dimensional model is phenomenal.
Thanks a lot for this uploading as I´ll always admire Shep, tons of imagination to create his masterpieces. Humble, generous...simply a truly legend. I do trust that this hobby will never forget his legacy.
I was inspired by Shep 48 years ago and didnt know until later on in life.My uncle would give me all of his Revell and Monagram,ect leaflets and catalogs and I would stere and read and study them for hours.When I was about tenish I found out who Mr.Paine was and I only wish I could have met him and told him what he meant to a kid from a tiny plains town.Thank you for a great video.
Nov. 24, 2019---Thanks for the video and being able to see other dioramas he built that I haven't seen before. I still have all the Monogram kits with their pamphlets, which are STILL not built. You know how it is....buy a kit with the intention of building it, then there's another kit ya just gotta have and then another and another and..... Got curious, so Googled for Paine's dioramas as photos, finding even more. Thing is, when you think about it, he and Gary Gygax of D&D fame aren't really that famous. No doubt there's a hell of a lot of people who can tell you all about various athletes, but give you a blank stare when mentioning either of these two guys. I remember reading his obituary that when he died, even his sister didn't know he was that famous among many people and museums in the world. One question I still haven't found an answer to was what happened to all his stuff? The dioramas he was working on, his tools and from what I understand, he had a MASSIVE reference library.
Thank you for responding. It's nice to know that people are still watching this video. Yes, I know what you mean about having a large collection of unbuilt model kits. Some of his models are still in existence. I believe there was a model show a few years ago that had many on display. Sadly, a number of them have not survived. There used to be a website that listed all the known Shep Paine dioramas and their current whereabouts. The German 8 Rad amored car is in Bob Letterman's museum in St. Louis, MO. The Farewell to the Bonhomme Richard is still at an office building in Chicago. Again, thanks for viewing. What are your favorite models to build?
@@russellgosselin3325 Arent a lot of them on display at a Chicago Museum? Also an artist-owned some. Apparently, his wife commissioned 1 of a skeleton in a naval uniform playing an instrument. He owns a few because of that.
Thanks for the video....first time I've seen a lot of his other works. And like others, still have those Monogram flyers that came with their kits along with 2 of his books. Quit building myself 15 years or so for the same reason....it wasn't fun any more. But late last year, felt my modeling mojo coming back...ya can't keep a diehard glue sniffer down, ya know. But instead of aircraft/armor, found there's a lot of people building zombie/apocalypse type dioramas. Going for 1/35th scale as that's what my armor/figures are in. Been busy buying more kits, along with diecast kits and accessories, along with building a lot of accessories such as street signs, furniture, etc. Now I'm at the point of working on 3 dioramas, so when I get stuck on something, I can simply go to another diorama.....and I look forward to the challenges of what I want to do and learning new techniques. But as far as Shepherd Paine goes, from what I understand, he had a huge reference library and when he died, wondered what happened to it and all his modeling stuff whether it was tools, paint, etc. along with any unfinished works.
MY MENTOR, other than my parents Sheperd Paine had one of the biggest influences on my life, his books were my bibles. If not for him I would have never got into fine scale models and dioramas you will truly be missed, and thank you.
Like many I was first introduced to Sheperd by his Monogram work. It was only recently that I learned much more about his work and passion for History. He is missed by all who were first drawn to his works on model boxes and those that knew much more than we who only knew that his incredible dioramas from a distance. I can still see that B17 diorama in my head. What a masterwork it and all the others really are. Thanks for this wonderful video.
A wonderful tribute Russ. I have spent many long hours pouring over all of those images myself in my own library. There's no end to the enjoyment I get from looking at his work. He is my styrene God.
Yes, he certainly built in many different genres of this hobby. I really don't think there would have been any subject he couldn't build. I always admired his work which incorporated movement.
Great great video, Russell....thanks for putting this together and sharing the work of one of the great model builders of our time...I think I still have one of his books somewhere around here, what an incredible builder and visionary...
One of my "Model Heroes". I never met Shepard. I am sure my life and my modeling are poorer for it. I was not aware he made so many historcal figures until just now. A talented and interesting Man.
What a wonderful tribute. His work inspired me to stay in this hobby all my life and to take it to the next level by telling a story. All the best to his family.
It is amazing that someone could master so many different genres of subjects. Some of those dioramas actually appear to be action shot of people and vehicle in motion. Heck of a skill to give that impression of a static kit
You have a good eye, Mark! That was one of Shep's hallmarks. I think his best motion model is the "Sleepy Hollow" diorama. It's an old New England Halloween story. www.boxdioramas.com/Sheperd%20Paine%20Gallery.htm
How have I never seen this!? Like soooo many others, I was totally inspired by Shep to get into armor. As a matter of fact I didn't know armor models existed until a friend showed me the diorama sheet on the Sherman Hedgehog. I saw that and was hooked. I still have the diorama sheet from the first Monogram Armor kit I got in the '70s: The Screamin' Mimi Sherman. Really great tribute Russ.
For us modellers back then, he and Bill Horen were no less than Gods. Getting as near as possible to their standard was the simple task every time we we started on a project…
What would hobby look like without the monogram inserts from 50 years ago. Hedgerow was my favorite but haven't seen the Arnhem one with flakpanzer for decades!
a fitting tribute to the greatest expert on diorama building that ever lived. Nice touch using the "Gettysburg" closing theme, by the way. it somehow seems appropriate.
The most impactful military historian, modeler and painter in my life was Dr. Jeffrey Johnson of Hoffman Estates IL. He was good friends with Mr. Paine. This tribute is absolutely captivating. Thank you for your fantastic efforts in producing it. The musical score is riveting. Please if you see this; can you tell me what musical score it is? Many thanks and a new subscriber. Rick Hill
Thank you for your kind words. The music comes from the movie soundtrack, Gettysburg. I'm not as active as I'd like at the moment with regards to uploading videos, but I'm trying to get some material out by end of summer.
Oh I love the B-17 diorama! I will never forget the first time I saw it with my B-17 kit when I was a kid. I would like to make a diorama like this, but I just cannot bring myself to punch holes in the B-17.
I know what you mean. I have the kit in my stash. I will build it someday. I sort of treat it with a lot of awe and respect. More so than with my other kits.
Definitely of his time. By today's standards, pretty ordinary but I realise that kits and materials have improved, paints and pigmemts vastly superior and the advent of HD imagery and social media has driven standards higher. I look at modelling books of my youth that used to be the gold standard but they're little more than useful historical documemts now.
atually he is still one of my all time Favourites and I gues the one I follow longest time since I was a boy and bought my first Monogram Tank model . I gues that was with 12 years now i am 57 and still love his work
John Wlas I am saddened by the news. Indeed, we are all merely passing through in this life. He has been and continues to be a great source of inspiration to model builders around the world. He will be greatly missed.
Russell Gosselin Shep has been troubled by diabetes for many years but never worked hard to keep it under control. At his peak he set a high standard that was and is a constant challenge to those of us in this field.
I'm going to say that most of his dioramas were creative. That being said some are quite obviously based on a photo of picture. The Lady Be Good is a good example.
The gun deck of HMS Victory - stunning. Shadowboxes at their very best. Meeting of the Admiralty Board - the expression on the various faces says it all - intensity. boredom, deference - Paine is probably the reason I eventually gave up modelling; I could never approach that level of artistry. Modern exponents - very good technically, but the bases are always too small,, and the subjects uninspiring.
August 16, 2022---Just an update. Got back into modeling but this time, I'm going for realistic 1/35 scale zombie/apocalypse dioramas and using words that are not polite more than once. For example, altering military figures as civilians, Master Boxes pin up girls into survivalists. Caught covid last year, but during that time, bought 2 3D resin printers, new and used. The new one has a bigger build plate and have 4-5K worth of free files of stuff not available as kits while also trying to learn CAD. At 69, it ain't easy for this old dog to learn new tricks. There's a preppers/survivalist website (Survivalist Boards), with different categories, one of which is called The Dark Side. Stared a thread there titled for those who build models, with me wondering if anyone there did. Seems a lot of people (guys) did when they were kids, with some getting back into it. Copied your video and another one, showing off Shep's dioramas.
I've got the pamphlet from that kit if you want it? Shows all about how he did it. I collected all of those and have extra. Like your screen name always wanted a 68 charger a 69 would've worked too. All I ever managed to get was a 69 yellow superbee and a 71 Dart (and yeah I still got'em) I'm also a Mopar Tech working at a dealership.
Russell Gosselin I was shocked he died suddenly, he mentioned that he gave up modeling because he said it wasn't fun anymore. Do you know what happened to make him say these remarks?
+MrStoneycool69 I do not have any creditable source as to why he felt that modelling was no longer fun. I can only speculate. He did a lot of commission work. . . That alone is very taxing: deadlines, demands, etc. I know perhaps one or two model builders who do commission work, and they easily admit that they rarely have time for their own model building. Moreover, I would like to guess that Shep was a real artist, and perhaps not so interested in the business aspect of this hobby. Again, I really have no source to back up such a claim. Yes, I too, was shocked when I heard of his passing. I can look at his works for hours. His legacy to this hobby will endure as long as there are people in this hobby.
Russell Gosselin Yes, I agree commission jobs are taxing. I remember I did a few for a few people. It's time not spent well for what I got out of it. In hindsight I'd prefer if they were my models going to be displayed for what I got paid to do the commissions. I've even lost the photographs I took of them years ago I wish they were still in my collection now. I must admit it was Shepard Paine that provided his inspiration for me in his book "How to build dioramas" and "Modeling Tanks and Military Vehicles". I'm sorry to see him go, an unsung ambassador for plastic modelling.
Shep was one of the greatest influences in my entire life! As an avid model builder, I will NEVER forget the first time I saw his dioramas featured on the Monogram Model boxes! It was one of the best days of my life. I had walked all the way to school, in a snowstorm, not knowing that school was cancelled. It was the day before Winter vacation, 1974, on a Friday. Since I was already out and about, and had a small fortune of about twenty bucks in paper route money on me, I decided to go to Porrier's Hobby Shop in Downtown Lowell Ma. to buy a new model, before heading home. I still remember the model I was considering getting. It was The Black Knight, in the series of Medieval Knights that were available at the time. I was holding the box when my eyes roamed a little toward the military model section, and that was the moment the Earth Stood Still! I gazed upon a stack of tank models, with photos on the side, of ruined buildings and soldiers in action. My life was never the same again! I walked home in the snow, eager to build my first military diorama, with the Panzer 4, and the Sturmgeschutz kits in tow. I copied both of Shep's dioramas to such a tee, NO ONE believed that the whole diorama wasn't a kit! I spent that entire week of school vacation, building those dioramas, and the next 40 plus years working on more dioramas. I don't always have the time to build as much as I want to, and a lot of other projects get in the way, but I will always be a diorama builder, and I will never forget Sheperd Paine!!
Scale modeling is an art . Shepperd was the Da Vinci of this marvelous hobby . I loved so much his dioramas . They will inspire me forever .
The man who made dioramas a mainstream interest and hobby inspiring so many of us
A true legend
R.I.P. Sir
The body is gone though the legend lives on
I was inspired 30 years ago; I still am... My first investment in this hobby was "How to build Dioramas", 30 years later, I still go to it for a quick reference. Thank you Shep. R.I.P
Still have my copy also!
And me! Inspirational work - started me looking at models in a new light. What a talent he was.
ONE of the top 4 of ALL time, no contest. Don't be offended young people, there are many of you that are outstanding.
They are great works,I still have the pamphlets that came with the kits from the the 70'S .Always enjoyed his work. Thanks for the memorys.
i was just another kid in england back in the '70's when i picked up mr paines books. they sent me on a journey im still on all these years later and they changed my life. thanks for everything. rip
Great tribute to a truly remarkable man... RIP Shep.
An inspiration to thousands of modelers around the world. RIP.
just saw this, thanks! he inspired me as a kid in the 70's, and made me love Monogram models. Paul Freiler's Historical Models in Torrance, Ca. was full of beautifully built models on display, my favorite place to buy models ever.
I can relate to this! Paul Freiler's was a drool-fest for me as a young boy.
I cannot say I was well acquainted with Mr Paine, but, we knew one another. One night, at MMSI, long after the hospitality suite had emptied out, Shep came in, and Shep sat down with about 5 of us. We talked and told stories until sun up. All I can say is this: He was a good man.
The genesis of the hobby of scale plastic modelling started with this guy. They were building models before him, but they weren’t building them into an art form like him.
I think my Sheperd Paine story is fairly typical for those of us "of a certain age." I was thinking about getting out of the hobby when I was 13 in 1973. I decided to build, "just one more model," and picked up the Monogram Panzerkampfwagen IV in the "White Box" from Kmart. One look at that "Tips on Building Dioramas" sheet, and I was hooked for life! I give all the credit to Shep Paine for keeping me in the hobby. Sadly, I never got to meet him to thank him personally.
RIP, Mr. Paine. What an amazing legacy you have left for all of us . . . .
As a kid growing up in the late 70s early 80s I was really interested in Aircraft from WWI up thru the Korean war. I'd sit in front of the Television and watch any Documentary on about War. I was fascinated by B-17s Hellcats , Corsairs, German Tiger Tanks etc. I was probably the only kid in 5th grade who knew all the names of WWII aircraft. My older brother and My dad built plastic models and I remember how cool they were compared to the junky blobs I had for toys that semi resembled WWII vehicles. On my 6th B-day my Dad came home with a model kit for me to build. It was the 1/48th Monogram Tiger Tank( yeah the snap together one) That started the embers glowing inside me for scale models. Afew yrs later and another B-Day my grandmother took me to Lakeshore Hobbies in Gainesville Ga. She handed me 20 bucks and said spend it on what ever you want. Man I was in Heaven, 20 bucks was a lotta money back then. After looking the models over 2 and 3 times I spotted a 1/48 Monogram B-17G kit. It was high up on a shelf and I couldn't see the price. So I told the clerk if this 20 dollars will get me that B-17 kit I'll take it. It was 15.00 bucks and I had money left over for a can of O.D spray paint. Once home I was excited as a kid on Christmas morning to open the box and get this thing built. After pulling out all the sprues I noticed the Shep Paine pamphlet on building a crashed B-17 Diorama(I had never heard of a Diorama before) I was absolutely fascinated by what I saw. I wore the pages white looking over it so much, in fact Mrs. Olsen my 6th grade Teacher even took it from me more than once cause I was paying her no mind but instead studying how to make my models look like Mr. Paine's did. As a kid I got that same thrill every time I got a Monogram kit that had a How to pamphlet inside. Another trip to the local hobby shop I found Sheps book "How to Build Dioramas" I immediately bought it and reading this book turn those embers that my 1st model kit ignited turned into and inferno that's been burning bright ever since. I still have that copy and to me it is and always will be the book of inspiration. I wish I could have met Mr. Paine. It would have brought me pleasure to tell him how much I appreciated his sharing his work and ideas with the hobby world and just how much it meant to me. I sit here tonite 9/3/17 still modeling and still building dioramas. That is a direct result of Sheps inspiration. I now have a fondness for those older kits Shep worked on even though the kits of today really are museum pieces straight out of the box, they don't have any of that nostalgic feeling attached to them. Your legacy lives on Shepard Paine. Thanks for the inspiration.
Fantastic story. Thank you for sharing it with us model builders!
@@richardhill5662 Always glad to share with fellow modelers. We're a special kind of people, my favorite kind. Modelling is a wonderful hobby and I believe we all share a bond of sorts thru it. I've been to model shows all over the country and never once did I feel outta place just the opposite I've never met a stranger there.
Thank you for sharing. Sheperd Paine is why I got into modeling.
You're welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
cannot beleave this legend hasent got more likes than this,I grew up trying to be as good as him
Oh my goodness, so many fond memories!! And some I have not seen before. Shep was an absolute master!!!
I remember the day I got that Monogram Panzerpahwagan kit I poured over Shep's pamphlet and was amazed at everything he did. He converted the frying pan guy into a tire changing guy! Wow! and all the rest Wow wow wow!!! Changing the steering angles of the 8-rad. So many great details. He was incredible!!!
Shep Payne, was truly a master in his craft!
The myth, the man, the legend! RIP Shep Paine! o7
I remember when I was younger how much his work inspired me to build like he does!! Thanks for sharing!!
I know what you mean. I still have his How To books. They're pretty beat up now, but still gold.
The Pain diorama sheets were what made those era Monogram kits so special. They were an inspiration to bring the best effort you could give. That ditched Devastator was my favorite, with the winter whitewashing of the "Screaming Mimi" Sherman tank right up there as well. I built both those kits several times each, never once matching his level, but the enjoyment was always there. Still have one of each now.
He will be forever more the greatest inspiration to me when I was a young boy pursuing how to build models back in the 70’s. The very last part of this video when he was asked about why he quit building models, is because it stopped being fun--wow--- so let that be a message to all model builders throughout this world, that we are here to help and nurture one another in this life. Lets keep the hobby fun and growing…because we can only have it for a short time in this life…and when its gone..its gone and you certainly cannot take it with you..wherever your destiny takes you…. RIP Shep your passing has re-inspired me and has given a more profound meaning to this hobby. I pray that it will always be fun…….
Victoria Nasim Well said, Mark. Keeping model building fun should be the very foundation from which we build our models. I've seen too many individuals get lost in competition.
Thank you Russell for this excellent tribute. There never was, or will ever be another Sheperd Paine, we are all the best for knowing him and of his extraordinary work, Our thoughts and prayers are with you my dear friend.
Darryl Audette Thanks, Darryl. Yes, we are all better model builders because of his tremendous contribution to the hobby.
Best scale plastic modeller ever. Even to this day nobody can match his skill and imagination. Thanks Shep.
That's an awesome tribute. It's too bad he stopped building because it stopped being fun for him. It was he who inspired me to build model kits when I was a boy. It's because of him that I still build model kits.
Thanks. As he was a professional model builder, I wonder if it just became too overwhelming. Of the power three: Shep Paine, Bob Letterman, and Francois Verlinden, Shep appears to be the quiet one. The other two certainly made names for themselves in the industry.
Can't agree with you more. Shep Paine is and always will be a great inspiration to model builders world wide. He was more than a model builder, he was an artist. I mean, a person who can take a Rembrandt painting, and make it into a three dimensional model is phenomenal.
The Goat. always will be RIP
Grew up loving his dioramas; RIP Master Modeler!
He inspired me to make models and dioramas, a lot of modellers stick to a certain type, aircraft, armour etc but he did the lot
Thanks a lot for this uploading as I´ll always admire Shep, tons of imagination to create his masterpieces. Humble, generous...simply a truly legend. I do trust that this hobby will never forget his legacy.
I was inspired by Shep 48 years ago and didnt know until later on in life.My uncle would give me all of his Revell and Monagram,ect leaflets and catalogs and I would stere and read and study them for hours.When I was about tenish I found out who Mr.Paine was and I only wish I could have met him and told him what he meant to a kid from a tiny plains town.Thank you for a great video.
Nov. 24, 2019---Thanks for the video and being able to see other dioramas he built that I haven't seen before. I still have all the Monogram kits with their pamphlets, which are STILL not built. You know how it is....buy a kit with the intention of building it, then there's another kit ya just gotta have and then another and another and.....
Got curious, so Googled for Paine's dioramas as photos, finding even more. Thing is, when you think about it, he and Gary Gygax of D&D fame aren't really that famous. No doubt there's a hell of a lot of people who can tell you all about various athletes, but give you a blank stare when mentioning either of these two guys. I remember reading his obituary that when he died, even his sister didn't know he was that famous among many people and museums in the world.
One question I still haven't found an answer to was what happened to all his stuff? The dioramas he was working on, his tools and from what I understand, he had a MASSIVE reference library.
Thank you for responding. It's nice to know that people are still watching this video. Yes, I know what you mean about having a large collection of unbuilt model kits.
Some of his models are still in existence. I believe there was a model show a few years ago that had many on display. Sadly, a number of them have not survived. There used to be a website that listed all the known Shep Paine dioramas and their current whereabouts. The German 8 Rad amored car is in Bob Letterman's museum in St. Louis, MO. The Farewell to the Bonhomme Richard is still at an office building in Chicago.
Again, thanks for viewing. What are your favorite models to build?
@@russellgosselin3325 Arent a lot of them on display at a Chicago Museum? Also an artist-owned some. Apparently, his wife commissioned 1 of a skeleton in a naval uniform playing an instrument. He owns a few because of that.
Him and Verlinden were the pioneers..
Thanks for the video....first time I've seen a lot of his other works. And like others, still have those Monogram flyers that came with their kits along with 2 of his books. Quit building myself 15 years or so for the same reason....it wasn't fun any more. But late last year, felt my modeling mojo coming back...ya can't keep a diehard glue sniffer down, ya know. But instead of aircraft/armor, found there's a lot of people building zombie/apocalypse type dioramas. Going for 1/35th scale as that's what my armor/figures are in. Been busy buying more kits, along with diecast kits and accessories, along with building a lot of accessories such as street signs, furniture, etc. Now I'm at the point of working on 3 dioramas, so when I get stuck on something, I can simply go to another diorama.....and I look forward to the challenges of what I want to do and learning new techniques. But as far as Shepherd Paine goes, from what I understand, he had a huge reference library and when he died, wondered what happened to it and all his modeling stuff whether it was tools, paint, etc. along with any unfinished works.
Words are not enough ,i have heard the name but not seen the face.a true artist and modeller
Great video of a man that inspired so many of us. Thank you !!
MY MENTOR, other than my parents Sheperd Paine had one of the biggest influences on my life, his books were my bibles. If not for him I would have never got into fine scale models and dioramas you will truly be missed, and thank you.
Like many I was first introduced to Sheperd by his Monogram work. It was only recently that I learned much more about his work and passion for History. He is missed by all who were first drawn to his works on model boxes and those that knew much more than we who only knew that his incredible dioramas from a distance. I can still see that B17 diorama in my head. What a masterwork it and all the others really are.
Thanks for this wonderful video.
A wonderful tribute Russ.
I have spent many long hours pouring over all of those images myself in my own library. There's no end to the enjoyment I get from looking at his work.
He is my styrene God.
He is the styrene God of many a model builder. I know what you mean about pouring through his work. Very mesmerizing.
RIP Shep. You'll always be an inspiration to me.
Brought a lot of memories back to my modelling days, I bought two of his books in the hope of doing something to the standard of his work.
Amazing! I've always thought of his B-17 crash landing diorama as the gold standard, but I didn't know so much of his other work. So varied!
Yes, he certainly built in many different genres of this hobby. I really don't think there would have been any subject he couldn't build. I always admired his work which incorporated movement.
Shep Paine is 100% responsible for getting me into building armor. All those old Monogram model boxes with his work loved them.
He made armor modeling what it is today - no doubt about it.
Totaly amazing work
Simply wonderfull work.
Regards
Great great video, Russell....thanks for putting this together and sharing the work of one of the great model builders of our time...I think I still have one of his books somewhere around here, what an incredible builder and visionary...
Thanks, Colonel Reb! So many of us model builders were inspired by those books and models.
One of my "Model Heroes". I never met Shepard. I am sure my life and my modeling are poorer for it. I was not aware he made so many historcal figures until just now. A talented and interesting Man.
Great video Russell may he rest in peace, a huge inspiration to so many modellers.
Paul Alba Thank you! Perhaps he is building a model with the great model builder in the sky?
What a wonderful tribute. His work inspired me to stay in this hobby all my life and to take it to the next level by telling a story. All the best to his family.
David Waples Thank you, David.
Hi Russel.... Shepard is a top ten world class artisan builder... an inspiration to all builders.... thanks for sharing
Thanks. You hit the nail on the head :)
Thanks Russell!
Hi Russell, Many thanks for sharing this man's great gift. Truly inspiring.
Roger Hull Thank you, Roger.
It is amazing that someone could master so many different genres of subjects. Some of those dioramas actually appear to be action shot of people and vehicle in motion. Heck of a skill to give that impression of a static kit
You have a good eye, Mark! That was one of Shep's hallmarks. I think his best motion model is the "Sleepy Hollow" diorama. It's an old New England Halloween story.
www.boxdioramas.com/Sheperd%20Paine%20Gallery.htm
THE master forever
How have I never seen this!? Like soooo many others, I was totally inspired by Shep to get into armor. As a matter of fact I didn't know armor models existed until a friend showed me the diorama sheet on the Sherman Hedgehog. I saw that and was hooked. I still have the diorama sheet from the first Monogram Armor kit I got in the '70s: The Screamin' Mimi Sherman.
Really great tribute Russ.
Thank you for the kind words, Brett. Those diorama sheets are really cool. I only have one (B-17). Glad you liked the tribute. Model on!
For us modellers back then, he and Bill Horen were no less than Gods. Getting as near as possible to their standard was the simple task every time we we started on a project…
that is some outstanding work,great tribute
Thanks. I wish he had built more ships.
What would hobby look like without the monogram inserts from 50 years ago. Hedgerow was my favorite but haven't seen the Arnhem one with flakpanzer for decades!
Bravo! 😁👍
Well done he would be proud of it!
a fitting tribute to the greatest expert on diorama building that ever lived.
Nice touch using the "Gettysburg" closing theme, by the way. it somehow seems appropriate.
kurt Cook Thank you, Kurt. Indeed, Shep was a master at the craft. Not only that , but he could model any genre.
A true modelling master .
For sure :)
May you rest in peace. Mr. Paine has such great impact on me and my passion toward model building hobby. Thank you so much
Chorng-Woei Horng You are welcome :)
Sheperd paine... the perfect modeller!! Thanks for sharing.. this made me smile:)
I'm glad it made your day, Alex :)
Martin Jimenez Thanks.
I really enjoyed this vid thanks for sharing
Your welcome.
***** So true. He was a master at the craft.
The movie 'Gods and Generals' theme song .. way to go! All modellers, fix bayonet,, charge!!
The most impactful military historian, modeler and painter in my life was Dr. Jeffrey Johnson of Hoffman Estates IL. He was good friends with Mr. Paine. This tribute is absolutely captivating. Thank you for your fantastic efforts in producing it. The musical score is riveting. Please if you see this; can you tell me what musical score it is? Many thanks and a new subscriber. Rick Hill
Thank you for your kind words. The music comes from the movie soundtrack, Gettysburg. I'm not as active as I'd like at the moment with regards to uploading videos, but I'm trying to get some material out by end of summer.
Thanks for the musical score info.! Really appreciate it.
and a great artist he was
Yes. Artist he is. Thanks for watching and commenting.
***** Thank you, Chris. Yes, I wanted to capture a slice of model building history from one of the greats in the hobby. Model On!
Phenomenal!
I wonder what other subjects he would have built if he had never stopped building. Sad that a lot of the dioramas he built no longer exist :(
Very good!
Thanks!
Oh I love the B-17 diorama! I will never forget the first time I saw it with my B-17 kit when I was a kid. I would like to make a diorama like this, but I just cannot bring myself to punch holes in the B-17.
I know what you mean. I have the kit in my stash. I will build it someday. I sort of treat it with a lot of awe and respect. More so than with my other kits.
Definitely of his time. By today's standards, pretty ordinary but I realise that kits and materials have improved, paints and pigmemts vastly superior and the advent of HD imagery and social media has driven standards higher. I look at modelling books of my youth that used to be the gold standard but they're little more than useful historical documemts now.
Great!
TiGer Dioramas Thank you!
very very nice thx for sharing
Thank you, Karl. It was a pleasure to put together. Glad to see that people are still viewing it.
atually he is still one of my all time Favourites and I gues the one I follow longest time since I was a boy and bought my first Monogram Tank model . I gues that was with 12 years now i am 57 and still love his work
RIP Shep !
Great Models!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Only the ones reaching the very top will experience the sudden drop.
after suffering a stroke early this week Shep has been placed in a hospice.
John Wlas I am saddened by the news. Indeed, we are all merely passing through in this life. He has been and continues to be a great source of inspiration to model builders around the world. He will be greatly missed.
Russell Gosselin Shep has been troubled by diabetes for many years but never worked hard to keep it under control. At his peak he set a high standard that was and is a constant challenge to those of us in this field.
WeThr3e Died Saturday.
Were his dioramas photo inspired or just pure creative genius? Either way.
I'm going to say that most of his dioramas were creative. That being said some are quite obviously based on a photo of picture. The Lady Be Good is a good example.
Shep showed me a way to go beyond the objective content of a kit into something bigger, from depictions to portraits.
The gun deck of HMS Victory - stunning. Shadowboxes at their very best. Meeting of the Admiralty Board - the expression on the various faces says it all - intensity. boredom, deference - Paine is probably the reason I eventually gave up modelling; I could never approach that level of artistry. Modern exponents - very good technically, but the bases are always too small,, and the subjects uninspiring.
Well I didn’t know I was using y daughters call sign on this tribute page…. anyway… my name is Mark.
Victoria Nasim Hello, Mark.
August 16, 2022---Just an update. Got back into modeling but this time, I'm going for realistic 1/35 scale zombie/apocalypse dioramas and using words that are not polite more than once. For example, altering military figures as civilians, Master Boxes pin up girls into survivalists. Caught covid last year, but during that time, bought 2 3D resin printers, new and used. The new one has a bigger build plate and have 4-5K worth of free files of stuff not available as kits while also trying to learn CAD. At 69, it ain't easy for this old dog to learn new tricks.
There's a preppers/survivalist website (Survivalist Boards), with different categories, one of which is called The Dark Side. Stared a thread there titled for those who build models, with me wondering if anyone there did. Seems a lot of people (guys) did when they were kids, with some getting back into it. Copied your video and another one, showing off Shep's dioramas.
Clickbait video I clicked on this to see the B17 Dioramma and it wasn't even there!
There's a picture at 1:00
I've got the pamphlet from that kit if you want it? Shows all about how he did it. I collected all of those and have extra. Like your screen name always wanted a 68 charger a 69 would've worked too. All I ever managed to get was a 69 yellow superbee and a 71 Dart (and yeah I still got'em) I'm also a Mopar Tech working at a dealership.
Brought a lot of memories back to my modelling days, I bought two of his books in the hope of doing something to the standard of his work.
+MrStoneycool69 Thanks for the comment. . . Have fun model building and model on!
Russell Gosselin
I was shocked he died suddenly, he mentioned that he gave up modeling because he said it wasn't fun anymore. Do you know what happened to make him say these remarks?
+MrStoneycool69 I do not have any creditable source as to why he felt that modelling was no longer fun. I can only speculate. He did a lot of commission work. . . That alone is very taxing: deadlines, demands, etc. I know perhaps one or two model builders who do commission work, and they easily admit that they rarely have time for their own model building. Moreover, I would like to guess that Shep was a real artist, and perhaps not so interested in the business aspect of this hobby. Again, I really have no source to back up such a claim.
Yes, I too, was shocked when I heard of his passing. I can look at his works for hours. His legacy to this hobby will endure as long as there are people in this hobby.
Russell Gosselin
Yes, I agree commission jobs are taxing. I remember I did a few for a few people. It's time not spent well for what I got out of it. In hindsight I'd prefer if they were my models going to be displayed for what I got paid to do the commissions. I've even lost the photographs I took of them years ago I wish they were still in my collection now. I must admit it was Shepard Paine that provided his inspiration for me in his book "How to build dioramas" and "Modeling Tanks and Military Vehicles". I'm sorry to see him go, an unsung ambassador for plastic modelling.