Greg Krasel Memorial

I well remember the first time I discovered MicroScale decals. I was amazed as I opened the binder there on the store counter and looked at the sheets inside. For the first time, someone was actually trying to make markings for airplane models that were technically and historically correct, decals that ended up looking like they really were painted on if you just followed a simple set of instructions. Ever since 1970, we have all used what was originally called "The MicroScale System" to apply decals: a coat of clear gloss over the paint scheme, liberal application of solvent/setting solution, another coat of clear gloss to give a uniform finish, then application of flat or semi-gloss finish as required. If I still had all the MicroScale decals I have bought since the first time I saw them at Franciscan Hobbies in San Francisco back in 1969, I am sure they would fill a room in my house. It is doubtful that our hobby would be anything like it is were it not for the work of the Krasel brothers and the development of MicroScale. No one in their right mind would have 20 different Mustangs, or Spitfires, or Messerschmitts in their collections, were it not for these decal sheets. (You mean you don't? What kind of wierdo are you, anyway?)

Probably no one has had as much impact on making this hobby an art form as Bob Hayden. At first, I didn't always buy the monthly issue of FineScale Modeler. Who wanted to be reminded every time they glanced at the darn thing just how far they were from where they wanted to be as a modeler?? But FineScale has never set itself up as an arbiter of who is "in" as a modeler and who is not. The articles have always been clearly written, and anyone with normal hand-eye coordination and a little patience could at least closely approximate if not copy the subject matter. I may model only airplanes, but every month, there is something in FineScale Modeler - be it an article on a car, a ship, a tank, a spaceship or a dinosaur - that gives me ideas on ways to extend my own skills and knowledge. No one has been named to succeed Bob (I am, however, taking bets on a certain somebody we all know and respect, who shall remain unnamed.), but whoever it is will have the rock-solid base Bob created upon which to build and move the magazine forward. Quite frankly, the best compliment I can give Bob Hayden and FineScale Modeler is this project we callInternet Modeler, which would not exist if Bob had not blazed the trail.

"Thank you" to both of you.