Durban North hobbyist to go big at modelcon
What began with childhood Airfix kits has grown into a lifelong passion for Glen Anil resident Eric Prinsloo.
GLEN Anil resident Eric Prinsloo’s love of scale modelling began with Airfix Spitfire kits as a child. More than 42 years later, the hobby has become a lifelong passion that he hopes to share at the International Plastic Modellers’ Society (IPMS) Durban’s annual ModelCon exhibition at the German Club in Westville on July 25.
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Prinsloo’s interest was reignited while studying and working in Johannesburg after he attended an air show at Waterkloof Air Base and discovered an IPMS display of intricately built aircraft models.
“I was hooked,” he said, adding that he soon joined the IPMS Johannesburg branch and has been building models ever since.
For Prinsloo, scale modelling offers both a creative outlet and a rewarding challenge.
“You start with plastic pieces that need to be cleaned, glued, painted and finished. At the end, you have something that reflects all the time and effort you’ve invested,” he said.
He believes the hobby teaches patience, perseverance and focus, describing it as a “zen-like pursuit” that allows people to relax while working steadily towards a finished project.
Over the years, Prinsloo has won numerous awards at national modelling competitions but says the greatest reward is learning from fellow enthusiasts and being inspired by their work.
This year’s ModelCon will feature displays from clubs and individual builders across Durban, the North and South coasts, showcasing motorcycles, civilian and military vehicles, aircraft, ships and detailed dioramas.
Prinsloo said the exhibition is ideal for anyone curious about the hobby.
“Visitors can interact with modellers, ask questions and get a better understanding of what goes into building these models,” he said.
Among his favourite exhibits are dioramas, which recreate realistic scenes in miniature using buildings, vehicles, figures and intricate details.
“A lot of time goes into them, and they really are some of the most incredible pieces of modelling,” he said.
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