He is building planes, trains and automobiles

Phillip Jacobs could be considered a model craft alchemist.

With cardboard, glue, pen refills and craft paint, he can transform simple components into spectacular recreations of classic cars, trains, motorcycles and planes.

Phillip’s models are his way of linking back to easier economic times.

“I remember the days when the economy was much better. Now it is too expensive to keep this hobby up.”

Working on his last model car for the time being, an 18th scale Model T Ford, Phillip fondly remembered the first model, which he sold for R5.

More than 40 years on, his passion has brought some reward.

“I have sold model craft to German, Zimbabwean and Kenyan clients. I had a guy buy four trains from me once.”

Born with a birth defect of the hip and right leg, and medically unfit to work, Phillip began building scale models to keep himself busy.

He claimed the idea to undertake the hobby ‘just came to him’.

“My father said I was mad, but I persevered.”

Phillip’s finest work is an 18th scale model of a 1965 Norton Commando 850, crafted by hand down to the smallest detail.

He was so proud of the model motorcycle, he had it sealed inside a display box.

“My trains also have a lot of detail. I built this one from blueprints and diagrams,” he said, pointing out a finely detailed model.

Describing his creative process, Phillip said the first step was collecting materials and making measurements.

For the model trains, he begins with the chassis or platform.

“I then craft the cockpit, coal furnace and boiler, finishing with the details. Only then do I begin with creation and fitting of the wheels, and building items like springs and pipes.”

Replicating piping is as simple as inserting thin wire into old pen refills.

For model cars, Phillip relies on pictures from an old Brandwag magazine, replicated on thick cardboard he purchases in large sheets.

Don’t let that fool you.

His collection of models also boasts a Willy’s Jeep, a Humvee and a second-generation Mustang, as well as World War II tanks and planes.

“I don’t build ships because there is too much small detail. I’m more of a trains, planes and automobiles type.”

Among the most technical of Phillip’s creations was a working crane for a relative, complete with a working boom and hoist.

“I’m busy with an Austin 7 scale model as a gift for someone,” he smiled.

Philip has also amassed a small collection of model vehicles, ranging in size to as large as a 24th scale.

“Have a look at this one, a Studebaker. What a machine.”