Building the greatest car kits ever produced; the Pocher Classics

Building Pocher models is one of the most challenging and satisfying projects I have ever attempted. You don't need much space and it really is not an expensive hobby. The initial cost of the kit might be high but it takes so long to build one of these kits that the cost per hour is quite reasonable and, at the end, you have a very beautiful model indeed. As well, you don't need all kinds of modelling experience to build one of these things. I don't think I built more than four or five models of any sort in my life before I started my first Pocher in 1999.

Organisation

You can never be too organized with Pocher models. Find a good system to store all the parts. Open all the little bags and empty the contents into some kind of storage that makes things easy to control. OK, you can leave the spokes and nibs in the little bags until you are ready to build the wheels.

For storage I use just two different types of containers. The first is from ZAG and is container number 14325. It has nice, removable containers that are not too deep. I have called Stanley Tools, who distribute ZAG products, but they're not interested in selling me a few cartons so I can sell these boxes on my site. Perhaps if people would call them for me....These big companies just don't understand the internet. They should use my consulting services.

The other container is smaller and is perfect for the engine stuff. I also use a couple of zip-loc bags for the one or two bags of rods that don't fit in the little boxes. Whatever you use, it's important to have a container where the parts don't slide under separations and where you can reach down easily to retrieve parts.

Tools

Building these models gives you a good opportunity to get all sorts of nifty stuff. Again, you don't need to spend much on tools either since most of the parts are small and big, expensive tools may be unnecessary for most of the construction. It's cheaper and more fun to go looking for tools around the house, in the garage, in the neighbor's garage, in the in-laws' garage, even in your dentist's tool box, than to go out and buy some set before you start. As you go along, you may need to adjust your tools or even invent your own. This is part of the fun.

Information

Here are the covers of most of the instruction manuals of the Pocher kits. If you'd like to get into this class of modeling, your first stop should be to have a look at the instructions.

Now that you're interested, you can download the instructions to the most complicated kit by clicking on the manual of the Rolls Royce Torpedo Phantom II, the king of the Pocher models. If you are not totally daunted by the instructions, you are ready for your first Pocher kit.

I have met some very interesting people building these kits. Remember this is the ultimate in car modelling and, just like in any other endeavour, when you get to the top, you are bound to find the finest people in the business. On the other hand, like climbing the highest mountain, there are many, many kits that don't make it and lie, half-built, in closets around the world. Be prepared to spend much time looking for information and getting support and ideas. There are several sources for information on building Pocher but, ultimately, you have to have the nerve to start and the perseverance to finsh.