Surrounded by Second World War models, Lorenzo Jalbert is in his element.
For the past 10 years, the Timmins man has been hand piecing together his collection of model tanks, airplanes motorcycles and more from the war.
The collection is on display at the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre until Nov. 15.
It’s a pastime that started in the 1970s when he started making RC airplanes. A decade ago, he built a replica Mustang plane from the Second World War and took it to fly at the club on Gold Mine Road.
“I built a Jeep to pull it on the runway just like World War 2, that’s how everything started,” he said.
After that, he started going crazy.
When it comes to why he spends months researching and completing the models, which are 1/6 scale, his answer is simple.
“I don’t want those people to be forgotten for everything they’ve done. I don’t care if they are German, I don’t care if they are American, Canadian, everybody suffered. Really what it is now, is to learn. I like the kids to learn what they built in World War 2, all the basics we have today started in World War 2 because they advanced everything,” he said.
It’s been a learning experience for Jalbert through the years as well.
He’s worked to find stories to feature with the pieces.
From dispatch women riding motorcycles in London, to how future president JFK was a war hero, or Audie Murphy who went from a decorated combat soldier to movie star – there are countless unforgettable stories on display.
Eighty per cent of the models feature moving elements powered by a remote control.
In total, he said his collection includes about 50 vehicles and close to 175 action figures. Due to space, not all of them are featured in the current display, however.
You can stop by to see the collection in the programming room during regular museum hours until Nov. 15
“I’ll be here all the time, it’s my pleasure to answer any questions and to socialize,” said Jalbert.
