Undeniably, Andy Such is one of the most Grade - A builders around, not just locally, but nationally. The one analogy that comes to mind is that the machine used to reduce objects in the movie "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" really exists and Andy owns it. You can not help but think that you are looking at a real car because of so much detail and authenticity that he puts into them.
Andy started his building skills rolling with Lindberg model ship kits in the late 50's. After moving to a new neighborhood, he spent more time "goofing around" with his new friends and didn't have any time to build until he got into high school, where his automotive interests were rekindled. He had some schooling in auto mechanics but mostly was self taught. From 1968 he built models feverishly for the next six years with an overlapping job as an auto mechanic from 70-74. "I got tired of being dirty & greasy all the time (from the job, not model building) so I switched to auto body repair and refinishing", he says honestly; Andy then became a shop owner in 1989 and a year later picked up the hobby again. Around 1997, illness forced him into retirement, but only from working. Andy reports, " Now I have too much time on my hands...", which is not good in a personal sense, but good for modelbuilding. However, it's not just about time. Andy has patience; and mate that with a unique ability to visualize a finished project using "junk" for detail parts, resulting in a model that showcases intricacy and ingenuity. He's got this talent to look at everyday, common, household items and transform them into useful pieces to accent or modify an existing kit. Results: incredible & believable. What takes most builders months to achieve, Andy can do it in a few weeks.
Like most builders, Andy agrees that the hobby is peaking with the quality of kits and the availability of parts and materials. Conversely, he observes that in addition to the lack of new subject matter, the market is being flooded with too many (and repeated) reissues. He also observes that diecasts are getting old and overdone and the predecorated kits are good for kids and beginners, but not for the "seasoned" builder who wants to build & paint he whole thing; the manufacturers need to offer the old timers a little more variety.
"PACM is a top shelf club with great builders and people, with plenty of models to view and admire", Andy adds humbly. Quite a compliment from a top shelf guy himself. Building the high quality models that he does is just a natural way of life for Andy and he gladly shares his knowledge and help to every model builder who asks, with sincerity and respect.