Friday, December 7, 2007
Some of the Wooden mechanical project builders...
Jim Balestreri
(Wooden Toys for Tots}
*Five-time blue ribbon winner makes very special wooden toys
Jim Balestreri is a member of an Orange County, California woodworking club that makes toys to be donated to needy kids. In the past year they have donated several thousand toy cars, trucks, trains and other wooden toys to kids in homeless and battered women's shelters who might not otherwise have much to smile about. However, in addition to his generosity, Jim's work exhibits an excellence in craftsmanship that goes beyond what is normally seen in wooden toys. Though the toys they give away are all nicely made, Jim now and then takes on a special toy project that puts all his tools and talent to work. These are the models that have one him five blue ribbons at local fairs and contests.
Some of his work....
A finished Reading 4-8-4 steam locomotive and tender are displayed in a plexiglass case. Color and contrast is created in the models by using different varieties of wood.
A closeup of the Iron Horse passenger car
Articulated 3-axel road grader, front view. Though built from commercially available plans, this project shows Jim's touch in choice of materials, detail and fine finishes
**More information about Jim Balestreri can be found at http://www.craftsmanshipmuseum.com/Balestreri.htm
~End of Post~
7:55 PM
