Episode 58: Talking about MFCA 2025 with Dennis Levy and Lou Masses
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Above: Barry (at left) and Jim (at right) interviewed by Modeling Insanity podcast host Rob Riviezzo. (Note the sandwich left behind by Rob’s co-host Justin Ryan, which fueled some of their discussion.) Below: Dennis Levy at the MFCA podium and Lou Masses in a very cool hat.
The Miniature Figure Collectors of America’s 82nd show took place on May 9 and 10 in Trevose, PA, just outside Philadelphia. On Saturday night, Lou Masses and Dennis Levy—both in a rather, um, well-lubricated mood—told Barry they’d love to bum-rush our podcast. They didn’t have to twist our arms—your hosts are always game for a good chat with friends who are equally devoted to this little hobby/art form of ours—and this episode is devoted to that talk.
Along with a lot of good-natured joking, everyone relays their highlights from the show and its many outstanding displays. Since Dennis is MFCA’s Head Judge—the guy who runs around with the oil can and hammer to make sure everything is humming along, as Shep Paine used to say—and Jim fills the same role for the MMSI’s Chicago Show (which is coming up on Oct. 17 and 18), the topic of judging under the Open System inevitably arises. But so does a much newer subject that found many modelers deep in debate throughout the weekend: Digital sculpting and 3D printing, and their place among “traditional” figures converted from existing sculpts or built up with two-part epoxy putty and a toothpick over a wire mannequin. And this is something that’s sure to come up on future episodes as well.
Meanwhile, here are some images of pieces mentioned in the show; photos by Lou Masses, Joe Berton, Matt Flegal, and Jim.
Above, from the top: Lou’s mounted Samurai warrior, one of two box dioramas Jim displayed, and a bust by Barry. Below: Some of the stunning work of David Lane.
For the third year in a row, Eric Swinson’s work wowed many viewers, and he was named the MFCA’s latest Grand Master. Above: Barry and Jim with Eric at center in the Hospitality Suite; below: some of Eric’s work on display. (You can find our chat with Eric on Episode 45.)
Below, from the top: Box dioramas by Pete Culos, Bob Hallinger, and Shep Paine (“The Admiralty Board” from 1979); Bill Horan’s classic Gandamak diorama, which occupies a much more compact footprint than you’d think; a fun tribute to Monty Python by Jack Lynch, and Pat Brown’s figure, which won a silver medal after Jim and Barry convinced him to give it a try and enter it.
Finally, an example of a recent digital sculpt and 3D print by the Italian artist Nello Rivieccio, whose work in this medium is stunning—but then so were his efforts with toothpick and putty. The next big debate in miniatures: Is using the computer “cheating,” or is it just another tool for the artist to realize their vision? Stay tuned (and check out more of Nello’s recent work here).
