92-year-old carves wood models as winterpastime
FRANKLIN TWP — Karl Herold is not your average nonagenarian.
Herold, 92, spends the warmer months doing work in and around his house. However, once the colder months arrive, he devotes most of his time to making wooden models.
“This is my winter project,” Herold said.
Most of the models are cars, tractors and 18-wheel trucks. He also makes small birdhouses and model swings. Most of his designs are based off of blueprints. All of the models have movable parts. He sells each model for $65.
During the winter months, Herold gets up in the morning and starts his work. He takes an afternoon dinner break and then continues until evening.
“I don't know how long it takes to make one,” Herold said.
He began making them about six years ago. An acquaintance told him that he regularly makes wooden models and Herold asked to see one. After seeing it, he decided that he could make them, too.
Although many people use kits, Herold makes almost all of the parts that he needs.
“Everything's hand made,” he said.
Herold buys 6-foot wooden boards that are three-quarters-of-an-inch thick. He cuts the pieces using a band saw. Because the pieces have to be an exact size, he only cuts them as he needs them.
“They have to fit. If they don't fit, they don't work,” Herold said.
For tractors, the Franklin Township man has to cut and sand each of the track links. With several dozen links on each one, the process can be time consuming.
“So, there's a lot of work in that,” he said.
However, there are a few things he cannot make, such as the smallest size of wheels.
Although he uses blueprints, he modifies them as he sees necessary, often adding new details.
“I do what I think has to be done with it,” Herold said.After years of saving the models, he decided he needed to start selling.“I just had to get rid of them,” Herold said.He took 41 to the Portersville Steam Show last year and sold them all. He plans to attend again in August.“I'll be lucky if I come home with any,” Herold said.Only one of his models has ever broken. He made a school bus for a woman, who dropped it. She brought it back to Herold, who found the bus in many pieces.“I made another one and gave it to her,” Herold said.Herold often gives models to people who help him with tasks at his house.A couple of weeks ago, he had a man do some painting. The painter had his son with him.“When he left, I gave (his son) a truck. He was happy,” Herold said.He also donated a model Jeep to the Prospect Preservation Society.“I give half of them away,” Herold said. “It's not about the money. I've got to have something to do in the winter.”He said that his designs have gotten some attention at the shows he has attended. Herold's work has won him awards, including best in show and people's choice awards at the Butler Farm Show.The work can be tedious, but he doesn't mind.“I like to do that kind of stuff,” Herold said. “This is what I do; put in my time.”Herold retired as a press operator at Halstead Industries in 1985. His wife, Laura, died in 2005. He has three sons and six grandchildren and lives with Buster, his Boston Terrier.Anyone interested in a model may contact him at 724-865-2764.
