Javier and Esteban pose next to their latest 1:6 scale masterwork, a Messerschmitt 262. (Photo: javi)
Just when you thought you’d seen it all, along comes another amazing customizer. Or, as in this case, a group of THREE amazing customizers, Javier Rodriguez, CesarRodriguez and Esteban Goyanes. The talented trio hails from northern Spain and are all master craftsmen. In a very short time they’ve built a solid reputation among collectors for their realistically detailed 1:6 scale steel and aluminum replicas of military weapons, vehicles, rockets and aircraft.
Even the interior of this stunning, all-metal ME262 shows a great amount of detail. (Photo: javi)
Once assembled, this 1:6 scale V2 rocket barely fits inside the workshop. (Photo: javi)
We asked these “maestros of metal” to tell us more about themselves, their business plans and the masterpieces they produce. Here, in an exclusive interview with The Joe Report, is what they had to say…
“We are a small workshop located in the north of Spain, composed of three friends with high skills in machinery, welding and design. We specialize in building one-of-a-kind custom projects and are very proud of our craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Every model we build is handcrafted from real materials, mainly carbon steel for the tanks and aluminum for the planes. We can work on any scale from 1:6 to 1:16, and over the last few years, we’ve been involved in some exciting and unique projects for selected collectors and museums including V1 and V2 Flying Bombs, Me 262 jet fighter, King Tiger Tank Porsches turret, Normandy Bunker (made from real concrete), and rare FH18 and PAK 43 German howitzers.
Right now, it’s all still a sideline business that we’re working at part-time. We don’t even advertise. But during the last few years, we’ve managed to gather a list of loyal customers who are willing to deal with our turnaround times. We don’t have a business name either, but next year we’re planning to introduce ourselves with a new website and start working on projects full-time.”
This closeup of the V2 reveals superb attention to detail. Look at all those tiny rivets! (Photo: javi)
Clearly, even without an official business name or website, these guys are going to be very successful. Regardless of their lack of self-promotion, they’ve been able to convince a growing clientele to plunk down serious money and wait for indeterminate periods for their orders to be created. Obviously, the word has gotten out that they’re talented AND dependable.
Another masterpiece from the “maestros of metal,” a 1:6 scale V1 flying bomb. Superb! (Photo: javi)
Of course, you can’t create a business in a vacuum. We asked them what they’re doing to contact and stay in touch with past and future customers…
“We used to visit the main military trade show in Spain (twice a year) and we participate actively on the biggest Spanish language 1:6 scale forum, www.agrupacion1seis.com. Lately, we’ve been working for several military museums in Spain also.”
Front view of the V1. (Photo: javi)
What are you working on now? Any other plans for the near future?
“We are now finishing up a unique 1/6th scale Jadgpanzer IV L70 made from real steel and next year we are planning to introduce a unique German T34.”
These intricate field artillery pieces are of museum-quality. (Photo: javi)
What’s the best way for future customers to get in touch with you?
“We currently accept orders from EU and USA and can be reached by email at javinatalia@yahoo.es and caesargarcia2000@yahoo.es Please feel free to reach us for any question. All the best from Spain! —Javi”
Imagine all the cool German aerodrome dioramas the owner of this 262 will be able to create. Gott im Himmel! (Photo: javi)
Editor’s note: Thanks for all the information, Javi. We wish you and your friends the best of luck and good fortune with all your future endeavours!
Here some more “behind-the-scenes” photos of various works in progress…
The raw steel of this tank turret GLEAMS prior to painting and other details. (Photo: javi)
Here’s a great shot of their crowded workshop and all its tools, etc. (Photo: javi)
Weld by weld, the flying V1 bomb comes together in perfect 1:6 scale. There’s nothing mass-produced here. It’s all done by hand. One masterwork at a time. (Photo: javi)
Each piece is fully finished with accurate period paint schemes and camo patterns. (Photo: javi)
Some of the paint schemes can be elaborate and challenging to replicate, such as the one on this V1. (Photo: javi)
Side details of the ME262. (Photo: javi)
Front view of the ME 262. (Photo: javi)
3/4 view of the ME 262. (Photo: javi)
Fuselage closeup of the ME 262 with paint and markings. Smooth, accurate, PERFECT! (Photo: javi)
