Solderjoint_No2_Magazin - Flipbook - Page 51
tips – ultra-fine for small pads, broader ones for
ground planes. What I love is how quickly it heats up
and how consistently it holds the temperature. When
I’m in the zone, I can’t afford to waste time.
Helmut Schmid: Exactly. A soldering iron has to be
reliable and precise. I don’t need fancy features – just
heat on demand and clean, solid joints. Over the
years, I’ve built a full workshop: circular saw, milling
machine, belt sander. Some of those tools are older
than you – and still running. And when I’m missing
something, I just build it myself.
Valentin Bosch: That’s the dream – a workshop with
everything you need. Right now I’ve got one 3D
printer, a soldering setup, and a few power tools. I love
it when everything comes together – lights, motion,
electronics. I once built a camper trailer in 1 : 14 scale
with working rear lights, indicators, and interior lighting. It’s all controlled by a Microbit. I ran all the wiring
myself and soldered the boards – it was a lot of work,
but seeing it come to life was totally worth it.
Helmut Schmid: That sounds fantastic. I never got
much into electronics, but I admire that work. For me,
the most important thing was always the overall
impression of the model. I work from original shipyard
plans – sometimes over 100 years old. I scale everything down, build every part by hand, paint, weather
– until it feels real. I want people to look at it and feel
something, not just recognize the ship.
Valentin Bosch: I think we’re actually quite similar. Even
if our tools and methods differ, we’re both aiming for
the same thing: to create something authentic that
has impact. My dream is to someday build a Land
Rover Defender in 1 : 10 scale entirely from metal –
inside and out. With working suspension, lighting,
maybe even sound. But right now, I don’t have the time
– I’m still in training.
Helmut Schmid: Time is a luxury – and one you learn
to value more with age. But if you’re passionate, you’ll
keep going. I’m currently building a mine sweeper.
Even though my hands are less steady and my eyes
not what they used to be – the joy of building is still
there. That’s what matters.
Valentin Bosch: Absolutely. Model making teaches
you so much: patience, precision, planning, technique.
And in the end, you hold something in your hands that
you created yourself. It’s a balance to everyday life
– and a way to express yourself.
Helmut Schmid: And it’s encouraging to see younger
people like you bringing new tools and ideas to the
hobby – without forgetting where it came from. I hope
you stick with it and manage to bring your ideas to
life. But don’t forget to enjoy the small details – they
matter when it comes to soldering.
Valentin Bosch: Thank you, Mr. Schmid. This conversation has been really inspiring. Who knows – maybe
someday our models will be displayed side by side in
a museum or at a show.
Helmut Schmid: That would be wonderful. I’d be
happy. And who knows – maybe one day we’ll build
something together. Old-school meets new-school.
That’d be a great project.
#SOLDERjoint
#2– 2025
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