Exhibits his home-made model boat collection at Nor-Fishing

For the first time, 24-year-old Vebjørn from Reine in Lofoten has taken the trip to Nor-Fishing. He brings with him a large collection of model boats, which he has made himself in his parents’ garage.

The handmade model boats catch the attention and admiration of everyone who strolls by, studying the details Vebjørn has put into his work.

“I have been working with model boats since I was a child but started professionally four years ago. Now I make replicas of various boats when I get an order, in addition to designing some myself,” Vebjørn says proudly.

Makes everything by hand

Vebjørn usually spends between two and three months per boat. Working at least ten hours every day.

“All of the materials and details I use to make the model boats, I make by hand. When I make wooden boats, I treat the wood as Norwegian fishermen traditionally did in the old days; by cutting the planks, boiling or steaming them, and then bending them to fit the hull,” he explains.

“I like making fishing boats the most, because I couldn’t become a fisherman like the rest of the family because of my muscle disease. Otherwise, I am very happy to make spinning wading boats as they have so many details, and old wooden boats for the nostalgia.”

Proud to exhibit the boats at Nor-Fishing

This year, in collaboration with Lofotprodukt, Vebjørn has arranged his own stand at Nor-Fishing to show off his boats.

“This is the largest exhibition I have been to with my model boats, so it is enjoyable to be able to show them to so many people in a couple of days. People come in, are curious and ask questions, it’s very nice,” says Vebjørn.

“The best thing about being at Nor-Fishing is meeting all the great people who are here, and that I get to get out of the workshop a bit. If the model boats were just to be hidden away in the workshop, it would not have been as much fun to do.”

Workshop in the garage

Vebjørn’s family is also visiting Nor-Fishing this year, and are proud of what their son has achieved.

“We were travelling, and once we were back, Vebjørn had moved the workshop into the garage. Since then he has worked there. We were going to demolish the garage four years ago, but now he can use it as a workshop instead. It’s just nice that he has a place to pursue his hobby—which has more or less become a way of life,” says his mum, Inger Lise.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without mum and dad, they help me organize and make sure I get around with my model boats. Next year I will probably be able to move the workshop to a new place, so that my parents can demolish the garage as planned,” Vebjørn concludes with a smile.

Visit Vebjørn and his model boats at stand E-417