Grand Junction Man Owns Amazing Collection of 500 Model Cars

Grand Junction's Dan Mackenzie is known as "Dan Modelman" because of his enormous collection of model cars which totals over 500.

Dan Is A Long-Time Grand Junction Resident

I want you to meet my new friend, Dan Mackenzie. Dan is a U.S. Army veteran who has been in Grand Junction for about 50 years and has been making model cars for as long as he can remember.

For the Love of Cars

Dan says he enjoyed making model cars as a kid, but it wasn't until several years later after getting involved in stock car racing at Cactus Park Speedway outside of Grand Junction that his interest in model cars was renewed.  Dan told me "I made one, then two, then three, and I got so excited about it I just kept going and never stopped." So far, Dan has created some 250 model cars over the years and isn't stopping anytime soon. In fact, he's currently got three more in the works. Additionally, Dan has collected over 300 cars on top of the ones he has created.

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Award-Winning Cars

Over the years, Dan has displayed his incredible collection in tabletop car shows, including the Veterans Art Center in Grand Junction. Dan has won numerous awards for his amazing creations and when you see the photos below you'll understand why. His work is incredible.

Each car is unique and Dan pays very close attention to detail, including what type of engine goes into each car. Some cars have more than one engine. You'll notice the intricate detail of Dan's model cars in the gallery below that features some of Dan's creations.

Building Model Cars Provides Invaluable Experience

Dan's experience with race cars has come in handy in his endeavors to build model cars, many of which, are uniquely modified. But, Dan says it works the other way as well. "Anybody that takes on the hobby of model cars is gonna learn a lot about cars and it will be valuable to them when they get older. As teenagers, they'll need that experience to take care of their cars."

Is There Interest In Starting  A Model Car Club in Grand Junction?

The zeal and excitement Dan has for building model cars is matched only by his enthusiasm for teaching young people the art of model cars and getting them started on a hobby that has been such a big part of his life for some forty years.  Dan would like to start a model car club in Grand Junction for young people and possibly call it Thunder Mountain Scale Model Car Club. Anyone who is interested in doing model cars and being a part of a club can contact Dan on his Facebook page Dan Modelman.