Lifetime Achievement Award Archives - The Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum

In addition to the Craftsman of the Year award, the foundation looks for an individual craftsman who has made an outstanding lifetime contribution to machining with emphasis on the small end of the size scale. The person who receives this award should be regarded as "the best" in their field by their peers, and has also shared their knowledge and encouraged others to improve their level of work along the way. So far, this award has been presented to Phil Matson, Rudy Kouhoupt, Bob Shores, Kozo Hiraoka, Augie Hiscano, Ron Chernich, Bob and Frances Washburn, Louis Chenot, Szymon Klimek, Fred Heim, and Iqbal Ahmed. Find links to their artisan profiles below, and read more about why they received this prestigious award.

Lifetime Achievement Honorees:

Bay Area Engine Modelers Club (2016)

Members of the Bay Area Engine Modelers club create some outstanding model engines. The group also collectively received the Joe Martin Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for 2016.

Fred Heim (2012)

Miniature construction equipment—if you can call 1/2 scale “miniature.” Winner of the Joe Martin Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for 2012.

Iqbal Ahmed (2012)

Model engineering from India. Winner of the Joe Martin Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for 2012.

Louis Chenot (2009, 2011)

A running scale model Duesenberg, and other fine scale models. Winner of the Joe Martin Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for 2009, and the Craftsman of the Decade Award for 2011.

Szymon Klimek (2009)

Miniature model engineering, art, or jewelry—you decide. Winner of the Joe Martin Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for 2009.

Ron Chernich (2007)

Sharing a wealth of engine building knowledge through Model Engine News. Winner of the Joe Martin Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for 2007.

Robert and Frances Washburn (2007)

The couple’s magazine, Strictly I.C., informed and inspired many engine builders. Winners of the Joe Martin Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for 2007.

Augie Hiscano (2006)

Multiple “Best of Show” winning model cars. Winner of the Joe Martin Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for 2006.

Kozo Hiraoka (2005)

Steam train models and plans from Japan. Winner of the Joe Martin Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for 2005.

Bob Shores (2004)

A master I.C. engine builder who made his plans and kits available for all enthusiasts. Winner of the Joe Martin Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for 2004.

Rudy Kouhoupt (2003)

A prolific modeler and well-known designer who published many plans for others to build. Winner of the Joe Martin Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for 2003.

Philip Mattson (2002)

Museum quality model ships, and ships in bottles. Winner of the Joe Martin Foundation Lifetime Achievement Achievement Award for 2002.