Welcome to the official launch of the Replikator Model Corporation blog. We are thrilled to finally open our digital doors to the scale modeling community from our home in Ontario’s beautiful Ottawa Valley.
Replikator Model Co. isn’t just another hobby shop; it is the culmination of a lifelong obsession with history, a career-spanning journey through the technology sector, and a deep-seated desire to see Canadian military history represented with the accuracy and respect it deserves.
The Intersection of Tradition and Technology
Sven Frisch, Abilio Peneiro Grajera, Olaf Kievit, Dana J. Nield and Joaquin Garcia Gazquez while attending the late, great Almeria Modelismo Seminar weekend in 2016.
Replikator is owned and operated by Dana J. Nield. For those who know the industry, Dana’s path to this launch has been a unique one. With a degree in History from York University, Dana was fortunate enough to study under the legendary Professor Jack Granatstein—the former head of the Canadian War Museum. That academic foundation in military history has remained a North Star throughout his career.
After years of working at the intersection of the hobby industry (Borgfeldt Canada Ltd.) and the IT world (Microsoft and Dell), Dana saw an opportunity. By combining high-end 3D printing technology with professional-grade historical research, we can now bring a level of detail to the workbench that was previously impossible.
A personal highlight of this journey occurred on Dana’s final day at Borgfeldt, where he had the distinct honour of representing the company at the Chicago Hobby Show and meeting Mr. Tamiya himself. That standard of excellence—the "Tamiya standard"—is what we strive for every day at Replikator.
A Legacy Written in History
Our passion for history is deeply personal. Dana’s childhood summers were spent camping at Queenston, Ontario, exploring the hallowed grounds of the Queenston Heights battlefield.
Even more influential were the evenings spent with his grandfather, Lt. (E) Richard Clement Sumner, RN, DSC. A veteran with a storied wartime career, Richard led a life so remarkable that he was once offered employment by none other than Commander Ian Fleming. The stories shared in those sessions weren't just about machines or maps; they were about the people who served. Those stories are the DNA of this company.
Our Mission: Putting Canada on the Map
For too long, the scale modeling world has lacked Canadian-specific subjects. Whether it’s the unique kit of an infantryman serving in Afghanistan or the specific accessories used by Canadian units in the Cold War, these items have often been overlooked by major manufacturers.
Replikator Model Co. is here to change that. We are dedicated to bringing balance to the community by introducing high-quality Canadian military figures, weapon sets, and diorama accessories. We use cutting-edge 3D printing to ensure that every rivet, strap, and insignia is rendered with crisp, paint-ready precision.
What’s Next?
We aren’t just launching a store; we’re launching a continuous stream of content for your workbench. You can expect 2-3 new releases every month, ranging from individual character figures to comprehensive weapon and stowage sets.
Thank you for joining us on this mission to preserve Canadian military history in 1/35 scale and beyond. We can't wait to see what you build.
The Replikator Team
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