Once a soldier, always a soldier. Corps of electronic and mechanical engineers, Indian Army, Lt Col Palani Raj Janardhan (retd) continues to serve the country through his longstanding passion of designing military miniature models.

Exhibited at various defense expositions and career fairs, these miniature models have intrigued people from all walks of life. During his time in service, Lt Col Palani also contributed in making real time modifications on the actual battle tanks and the Army Chief has conferred several awards on him for it.

Currently residing in Bengaluru, Karnataka, the former service personnel’s focus is the youth of India, “Miniatures have been on display at career fairs and seminars with a motive to inspire youngsters to consider a career in armed forces,” shared he in a conversation with The Voices. He also spoke at length about his vision and goals, and the science behind miniature model designing.

Foundation laid in school days

Lt Col Palani’s journey into making miniature models began when he was 14-years-old. It started with making steam locomotive models using tin sheets and pieces of wood available. Kitchen knife and chisel made out of nails were the tools he used. For fastening, he used screws from mechno set that his father had bought for him.

This passion for making models only grew with time. In school he would always take part in the science club activities. Reminiscing those days he shares, “I once made a rocket launching station and it was exhibited in school science exhibition at the state-level.” His hard work paid off as that model won him an award.

Strengthened skillset one model at a time

Miniature creation is not an easy task. The veteran feels that making miniatures that look as realistic as their original requires a lot of imagination and skills. To start with, one should have a passion for model designing. He remembers the words of one of his senior officers expressed during one of the technical meetings – a strong liking is the first prerequisite that motivates us to go about doing all the things with care to bring out the right output.

“What comes next after passion? Technical skills.” exclaimed Lt Col Palani. “One should have both, technical skills as well as a nuanced understanding of artwork.” He swears by the formula: passion + technical skills + artistic ability (artwork).

Process of designing a miniature model

A complex process, miniature model designing requires a detailed procedure to be followed, and it begins with procuring the photos of the model to be made. Photos from every side and angle is a must to obtain the outer dimensions of the model. Next stage involves making of scale drawings of every component of the model. With the information obtained so far, one can make a card board model to see how it will shape. Further, if required, changes in the drawings can be made. Thereafter the selection of materials required for making actual scale model is done. Depending upon the number of models to be manufactured, the tooling is finalized, which calls for separate individual drawing, he said.

He further added that the drawings are then given to the tool maker, who makes the necessary press and moulding tools and other required instruments. An element of care is also involved with regard to the drawings that are given to the toolmaker. One mistake and the complete tooling gets wasted. It takes about three to four months to complete the process.

Recent models

Some of the miniature models made by Lt Col Palani in the recent times include Tank T 72 (Ajay), Tank T 90 (Bhishma), Arjun Tank, Bridge Laying Tank (BLT MT 55), ICV BMP II (Sharat). He added that these were made for original equipment manufacturers, and also for people with a passion for collecting engineering models.

Most challenging model

Miniature model designing usually takes a lot of time and effort. When asked about the most challenging model, he said it was the ‘Bridge Laying Tank BLT MT 55’. He had to make special tool to make bridge parts, and assembling them was rather time intensive. On the other hand, ‘Gyroscope’ was the easiest one to make.

Models designed so far

Lt Col Palani has made 15 models of BMP II. Of which seven are with Ordnance Factory (Medak, Telangana). One model was presented to CoAS (Chief of Army Staff). One model he has kept with himself and the remaining he has presented to model enthusiasts. He’s also made over eight models each of T 72 and T 90. Four models each were given to Heavy Vehicles Factory (Avadi, Chennai).

Main Battle Tanks

It isn’t just the space of ‘miniature models’ in which Lt Col Palani has made a significant mark. He has made real time actual modifications on Main Battle Tanks when he was serving the army. For making the modifications, the proud veteran has been awarded by Army Chief many times.

Display 

The small-scale models are regularly displayed in various defense expositions, and are also on display at the National Military Memorial located in Bengaluru. Miniatures have been on display at career fairs and seminars with a motive to inspire youngsters to consider a career in armed forces. One of them was at a fair on career opportunities in Indian Armed Forces at C P Art Centre in Chennai.

Mini models have also been displayed at M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT) and BMS College of Engineering in Bengaluru. Students regularly visit Lt Col Palani’s workshop to learn about the nuances of engineering and the art of making miniature models.

Dedicated workspace 

Lt Col Palani has made a workshop where he works on his miniature models. The space connects to his home through an elevator, which too is designed by himself. “I have designed the elevator using lead screw and worm gear.” A ten-feet vertical lift, it can accommodate two persons at a time, and is designed to operate on minimum energy.

The veteran wants to pursue his hobby of making scale models and of designing home elevators that are different from the ones available in market. During his service years, he has received recognition from his seniors in the form of awards. And after retirement, a lot of appreciation has come his way from people who visit his workshop or who see his models. “This makes me happy and keeps me motivated,” he said.

Copy Editor: Arunima Maharshi