WAR & PEACE
The T.F. Monti Private Model Collection
T.F. Monti named his collection WAR & PEACE. He chose WAR for the many models of wartime implements in the collection such as PT boats and fighter jets, cannons and tanks. He chose PEACE for those models which depict those things we enjoy during times of peace such as hot rods and fishing boats, racing planes and hot air balloons.
The collection includes approximately 4,000 models. By December 30, 2004, T.F.'s collection included:
1528 Aircraft
970 Automobiles & Trucks
963 Military Vehicles
324 Ships & Boats
114 Rockets & Missiles
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina, the worst natural disaster to hit the United States, struck the coasts of Mississippi and Louisiana. At that time, the collection was housed in T.F.'s home in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, directly in the path of the eye of the storm. Much of the collection was damaged by the rising waters and remaining mud. But through the efforts of his son, Bill, and other family members, the collection was moved from the home and stored in an adjacent stucture so the home could be restored.
In January of 2009, preparations began on making a more suitable, permanent home for the collection. The move was completed in March of 2009.
When viewing the collection, you may see the remnants of the mud from the storm on many of the models.