The Model Garage
may have only been a setting in the series but maybe it was also a state of
mind. It was a representation of all those small town shops that
dotted the American landscape, a place where mechanics such a Gus did
their magic.
Although only a character in a
magazine series, Gus Wilson was, and still is, the mechanic's mechanic.
Long before "Click and Clack" of NPR fame and "Mr. Goodwrench" of the GM
mantra, there was Gus Wilson, major character in a
wonderful monthly series in Popular
Science Monthly.
Gus was patterned after the small
town natural mechanic that were so prevalent in the early days of motoring.
He was an honest man who could "figure out" most any automotive problem that
came through the door of "The Model Garage." The shop was the stage
for the stories that dazzled young and old alike.
I was one of those "dazzled"
readers and I'm still a "Gus" fan. His problem solving techniques and common
sense were traits I always tried to emulate. There were times when I thought I
had done jobs he would've called his own and it gave me a great feeling of
satisfaction..
This site was made to introduce new
readers to Gus Wilson and his friends. I think you'll like everyone in and
around the Model Garage and agree with me that the heroes of youth should never
be forgotten.
Thanks to Don Miller, Mary Viramontes, Dave Mantor and
Joe Way for helping make this website possible.
Mike Hammerberg
mike@gus-stories.org
