Episode 46: Getting the Scoop on Verko's Vault

Set to open later this year just south of the Las Vegas Strip, spanning 25,000 square feet with some 16,000 miniatures and counting, your hosts have been hustling to get the scoop on Verko’s Vault for some time. In this episode, they finally got the full run-down on the exciting plans for what will be one of the largest museums of miniatures yet opened to the public, courtesy of two of the driving forces, artists Penny Meyer (a previous guest on the podcast way back on Episode Four) and David Higgins, while the visionary and patron Gary Sparks hovered enigmatically but benevolently in the background. (Photos courtesy of our pal Penny.)

Above: Gary, Penny, and David. Below: Exterior of the museum building, and construction underway in April 2024.

Below: A small fraction of Gary’s collection, currently at his home, soon to move into the museum.

Education is a big part of the mission of Verko’s Vault, and it has already begun holding classes taught by world-class miniatures artists such as Michael Kontraros and Fabrizio Rusto Russo. Upcoming: our last guest Erik Swinson, and much, much more. Scan the QR codes to follow all of the doings on social media.

Below: Gary with his new 1:1 Balrog from Queen Studios, unboxed and soon to be on display in the Vault.

Rounding out this episode, we have another of Jim’s ongoing Questions for Barry, this one involving how to effectively fade colors with an airbrush. Too often, Jim has mistaken his Grex and Badger brushes for glorified spray cans, if not exactly with the disastrous impact seen below, than certainly with lesser results than he might achieve. As always, Barry offers some wisdom, and highly recommends this video.