At his workplace in a downtown Dawson Creek autobody shop, Nick Proach has just completed his latest masterpiece—a miniature replica of Skylab, the first U.S. space station. This model, showcasing tiny solar arrays, a command module, and a telescope mount, measures a mere 30 inches, a fraction of the size of the actual Skylab at 100 feet. Proach’s attention to detail is evident in this scale model, mirroring the precision seen in the numerous other miniature spacecrafts displayed around him.
Having devoted over five decades to recreating pivotal moments in human space exploration, Proach is renowned for crafting specialized models for prominent clientele worldwide. Growing up in Toronto during the fervor of the 1960s Space Race, he was captivated by the inaugural space missions, sparking his passion for model-making. His early creations, fashioned from cardboard, plastic remnants, toothpicks, and toy parts, laid the foundation for his intricate spacecraft models.
Proach’s work gained national recognition when his models appeared on television during the Apollo 15 moon landing coverage in 1971 and the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975. These experiences fueled his commitment to his craft, propelling him to move to British Columbia in the late 1970s. Despite his initial occupation in real estate, Proach’s dedication to model-building remained unwavering. By the mid-1980s, he was receiving substantial commissions, notably contributing models for Vancouver’s Expo 86, including a sizable replica of the U.S. space station Freedom and Canada’s proposed MSAT satellite.
In 1994, a pivotal moment occurred when Proach’s advertisement in a U.S. publication garnered attention from collectors, museums, and aerospace entities globally. This influx of interest enabled him to transition to full-time model-making, leading to collaborations with prestigious organizations like NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and SpaceX.
Each model meticulously replicates the original spacecraft, with designs derived from authentic blueprints, ensuring accuracy down to the minutest details such as antenna lengths and rocket panel textures. Manufactured components are sourced from Virginia, crafted in the Netherlands, and then transported to Canada for assembly.
Notably, Proach’s craftsmanship has earned acclaim from Houston-based space historian Robert Pearlman, who lauds the unparalleled quality of Proach’s creations. Pearlman, the founder of collectSPACE, praises Proach for his exceptional Saturn V rocket replica, a standout piece towering over eight feet in height.
A visit to Proach’s museum reveals an array of models embodying space exploration milestones, including a meticulously crafted Apollo 11 lunar module signed by Buzz Aldrin. Additionally, a detailed model of Artemis, NASA’s upcoming crewed moon mission scheduled for February 2026, underscores Canada’s significant contributions to aerospace endeavors.
One of Proach’s most cherished possessions is a mission patch that journeyed aboard the space shuttle Atlantis in 2002, signaling a remarkable milestone in his career. His dedication to inspiring future generations is evident as he hopes young visitors to his museum will be motivated to explore their creativity and pursue their own model-building endeavors.
Having relocated to Dawson Creek in 2020 to be closer to family, Proach aims to instill a sense of wonder and curiosity in young minds, encouraging them to engage in hands-on activities away from screens. His dedication to preserving the legacy of aerospace achievements through his meticulously crafted models continues to inspire visitors from all walks of life.
