Joe Macken has accomplished something truly extraordinary without any formal training in architecture or engineering. The 63-year-old truck driver from Clifton Park has dedicated the past 21 years of his life to creating an incredibly detailed, handmade replica of New York City using nothing more than balsa wood, Elmer's glue, and unwavering determination.

The result of Macken's two-decade commitment is a jaw-dropping diorama that stretches an impressive 30 feet wide by 50 feet long. This massive model features nearly one million miniature buildings that cover all five boroughs of New York City, plus portions of New Jersey, Westchester County, and Long Island. The scale and attention to detail in this project is nothing short of remarkable.

'I never thought in a million years I'd finish the whole thing,' said Macken, who is originally from Queens. He began this ambitious undertaking in 2004 with the construction of the RCA Building. 'But I just kept building and building,' he explained to the New York Post.

Each section of the model serves as a tribute to the city's distinctive architecture, from the carefully crafted trees of Central Park to Manhattan's iconic tapered Freedom Tower. The painstaking work required Macken to invest thousands of hours, often working in the early morning hours before starting his food delivery shifts. He estimates that the materials alone cost between $20,000 and $40,000 over the course of the project.

As the model grew in size and complexity, so did Macken's skills and techniques. What once took him weeks to complete now takes only hours, thanks to his innovative new method of carving entire rows of houses from single pieces of wood. This evolution in his craftsmanship allowed him to work more efficiently while maintaining the incredible level of detail that makes his model so impressive.

The internet community has taken significant notice of Macken's remarkable achievement. A TikTok video showcasing his detailed New York City model went viral, generating praise from thousands of viewers around the world. The response was so overwhelming that even YouTube's official account commented on the video, calling for a museum exhibit to display Macken's incredible work.

However, there's one significant challenge with Macken's masterpiece: the model is simply too large to move easily. Due to its massive 30-by-50-foot dimensions, the entire model currently resides in a storage unit upstate, making it difficult for the public to view and appreciate this incredible work of art.

Despite completing this monumental project, Macken isn't ready to retire his craft. Looking ahead to his next ambitious undertaking, he has set his sights on creating a miniature version of Minneapolis. This choice was inspired by his childhood love of 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show,' which was set in the Minnesota city.

When discussing his upcoming Minneapolis project, Macken maintains his sense of humor about the timeline. 'Only about two years,' he joked, suggesting that his next miniature city will be considerably less time-consuming than his New York masterpiece.

Macken's story represents the power of passion and persistence. Without any formal training or professional background in architecture, engineering, or model-making, he managed to create something truly spectacular through sheer dedication and countless hours of meticulous work. His project demonstrates that extraordinary achievements are possible when someone combines genuine passion with unwavering commitment over an extended period.

The viral success of his work on social media platforms has brought well-deserved recognition to Macken's incredible achievement. The widespread praise and calls for museum exhibition highlight how his personal project has resonated with people far beyond his local community, inspiring others with his dedication and remarkable craftsmanship.

As Macken prepares to embark on his Minneapolis project, his New York City model stands as a testament to what one person can accomplish with simple materials, incredible patience, and an unwavering vision. The nearly one million miniature buildings represent not just a scale model of America's largest city, but also a remarkable 21-year journey of artistic dedication and personal achievement.