RMweb Gold Popular Post Re6/6 Posted February 26, 2019 RMweb Gold Popular Post Share Posted February 26, 2019 (edited) It's very sad to report that Colin has died. A long standing member of RMweb, he was an extremely skilled scratchbuilder of Southern EMUs in 'Plasticard'. I always marvelled at the quality of his builds and the endless patience of all the intricate scalpel work. It's doubly sad that Teddy Francis has also died, both great craftsmen in 'Plasticard' This is from Colin's brother, posted on S4web. My brother, Colin Parks, belonged to the Scalefour Society, and posted on this forum. I've posted this here as I do not have contact details for individual members. Some of you may know that Colin was seriously ill. He was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma bone marrow cancer in 2014. There is currently no "complete" cure for this illness. Despite having two stem-cell treatments and various chemotherapy, the progress of his cancer was only slowed. Just after Christmas, he was admitted to Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth with breathing difficulties, which was diagnosed as chronic heart failure, a side effect of Myeloma. This was the first of five stays in this hospital. On Saturday, after developing severe back pain, he was admitted again, and put on stronger painkillers. This time it appeared that his body had given up the fight, and unfortunately, he passed away yesterday afternoon (February 24th). He was 59. I know he corresponded with a number of members, in particular Howard Bolton, on this forum, or perhaps directly. Colin greatly valued the advice he was given (well, most of it). Colin was a partner with myself and my wife in the early years of Cambrian Models from 1979 to 1985. During that time, he made the moulds for the Catfish, Dogfish, Mermaid, Shark, Turbot kits, and some other kits. These were machined with fairly basic engineering equipment - the Shark moulds were milled in a vertical slide on his lathe. For the rest of the time, he worked as a self-employed upholsterer, which was what had been his first job before being part of Cambrian Models. The location of this first job in Newhaven, is probably why he built the "Newhaven Harbour" layout (Railway of the Month, Railway Modeller, May 2011). It was OO gauge, I'm afraid. I'm uncertain what he intended as a follow-up layout, although it seemed likely that it would be based on Newhaven Harbour again. I believe that there is only a test track at present, but I haven't been to his workshop recently. Barry Parks. (I can be contacted via the deangoods.co.uk website - we sold Cambrian Models in 2017) Edited February 26, 2019 by Re6/6 2 72 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Adam Posted February 26, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted February 26, 2019 That is sad indeed. I never met Colin, but I corresponded with him via this forum, discussed various modelling things and his illness and enjoyed his company through the kits he worked on which of course outlive him. The ambition that he and Barry had in producing things with relatively simple, relatively crude technology to produce some truly excellent (if tricky) kits of some less than obvious prototypes remains impressive and the resulting models have given me and others a lot of pleasure as well as a certain degree of challenge! So with that in mind, here's a memorial to him, in the form of one of the kits he engineered, the Catfish, modelled from a Dave Larkin photograph using some Cambrian transfers. Go well, Colin and thank you. Adam 16 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Storey Posted February 26, 2019 Share Posted February 26, 2019 A huge loss to the hobby, and to his family of course. That is no age. What terrible news. Colin's Newhaven Harbour is/was one of the greatest inspirations to my resumption of modelling SR third rail. He had something special. Condolences to all his family and friends. 6 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Clive Mortimore Posted February 26, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 26, 2019 Very sad news. Colin was a modeller of the highest ability. I too corresponded with him regarding his model making , he was always willing to share information and would listen if I had additional information that could improve his model. Thank you Colin for some very inspirational modelling. Rest in peace. 4 6 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judge Dread Posted February 26, 2019 Share Posted February 26, 2019 I am very shocked to hear of Colin's passing. It seems only yesterday we had a long conversation at D.E.M.U. on all things Southern Electric and he spoke kindly of my efforts in that field. He insisted that I had been a reason for his taking up the baton. I still think he was being kind there but I thank him away. My condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace Colin John Wass Hull. 2 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Not Jeremy Posted February 26, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 26, 2019 Hugely sad news, I remember chatting to Colin and Barry at the Bristol shows when they were at Canons Marsh, always enjoyable and fascinating. Colin had an amazing modelling talent, his Plastikard modelling is easily on a par with Geoff Kent I think. His EMU models are just breathtaking and as Mike says his Newhaven Harbour was something else. RIP Colin and sincere condolences to Barry and Colin's family. Simon 3 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waverley West Posted February 26, 2019 Share Posted February 26, 2019 I can only add to the condolences to Barry and Colin's family. A very sad loss indeed. Colin used to regularly drop by my layout thread and was always warm and generous with his praise. As others have mentioned, his EMU models are breathtaking, as is Newhaven Harbour. Sadly, I was completely unaware of his condition, something which I think says a lot about Colin. RIP Colin. We may unfortunately have never met in person, but I'll miss seeing you on here and your contributions. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly Posted February 26, 2019 Share Posted February 26, 2019 Very sad news indeed. A fantastic modeller and very knowledgeable. I never got to meet in person, but he was always helpful and his modelling was inspiring. Newhaven Harbour is listed as attending the Railex show in May. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Enterprisingwestern Posted February 26, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 26, 2019 I can only echo what has already been said. Mike. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Prism Posted February 26, 2019 Share Posted February 26, 2019 So very sad, and a huge loss. He was a plasticard maestro, and was always willing to help offline to explain a point or a particular aspect of technique. His EMU threads are classics. 2 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium MJI Posted February 26, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 26, 2019 Very sad news, I have a lot of wagons and have met the Cambrian brothers a couple of times. RIP and my condolances. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Geep7 Posted February 26, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 26, 2019 Very sad news indeed. My condolences go out to his family. Again, as with Mike Storey, Colin's fantastic Newhaven Harbour and his multiple unit builds, was the inspiration to come back to British outline modelling and SR 3rd rail in particular. RIP Colin 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Siberian Snooper Posted February 26, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 26, 2019 I have only seen Colin's work on here and I have too say I was much impressed. Another sad loss to railway modelling. RIP Colin and my condolences to his family. It will be good to see Newhaven Harbour at Railex. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators AY Mod Posted February 26, 2019 Administrators Share Posted February 26, 2019 So so sorry to read this news after, appropriately, a wonderful day in mid-Wales, Colin's home turf. A lovely gent who I am very sorry to see gone. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Tomlinson Posted February 26, 2019 Share Posted February 26, 2019 Like several others, I never met the man but was enormously impressed with the quality of his modelling on here and the helpfulness of his posts. I have had the privilege of seeing Newhaven Harbour, and a very fine piece of work it is. John. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Harvey Posted February 26, 2019 Share Posted February 26, 2019 Having know Colin as a friend and as customer also having operated the original Newhaven Harbour with him on several occasions I was sad to hear of his passing. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him. Pete 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRman Posted February 27, 2019 Share Posted February 27, 2019 I am so sorry to hear of Collin's passing. He was a truly excellent modeller, but was also very helpful and supportive of we who are not quite so good modellers. His responses to my efforts were always positive and friendly. I didn't know him personally, but nevertheless, he will be missed. Jeff Lynn. 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southernman46 Posted February 28, 2019 Share Posted February 28, 2019 I am stunned by the news ................ never met Colin but felt to have known him through his incredible work and his measured & considered comments and views. Deepest sympathy to those close to him for his passing - a great loss to dare I say .. Humanity ? 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob D2 Posted February 28, 2019 Share Posted February 28, 2019 Never met or spoke to Colin but had much respect for his layout and skill. RIP. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Popular Post Re6/6 Posted March 1, 2019 Author RMweb Gold Popular Post Share Posted March 1, 2019 (edited) Here's one of Colin's threads showing his meticulous work. A superb and instructional piece. Edited March 1, 2019 by Re6/6 19 1 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Evil Bus Driver Posted March 1, 2019 Share Posted March 1, 2019 (edited) I'm so sorry to have to read this. Colin was a truly talented guy and a top gent. Always supportive of people's efforts and always looking at ways to improve what he did. My condolences to his family, RIP mate and thank you Edited March 1, 2019 by The Evil Bus Driver 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRAILRAGE Posted March 2, 2019 Share Posted March 2, 2019 (edited) Very sorry to hear about the passing of Colin My Condolences to the family. I had the privilege of meeting him once when he was showing of Newhaven Harbour a few years back at Burton DEMU show. Was very happy to talk and answer the many questions I had about that fantastic looking layout and stock . He really was a Modeller of the highest calibre and his willingness to share his knowledge with people incredible. RIP Colin and thank you very much for your time that day and the advice that you gave me. He will be sorely missed by the Model Railway community and anyone who new him. Regards Trailrage Edited March 2, 2019 by TRAILRAGE Spelling mistakes 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bustered Posted March 2, 2019 Share Posted March 2, 2019 Very sorry to hear this sad news and condolences to his family. Colin was very helpful to me when scratchbuilding a Sheba; lots of good advice and encouragement. Rest easy. best wishes Nige 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDG Posted March 3, 2019 Share Posted March 3, 2019 I was lucky enough to see Colin operate Newhaven Harbour at the Tonbridge show a few years ago. It may well have been its last outing with Colin. Although very busy operating by himself at the time, he was kind enough to chat with me for a while. It was the stand out layout for me at the show. Exceptional modeller, fine chap. RIP Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
leopardml2341 Posted March 3, 2019 Share Posted March 3, 2019 (edited) A very sad time Indeed. Just off to find the Issue of RM which featured Newhaven Harbour and rekindle my memories of what Colin expertly created. If there is such a thing as '3rd rail heaven'; I'm sure he'll be there. Edited March 3, 2019 by leopardml2341 Punctuation 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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