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| I am very saddened to report the passing on April 11, 2018 of our dear friend and colleague Stafford Swain after a long illness at a care facility in Winnipeg. Stafford was a Master Model Railroader and Chaired the NMRA convention in Winnipeg in 1983. He is a legend in CNR modelling and authored many articles in the model press. Stafford served as Chair of the CN Lines Special Interest Group from 1996 to 2010. His Whiteshell Subdivision layout was enjoyed by many of us with the last run taking place in May 2010. Al Lill Chair CNRHA Stafford was a role model for me as a CNR modeler despite being several hundred miles away. His 1979 RMC layout article on the Whiteshell sub made a huge impression on me. Most of us were using generic RTR rolling stock and structures that kit makers had on the market but Stafford was scratch building structures and towns that looked right for CNR. I especially remember his typical prairie village, his track ballast work train and yard facilities. He also authored a landmark series on boxcars that changed how companies built models – boxcars were not just brown things with wheels but had different ends, doors, roofs, appropriate lettering for a given the rime period etc. The work that he and John Morris and others did on CNR colours changed forever the way manufacturers of models and paint portrayed CNR colours. That made it possible for True Line and Rapido and others to base their paint schemes on paint chips from the prototype. We take this for granted today. We expect prototype based models or they don’t sell. Finally, perhaps a sad memory but I was present for the Stafford’s last run and I remember handing him a throttle to get a photograph of him running a train on his layout and I got a blank stare like what do I do with this ? Yet moments before, he could give me in great detail the modification he did to an Overland S-1-g changing several exterior details and valve gear to yield a S-1-f class of mikadoes never commercially produced. Our minds work in mysterious ways. Yes sad news indeed. Greg Stubbings, Winchester Ontario I’m really sorry to hear about Stafford’s passing and the poor quality of his life leading up to it. My condolences to his family; To me, Stafford was truly an inspiration. My membership in the hobby was somewhat in the doldrums when the SIG was formed and my joining and reading what was going on with regard to CN modelling reignited my interest. His article on steel boxcars in the Oct 1986 issue of CNlines is what turned me into a prototype modeler. He’ll be missed Walter Cox, Kodak, Tennessee (formerly Montreal, Quebec) Very sad to hear that news. I first became aware of Stafford with his layout construction articles in RMC. The concept and work was simply breathtaking, and for me re-wrote the book on what a modeller of the Canadian railway scene could accomplish. Not only was he modelling a recognizable look, but it was part of my homeland.. Up until then I don’t think I imagined model layouts as having that kind of realism. From then on I became a collector of his layout photos and tried to learn from his techniques. Later, as the freight car modeller movement started to gain traction, his articles on the dominion boxcars in Mainline Modeller, and many other classes of Canadian cars (Model Railroading, MM, and other magazines) had a similar impact. I hadn’t any awareness that there was uniqueness to the Canadian fleet until then – and Stafford (and his co-authors) were how I started to become aware. In both ways, he shaped my sense of what the hobby is today. I only met Stafford once in person (at the annual train show in Vancouver (coming May 4-6 this year)), but several times over the telephone and in e-mail. He was very generous with his knowledge, sharing his research and time with modellers and manufacturers. I enjoyed hearing his perspectives on the hobby. Was very sorry to learn of his illness (now years ago). My condolences to his family and friends.Rob Kirkham, Vancouver BC Stafford and I were friends and he helped me with a lot of prototype information including drawings. Both he and Dan Kirlin were very good about that. When I was out to Golden Rails in 2005, I was fortunate enough to visit his layout, the Whiteshell Sub. It was great to finally see it in person. I was always inspired by that Jan 1979 article in RMC. I think Simon Parent and Neil Froese, both S Scalers, were there with me. At any rate, we got a private tour which was nice. Stafford was responsible for bringing accuracy to the attention of modellers and manufacturers of CNR models. As was Dan Kirlin. From paint, decals, parts, research and of course the many articles, Stafford was the one who put the CNR on the map for us instead of remaining a minor league road in the eyes of the modelling/manufacturing community. Ever since his health failed a few years ago, he was sorely missed as he will be even more so now. Sad news indeed. With great sympathy, Andy Malette, Southern Ontario Stafford was hugely supportive of my efforts when I first started Rapido, and he provided me with several boxes of photographs, drawings and measurements which proved invaluable in the design and delivery of our Super Continental Line passenger cars. He and I used to meet for lunch at Delicious Vegetarian Restaurant on Pembina every time I was in Winnipeg. Those were the days. Stafford was not just a great model railroader. He was a real mentsch. May he rest in peace. Jason Shron, Toronto On behalf of the Canadian Pacific Historical Association (and myself) we were very saddened to read of the passing of Stafford Swain. I know that the last few years were not kind to him. He was a real leader on the Canadian railway historical scene and his leadership and efforts regarding the formation and development of the CNRHA are widely known. He also left a great legacy to Canadian railway modellers, many of whom in this group likely remember the profound impact his cover story about his Whiteshell Subdivision in RMC several decades ago had on their own modelling interests. He led the way in modelling Canadian prototypes and his contributions regarding the history of Fowler cars and advising manufacturers and modellers are remembered by many, He was never too busy to help as I learned on the occasions when I emailed him with prototype-related questions. His leadership and passion inspired so many and will be lasting contributions to Canadian railway historians and modellers alike. Richard McQuade, Ontario | ||
