I too am stunned by the news of Richard’s passing. As Bill wrote, this is not the news one likes to start the day with.

     I had talked to Richard perhaps two or three months ago about sending scans of trucks and truck frames from builders car folios to help amp up his truck information site. I now read in these recent posts that other had projects in the works with him. I could ask how he found the time - however after interacting with him, it seems just like Richard. He was very involved and you could feel his love, his passion, for it all as he talked to you.

    I was also surprised how much Richard could tell me about the cars of my railroad or any other railroads, and as others have noted, openly shared it. In the past I would send a query to him and back would come a prompt reply.  

   In addition while researching I would find data that I would feel was significant and new only to find months or years later while paging through an older periodical, Richard had already been there.

I am stunned, and humbled, by his passing.                    James Dick - Roseville, MN.

There's little I can add to what has already been said of Richard.  Like many on the STMFC group, I never met Richard face to face, but I eagerly gobbled up whatever he had to say and wherever he said it.  He always responded quickly to the several private e-mails I sent him asking about what trucks would have been appropriate for a given freight car.  99.99% of the time when Richard spoke on any given topic, it was the gospel truth.  He was always quick to correct himself or admit an inaccurate statement when the 00.01 occasion arose. 

One of the things I admired most about Richard was that he was brutally honest in his reviews of products in the national modeling magazines.  He was not afraid to call out inaccurate or clunky details on models from manufacturers who should (and probably did) know better.  It was obvious from the sudden disappearance of his reviews in the leading magazines that he had been invited to NOT submit any more material unless he was less blunt about whatever flaws he observed.  It was clear he would not compromise on his principles as his reviews began appearing elsewhere.  Honesty is just one aspect of the legacy he left for all of us.

Rest in Peace Richard, and may you encounter no friction - uh, I mean solid bearings on your journey.

Mark Rossiter 

Friends,
I am stunned and immensely saddened by this news. Richard has been an
inspiration to me for decades, since the early days of Prototype Modeler and
his WestRail conversion kits. We have lost a pioneer of the prototype
modeling movement, a highly knowledgeable and respected historian and
modeler, and a true gentleman who was quick to share his expertise and
extensive prototype resources with others. He will be missed by the many
who got to know him through RPM meets, his many articles and other
publications, and Yahoo groups. My sincere condolences to Sandra, and to
those friends and colleagues who've enjoyed a long and close association
with him.
Dave Sieber, Reno NV

Terrible, dismaying and shocking news. Richard will be missed not only for his expertise, but for his advocacy for excellence in prototype modeling. As Tony says, Richard was beyond generous in sharing his thoughts, ideas and information. That's been taken from us, but his standards and notions of what we should be striving for will be kept alive. He leaves behind almost 2000 survivors on this list alone. 

What a life he had - and what a marvelous legacy he's left us. Behind my sorrow I feel the urge to offer a standing ovation for Richard, for his work, for his friendship and for his inspiration. Gail and I offer our condolences to Sandra.

Tom Madden