I just learned that Bobby Pitts has passed away at age 77. For a while he was a very active contributor to these forums with his astounding scratchbuilt models of rare and interesting tank cars, and he'd show the entire process from raw materials to finished product. His modeling ability was just out of this world. I don't think he has posted for a few years however.
Dave Nelson
I do remember him and his modeling, I was always so impressed with what he could accomplish with stuff out of the bin. Maybe we can find his avatar and add him to the RIP track.
Condolences to his family and all who knew him.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
My condolenes to his family and friends. Very talented gentleman and I'm grateful that he shared his photos and modeling tips to the scale modeling world.
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
BATMANMaybe we can find his avatar and add him to the RIP track.
Hi Brent,
I agree. Hopefully Kevin will read this and add him to the RIP graphic as he has done for several others. I don't know how to do it.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I was just thinking about Bobby and his wonderful tank car builds, and can honestly say I missed his participation. I always kind of assumed he was a younger than average modeler. Thats how he came across.
My condolences to those who loved him. Dan
It looks like he was active here for eight years and made 121 posts.
Unfortunately, like Brakie and PastorBob, his avatar was just a weeble. I will need to make him a suitable avatar for the RIP track. Are there any suggestions from those who would know better than me?
-Kevin
Living the dream.
SeeYou190 Are there any suggestions from those who would know better than me?
Here is one of his later photos posted to Flickr. Perhaps it could be used as his icon in memorium:
2021-11-18_02-41-26~2 by bobbypitts44, on Flickr
Or how about this little guy? Sure has "character".
scratchbuilt Dow chemical Bromine tank car by bobbypitts44, on Flickr
The photo itself can be downloaded from his Flickr page. Just a suggestion, others may have better ideas.
Here's a photo of Bobby (left) from 1976:
My other hobby from years ago! by bobbypitts44, on Flickr
His passing must have been sudden as he had posted to Trainorders site just over a week ago. Rest in peace, Robert.
Good Luck, Ed
Bobby scratchbuilt tank cars in every size and capacity. I seem to think he stayed with more modern subjects, but if not exclusively, he at least included them.
For my 2 cents, his big high capacity 6 axle tankers were his most impressive builds, thats what comes to mind when I think of "Tank Cars Rule".
Any other suggestions?
Dan
SeeYou190Unfortunately, like Brakie and PastorBob, his avatar was just a weeble. I will need to make him a suitable avatar for the RIP track. Are there any suggestions from those who would know better than me?
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for adding Bobby to the RIP track.
I lack any detailed knowledge of him or his work, but could you use the photo of the bromine shorty tank car in Ed's post?
Very sorry to hear. I loved his work. He was a regular poster on the MRH site. My condolences to his friends and family.
Guy
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
It is always sad to hear of the passing of a fellow modeller.
Though I have not known him he was a respected one.
My condolences to his family and friends.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
Forum won't allow me to post pictures or links for some reason. You could use Bobby's last picture from his Facebook account ....
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=184753969046838&set=a.100136694175233
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
Thanks Mark.
https://www.brunswickmemorialpark.com/obituaries/Robert-Russell-Pitts,-Sr.?obId=24433091#/celebrationWall
Regards, Ed
Someone mentioned Paster Bob. I searched for any info about him a few years ago but had guessed he had departed. Anyone know?
Condolences to Bobby's family. His modeling was epic.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
"A" gets my vote as well.
I sure did enjoy his creativity.
Hi Kevin, Bear and Brent,
Sorry to be contrary, but I vote for 'C'. It seems to me to have a bit more character.
I am good with "C" as well.
I was not looking for voting just yet. There are only two real choices up there. The photograph of the real tank car was just one I took that could have been used.
Someone mentioned he built 6 axle modern tank cars as a specialty; should one of those be considered?
As a modeler, the small tank car is the most appealing, but from another point-of-view, the modern tank car sure looks good as an avatar.
Can anyone supply an image to be used as choice "C"?
SeeYou190Someone mentioned he built 6 axle modern tank cars as a specialty; should one of those be considered?
Sometimes while trying to select an avatar for my own uses I'm confronted with what will show up best when reduced to a 200 x 200 pixel square. L O N G tank cars don't exactly lend themselves to this format, unfortunately.
48,000gals and 2225gals contrast! by bobbypitts44, on Flickr
That's why some of the photos I suggested were offered. Again, it's up to popular vote, for sure.
hi-contrast background:
Upgrade and back date by bobbypitts44, on Flickr
Cryogenic tank car hauled Ethylene by bobbypitts44, on Flickr
Good luck, Ed
Ed, You are right, none of those would work at all. A tank car that long would need to be in 3/4 view,and even then only one end of the car could be used.
Those full-length profile shots cannot be used. It would just look like a line.
SeeYou190It would just look like a line.
Be glad Bobby didn't exclusively model 89' flat cars
TTX_820605 by Edmund, on Flickr
Cheers, Ed