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"Michael Paul Smith has moved to Elgin Park"

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  • Member since
    November 2007
  • From: California
  • 2,388 posts
"Michael Paul Smith has moved to Elgin Park"
Posted by HO-Velo on Saturday, August 17, 2019 9:17 AM

It was only yesterday that I sadly learned of Michael Paul Smith's passing.  The fictional town of 'Elgin Park' that he created through his fabulous dioramas has touched a multitude.  The world has lost not only a prolific and inspiring modeler, but a true and sharing artist as well.

Peter

Michael Paul Smith | Flickr

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Saturday, August 17, 2019 2:18 PM

That is indeed sad news, Peter. 

I recall sharing the link to his photos some years ago here in the forum. He did some amazing work. RIP, Mayor of Elgin Park—

 

 

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/13/obituaries/michael-paul-smith-dead.html

 

Regards, Ed

  • Member since
    November 2018
  • From: Just another small town in Ohio
  • 268 posts
Posted by Erie1951 on Saturday, August 17, 2019 5:33 PM

What an interesting story. I don't think that I've heard of him before, but now know what a true artist he was.

Russ

Modeling the early '50s Erie in Paterson, NJ.  Here's the link to my railroad postcard collection: https://railroadpostcards.blogspot.com/

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Saturday, August 17, 2019 9:57 PM

HO-Velo
It was only yesterday that I sadly learned of Michael Paul Smith's passing.

Peter,

Thanks for letting us know, and thanks for reminding us of his truly incredible work.

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    June 2018
  • From: Chicago, IL
  • 306 posts
Posted by Eilif on Monday, August 19, 2019 9:59 AM

I've spent alot of time staring at his work. I think I have one of his books around here.

RIP Sir.

Visit the Chicago Valley Railroad for Chicago Trainspotting and Budget Model Railroading. 

  • Member since
    November 2007
  • From: California
  • 2,388 posts
Posted by HO-Velo on Monday, August 19, 2019 9:50 PM

Eilif
I've spent alot of time staring at his work.

Me too.  Mr. Smith's modeling and images evoked good memories and emotions over such a broad spectrum, powerful stuff indeed.  For me it's my grandparent's Oakland bungalow with gramps's 57' Plymouth Fury in the driveway, my father-in-law's Corvair, or ridin' in my friend's 61' Chevy Impala and looking for Soo Line boxcars at the crossings (he was from Sault Ste. Marie), cherry Cokes at the Foster Freeze, nearly brings tears to my eyes.  

Thanks, Peter

  • Member since
    December 2017
  • From: Just outside of Leitchfield, Ky
  • 105 posts
Posted by mrrdad on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 9:54 AM

gmpullman

That is indeed sad news, Peter. 

I recall sharing the link to his photos some years ago here in the forum. He did some amazing work. RIP, Mayor of Elgin Park—

 

 

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/13/obituaries/michael-paul-smith-dead.html

 

Regards, Ed

 

 

I have never heard of the man. His work does look incredible.

That video was an interesting look into a person's life. He seemed to be a person with a dark past, but not in an evil way. Much like he described Elgin Park.

I will look into more of his work. May he rest in peace.

Ed

Semi newbie HO scale modeler coming from the O scale world

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