|
Post by Jim on Apr 14, 2020 11:24:59 GMT
I have just heard the very sad news from Eddie, Don's brother, that Don passed away on Sunday, it was to have been his birthday today.
Jim.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2020 11:38:26 GMT
oh, no... such a loss...my condolences to family and friends, he will be greatly missed...RIP Don... Pete
|
|
stevep
Elder Statesman
Posts: 1,070
|
Post by stevep on Apr 14, 2020 11:43:56 GMT
Such sad news. He helped so many people.
RIP
|
|
|
Post by Jim on Apr 14, 2020 11:51:12 GMT
Don will be greatly missed as you say Pete.
He was always ready to help with expert advice on how to sort out the problems we modellers encountered with locomotive valve gears. Don was also a talented musician and skilled repairer of woodwinds and saxophones as I found out through my own involvement in brass bands. Don had been unwell for a while as i think may have been obvious from his absence from this site.
He will be sadly missed.
Jim
|
|
|
Post by goldstar31 on Apr 14, 2020 11:57:17 GMT
I have just heard the very sad news from Eddie, Don's brother, that Don passed away on Sunday, it was to have been his birthday today. Jim.
Thanks Jim. I've passed the sad news to a music friend who will also pass the message on to manny of Don's music friends ans staff at Benslpw and Knuston Hall who will want to know. Norman
|
|
|
Post by RGR 60130 on Apr 14, 2020 12:49:15 GMT
That is such sad news. As well as our other odd chats from time to time, I collaborated with Don a lot to sort out the A1 valve gear and nothing was too much trouble for him. He certainly deserved the respect he received and no doubt his name will live on for many years to come.
Reg
|
|
|
Post by Roger on Apr 14, 2020 13:57:06 GMT
That's very sad, I enjoyed our occasional little catching up emails, although I have to confess I wasn't always up to speed with what he was telling me! I'm flattered that he assumed I knew more than I actually did.
It's a great loss, I'm sad we never got to meet face to face. He's done the hobby a great service, and his name will live on as long as there are Model Steam Engines.
|
|
mbrown
Elder Statesman
Posts: 1,713
|
Post by mbrown on Apr 14, 2020 19:45:35 GMT
May he rest in peace. I have had his valve gear books for many years, to the great benefit of my last two locos, and had just got the reprinted and revised version from Camden. It was sitting on the desk in front of me when this sad news came through. Don could make complex matters comprehensible for the non-specialist, and that is a very rare gift.
Malcolm
|
|
JonL
Elder Statesman
WWSME (Wiltshire)
Posts: 2,902
|
Post by JonL on Apr 14, 2020 20:05:41 GMT
Very sad to hear, he seemed to have time for everyone. His impact to the hobby was huge.
|
|
|
Post by coniston on Apr 14, 2020 20:53:09 GMT
Incredibly sad news, we can all thank him that he had the patience to commit some of his knowledge to the written word and his website both of which has helped untold model engineers understand the complexities of valve gear in a simple manner RIP Don
Chris D
|
|
|
Post by Roger on Apr 14, 2020 21:02:18 GMT
Incredibly sad news, we can all thank him that he had the patience to commit some of his knowledge to the written word and his website both of which has helped untold model engineers understand the complexities of valve gear in a simple manner RIP Don Chris D Hi Chris, I hadn't thought about his web site. Someone ought to trawl that and save all the useful stuff, because it will most likely vanish when the hosting comes due for renewal.
|
|
jma1009
Elder Statesman
Posts: 5,896
|
Post by jma1009 on Apr 14, 2020 21:10:11 GMT
Teacher, Musician, Composer, Arranger.
Mathematical genius.
Man of Letters.
Prophet and Sage.
Brilliant model engineer, and of course world renowned as THE expert on locomotive valve gears both in fullsize and miniature.
And most generous with his time helping others.
As some of you will appreciate I am very saddened by this news, and at some point it might be appropriate for us all to post our recollections of Don. I don't feel up to this or that it is appropriate for me to do this tonight.
|
|
|
Post by goldstar31 on Apr 14, 2020 22:11:55 GMT
Teacher, Musician, Composer, Arranger. Mathematical genius. Man of Letters. Prophet and Sage. Brilliant model engineer, and of course world renowned as THE expert on locomotive valve gears both in fullsize and miniature. And most generous with his time helping others. As some of you will appreciate I am very saddened by this news, and at some point it might be appropriate for us all to post our recollections of Don. I don't feel up to this or that it is appropriate for me to do this tonight. I recall Don and my late Missus doing the scottish Diploma in Jazz at St Andrews University and to the best of my knowledge and belief- was his only formal qualification. As I have probably said that he wrote part of the Cambridge Book o the Saxophone along with Professor Richard Ingham. We, that is Don and I shared a great interst in tugs. I seem to recall him 'working' on the tugs around the Mersey but this was the Tyne Tugsand Lawson Batey ones on the Tyne. Oddly, he was asked to go and determine why a ice bound ship in the Baltic capsized and as he hadn't a passport said that the photos 'would suffice. Such was the Man. Apparently- he bought full size loco with hree railway wagons full of spares. His story by my fireside at 3 in the morning! I sort oof dozed off. He car broke down on my drive in Newcastle. For no reason, He was c what he was and I had double distinctions in motor vehicle restoration. It turned out that the pistons had acid corrosion from the oil. I got him a half engine --- for Free less the fitting. He was overley generous not only in engineering but music and I recall don financing a a pair of music teachers to help runing a course. My late wife seemed to have the knack of getting Don to do arrangements for her. Christine had almost every qualication , she could do Latin and Greek at 8, had a string of dental 'gongs' and music - there is a drawer packed still. It was like that- two close friends. I miss them both Norman
|
|
|
Post by Jim Scott on Apr 14, 2020 22:46:12 GMT
I am very sorry to hear of Don's passing. He had told me of his failing health some time ago since when our email correspondence has of necessity tailed off and my most recent email did not get a response. Don has given me an insight into the workings of locomotive valve gears beyond that I could ever have gained by just reading the model engineering press. Like Roger, I was flattered that he thought I understood everything he was talking about, in fact these conversations resulted in much 'homework' for me and my addled brain cells just to keep up. If I had made any faux pas these were never dwelt upon. I thank him for that and for the pleasant conversations on other subjects of mutual interest. Although I never met Don he did include a photo in one of his emails in early 2016. A short friendship but one to remember. Jim Scott
|
|
jma1009
Elder Statesman
Posts: 5,896
|
Post by jma1009 on Apr 14, 2020 23:17:21 GMT
Well, perhaps after an hour or so's contemplation, and getting quite upset, perhaps I can say something about Don Ashton tonight whilst thoughts and recollections are still vivid...
I was going to light a candle for Don, but then thought instead why not light one of my old railway lamps, that seemed more appropriate, so I have done this. I think Don would have approved of this.
I was very privileged to have a regular weekly phone call from Don from 2011 onwards; that would often last well over an hour, with a re-'phone before the 59th minute by Don. The Don Ashton portrayed in his writings and website and posts on here, using a style that was often impenetrable, was part of Don - you had to do your homework and understand it all. His phonecalls would often be quite mentally taxing and exhausting. Don had a superior intellect not often encountered in model engineering circles (Why does Roger also spring to mind!)
But usually Don, once he had got the measure of you, would talk in a very conversational style and was very funny! He never lost his Mancunian/Lancashire accent and I often thought he might start a conversation with 'Ee Lad' but he never did, quite!
We would discuss the intricacies of valve gear design, and I was very much a late entrant to his entourage of disciples personally, though I had been following his work in ME since I started this lark.
Don had via various means been preaching to the wilderness over miniature valve gears since the mid 1970s, and I had picked up on something he wrote via a letter to ME over Martin Evans' 5"g SR S15 (ex-LSWR) over the lifting link arrangement, and re did this on my first loco, re-designing Don Young's deficient arrangement. 1990, I purchased Don's book on Stephenson's valvegear from Reeves at Marston Green, and re-designed the valve gear for 'The Dean', that prompted Don YOUNG, to write the only letter he ever submitted to the IWMES quarterly newsletter to the effect 'why bother'! With the altered valve gear the loco came 3rd in IMLEC in 1995.
So way before I was in personal contact with Don Ashton, I was converted to his cause of eradicating poor miniature loco valve gear designs.
Our telephone discussions (of some length) usually of a Sunday evening when Don had set up what was necessary to overcome his increasing deafness by then were often quite hilarious and wide ranging. Don knew I had some musical preferences, and we both shared a love of Jazz. Don loved the saxophone and more modern Jazz than I did. Don, on one occasion mentioned a particular player who he had done an arrangement for... a quick search of youtube provided a post of Don's arrangement played by this notable person.
We both had a great love of matters GWR and also some of the Southern locos and ex-LBSCR. We both knew Jim Ewins, W A (Bill) Carter etc, though in my case not to the extent that Don knew them. We didn't discuss gardening or housework, and I chided Don for his lack of domestic skills in the kitchen and relying on microwaved 'ready meals'. He lived in the same house where he had grown up with his parents, in quite a nice part of Manchester, and his greatest love was the nearby Manchester Ship canal and the Tugs that worked on it.
In Don's sort of world of miniature loco valve gears it was a privilege to be part of it.
In later years - earlier than Don would admit - he suffered from cancer and long spells in hospital in Manchester. During our long phone calls before and after these periods I would try to do my best to cheer him up.
A great friend whose kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness, and expertise will be very sadly missed by me.
Terribly sad over all this. I had been expecting this news, but it still hits hard.
Cheers,
Julian
|
|
|
Post by Jim on Apr 14, 2020 23:21:48 GMT
Thanks Jim for posting the photo of Don, it so typifies Don's quiet dignity and thoughtful manner. A photo of a very scholarly man. Like many here I never met Don in person but we 'chatted' regularly via emails on all sorts of things from contra bass trombones to
locomotives. It never bothered Don that I only had a vague understanding of the issues he was explaining. Don was a very generous man with his time, knowledge and ideas.
Jim
|
|
|
Post by delaplume on Apr 15, 2020 1:27:20 GMT
May I also add to the foregoing my own feelings of sadness and loss of this very unique Gentleman....I only knew of him via his valve gear "fame" as it were and so feel extremely honoured to have spent a mid-week afternoon with him at Llangollen Railway some years ago...It was arranged via this Forum and initially we discussed The Great Bear's various design features whilst touring the Workshop and inspecting the different projects on the go at that time...We finished up relaxing in the Tea Rooms...two fellow GWR chaps just enjoying the typical sights, sounds and aromas of a working Steam Raiway station....
It was time to go---I rode home on my motorcycle just reflecting on the day's events......Alas I never heard from or about him again until now.....We have a common interest in the Saxaphone but I didn't know it at the time.... ( Mine's a Irevor Jones Alto )......Thank you Don for that inspirational day and for all that you have given us down the years....
RIP.
|
|
|
Post by steamer5 on Apr 15, 2020 7:16:52 GMT
Such a loss to Model Engineers everywhere.
I just brought his book 2 days ago.
I’m sure, along with with everybody else here, that somebody can keep all his work available for the future, and that somebody can take up the mantle of help....they arebig shoestring fill from what has been said above!
RIP Don
Cheers Kerrin
|
|
|
Post by suctionhose on Apr 15, 2020 7:46:26 GMT
Don entered my life, figuratively speaking, upon designing my first set of Stephenson's. It was a rebuild of an LBSC Minx which had a horrible and badly made version of VG. Using Don's books I would like to say it was a great success It was a mediocre result which I found very confusing. I swore to study the subject much harder for next time!
Model Engineering has always been a foundational part of my happiness and learning so I was pleased to be able to email Don some years later and express my gratitude for the educational opportunities he had provided in this most essential area of interest.
I was thrilled to receive Don's reply and so started regular correspondence, the likes of which many of you speak of, for well over 20 years! Initially, subject matter was very valve gear centric but as years passed we developed an understanding which required little formality. Topics ranged far and wide to include musical instruments, tugs, the Manchester Ship Canal and many cordialities of daily life.
I remember sending him a simulation of a traction engine Stephenson's (which I had improved upon markedly). He dismissed it out of hand as being "end suspended and only equal within 5% near mid gear" (where you can't run a compound anyway)! He always strove for perfection and cited the GWR Hall's as the one to beat (1% discrepancy across the full range).
In latter days, we rarely mentioned VG. He knew he had succeeded with me and was content in the knowledge his work would live on through people like us; custodians of the art. Instead, we discussed weather, appointments and the dreaded NHS. Not having children of his own, Don always enjoyed a story and the odd photo from our household - especially from the workshop!
Don had a great impact on my life. To have gained a deeper understanding of the VG subject and have the knowledge to manipulate the geometry to better affect is a wonderful gift.
I know our collective correspondences were a great comfort to Don in his twilight years. Though far too little in return for his contribution, I'm pleased we have been there for him in some capacity.
Thank you Jim for sharing the news. Eddie had informed me of Don's admission to hospital back in February. I trust Don passed on comfortably.
|
|
|
Post by Roger on Apr 15, 2020 7:51:18 GMT
I'm sure Don wouldn't have minded me posting these two extracts from a couple of emails we exchanged a few years back. It paints a wonderful picture of him... " The story that starts with Sunday morning walks along the Manchester Ship Canal just 200 yds away from the house I have always lived in and still do. In 1948 the 10,000 tonners were falling over each other and a tug for'd and one aft....36 miles. Taking a stroll with my camera mad-father I saw something special approaching and begged him to record it. Both 1200hp tugs were newly delivered sisters. It was but a twinkle in the 9 year old's eye as the leading tug skipper waved and asked for a photo. Well, it was like currency for getting a ride. Soon we knew enough skippers to almost guarantee a trip any time. And here I attach the evidence - 90 odd feet of twin screw latest. Not many years later I was writing actual action stuff to a hungry editor of a 6000 worldwide circulation magazines for professional towing people. I did have to be a little careful not to reveal names, and had to smile nicely when my skipper friend and I bumped into the tug superintendent in the street next day. He knew where I had been but didn't catch me!" Donbridgedeck 1 by The train Man, on Flickr "Now I drove up to Scotland the other....whoops...a good few years ago. Arrived Greenock late afternoon just as tug Wrestler finish a Glasgow job. Tea flowed on the bridge as new orders came across the rt. "Sail 20.00 hrs for Ayr". Wow - not sailed to Ayr before. Even the RT has a rich accent! We have to drag a dead ship out of the awkward dock and set tow ropes to drag the ship to Greenock for repair. Middle of the night and about the fourth hot Cocoa - a cosy bridge and the distant rumble of our trusty 6-cylinder - watching the distant shore lights ever so quietly drifting past us. 7 am - its light and the RT crackles - THEY are bright and breezy and full of new orders.............................I walked ashore eventually after 4 days!! Get the picture, Roger? What ever age it's always just too late - like the steam engine. Ah, well........all just memories now." Wonderful stuff. Roger
|
|