Michael Rayner of Smallbrook Studio

[leslie10646]

I'm very, very sorry to report Michael's passing. Meeting him made my wagon business take off and gave me many happy hours of banter and "Craic" as we debated our joint activities.

Like so many things in life, I got talking to him at an exhibition and found him a willing ear. The first products of mine which he produced were my Bread Containers, then the GNR brake van, which really did sell like Hot Cakes. In those days, things were delivered to me "ready to run". Over a hundred of the 200-odd brake vans were actually built and finished by him - if you've got one - treasure it! Then the cattle wagons and numerous vans.

HE - YES HE DID THE CORRUGATED WAGONS FIRST -  and it speaks volumes for Michael's skills as modeller that they were so good - nearly 400 kits of them sold - a fact which speaks for itself.

For me, the UTA Spoil Wagon was his Magnum Opus, it took two attempts, but Michael was big enough to see that the first attempt was not quite the thing. That is closely followed, in my opinion,  by his last kit for me, the GS&WR 10 ton Brake Van which was just the sort of antiquated piece of rolling stock that he found a challenge to overcome.

Michael retired less than two years ago and sold the business on.

I used to refer to Michael as "My Man" but I can assure you that he was always his own man and in every way a Master Modeller, for which reason he will not be forgotten in a hurry.

There are thousands of Michael's models  scattered all over the world which will still be running when no-one remembers us!

I'll raise a glass of Bushmills to your memory tonight, Michael - and for many a night yet, God willing.

Rest in Peace, Michael, Master Modeller Extraordinaire.

Leslie McAllister, Provincial Wagons.

[Darius43]

Sad to hear this news.  The corrugated double beets and UTA spoil wagons are truly works of art.

Darius

[Flying Snail]

Thats very sad news Leslie, I have some of his kits including a few of the corrugated wagons and brake vans. My condolences to you, and to Michael's  family and friends.

[Broithe]

A sad loss.

But, a wonderful legacy.

Few people will have so many monuments in such scattered locations.

[StevieB]

A lovely tribute, Leslie.

Stephen

[flange lubricator]

Sorry to hear that I think everyone has something in that range of models. 

[leslie10646]

1 hour ago, flange lubricator said:

Sorry to hear that I think everyone has something in that range of models. 

To my knowledge - "I've got a Little List" - the five countries of these islands, Germany, Norway, Italy, Spain, USA, Canada and New Zealand! If I've missed someone - speak up.

Thanks you for the comments, which are well deserved.

I will be writing to Joice, his lady, and will pass on your good wishes. "He will certainly be missed"!

[jhb171achill]

Very sad news. May he rest in peace.

2 hours ago, flange lubricator said:

Sorry to hear that I think everyone has something in that range of models. 

I've H vans, 9 & 10 ton wooden-bodied (GNR) vans, twenty cattle wagons, brake vans and guard's vans!

[patrick]

Very sad news. Michael's wagons were a huge part of the character of the South Waterford Line.  

 

 

[Signal Post]

Very sorry to hear of Michael's passing, I didn't know him personally but his work in the form of his kits from Leslie are a lasting legacy and have brought and will continue to bring a great deal of pleasure to many of us in the modelling community.

May he rest in peace.