| To respond to this month's Editorial, send comments to: michaelj@modelrailroadnews |
An event this past month has saddened the model railroading community. I am referring to the sudden passing of our S Curves columnist, Mr. John Craft. Though I did not have the honor of meeting John in person, his enthusiasm and love for model railroading was evident even over the telephone.
One impression John left me with was the fact that, above everything else, model railroading is to be enjoyed. After all, it is a hobby — not something that demands our time, but rather something that we gladly give our time to. John not only had time for his hobby, but was willing to share his time with others in the hobby as well.
Model railroading, though grouped into seemingly countless organizations and special interest groups, is comprised of thousands of competent, intelligent individuals. For those that argue that no individual can effect the hobby as a whole, I respectfully disagree. Through John’s sole efforts, Model Railroad News, S Scale enthusiasts, and the hobby in general has greatly benefited from S Curves.
Individuals can make a big difference. They can help promote, educate, inspire, and support countless others. The only thing they need to give is the one thing that John had too little of — time.
To John Craft, and all the individual model railroaders — past, present, and future — who have contributed to the growth and continued enjoyment of model railroading, this issue is respectfully dedicated.
Michael J. Pratt
Managing Editor
John Craft, MRN’s S Curves columnist, passed away June 21st, 2000. This was very sudden as John was a young man of only 42. He is survived by his wife Sandi, and two sons, Scott & Alex. John grew up in Dundalk, Maryland, a Baltimore suburb, and spent three years in the United States Army.
John Joseph Craft, Jr.
August 12, 1957 — June 21, 2000
John was very active in S Scale. He was once the Promotions Chairmen for the National Association of S Gaugers. He also had a small business called Railroad Art, which dealt with, what else, railroad art. John started the S Scale H-39 hopper car project years back. He was a very active writer, and had many articles published in the model railroad press.
John’s favorite railroad was the C&O. He just started to build his layout to run all his acquired S Scale equipment. Whenever I would see John at a train show, he would be promoting S Scale to everyone.
John’s enthusiasm for S Scale will be missed by many of his fellow model railroaders. I know he is in a better place, and is probably still promoting S Scale.
John Foley
Executive VP, NASG
To respond to this month's Editorial, send comments to: michaelj@modelrailroadnews.com
