Moderators Popular Post AY Mod Posted February 3, 2020 Moderators Popular Post Share Posted February 3, 2020 It is with great regret that I have to tell you that Vernon Smith, of Invicta Model Rail passed way in the early hours of Thursday 30th January after a two year battle with illness. Vernon was well known within the hobby having worked for many years at Beatties, Holborn before managing branches at Croydon, Lakeside and Romford. He helped build up Modelzone in Bluewater before becoming Operations Manager. He opened Invicta Model Rail in 2013 with his partner Kerry. He was the instigator of many Limited Edition Models including all of the Bachmann RTC and Royal Mail TPO's. In his final months he managed to complete his third book on Buses. I know Vernon has been unwell for a time and wonderfully supported by Kerry, friends and family. I'll certainly miss some of the spirited conversations that we've had over the years about the trade and people and I'm so sorry to have heard this news. My thoughts are with Kerry - she will, I'm sure, carry on those spirited conversations. 37 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Simon Lee Posted February 3, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 3, 2020 Sad to hear this, I was only an occasional customer, usually mail order or exhibitions, but always found them helpful and knowledgeable RIP 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold sjp23480 Posted February 3, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 3, 2020 So sorry to hear this news. My sympathies go to Kerry and her family. I have visited the shop but mainly met up with them at exhibitions around Kent. Stephen Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Ian J. Posted February 3, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 3, 2020 My sympathies go out to Kerry. Since I moved out of London I ceased shopping at The Signal Box in Rochester, where she (and I believe Vernon) had been involved, and unfortunately have never managed to make it to Invicta. However, if Invicta attend a show I pop by their stand and say hello to Kerry and the rest. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wainwright1 Posted February 3, 2020 Share Posted February 3, 2020 Very sorry to hear this sad news. I knew that Vernon had been very ill over the last couple of years, but hoped that he would improve enough to stabilise for a reasonable period. We always looked forward to seeing them at exhibitions to find out what new limited editions they were going to commission. Sending our sympathies from all the members of Southwark and District Model Railway Club to Kerry and the children. Ray B 2 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hastings Thumper Posted February 3, 2020 Share Posted February 3, 2020 My sympathies to Kerry and the children. Blue skies Vern Sam 1 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Lurker Posted February 4, 2020 Share Posted February 4, 2020 Condolences to Kerry and family - very sad to hear the news. Invicta is my local model shop and has always been very welcoming. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pandora Posted February 4, 2020 Share Posted February 4, 2020 23 hours ago, AY Mod said: It is with great regret that I have to tell you that Vernon Smith, of Invicta Model Rail passed way in the early hours of Thursday 30th January after a two year battle with illness. Vernon was well known within the hobby having worked for many years at Beatties, Holborn before managing branches at Croydon, Lakeside and Romford. He helped build up Modelzone in Bluewater before becoming Operations Manager. He opened Invicta Model Rail in 2013 with his partner Kerry. He was the instigator of many Limited Edition Models including all of the Bachmann RTC and Royal Mail TPO's. In his final months he managed to complete his third book on Buses. I know Vernon has been unwell for a time and wonderfully supported by Kerry, friends and family. I'll certainly miss some of the spirited conversations that we've had over the years about the trade and people and I'm so sorry to have heard this news. My thoughts are with Kerry - she will, I'm sure, carry on those spirited conversations. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Invicta Informant Posted February 4, 2020 Share Posted February 4, 2020 On behalf of the Erith MRS, our deepest sympathies goes out to Kerry and their children, the rest of the their family, friends and colleagues at Invicta Model Rail. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
darren chpamn Posted February 7, 2020 Share Posted February 7, 2020 I Was told this very sad new on the day of his passing away and was shocked by the news i was fortunate to work with Vernon in the days of modelzone, He was a amazing guy to work with he will sorely be missed by the model railway community my thoughts go to kerry and the children at the hard time Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColinW Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 On behalf of Tonbridge MRC, we are sorry to hear the sad news of Vernon's passing and would like to send our condolences to Kerry and family. Colin Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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