Andy Hart, SNCF Society

[Joseph_Pestell]

Andy Hart (C.A. Hart) for very many years the Secretary of the SNCF Society and Editor of its well-respected Journal passed away yesterday, Saturday 2 February.

 

He really was the lynchpin of the Society and will be greatly missed by all. He did a great deal to promote modelling of French prototype railways and was particularly known for his layout Achaux.

 

Condolences to his wife Margaret and all of Andy's family at this difficult time.

[Allegheny1600]

RIP Andy.

Achaux was an absolute classic layout for me and did much to help me on the path towards Continental outline modelling and having FUN!

God bless and my most sincere condolences to his family.

John Edge.

[Pacific231G]

This really does seem like the end of an era and a horrible and unexpected blow to us all. Andy was actually editing the latest SNCF Society Journal a week ago but sadly never made it to the Society's annual winter rendezvous in Lenham last weekend- the first one he'd ever missed AFAIK. There can't be anyone who has done more to encourage interest in French railways in particular and European modelling in general than Andy. As a teacher (of French) he clearly felt a duty to educate enthusiasts and modellers about the railways of France and Achaux (located roughly where the real Chateau du Loir is to be found) was operated to a timetable that reflected the typical services to a provincial French city . Andy was, as Joseph says, a real driving force in the creation and continuing strength of the SNCFS. What is less well known is that Andy also gave generous help and advice to people setting up later specialist European societies.

I can remember meeting Andy for the first time in the early 1980s. Having had my interest in French metre gauge "Secondaires" ignited by an out of season visit to the Baie de Somme I went along to the SNCF Society's winter rendezvous then held in London's City Road. Andy welcomed me in and promptly introduced me to two society members who shared the same interest. Needless to say I joined the society and, with one short break, have been a member ever since. Andy Hart is going to be sadly missed and I echo Joseph's condolences to Margaret and the family. 

[Mike at C&M]

I have had dealings with Andy, on and off, for the past 30 years, and every time you were dealing with a gentleman who was more than willing to help you with whatever project you were doing.

 

As has been mentioned, Andy has played a huge part within the SNCF Society since its' inception, and as such will be irreplaceable.

 

A great loss of a man who was always prepared to give to others.

[Joseph_Pestell]

This really does seem like the end of an era and a horrible and unexpected blow to us all. Andy was actually editing the latest SNCF Society Journal a week ago but sadly never made it to the Society's annual winter rendezvous in Lenham last weekend- the first one he'd ever missed AFAIK. There can't be anyone who has done more to encourage interest in French railways in particular and European modelling in general than Andy. As a teacher (of French) he clearly felt a duty to educate enthusiasts and modellers about the railways of France and Achaux (located roughly where the real Chateau du Loir is to be found) was operated to a timetable that reflected the typical services to a provincial French city . Andy was, as Joseph says, a real driving force in the creation and continuing strength of the SNCFS. What is less well known is that Andy also gave generous help and advice to people setting up later specialist European societies.

I can remember meeting Andy for the first time in the early 1980s. Having had my interest in French metre gauge "Secondaires" ignited by an out of season visit to the Baie de Somme I went along to the SNCF Society's winter rendezvous then held in London's City Road. Andy welcomed me in and promptly introduced me to two society members who shared the same interest. Needless to say I joined the society and, with one short break, have been a member ever since. Andy Hart is going to be sadly missed and I echo Joseph's condolences to Margaret and the family. 

 

I was a City Road recruit as well.

[SNCF stephen]

I only found out this morning when a letter from the chair of the SNCFS arrived. Although I had never met Andy, we had corresponded on a number of matters including articles for the journal. He was always very encouraging to me to which I was always grateful (he had the unenviable task of editing my poor grammar on a number of occasions). I was very sad to hear about his passing and my condolences are with his wife and family!

[Dr Gerbil-Fritters]

What a sad loss to us all.  Did he ever finish the splendid terminus version of Achaux, illustrated here?  I always enjoyed his writing, and it went a long way to fostering an interest in French railways.  Sadly, the almost non-existence of affordable French model railway equipment rather defeated me.