Tributes pour in for co-founder of Shropshire model railway club

John Herbert Tims, who played a major role in the creation of the Ellesmere Model Railway Club & Group of Ellesmere Modellers, passed away on Friday at Greenfields Care Home in Whitchurch.

In 1998 he, along with his friend David Saunders, became founders of the local model group and became a prolific builder of radio-controlled boats.

Mr Saunders said: "Born I believe on January 6, 1931, John initially helped out working around his father's garage in Cross Street, Ellesmere.

"During the war John's father moved him and the family to Coventry to escape any stray bombing of the local airfields and camps close by, but they were actually bombed out during the night of the dreadful destruction of Coventry Cathedral.

"Thankfully not hurt though they lost many possessions, they made their own way back to Ellesmere.

"He became an apprentice dental technician in Oswestry near the station, making dentures and plates.

"He also developed his love of music and became a drummer and percussionist, and was sought after by many local bands.

"Eventually the fumes and dust from his work, along with heavy smoking and asthma developed into emphysema, and John decided that a change in career was called for.

"He studied hard at teacher training college near Wolverhampton and became a science teacher at Ellesmere Secondary School."

Mr Saunders said when John was offered voluntary early retirement, he and his son Paul become founder members of the Cambrian Railways Heritage Society and helped out at the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway.

"In 1998 John became co-founder of our local model group and became a prolific builder of radio-controlled boats," he said.

Mr Saunders added: "John was planning on a new layout for this year. John will be very sorely missed."