From another group... prepared by Jeff Koeller and forwarded to STFMC@groups.io by Ed Hawkins. Robert L. Hundman, best known as the publisher of Mainline Modeler magazine, passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Providence Hospital in Everett, WA. He was 88 years old. Hundman, who grew up in Bloomington, Illinois, will be remembered especially for his numerous scale drawings of steam locomotives, the first of which was published on a 3-page fold-out in the March 1958 issue of Model Railroader magazine. Over the ensuing years MR printed a number of Hundman’s drawings before he finally started his own magazine, Mainline Modeler, in 1980. In 1989, Hundman also began publishing a bi-monthy magazine specifically devoted to N-scale and appropriately titled, N-Scale. Prior to this, N-scale modelers had to rely on sporadic articles hidden within the pages of publications that generally catered to the larger scales. Ultimately, due to the popularity of the internet and an overall decline in the model railroad industry, which included the closing of a large portion of the nation’s hobby shops, Hundman was forced to discontinue Mainline Modeler and close his company in 2006. However, N-Scale magazine is still being produced by Platinum Rail Publications (www.nscalemagazine.com). Perhaps the most prolific draftsman of his era, Robert Hundman created a multitude of scale pen and ink drawings of prototype railroad equipment. He elevated the medium to an art form and leaves behind a legacy of modeling excellence and accuracy in prototype fidelity.
We have lost some big names so far this year in N scale. Bob Hundman, Charlie Vlk and Mike Phillips to name a few. Some of them were younger than me. Causes one to pause and think just how fragile our lives really are. RIP guys.
88 years is a darn good run, and you'd be hard pressed to find an N scaler he hasn't influenced in some small way in that time. Back when I started in the hobby the magazine rack was always the first stop at the LHS, mostly for N Scale Magazine. Godspeed, Mr. Hundman.
Very sad news. I really liked working with Bob in providing content for his magazines. Unfortunately in the process of down sizing I had to give up much of my magazine collection. I did save a few issues where I provided articles. And this one where I made the cover. Bob coined the moniker "Sugar Land Route" for my modules. I still use it in my signature line here on Trainboard.
R.I.P., Bob. I was a charter subscriber. Unfortunately, I only still have about the first six years. The rest were destroyed by my ex a few years back. Before N Scale Magazine, about the only steady publication we had was the NTrak newsletter.
Sad news indeed. Prayers for his family. Like it says, he made a mark on model railroading and leaves a great legacy behind. RIP Robert.
Sadly we've lost another pioneer in the model railroad and rail fan hobby. Robert (Bob) Hundman, founder of Hundman Publishing Inc., passed away April 22, 2023. Bob was 88 years old. Back when I was in HO scale Bob's first magazine which he launched in 1980 was called Mainline Modeler and in my opinion was the go to magazine for prototype modeling. Bob's launched his next magazine in 1989 and I still enjoy the magazine to this day is called N-Scale Magazine. Bob published the magazine through 2006, when as we all know Pamela Clapp took over as editor and publisher and still produces this fine magazine to this day. My condolences go out to all of Bob's family and friends in this time of loss. Thank you Bob for all you did for the model railroad hobby.
Sad news. I had googled Bob and daughter Amie looking for any updates on him several months ago. Found nothing new. I met Bob in person just once when I wrote for N Scale Magazine. Though I spoke to him on the phone several times. He was a talented modeler and artist. I'm glad I got to have a relationship w/ him. All the best to the family. His legacy will last as long as people read and treasure back issues of his publications. It would be great if they could be scanned. I'd buy a disk/download.
The complete set of Mainline Modeler is available on DVD or direct download via the C&O Historical Society.
