Frank Harris (1932-2024)

[76043]

I thought this is worth posting here as a news item, copied from the latest Railway Modeller as we all probably owe a debt of gratitude to Romford Models at some point in our modelling journey.

Mark Arscott of Markits Model Railway Products writes:

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the passing of Frank Harris (known to many as 'Mr Romford') on 2 May 2024. He passed peacefully in hospital with his son and daughter by his side. He was 92.

Frank started Romford Models in 1971 as a manufacturing sub-contractor for W & H Models Ltd., whose principal Charles Skelton was a close associate of the late Peco founder, Sydney Pritchard. Peco was also a long standing customer of Romford Models.

I shall miss him as he was the last of the true 'time served' mechanical engineers, meticulous in everything he did. A sad loss and a gentleman.

Romford Models continues under the auspices of Markits Model Railway Products.

 

[76043]

Having been brought up in Romford, I always wondered where the factory was, I did finally find it during lockdown.

 

[Joe's Garage]

The legacy continues and another one joins the "Great model railway club in the sky"
Thank you for the wonderful Romford wheels Frank.
By the way that is a great bit of inspiration for a micro layout especially the "bridge"
Julian

 

[Crimson Rambler]

Is there any connexion between Romford Models and the old Romford wheels?

I used them in the '60s for rewheeling one or two Triang chassis and for my earliest couple of scratchbuilt loco. The obituary by @76043 for Frank Harris advises Romford Models started in 1971.


Crimson Rambler

 

[76043]

Very good question, I'm now wondering if that's a typo in the Modeller, could it be 1961 or something else? I've looked at the article again and it definitely says 1971.
Tony

 

[Lancastrian]

"Romford" Model Limited, private limited company, incorporated 2nd May 1946, dissolved 6th September 2022 according to Companies House.

 

[sjp23480]

I haven't seen it reported on WT, but Mark Arscott passed away last Tuesday after a long battle with Cancer.

I cannot claim to have known Mark, but I was a customer from time to time and enjoyed long and entertaining calls when placing orders.

There is a suggestion that Markits will be passed to new owners to restart production, as much of the range has been unavailable for a while owing to Mark's ill health.

RIP Mark.

 

[76043]

I too heard this sad news, Mark was always entertaining on the phone. We often got into conversations about how much tooling cost etc. He did his best against the tide of complainers and rivet counters, I don't know how he did it to be honest. I don't really know how anyone can bear to be a trader in this hobby.
Tony