Model Railroading > Passing of Hal Carstens yesterday

Published a railfan and model RR mag.

I don't know much about him but he was in town just
a month ago to speak at an Lone Star NMRA
gathering, and guys that came to operate on my
layout say he was an icon in the model RR community.

Publisher of Railfan & Railroad, among others.

Chris Bogley
Bowie, MD

Publisher of books and Flying Models magazine plus Railroad Model Craftsman.

He bought Railroad magazine some years to make Railfan & Railroad magazine.

Hal was a modeler and photographer that went way back and knew the model train industry quite well.

I always enjoyed reading his column about the old days.

I wouldn't be surprised if he was in his 90's.

Jim Boyd and Tony Koestor worked for him.

Wow.....this is certainly VERY sad news..... :(

According to Steve Barry at RF&R, he's about 84.

http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?2,1961261

Hal,

Thank you for helping me get into the hobby. My first train magazine was an issue of RMC that my brother bought me along with a bunch of sturdy HO equipment back in the olden days.. I remember poring thru the RMC and finding a whole new world of cool stuff to get inspired about.

Our prayers and condolences to his family, and to all those in his publishing family. He has left a legacy not to be forgotten.

Best Regards,
Harry Wong

Here is the official Obituary

http://obit.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com/obit-683315


David Hussey
Cannon and Company

I believe it was Hal,s RMC that got me back into the hobby back in the early 70,s ,after the lost college years(booze ,girls ,and hot cars).The issue that I picked up at my news agent carried an article on Alan McLelland,s V&O,I had never seen anything quiet like it.
Regards,Daryl Kay.