RIP John E. Robinson

[Chris Walker]

It is with great sadness today I learned of the passing of a great friend in Denver, a week ago.



John was instrumental in a lot of direction changes in my modelling life.  I first met him on the 1994 Denver NNGC layout tour and noted I was in the presence of a modelling great. Off the cuff in '96 I rang him for some detail info on the Ruth model I was building for the upcoming Durango convention, this was to lead to an ongoing friendship that lasted 'til now. Every trip to Denver had a visit with John and much late-night discussion on vauge photograph locations and details in them, especially the Gilpin; his knowledge seemed infinite.
 
John was the ultimate craftsman in brass parts, of obscure NG prototypes no less, wrote articles in the 1984  Jan/Feb Gazette on the Beck tunnel blacksmith shop, and the Ruth 18" ga. mine locomotives 1985 Jan/Feb, drew the plans(Finelines mag?) for the Gilpin Tramway Caboose in Mal Ferrell's Gilpin Tram book; owned and restored no less than five Plymouths(one resided in Caboose Hobbies for many years), rescued an McFarland-Eggers frame and obtained a replacement Fordson tractor to recreate the one that was used to switch the Iron City Mill at Black Hawk after the G.T. shutdown.


John built a number of 2ft gauge tramway recreations, including a beautiful 4-wheel Coach, and was probably most well known for his Go-Devil, a vertical boilered chain-driven contraption that was operated on the High Country RR line west of Denver, along with his trade-mark Empire Mining Co. (E.M.Co.) emblazoned on nearly every full-size "modelling" effort.



Today, his E.M.Co. lives on on my Tramway, a fitting tribute to a fine Gentleman, and great Pal.

Tie down that Whistle, John.

[Todd Hackett]

I'm sorry to hear this. I've known John for about 45 years, and he has made a large impact on my railroad and model activity. I don't remember whether I first met him at Caboose Hobbies or Bob Stull's monthly layout sessions, but often met him at both. I often joined his breakfast group on Saturday mornings at the South Side Cafe by Caboose Hobbies, and we'd head there after. I last saw him just over a year ago when I joined him and Randy Rieck for breakfast last time I was in Colorado. I'm sorry to hear of his passing, but he had a long life (a lot longer than I think he ever expected) and accomplished and experienced a lot that the rest of us can only dream of.

[GRUMPY]

John was my best friend and will always be. First time I meet him was at his house checking out his layout. We became pals
Ran his locomotives up at the square went to Ouray, Red Mountain, Ironton  to measure the buildings and mines. Come back
to Denver and before long John would have a plan or building or both would be done.
John is now in a better place.
        GRUMPY
            PS BUILD BUILD BUILD John would say

[Ron Rudnick]

Awesome model builder
Scratchbuilt D&RG 0-4-4-0T #101 "Mountaineer", photos any one?

[Keith Pashina]

That is very sad news to hear about John. He was a real gentleman - always willing to share information and ideas. He did a lot of research into narrow gauge prototypes, some well-known, and others more obscure. I was always impressed with his knowledge and enthusiasm for Period or Turn of the Century modeling. I remember talking with him once about a 1930s prototype loco I was interested in, and he said, "why bother? The earlier stuff is far more interesting."

John helped me a lot with my first interest in the Gilpin Tram, and shared a lot of information.  I had a lot of great times exploring the right of way and mine sites with him and others over the years.

He will be missed!


This is John with part of his On3/On2 layout, about 2000. His modeling was the first I saw with working brakes on some of his rolling stock, along with working Miller couplers!


One day, we scrambled up the steel hill above the Stanley Mine in Idaho Springs to investigate a couple of mines John had spotted far up on the mountainside. We found this interesting mine ruin, among others. Of course, once we got to the top, we discovered a road coming up the other side. L-R: John, Joe Crea, and Bob Boormann.

[Mike Trent]

RIP, John. I haven't seen or spoken to John in several years, but his early influence on my modeling career was very significant. He encouraged me to follow my aspirations, and shared with me any number of things only he could or would. Painting locomotives? "I just paint them as they go by." Don't have room for a big layout? "That's OK, I believe less is more!"

Todd was visiting here last year and mentioned that John was still around and doing OK, which surprised me a bit. I'd hoped to see him again, maybe we'll hook up on the other side.

Yes, John will be missed by anyone who knew him.

Mike

[Ken Martin]

I am sorry to hear this.
I have known John for a long time.

Ken Martin