Russell J Decho - RIP

[timu]

I must sadly report that Russ Decho passed away last week at the age of 86. Russ was a founding member of the Illinois Live Steamers, serving for many years as the 1” scale track foreman, and on the board (including as treasurer, vp and president.) He contributed greatly to the hobby, producing highly detailed one inch scale locomotives and freight cars in two business ventures, K-D Models and Decho Scale Models… Equipment built by him can be found across the US and the globe. He was a master model builder, great mentor and friend.

-Tim

[mattmason]

Thank you for letting us know. This is really sad news.

[jcbrock]

Russ definitely carried the 1" scale torch here in the Midwest, much as Jack Sessums did out West. It was always fun to see what new cars he had in his trailer when he'd come to the St Croix RR meets, and they were beautiful. He was what I like to say is typical for this hobby: quiet, friendly, a real gentleman.

[DJSteamer3017]

Man, another Live Steam Legend has gone and one of those Small Scale Greats!! That's is one sick 2-8-0, what's happened to it?

David

[timu]

Man, another Live Steam Legend has gone and one of those Small Scale Greats!! That's is one sick 2-8-0, what's happened to it?

David

It is still owned by his family.

[Superberky1204]

WOW! Another great person leaves the great hobby of ours. I've built a lot of his products. He was always a gentleman. he will be missed.

Bruce Saylor, in PA.

[Spiner]

very well said Tim. We unfortunately lost 2 other incredible model builders as well, Bud Buker, founder of the Lake Forest Railroad Museum, at the age of 101 and Fred Hanson from the heston railroad museum. They will all be greatly missed but will be remembered by the beautiful equipment that they built.