In Memory of our friend and Advisor

ROY STEWART, JR.

Master Model Railroader No. 407

April 14, 1923 to November 20, 2009

National Model Railroad Association Life Member

Southeastern Region of the NMRA life Member

Wrecking Crew Senior Member

Roy Stewart was born in Los Angeles in April, 1923.  His family moved back to Birmingham, Alabama in 1928.  Roy had a small model train layout as a young boy, but began serious model railroading in 1938 by building O gauge kits.  This was the beginning of the development of his quality scratchbuilding skills and precise attention to detail.

At the outbreak of World War II Roy packed up his trains and enlisted in the Army.  He was assigned to I Company, 335th Regiment, 84th Division and served in Europe from just after D-Day until September, 1946.  His company was involved was involved in the Battle of the Bulge but because of a foot injury he was evacuated just prior to the breakout.  After recovery, he was assigned to an engineering company where he served until his release from active duty at war's end.  Roy was actively involved in repairs to the railroad infrastructure and in tracking rail cars at Nancy, France.

After the war Roy married and completed his B.S. degree in Metallurgy at the University of Alabama.  He and Mary Elise lived in various cities around the country including Dallas, Chicago, and San Francisco, returning to Birmingham in 1964 as an engineer for Stockham Valve and Fittings Co.  It was at that time that he revived his interest in model railroading with a new layout, The Coosa, Tallapoosa & Southern Railroad.  It was in operation at his home from the beginning of his life in Birmingham until his death.

Roy's engineering skills and quest for perfection in his modeling have proved invaluable to the Birmingham area model railroading community.  His clinics on scratchbuilding rolling stock in styrene were exceptional.  Roy was active in the Southeastern Region of the NMRA and entered many local and regional contests, winning several first place awards for his scratchbuilt engines, rolling stock, and structures. He was an active member of the 1988 NMRA National Convention Committee and has served as a volunteer in many divisional and regional NMRA activities. He was an active member of the Wrecking Crew Model Railroad Club in Birmingham.  His sage advice and keen wit kept all the members focused on the fun part of the hobby.  His proven worth as a mentor to new and old members alike was undeniable, providing tips and techniques based on his own experiences and research.  As honorary vice president he was an advisor emeritus to the club's leadership.

Roy holds Achievement Program Certificates for Model Builder of Motive Power, Cars, Structures, Scenery, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Association Volunteer.  He completed the final requirements for the Master Model Railroader Award in May, 2008 and was recognized as MMR number 407.