It is with huge sadness and a heavy heart I have to relate the passing away of John. We met up a couple of times and were in contact by phone, e mail and Whatsapp many a time. John was a long term Moderator on this forum and a keen US outline devotee. Despite some health issues he always maintained a humorous outlook on life with a very dry wit.
John died 7th August and my thoughts are with his relatives and friends

So sorry to hear this. I also spoke with John, and was due to meet him on one of my trips, but unfortunately the meet never happened.

My condolences to his family.

Sorry to read this, I remember his posts. Condolences to his friends and family.

Our thoughts go out to his family

Sorry to read this news.
Condolences to family and friends.

A fellow Fifer and American railroad enthusiast who will be sadly missed. I hadn't spoken with John for a while and feel bad about that, we used to chat about growing up in Fife and I had the pleasure of meeting him at York some years ago.
He weel kent this wee poem so I'll post it here as I bid him farewell

Whit wey does the engine say 'Toot-toot'?
Is it feart to gang in the tunnel?
Whit wey is the furnace no pit oot
When the rain gangs doon the funnel?
What'll I hae for my tea the nicht?
A herrin', or maybe a haddie?
Has Gran'ma gotten electric licht?
Is the next stop Kirkcaddy?

There's a hoodie-craw on yon turnip-raw!
An' seagulls! – sax or seeven.
I'll no fa' oot o' the windae, Maw,
Its sneckit, as sure as I'm leevin'.
We're into the tunnel! we're a' in the dark!
But dinna be frichtit, Daddy,
We'll sune be comin' to Beveridge Park,
And the next stop's Kirkcaddy!

Is yon the mune I see in the sky?
It's awfu' wee an' curly,
See! there's a coo and a cauf ootbye,
An' a lassie pu'in' a hurly!
He's chackit the tickets and gien them back,
Sae gie me my ain yin, Daddy.
Lift doon the bag frae the luggage rack,
For the next stop's Kirkcaddy!

There's a gey wheen boats at the harbour mou',
And eh! dae ya see the cruisers?
The cinnamon drop I was sookin' the noo
Has tummelt an' stuck tae ma troosers. . .
I'll sune be ringin' ma Gran'ma's bell,
She'll cry, 'Come ben, my laddie',
For I ken mysel' by the queer-like smell
That the next stop's Kirkcaddy!

Very sad news. I never actually met John, but we did chat via email. Another good man gone.

Sad news, my condolences to John's family and friends.

Oh no!  Very sad news.  I know that he suffered for a long time, and wasn't able to continue with N gauge for some years.  He gave me some good advice on helicopters (RC) and drones.  John was a great moderator and I thank him for his time that he gave to this forum.

All the best to his friends and family.

From his pal Terry Michaels.

We are pleased to say that John Archibald will have have a funeral now.
Fri 15th Sept at 12.45 at the east side crematorium Westgate Road Newcastle.
We are looking at booking a venue for after the service, should you wish to attend service and or venue afterwards, would you please let us know ASAP.
If you message me, I'll pass on to Terry