Chris Marchant (CJM) RIP

[Flange Squeal]

Thanks ntpntpntp. I really must go and see it one day.
I found this YouTube video of the layout:

https://youtu.be/T-cxvNHUQ5s
It's still impressive.
RIP Chris Marchant 🙏

[Graham]

I always aspired to be able to own one of Chris's creations, but sadly it never transpired. A great inspiration to the hobby and one who will be sadly missed. I remember seeing the Eurotunnel layout at a show in Bletchley in the early 90's not sure how much of it there was there, I just remember standing watching for a long time.
RIP Chris

[Pete @ EGLM]

Thanks for that Ben.
A fitting tribute indeed.
Now to the layout and run a pair of his 50s (BR Blue 400 & 436) with a rake of Mk 2s.  His finest loco in my opinion.

Regards to all

Pete

[ngaugepaul]

So sad to hear the news about such a lovely guy.
I was lucky enough to meet Chris at his original studio to collect a Farish class 47 that he had resprayed as Windsor Castle in Swallow livery.
It was immaculate as were all his products.
Over the years I had the pleasure to have numerous conversations with him over the phone and at TINGS. He always had the time for a chat and give advice.
The N gauge community owes him so much.
My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

[Gordon]

Very sad news. A skilled craftsman.

As an early user of the Channel Tunnel (I went in during construction) I loved the exhibition layout. I still have two of the French electrics visible in the photo 'above'

[cutting42]

I had heard of Chris'd untimely demise only recently and am so happy to see this wonderful piece by Ben here.

I knew Chris for many years and am fortunate to own 5 of his remarkable locos, 2 x 92, 66, 31 and a 67. I took the opportunity to visit him with each purchase and spent hours there talking about F1, general modelling and of course N gauge. I also had personal tuition with an airbrush for a wonderful (hot) afternoon about 15 years ago and as well as his own amazing skills with the airbrush he could teach really well also.

I also remember visiting Warley one year and walking up to him and getting an excited greeting followed by a request to mind his stall for 30 min while he went to the loo and for a cup of tea. I felt absolutely overwhelmed looking after the stall like I was representing greatness - which of course I was.

RIP Chris, you were a good friend and a one of a kind modeller.

Gareth

[Buffin]

I ordered something from him for which there was such a long lead time that I forgot all about it. Several months later found me ransacking the railway drawers in case it had arrived when it was due and had just slipped my mind. In the end I had to give up and I emailed him asking when he'd sent the item in case it would help me pin it down.

He came back and said, no the fault's at our end, we'd mislaid your order and it never got done. So in the end it arrived. What a nice chap.

[rusticged]

This is such sad news!!
Thank you so much for your beautiful and genuine comment, Ben. Much appreciated.
I will miss Chris. I bought my first CJM loco when he first started his business and purchased the last one that he completed. I ended up with more CJM locos than I would wish to declare here.
Chris was a true friend and we communicated regularly over the years. I met him at numerous exhibitions throughout the country and, as others have mentioned, we often discussed in detail our joint passions for F1 and super cars.
He certainly influenced major changes in N Gauge Models and we have a great deal to thank him for. His locos are still superb and give me a great amount of pleasure both in the display cabinet and running on the layout.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be sorely missed but we will remember him through his work.
R.I.P. Chris

Ged.

[StufromEGDL]

Hi Gang,

I first met Chris a number of years ago and we built a friendship ever since then. I have bought various locos from him over the years, and obtained several 2nd hand that he was only too willing to 'breathe' over to bring them back to their full glory. All this was done willingly and with the occasional visit to Kent to receive advice and tips on how to better my own modelling skills. I never left his workshop without some advice or a little bit of detailing parts or decals to help me on my way.
His love of large scale modelling and Ferrari were his way of separating the work side from his pleasure. His detailing and paint finish on an 1/24 F15 'Eagle' aircraft were a sight to behold.
He was truly happy with Marion and it was a joy to see them together. He has raised a couple of fine boys and was blessed with grandchildren.
We always chatted about the detachments I spent flying with the RAF in various sandpits around the world and especially the Falkland Islands. It was painful to see him suffer failing health in the last few years and we talked over the difficulties he was experiencing with coordination to continue his painting and modelling. He remained enthusiastic throughout and his passing is a sad loss to anyone who has ever had the joy of owning his products. I was truly proud to regard him as a friend.
Per Ardua ad Astra, Chris.

Stu from EGDL.

[Skyline2uk]

I was privileged to meet and speak to Chris on a handful of occasions, and I am deeply saddened by his passing.

His work had a huge influence on my modelling. As a young lad, at some point in the late 90s I found a stack of NGS journals at my friends house. In the back pages was an advert for the (then) brand new EWS liveries being offered on 59s and 92s.

I wanted a 92 (which until that point I had no idea could be bought in N) more badly than anything. Some 15 years later I took the plunge and made the call.

A pleasant conversation later, the order for 92022 in factory fresh condition (with detailed buffer beam at one end) was placed. Patiently I waited and when it arrived (complete with a very nice letter wishing us luck in our new house), I was over the moon. I finally had my dream loco.

More recently I obtained what turned out to be a very early example (from the same time I was looking at those journals) of his 59/1. After a less than smooth eBay purchase Chris was an utter gentleman and fully refurbished said loco to return it to full glory. He was under no obligation to do this, but he pride in his work was evident and he was a joy to deal with once again.

I was running the 59 today and it still draws many an admiring glance.

Goodbye sir, you made this modeller very happy.

Skyline2uk