Model railway fan John reaches end of the line at 86

Engineer built an incredible 28 locomotives

A renowned model engineer who built dozens of locomotives over five decades has died aged 86.

John Percival, of Dering Road, Ashford, started building models in 1972 while working as a maintenance steam fitter at the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME) in the town.

The great-grandfather, who went on to build a staggering 28 locomotives in total, was widely regarded as a prolific model engineer.

Mr Percival’s wife, Sheila, said: “He always liked steam – most people build two or three models in a lifetime, but with John it was just his passion.

“He lived in Willesborough when he was growing up and from there he could hear and see the trains.

“He always had a passion for steam and it was a labour of love for him.”

Mr Percival, who died peacefully at home on Saturday, August 27, after being diagnosed with dementia in 2013, grew up in Willesborough with his sister, Edna.

He worked at a model company in London for one year after leaving school, before returning to Ashford to work at the Norman Cycle Factory from 1947 to 1960.

When the factory closed, he moved to the REME base, where he worked until retiring at the age of 60 in 1990.

Sheila, 84, met John at a dance in Willesborough in 1949 before marrying three years later.

The pair – who have four sons, Colin, Adrian, Terry and Ian – celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2012.

Mrs Percival added: “John made a little model track in our garden in 1972.

“He could not start modelling until then because he could not afford it as he was bringing up the family.

“His family meant everything to him – he did not want much out of life and was not materialistic at all. “He had a wonderful life.” Last Tuesday, members of the Romney Marsh Model Engineering Society held a commemorative track day to remember him.

Eleven of his homemade models were on show, with a number running on the track.

Club president Bobby Jones said: “John’s memory will always live on.”

Mr Percival is survived by Sheila, four sons, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and sister Edna.

His funeral will be at Charing Crematorium at 10.40am today (Thursday). Family flowers only. All welcome. Donations to the RNLI and the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Trust.

‘John’s memory will always live on’

John and his wife Sheila celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in 2012, left, and on their wedding day in 1952