Our Tribute To Cynric

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The sudden death of Cynric ‘28ten’ Williams in January 2013 was a shock to everyone who knew him and is a painful blow to the model railway community, especially those who are members of Western Thunder. Of course, in the grand scheme of things his loss to the model railway community diminishes to insignificance next to the insuperable loss to his wife, his two young sons, and to his wider family and close friends.

Cynric founded Western Thunder in late 2009 with the intention of creating a unique web space for like minded modellers who didn’t take themselves too seriously, but had a common passion for modelling the GWR /BR (WR) in the larger scales. Western Thunder soon spread its wings to encompass all scales & all regions under Cynric’s expert guidance .

The Great Western Railway was in Cynric’s veins. His father worked for BR between 1960 and 1988 mainly in accounting and latterly implementing revenue collection systems. His Grandfather worked for the GWR and WR in Birkenhead goods office. His Great Grandfather was in the Permanent Way Department responsible for Bala-Ffestiniog and his Great Grandmother was Crossing keeper at Llys. It’s not surprising then that his two sons were given the middle names, Brunel and Churchward!

Cynric was one of the finest modellers it has been my privilege to meet & yet he was never a modelling elitist. Indeed he was genuinely enthused by modelling projects of all kinds & all skill levels. He was always happy to offer his experience and advice and in many cases undertook modelling projects in his own precious modelling time and at his own expense to help others see their modelling projects to fruition.

Cynric was also someone who always thought about what he said and did, ever striving for quicker and better ways of doing things. His embracing of laser technology and general interest in all new production methods was witness to that. He was extremely generous with his time, and his work on others' layouts is a visible and lasting testament to his abilities. His loss at a tragically young age leaves a void that cannot be filled; he was admired and respected by all who were fortunate to know him.

Phill Dyson (on behalf of Western Thunder)
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