In any organization it’s always the few doing for the many. HMA is no different in that regard and would like to thank those listed below for their dedication and service throughout the years.
2023 Hall of Fame Recipient
Michael Dunham, Kadee Quality Products
The 2023 Hall of Fame Award recipient is Michael Dunham, from Kadee Quality Products, for his extraordinary contributions to the model railroad industry.
Michael Dunham of Kadee Quality Products is the newest member to be inducted into the HMA Model Railroad Hall of Fame. Michael has contributed over 30 years in the industry all with Kadee Quality Products Co. As the Plant Engineer working and learning from Founder Dale Edwards, Michael developed new innovative products and holds or is named in more than 12 model railroad patent designs including “Whisker” centering system, remote uncoupling, 2-piece trucks and more. Michael is a fantastic inventor who has developed many new machines utilized in the manufacturing process of products from Kadee and is highly respected amongst those he works with.
Michael’s innovative designs and choice of materials have helped set Kadee’s products apart from other manufacturers in all American made products. His integrity, dedication, and relentless desire to keep improving products is second to none. Michael continues to develop and modernize high quality American made products that will continue to further the model railroad industry. Congratulations, Michael, on becoming the newest inductee to the Model Railroad Industry’s Hall of Fame!
2022 Hall of Fame Recipient
Larry Price, Youth in Model Railroading
The 2022 Hall of Fame Award recipient is Larry Price for his work with promoting public awareness of model railroading in an extraordinary manner through Youth in Model Railroading (YMR). Larry founded YMR in 1997. A non-profit organization, YMR “is a model train club solely dedicated to children, ages 8-18. For over 25 years, the organization has helped educate and support the next generation of rail enthusiasts by teaching techniques in modeling, electronics, and the artistry of model railroading. YMR helps foster interest in the hobby while providing members a common outlet for sharing their passion for trains .”
In support of YMR, Larry has put together a leadership committee for YMR, called the Transit Authority, which consists of parents or Club alumni that can help further his vision.
In conjunction with his leadership to the YMR members and the Transit Authority, Larry and another Transit Authority member created an Advancement Book for the YMR members. This handbook guides a member from the moment they step into a YMR meeting. It outlines the rules of the Club, respect for the hobby and outlines achievements that a member must complete for each level and what is required to advance to the next level.
Further, Larry has secured space that houses the Train Shoppe in Westminster, Colorado. The Shoppe receives regular donations of gently used trains, track, electronic equipment, kits, etc. that are available for purchase at extremely low prices. All proceeds from the Train Shoppe are funneled back to the Club to pay for equipment, tools, supplies and train show registration costs.
Larry has 25+ years in service to model railroading and an impeccable record of respect and integrity in the industry. The Club he has created; the activities he plans and executes; the achievement model he has implemented in the Club; and the knowledge he has passed down to many generations has both promoted public awareness of the hobby in an extraordinary manner and continues to inspire others in the advancement of model railroading. Congratulations to Larry Price for receiving the 2022 Hall of Fame Award!
2021 Hall of Fame Recipient
John Chapper, hobbytown of Boston
John Chapper started hobbytown of Boston in 1946 and was responsible for improving operating performance of HO-scale locomotives and some of the first die-cast replicas of popular diesels. Seeing the need for an improved drive system, he designed the first helical-geared power and auxiliary truck system, which attached to a gear tower. The gear tower was driven by an internal motor and drive gears were interchangeable for different speed ranges, also a first. The first kits were specifically designed to be used to power the popular Globe F7 dummy locomotives.
Two years later, Chapper began working on all die-cast EMC E-7, an ALCO PA and ALCO RS-3/4/5 locomotives, which went into production in 1953. He later imported OO scale brass RDC bodies, allowing hobbytown of Boston to become one of the early importers of Japanese brass models. The unpowered RS-3 plastic, one of the first all-plastic static locomotive kits ever produced, arrived under his watch in 1957. hobbytown of Boston still produces die-cast locomotive chassis kits today.
Congratulations John Chapper on receiving the 2021 Model Railroad Hall of Fame Award!
2020 Hall of Fame Recipient
Aubrey Olson, Caboose Industries
In 1975, Aubrey Olson recognized the need for a sturdy, dependable and readily available manual switch stand for turnouts, which became the genesis of Caboose Industries and a standard among model railroaders. The stands caught on quickly. According to his son, Steve, who now runs the company, Aubrey had hoped to sell a couple thousand stands the first year. “It was over 6,000 and grew from there,” Steve said. The low-cost stands were known for high-quality performance and popular on N-, HO-, S- and O-scale model railroads in North America. Because they were made and assembled in the U.S., the stands could be found on store shelves while those from competitors were typically on back order.
Aubrey operated a model railroad shop in the basement of his home for 30 years and supported local hobbyists in Freeport, Ill., and surrounding areas. He was active in the Stephenson Society of Model Trainmen. Aubrey frequently participated in open houses and events for school children and Scouts. He often was a featured clinician at NMRA national conventions, and was always willing to help modelers using his products. Aubrey is a previous winner of the Bobbye Hall and NMRA Distinguished Services awards. “He is still very active in the hobby, helping modelers, attending division and regional meets and still attends some shows with me,” Steve said. “I am also still learning from him.”
Congratulations Aubrey Olson on receiving the 2020 Model Railroad Hall of Fame Award!
2019 Hall of Fame Recipient
Dr. René F. Wilfer (PIKO)
Dr. Wilfer purchased the former East German “people’s company” PIKO in 1992 and transformed it into a modern industry leader with over 500 employees, doing its own manufacturing. PIKO today makes over 2,000 products, from a massive line of HO-scale trains, track and buildings, to N and TT scale items to the world’s only complete line of G scale trains, track, buildings and accessories.
Known worldwide for his unique eyeglasses (a new design each year), Dr. Wilfer uses the respect he has built with politicians and finance leaders to speak up for the model train industry. Television cameras seem to love him, and he uses his many appearances to promote the fun of model railroading to a broad public audience.
Congratulations Dr. René Wilfer on receiving the 2019 Model Railroad Hall of Fame Award!
2018 Hall of Fame Recipients
Charles Ro. Sr (Charles Ro. Supply Company)
In 1972, Charles Ro. Sr turned his hobby of collecting model trains into a business of selling Lionel Trains, and sell he did. In just a few years, Charlie became the largest dealer of Lionel trains worldwide. He wrote the very first million dollar order for Lionel and his name was becoming as popular as Lionel’s. He continued to grow his business through the 70’s and into the 80’s and then the world as he knew it, hit a big bump.
Lionel decided to move their production to Mexico and in doing so, production halted for 9 months. So for a person that has built their business on a product that has now disappeared, what do you do? Start selling another great line of trains, LGB. However, he noticed that even though the quality of LGB trains was outstanding, the prototypes were heavily European based so there was a hole in the market that needed filling. Charlie decided to develop his own line of G scale Trains – USA Trains – and filled that hole. USA Trains continues to be a big player in the G scale market and you can see his products in almost every store that sells G scale trains.
Charlie has continued to be one of Lionel’s largest dealers for over 30 years. He continues to sell LGB products and of course his USA trains continue to do quite well in the industry. When Charlie is not at a show promoting his products as well as the model railroad industry, he will be found at his business maintaining operations.
Congratulations Charles Ro Sr. on receiving the 2018 Model Railroad Hall of Fame Award!
Dr. Dave Allen (The Coach Yard)
Dr. Dave Allen started the Coach Yard in 1984 because he was not able to find a quality product with a high level of scale fidelity in the Brass Model Railroad Industry.
He began working with Japanese builders but met a lot of resistance while trying to achieve the level of quality he was expecting. Many times he heard the words, “it can’t be done” or it is “too difficult.” But rather than quit, he continued to strive for the quality he expected. Rather than simply accept what they had to offer, he trained them on how to create what he wanted. He soon gained their respect as an innovator and continued to teach their team on ways to etch brass to achieve a higher detail of brass trains. Rather than settle for a 2-stage method for etching, he taught the company how to etch in multiple stages to achieve more realism with the rivets, layered beltlines and corrugations.
When the brass industry moved to Korea, Dr. Allen’s reputation moved as well. The new administrator at the brass manufacturer in Korea turned to Dr. Allen for advice on how to etch brass. By working together, they were able to etch brass in a seven layer configuration, there by adding to the realism once again. By working with Dr. Allen, the Korean manufacturer was able to set itself apart from all other manufacturers and they soon became the leader in Korean brass manufacturing.
Dr. Allen went on to advise other US brass importers so that the brass model train industry could continue to grow and become what it is today.
Congratulations Dr. Dave Allen on receiving the 2018 Model Railroad Hall of Fame Award!
2017 Hall of Fame Recipient
Dwayne Fulton (Woodland)
Dwayne Fulton from Woodland was awarded the 2017 Hall of Fame Award. Dwayne has devoted more than forty-six years to the model railroad industry, working tirelessly to design, develop and produce innovative products for the model railroader. His drive to create the highest quality and most realistic scenery products redesigned the face of model railroading forever. His passion for sophistication and excellence changed the toy like appearance of landscaping products, forcing others in the industry to step up their manufacturing methods, providing the best possible products for the consumer.
Dwayne’s creative marketing concepts and bold merchandising displays are an element of why Woodland Scenics’ dealers and distributors stand out from others in their market. He has led the company to develop contemporary, simplified training processes for even the youngest and newest modelers that has helped to save the model railroad industry for future generations. Under his direction and insight, Dwayne has grown Woodland Scenics to the world’s leader in model scenery of all types, as well as general educational packets for use in schools. Congratulations Dwayne!
2016 Hall of Fame Recipients
Jerry Williams (Williams Reproductions Limited)
Jerry Williams founded Williams Reproductions Limited in 1971 with the idea of making replicas of the hard to find Lionel and Ives items. Initially Jerry concentrated on the desirable tinplate models like the 1694 Ives locomotive, the Lionel 9E, Lionel 381E, Lionel 408 and others. Around 1975, Jerry started to shift his attention to the O Gauge market, first with kits, then with completed models. The replicas of the Lionel Madsion cars, FM TrainMaster, and Classic GG-1 were among the first “Post-War” reproductions and the beginning of the Golden Memories Series. In the mid to late 1980’s Jerry explored another idea: Scale sized locomotives for 3-rail track. They started out as very simple models of common steam locomotives. However, in the late 1980’s Jerry introduced many models for the first time in 3 rail including the Big Boy, Challenger, N&W 611, Camelback, and Cab Forward. This was the birth of “Hi-Rail” or scale sized items for 3-rail track. From 1990 to 2007, Jerry concentrated on the development of models of diesels, passenger cars and rolling stock and the expansion of the Golden Memories line. In 2000, he indulged himself by making one of his favorite models, the Lionel 671 turbine locomotive first cataloged in the mid-1940’s. Most people discouraged him from making this model since they were common items, but Jerry’s instinct was right again and this model proved to be a success. Jerry’s vision and competition forced other companies to raise their standards. Additionally, many of today’s train manufacturers have benefited from the experience that they learned while working with Jerry. These include Mike Wolf and Andy Edleman of MTH, Ken Silvestri of Broadway Limited, and Larry Harrington of Bachmann Industries. He should be credited with the birth of Hi-Rail and recognized as a major reason for the size of the O Gauge market today.
Brian Ellerby (Evergreen Scale Models)
Brian Ellerby, a native of the Pacific Northwest, had a life-long interest in model railroading. He started Evergreen Scale Models in his basement in the mid 1960s to support his hobby. His first products were pre-fabricated track switches. Soon, using machinery that he designed and built, he developed an extensive line of styrene plastic strips, sheets and shapes. These unique products were quickly discovered by scale modelers and architectural model builders. In the early ’70s Evergreen marketed three HO structure kits, but Brian decided he was better able to help others than produce his own competing line of kits. He was willing to help other manufacturers engineer and produce kits of exceptional design. Today, some 40 years later, Evergreen’s styrene is used by tens of thousands of scale modelers worldwide. A model builder of exceptional skill, Ellerby wrote articles for model railroad publications about his home layout, often describing innovative construction and operating techniques. Photographs of his model railroad were published in numerous catalogs, promotional materials, and web sites. In recognition of his contributions to the hobby, he received the National Model Railroad Association’s Distinguished Service Award in 2009. Brian Ellerby, President and Founder of Evergreen Scale Models, died at University Medical Center on April 29, 2010, after a seven-month battle with cancer. He was 67.
2015 Hall of Fame Recipient
Hiroshi Kato (Kato)
Hiroshi Kato is the President of Kato. He is a second generation leader as he succeeded his father, Yugi Kato, who is a member of the Model Railroad Hall of Fame. Under Hiroshi’s leadership, Kato has been the leading manufacturer in Japan and has expanded to a robust product line of both N and HO scale trains in the USA. Kato has been the hallmark of quality in N scale. Its unitrack product line is an innovative high quality patented track line. Hiroshi has been the President of the Japanese Association of Model Railroaders (JAM). Hiroshi created the largest train show in the world with over 50,000 people attending. The show has been held at Tokyo’s Big Shot Convention center and in Osaka. It is an amazing site, with hundreds of booths, dozens of operating railroads, classes and much more. It is one of largest and most impressive model train shows in the world. Hiroshi also created a school program which exposes over 200 schools and over ten thousand students to model railroading using a school model railroad club program with an annual model contest. He also manages the Kato Hobby Centers which promote model railroading with operating model railroads and provide retail services in Japan. Hiroshi is a founding member of the World’s Greatest Hobby program and has served as their vice president. He has been focused on taking successful promotion programs from Japan and bringing them to the USA and taking successful USA promotions to Japan. He has also worked on the NMRA DCC committee. Hiroshi maintains the highest level of integrity and is well respected across the world. On a worldwide basis no one has done more to promote model railroading or expose the general public to model railroading than Hiroshi Kato. Congratulations to Hiroshi on this deserving honor.
2014 Hall of Fame Recipient
Fred Hill (The Coach Yard, Allied Hobbies, The Original Whistle Stop)
Fred’s accomplishments are many. As a business person, Fred, working with his partner Dave Allen, imports a series of HO hand built brass passenger cars that are acknowledged by the industry to set the highest standard for fidelity and workmanship. Fred is very generous with his industry knowledge and has introduced and guided others into the world of brass model manufacturing. Those that have known Fred over the years recognize him for his total dedication to the model railroad industry. He exhibited at the old MRIA shows before there was a combined “Chicago Show”. He is the only brass manufacturer to continually support the model railroad industry from those early days and through the current iteration of iHobby Expo. Not only has he contributed to the trade shows as an exhibitor, but he also tirelessly supports the show behind the scenes. He has served as the HMA President and Treasurer while on the Board of Directors, iHobby Show Committee chair, the MRID Council and various other service posts. His enthusiasm for the Model Railroad division remains strong. Congratulations to Fred on this deserving honor.
2013 Hall of Fame Recipient
Michael Stephens (Wm. K. Walthers, Inc.)
Like many of us, Michael fell in love with model trains at an early age, thanks to his late father Hugh, who was Vice-President-Sales for Kalmbach Publishing, a passionate model railroader, and close friends with both Al Kalmbach and Bill Walthers. At age 14, Michael took his first job in the industry, working for his dad in the family’s model train importing business, Amro Ltd. located in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. In the mid-1970s, Michael took his first position with Kalmbach Publishing, starting as a researcher for Airliners International magazine. Michael’s career track then took him into both advertising and marketing for various Milwaukee-based agencies, eventually bringing him back to Kalmbach in 1998, as Vice-President – Marketing. During his time there, Michael was instrumental in creating the firm’s online presence, and helped develop and guide the World’s Greatest Hobby promotion campaign, sponsored by Walthers, Kalmbach and several other firms. After a brief detour into publishing, Michael headed west to assume the role of President for Athearn Trains in 2007.
A long-time friend of the entire Walthers family, Michael returned to Milwaukee in 2010 and joined the Walthers team as Vice-President of Proprietary Products. In this role, he helped direct and develop a major overhaul and update of Walthers product branding, creating the new WalthersProto™, WalthersMainline™, WalthersTrainline™ and Walthers SceneMaster™ brands. Michael also played a significant role in the development and promotion of new Walthers products, including the Hulett Unloader and some yet to be released projects, while building relationships with vendors and suppliers worldwide.
2012 Hall Of Fame Recipient
There was no recipient of the Hall of Fame Award in the year 2012.
2011 Hall of Fame Recipients
Edward C. and Douglas R. Suydam of the Ed Suydam Company
Ed Suydam and his brother, Douglas, owned and ran a company in Pasadena, California that manufactured camera equipment, roll film adapters, grill tops, and animal cages, among other items. However, in 1950 they desired to get into model-railroading and shifted the output of their factory to that area. The line of well thought-out mat board buildings, corrugated metal buildings., and railroad freight and passenger cars could be found in every hobby shop in an eye catching yellow box. The metal buildings needed to be soldered, which was different than anything else in the hobby. At one time it was hard to view a model train layout without seeing a Suydam model. Even today the models are still being sold, made and displayed. Prior to the formation of the Model Railroad Industry Association (MRIA), several model railroad industry leaders would meet regularly in Tustin, California: Leo Campbell, Tom Ayres, George Hook, Ted Hollow and Ed and Douglas Suydam. Out of those meetings the Model Railroad Industry Association was formed. Ed held the position of secretary/treasurer in those early years of 1967 and 1968. Ed, with his quick wit and sense of humor, was the front man in the company, while Douglas worked behind the scenes at the factory. Both Ed and Douglas passed away several years ago.
2010 Hall of Fame Recipients
Phil Walthers – Wm. K. Walthers
With his nearly four-decade record of hard work, creativity, service, and most of all, integrity, Phil Walthers has earned a reputation as not only one of the most capable executives in our industry, but one of the most trusted. His tenure at Wm. K. Walthers, Inc. has been marked by a substantial expansion in the firm’s line of products, including a new track system, a new line of passenger equipment and limited-run trains, and the 2005 acquisition of Life-Like Products. Phil also led an expansion in the number of lines Walthers distributes, and he has helped many smaller firms grow by promoting and distributing their products via the Walthers catalog.
He has represented our industry ably, including service on the boards of the Model Railroad Industry Association and Radio Control Hobby Trade Association. Under his leadership Walthers has helped build awareness of our hobby by being a primary sponsor of the World’s Greatest Hobby program and also of the PBS railroad program “Tracks Ahead.” And while it is less well known, thanks to his modesty, Phil has compiled one of the most remarkable records of community service in the industry. Throughout his career, Phil has consistently led by example in promoting the hobby, serving our industry, and introducing new products that have inspired model railroaders. It is for those reasons that he is nominated for election to our Hall Of Fame.
Jim Conway
In 1958-59 when Jim was 18 years old, he built a large HO train layout in the basement of his family home. He later found a part-time job at a local hobby shop in Chicago and his love for trains grew. He built hundreds of model freight car kits and sold them through local hobby shops and mail order. In1960, Jim joined the NMRA and attended his first NMRA National Convention in Chicago. In 1962, Jim developed a line of kits called “Con-Cor Models.” Among the first kits were USRA Boxcars and Billboard Reefers, Hon3 freight cars, and the “Airslide” Covered Hopper kit. Also in 1962, Jim organized a group of fellow model railroaders from Chicago and opened a new Model Train Hobby Shop on the West Side of Chicago. During the 1960’s and 70’s, Jim grew his business under the name of Con-Cor. Con-Cor became the “N” Scale Rivarossi Agent in the USA starting in the mid-1970’s. Jim also had a wholesale business under the name of JMC International.
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2009 Hall of Fame Recipients
Nick Pfusterschmid played a key role in the creation and sales of hundreds of the model train hobby’s most successful models and has been an employee or a trusted partner of many of the industry’s major firms, including AHM, Athearn, Atlas, Con-Cor, Life-Like, Liliput, Mehano, Rivarossi, and Roco.
Robert H. (Bob) Staat of Horizon/McHenry Couplers is the primary inventor of, and patent holder for, magnetically actuated couplers. In addition to his dedication to the railroad industry, Bob has been an avid flyer and R/C enthusiast. He has been a leader in the industry serving as President of the Model Railroad Industry Association for two terms and was a key member of the Industry Unification Task Force that formed the Hobby Manufacturers Association. Bob was elected in 2005 to serve as the first President of the newly formed HMA during the very difficult start-up period, and did an outstanding job of pulling together the various industry divisions to help make the HMA the association it is today.
Past Winners |
