My first introduction with TOC was online 23 years ago was very contentious! However, we both got over it and shared many of in person moments for over 20 years as we lived very close to each other. He single handedly got me hooked on this hobby. He fixed locomotives I was having trouble with multiple times over the years. I purchased a number of locomotives from him over the years, and he did the Barry’s Big Train conversion on my only Bachmann Big Hauler. He had come to my home a number of times to witness my LGB Christmas Train layout that grew and grew through the years and is still growing. I was at his place a number of times in the summer months for the train runnings on his outdoor layout. Way too much fun! I’ve known Dave has not been well for a number of years and have watched him get worse. He was one of a kind. He will truly be missed. Our hobby has lost a true influence that won’t be replaced. I owe him a huge thanks. I hope you are running trains in heaven and giving people hell… 
3 Likes
Wow!! I’m just learning this now.
Dave was instrumental in getting me started in garden railroading almost 20 years ago. He sold me my first RCS system/battery that Tony Walsh created. I was a total noob with all of this. Even destroyed a circuit board that he generously replaced. Never met him in person but spoke on the phone many times. He was helpful as he upgraded my system to RCS America and definitely had opinions that company went south.
Rest in peace Dave and don’t be such a curmudgeon running trains with the angels.
Richard