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| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| 43rdsizbrn |
Posted - 05/31/2012 : 16:57:47
I received a call today from Bob Alfors’ cell phone. It was Bob’s girlfriend telling me Bob passed away on Tuesday. Bob had been struggling with health issues for the past few years. My prayer is that he’s in a better place now.
PeterW and I had known Bob way back in the early years. He was a great friend and mentor and initiated me in the ways of 43rd. He shared many techniques, special products and methods unselfishly, wanting to see anyone with an interest succeed in the hobby. He continued this selfless approach as the years passed through his involvement as moderator in the eBay group, 1/43rd Handbuilt Models.
In the 90’s, one of Bob’s fortes was walking through the paddock of an IMSA race holding a model of something like a Jag XJR14, out like eye candy for drivers and owners to see. He’d strike up a conversation and next thing you knew, Bob had an in and was dining in the team’s corporate hospitality facility. There he was cutting deals to build a limited series of scale racers for the team, and lining up next year’s free track/paddock/hospitality passes. He had the gift.
One year Bob flew his family down to Florida from New York to see the 24 Hours of Daytona. I met them at the plane and was somewhat surprised to see all three of them trundling up the jet-way wearing hats, t shirts, shorts, sunglasses etc., advertising their favorite race teams, cars, and drivers. What should have not surprised me was while at the race, Bob spent over $1000 purchasing new t shirts, hats et al from “The Frenchman” trackside vendor. I refrained from comment and decided he was merely updating his wardrobe with the latest styles for the next year.
Another year Bob flew down solo to join me at the big party known as Sebring. We were going to rough it in a tent next to a number of my friends ensconced in motor homes and campers. Well I had a Mustang GT at the time so after setting up camp Bob and I went for a ride around the crowded infield. We came across some locals, “crackers” or “rednecks”, watering down a stretch of dirt road and enticing drivers to do a little burnout action to help create one of their mud bogs, or “sippy holes”. Their encouragement and something called beer convinced me to lend them a hand, and after a 50 meter fishtail I came face to face with the local Sherriff. He was not pleased, and escorted Bob and me to our tent and then off the premises. We were allowed to re-enter, but not until after purchasing another $150 ticket. Needless to say, Bob was not very happy, but later forgave me after we got to do a hot lap around the track in the Mustang on Sunday after most everyone had left. It's pretty tough to get ejected from Sebring. Somehow Bob and I managed it.
Bob struggled and was frustrated in his last years as a work injury left him unable to use his right arm and hand in any meaningful way. I know he tried using a number of different methods with various clamps and such but never found a method to make models with the use of just one hand. He loved the hobby and you could sense his sadness at not being able to participate in that way ever again.
Thanks Bob, for what you meant to so many of us. May you find your rest.
James
JW |
| 5 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| dvamodels |
Posted - 06/05/2012 : 04:46:44
Very sad news indeed, Bob was a true gentleman and he gave me so many advices in how to do business in USA. I will miss him very much, and I know that there will be many times in the future when I I`ll go "oh...I have to ask Bob" and then realize I cant, anymore. |
| Ferrarinut |
Posted - 05/31/2012 : 19:53:41
Very sad news. Like Jono I too had traded models for years with Bob and even won many of my ebay auctions. He shared many personal struggles, his health being paramount. He always offered help and advice with anything model related and kind to a fault. I admired him for making such a tremendous effort with the ebay group, he could not have been more passionate about this hobby. It has been a while since we last communicated, I wish today's news had been about another possible trade or maybe asking the reserve price on an auction. Rest in peace Bob. |
| 914joe |
Posted - 05/31/2012 : 19:02:24
Rest in Peace
think small |
| the.x.man |
Posted - 05/31/2012 : 18:06:07
I am extremely sad to read this. He was in my mind just a few weeks ago.
I traded models with Bob quite a few times over the last 10 years or so, and struck up a casual acquaintance as a result. An indirect kinship also formed due to us both having suffered debilitating injuries - but Bob put me to shame with his refusal to let it get him down, in spite of the frustration. The odd email we exchanged always left me feeling encouraged, be it in modeling or just life in general.
As a matter of interest, Bob was an active member of this forum, under the name "audifan".
________________________________________________________
The only substitute for cubic inches is more cubic inches!
~ Max Balchowsky |
| PeterW |
Posted - 05/31/2012 : 17:42:49
It is a sad day...I will always remember long conversations on the phone with Bob when I first started out in the business back in the early 90's. He was very helpful in getting me started on the GTO Mustang project. It was one of my models he had on display that caught Mike Dingman's eye...he requested a special order for 100 built models of his General Chemical GTO Mustang. That was the first production run I did. I just today had taken the photo out of my moving box before James called me with the news.
Rest in Peace BOB.
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