from the MREMAG.com
We are sorry to have to report that Ian Allan, founder of the well known publishing company and the man who practically created the hobby of train spotting, passed away aged 93 on Monday (13/07/2015).
Due to an injury sustained while camping, Ian wasn't conscripted into the war effort, instead finding himself working for the Southern Railway. Here, he was allowed to publish his first lists of locomotives despite wartime restrictions. These developed into the Abc books that were prize possessions of many young enthusiasts along with their membership badges for the Ian Allan Locospotters Club.
He was responsible for the Railway Modeller magazine although this was sold to Sydney Pritchard of Peco after a couple of volumes.
The group expanded over the years to include book and magazine (Model Railway Constructor was bought in in the late 1950s but Hornby Magazine was their own creation years later) publishing, had travel agencies, car dealerships, a Masonic regalia shop and a supplier of organic gardening materials.
For more information
http://www.ianallanpublishing.com/about-us.htm
http://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/ ... .features7
the death of Ian Allan
Moderators: 52D, Tom F, Rlangham, Atlantic 3279, Blink Bonny, Saint Johnstoun, richard