Alan "Trooper" Caton Tribute (1 Viewer)

[UKReb]

Guys

In this month's February/March Toy Soldier Collector magazine there is a three page spread of tributes and history of our dear departed friend "Trooper". When you read the tributes from a number of toy soldier manufacturers and dealers one realises what a legend of our hobby Alan was.

Alan's client list for his master sculpting and modelling skills reads like a who's who of the toy soldier making world. Even Queen Elizabeth and the Prince of Wales have been presented with sets of the Queen's soldiers that he had personally sculpted. He was also an absolute gentleman and a scholar- who I thoroughly enjoyed talking with on the forum and at numerous London shows over the years. I along with many others who met him will certainly miss his company.

Included amongst the many tributes are a couple of pictures of Tree Froggers that I forwarded to Mark Avery the editor of TSC. One of them includes Alan with the rest of the Brit Brigade. And one together with some of our fellow American and Dutch colleagues who joined us at that particular London show.

Bob

 

[Louis Badolato]

He will be missed. My condolences to his family and loved ones.

 

[Obee]

Thanks for the news about the forthcoming article.

I'm a subscriber, so will keep a lookout posted for its arrival this week (I hope) in the letter box.

John

 

[Go for Broke]

I got the magazine yesterday, saw the pictures, but didn't read the article yet. It was great to get his perspective and knowledge on numerous issues over the years.

 

[hotel3alpha]

Can we get a pic of the "Trooper" to pay homage.

John from Texas

 

[UKReb]

Can we get a pic of the "Trooper" to pay homage.

John from Texas

"Trooper" is the gentleman with the glasses and walking stick

 

[jazzeum]

He was a lion in this hobby.

 

[hotel3alpha]

God Bless him.

 

[AIDMAN]

I remember that photo very wel. and i remember Alan "Trooper" also. A very knowledgeable man and a real gentleman..!!.


Steve

 

[Obee]

I got my TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR yesterday, and I was very pleased to see the fine article that Martin Ainscough (ACW Cavalry) had written about Allan.

The nice comments praising his craftsmanship in our hobby by many of the UK makers is a true testament to his life.

I only met him on one occasion, the June 2010 London Show, but he immediately made me feel most welcome and joined us (fellow Treefoggers) for the legendary lunchtime beer.



As sad loss, but what a legacy?

My favorited set of Alan's figures are The Retreat from Moscow by Tradition of London.

maybe others can post their favourites too ???

John

 

[johnnybach]

I got my TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR yesterday, and I was very pleased to see the fine article that Martin Ainscough (ACW Cavalry) had written about Allan.

The nice comments praising his craftsmanship in our hobby by many of the UK makers is a true testament to his life.

I only met him on one occasion, the June 2010 London Show, but he immediately made me feel most welcome and joined us (fellow Treefoggers) for the legendary lunchtime beer.

View attachment 187119

As sad loss, but what a legacy?

My favorited set of Alan's figures are The Retreat from Moscow by Tradition of London.

maybe others can post their favourites too ???

John

Hi John - what a good idea. We shall all miss Alan - and it's difficult for me to choose a favourite - as he produced so many. Like you, I have many of his sculpts in my collection, as he produced them for people to paint - as well as collect - but ONE I do remember with great fondness.

The 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles Pipe & Drum Band. I think he really wanted to produce this one - so made it for Yeomanary Miniatures - and I bought, assembled and painted one from a kit. I'll treasure it all the more now he's sadly no longer with us. jb

 

[Rangemaster]

Good morning, I have just bought a number of model castings in resin of a 6 wheel range rover fire truck. I was informed by the seller that he bought them from the life of Allan Caton auction in Leicester. Can anyone furnish some background on these models please? The original pack has a label VL Castings it. Many thanks.

 

[theBaron]

Good morning, I have just bought a number of model castings in resin of a 6 wheel range rover fire truck. I was informed by the seller that he bought them from the life of Allan Caton auction in Leicester. Can anyone furnish some background on these models please? The original pack has a label VL Castings it. Many thanks.

Welcome, Rangemaster!

If you can post some pictures, that would be a big help.

Regarding your piece, the first thing I'll note is that though it was purchased at that auction, doesn't mean it was made by Alan. I only know of Alan's work sculpting figures; I don't know that he ever did any vehicles. But I may be wrong about that.

I did a quick web search on "vl castings" and one of the first things that comes back is a Facebook page for "VL Castings":

https://www.facebook.com/VL-Casting-1574817186133442/

I recommend having a look there, if you haven't heard of it, and see what you might see.

In the meantime, others may know more and post here in reply.

Prost!
Brad

 

[Mirof]

Here catalogue of the A Caton estate sale at Leicester
https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/...gs-auctioneers/catalogue-id-srgil10103?page=3
But I see no figures, perhaps another Caton

A Caton
worked for some manufacturers like All the Queen's Men
for tradition 80mm and above, code beginning wit ACxxx are from Alan Caton
in the 54mm range the code will not help
the full Squadron 80mm range at Tradition is from him https://www.traditionoflondonshop.com/80mm_Squadron_Range

 

[theBaron]

Here catalogue of the A Caton estate sale at Leicester
https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/...gs-auctioneers/catalogue-id-srgil10103?page=3
But I see no figures, perhaps another Caton

A Caton
worked for some manufacturers like All the Queen's Men
for tradition 80mm and above, code beginning wit ACxxx are from Alan Caton
in the 54mm range the code will not help
the full Squadron 80mm range at Tradition is from him https://www.traditionoflondonshop.com/80mm_Squadron_Range

But did he have any connection to "VL Castings"? That's what we're looking for.

Prost!
Brad