Bill Imrie has passed away (1 Viewer)

[theBaron]

I found out today that Bill Imrie passed away last Monday, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Along with his late partner, Clyde Risley, he was instrumental in creating serious military miniatures for us, when everything else was pretty much a toy. His passing really marks the end of that era in model figures.

 

[Leadmen]

Sorry to hear about Bill Imrie. I been to his Saratoga toy soldier shop at Ballston Spa, N.Y. I enjoy painting his castings and liked their quality and sculpture. He was in a home when I visited his shop several years ago.I used his book on painting miniatures and he was a pioneer in this hobby. Leadmen

 

[Warrior]

That is sad news indeed, I knew he was not doing very well based on some conversations I heard at the Albany show last month.

The very first toy soldier catalog I ever got was one of his back in the early 1970's (I've still got it too), it is what got me started on toy soldiers, so I will forever be thankful that he started his company.............

 

[theBaron]

He, Clyde Risley, Jack Scheid and Dr. Bussler really were the pioneers of 54mm figures here in the States. And Bill's work set the standard for the guys who followed.

 

[Fubar]

That is too bad. A great inspiration to me as well when I was young and just getting started with miniatures.He will be missed.
Harold Scott

 

[binder001]

I also enjoyed painting some Imrie-Risely figures when I was younger. They had some great ranges and put variations out so one could build an army or at least a realistic scene!

I used to have the IR book "Airborne to Normandy" and wish I still had a copy.

I know the partners are bach together again and making miniatures in Heaven.

Gary

 

[Leadmen]

Bill Imrie along with Tamiya models got me into this hobby. Here is a picture of Risley and Imrie castings I painted a long time ago. Top row is all Risley castings and some others along with Valiant castings. John

 

[theBaron]

Very nicely done! Isn't that a great tribute to Bill, to see what modelers can do with the figures he gave us?

Prosit!
Brad

 

[seargent major shut up]

now that is bad news when one of our artist die its a real feeling of loss
i think we become a bit less than we were

 

[William S. Grey]

We posted an obituary about Bill Imrie on our web site.
Bill
www.vintagecastings.com

 

[Gideon]

Sad news but at least the castings live on!