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Rail historian Alvin Staufer dies
One of my more treasured pieces of railroading history, books etc. is Mr. Staufers ink image of a cab-forward, that art piece has survived way too many moves/relocations and is still on the wall as I write this. His work was first-rate. His talents as artist and writer will be missed.
One of the greats. His work is a large part of my NYC collection.
a great writer and a very friendly guy to talk to at the TCA York meets. He will be missed.
a grea writer and a very friendly guy to talk to at the TCA York meets. He will be missed.
Donations can be made in Alvin’s memory to Ohio Veterans Home Hospice.
Mr. Staufer’s photo captions were worth the price of admission. I doubt there was another writer that made photo interpretation so much fun. He’d analyze the people around an old locomotive, finding details most of us would miss. His captions also put names on talented company photographers, like NYC’s Ed Nowak, Erie’s John Long and many more.
I have all three of his PRR books. He will be missed.
A fan of his work for years, I was delighted to meet him several times at the semi-annual Train Collectors Association, Eastern Division, train meet in York, Pa. Al would be set up selling his artwork, prints, books, and the occasional “scratch and dent” book. A nice guy.
I never met Al but really enjoy his books especially The Thoroughbreds. He was an excellent writer
Pennsy Power was the very first railroad book that I ever purchased–in 1962 at age 12. I believe it cost $14 brand new and I believe I bought it by mail order directly form Mr. Staufer. I remember that I received the book in the mail on a Friday and read it cover to cover and back again that weekend. I was forever hooked on Pennsy steam, electric and diesel locomotives. I still have that book, very worn from constant re-reading, and I have purchased another copy to keep in pristine condition. I have also purchased and read, and continue to re-read, all of Mr. Staufer’s other books. I have also purchased a number of his drawings. From reading the forwards to his books, I have gathered that Mr. Staufer had very strong beliefs and was quite a character. I am sorry to hear that he is gone but his legacy will continue in his books and drawings. My deepest condolences to his family.
Pennsy Power was the very first railroad book that I ever purchased–in 1962 at age 12. I believe it cost $14 brand new and I believe I bought it by mail order directly form Mr. Staufer. I remember that I received the book in the mail on a Friday and read it cover to cover and back again that weekend. I was forever hooked on Pennsy steam, electric and diesel locomotives. I still have that book, very worn from constant re-reading, and I have purchased another copy to keep in pristine condition. I have also purchased and read, and continue to re-read, all of Mr. Staufer’s other books. I have also purchased a number of his drawings. From reading the forwards to his books, I have gathered that Mr. Staufer had very strong beliefs and was quite a character. I am sorry to hear that he is gone but his legacy will continue in his books and drawings. My deepest condolences to his family.
And, lets not forget his New Haven Power, too!
I still have some old Al Staufer prints in my railroad room. It would have been nice to have had a picture of Al in the notice. sorry to hear about the end of a life that gave so much to the hobby.
Without Al there would by little or no motive power chronologies. I met him at a meet once, super nice guy and a great American. Condolences to his family.
He was a great American and shared a wealth of RR information thru his books. He was first on the block with locomotive information.
REST In Peace