Dennis E. Storzek, co-founder of Accurail Inc., died on April 21, 2024.
Dennis was born in 1951 and became a model railroader in 1959 when he received a Lionel train set. His first freight car scratchbuild was a flatcar, which was better work than most adults of the time produced. Dennis joined the Illinois Railway Museum the day he turned 18 (the minimum age at that time) and was active at IRM for many years.
Dennis was a freight car hobbyist and made himself extremely knowledgeable in the field, where he was well-respected by his peers. In 1982 he started producing resin kits under the Dennis Storzek Modelmaker banner. The product line featured high-end freight cars and Soo Line cabooses.
In late 1986, Dennis and Bob Walker (of Walker Model Service) merged their two small businesses to form Accurate Finishing. After the acquisition of the McKean HO scale 40-foot steel boxcar tooling, the company changed its name to Accurail Inc.
Dennis was a self-taught tool designer, and later a toolmaker. His skills in these areas are well known in the industry. Thanks to Dennis, the Accurail line grew to 44 different freight car types. He retired from the company in 2021.
Dennis is survived by Patti, his wife of 50 years, and daughters Coleen and Linda.
So sorry to hear of Dennis’ passing.
He was a real stickler for modeling details.