F. Raoul Martin, founder of NorthWest Short Line, passed away on September 9, 2023 at the age of 87.
Raoul founded NorthWest Short Line in 1958, importing brass models from Japan. He later became one of the first model railroad importers to move production to Korea. By the early 1970s, Raoul was exploring building brass models in the United States of America. As a result of these efforts, he developed and marketed a line of wheelsets, precision gears, motors, tools, and many other associated items useful for model railroaders.
Raoul was also involved with the preservation and restoration of prototype railroad equipment. In 1957, he was one of the founders of the future Northwest Railroad Museum. He was very knowledgeable about logging and traction railroads in the Northwest. He published and reprinted several historical books on these subjects.
In addition to serving as founder of NorthWest Short Line, Raoul worked for Boeing as a project manager. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling the world with his wife, taking river cruises, and riding trains.
Raoul is survived by his wife, Sheryl, two children, and several grandchildren.
Raoul was very kind to me and helped me through my first locomotive projects.
He will be missed. Rest in Peace, old friend.
Rest in peace