David Shepherd (RIP) and his locomotives.

My parents had a handful of David Shepherd prints in the house, both signed and (apparently from comments above… ) the rarer unsigned variety. I've a slightly confused childhood memory of meeting him when 92203 was doing brakevan rides at the ESR a many years ago (but it's fading in and out with meeting the Rev Awdry at a model railway exhibition so might be a trick of seeing him on the TV a number of times). Either way, he was clearly a lovely chap who did a lot of good for a number of causes – a rich life well lived.

Simon

 

Sad news. This thread about his engines led me to read his book "A Brush with Steam". I met him on a number of occasions and liked his no nonsense approach to life.
I also recently watched the Paul Barnes film from 1967 "The Painter and the Engines" which in my opinion is one of the best films that shows the decline of steam at Nine Elms and David Shepherd's attempts to capture as much on canvas as possible.
I first met him at Longmoor in February 1968 when the MNLPS steamed Clan Line and one of my treasured pictures from that day is here.
Des Shepherd
(p.s. I am not related to him!)

 

I have just heard of his death on the news, i met David several times when 92203 was at Ropley, a real gentleman, he will be missed, commiserations go to his family
what does his passing mean for the future of Black Prince, would it be a fitting thing if it was renamed David S Shepherd?

 

Just my opinion, but as it was David Shepherd that bestowed the name of Black Prince on 92203, that is how it should remain.

I'm sure Black Prince has a very secure future on the NNR, as does 75029 on the NYMR. Mr Shepherd seemed very picky about which railways he entrusted his locomotives to.

Was there a South African locomotive, a 15F, still in his ownership?

 

According to the SAR group I'm on, it is indeed a 15F

 

He also rescued the ex Rhodesian Railways Class 7? and carriage which first went to Cranmore and then NRM? He was a real gentleman in the true meaning of the word.
Ray.

 

IIRC the loco spent a while at Whipsnade Zoo.

 

Very sad news and a great loss to both heritage rail, to art and to wildlife. May I join in expressing my condolences to friends and family. David Shepherd RIP

 

A great loss both to elephants and steam preservation. R.I.P.

 

At Winchcombe in June 2008 for 92203's 40th anniversary renaming. I'm so privileged to have met him.

 

You do recall correctly, there was a coach and an old car (possible a Ford Popular...???) fitted with rail wheels as an inspection vehicle too. Recall seeing them there about 1986.

Never lucky enough to meet Mr.Shepherd but can only echo everyone's comments that it is a sad loss indeed.

RIP Sir and condolences to his family.

 

I do appreciate there's been a few photos of Mr Shepherd posted but I'd like to think this sums him up.

 

Here is the brilliant documentary The Man Who Loves Giants which I had on VHS but wore it out as I watched it so often:


Still pretty upset by the news to be honest. Had a tear in the eye when I read the news at lunchtime.

 

Yes a sad loss indeed I meet him once when Rolland Kennington Introduce me to him on the flying Scotsman Very nice man RIP.

 

Yes I've shed a few tears the last day or two as well. Very much an inspiration in how he lived his life and helped others and our movement. He was one of a generation in a million - joining Sir Alan Pegler amongst others who have passed recently.

 

Many thanks for posting the link to the film. It is a great watch his enthusiasm for the subject of wildlife conservation and steam comes across so well.

Sent from my PRA-LX1 using Tapatalk

 

David Shepherd also was very influential in many other societies, and in the early days, a lot of groups were very thankful of his support, ha wasnt just about elephants and 9 F's , and he was a very interesting person to talk to, about his experiences, one country , i think gave him an engine, in return for a painting , this was the story behind one film to do with the cape railway i believe , living in Godalming for much of his life, he was a local, i was lucky enough to share a footplate with him twice on his engine at the MHR, and he was a very genuine guy, i think he just loved to see his engines doing what they were built to do work.

 

I see that David Shepherd has died:

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2017/sep/21/david-shepherd-obituary

David R

 

Thank you David, that is terribly sad news.

Had it not been for his generosity the Wight Locomotive Society would probably have folded and hence the IOWSR would not exist. For this one act alone - a cheque for £500 towards the purchase of O2 Calbourne many of us are very grateful. It was pure 'gift' by him - no strings attached. Had Alan Pegler adopted the same approach with the FR, the FR might have been quite different.

Cheers,
Julian