This tribute to Martin has lifted my spirits and makes me want to get back to sharing our hobby.
But may I also add a tribute to Nerys the queen of sailing, I was actually lucky enough to meet this stalwart of sailing and like Martin has left a huge void.
Hoping to be back among you all soon.
Cheers Colin.

I think it is a great idea to pay this tribute to Martin. I did not meet him personally either but was fortunate enough to have had numerous Skype sessions with him, the last only days before he left us. I can say that he was much more than a good bloke. He was the best bloke. He would never turn down a request for help. His humour, well, spend a couple of hours with him on Skype and you were made up for the week. A thoroughly great bloke. RIP Martin.

Heartily agree with you Michel.
This episode brought to mind also our dear departed former Fleet Admiral and Chief of our WRENS division; Nerys. A most warm hearted lady and knowledgable former Captain of a Thames Sailing barge.
And our South African friend Tertius, user name Joburg-sailor, with whom I had a lively correspondence regarding his magnificent build of a SAN MEKO 200 Frigate. A ship I knew intimately from my work with the builder Blohm & Voss regarding the communication system.
Tertius sadly passed on three years ago. Another great modeller gone.😔Check out his marvellous Frigate in his Harbour. Complete with self made water jet drive and RC heli hangar door and heli deployment function.

I've also recently begun to wonder about Bill, user name Scratchbuilder.
Doug.

I'm with you Cash.
I only knew Martin electronically, also outside our website.
Seems we had common acquaintances and friends at the (then) Vosper shipyard where he worked and I cooperated with them as a communications system consultant.

Re 'a Good Bloke': you are right.
Given the classic British understatement ''A GOOD BLOKE" is pretty much the highest accolade one Brit can give to another.
Doug.

My friends
This is one of the many stories that life has written. Everyone who has to go leaves a big gap . . just like our Martin.
Let us briefly remember our deceased mates here.
Your Michel-C.

Ps: Danke Doug

I miss him Doug. I don’t take loss well, and I never met the man personally…but I miss him. I think “a Good Bloke” is higher praise than most people know.
Cash

I just received a reminder from my E-card provider that tomorrow would have been Martin's 67th birthday. A poignant moment.
A brilliant modeller, creative recycler and gentleman. 'A GOOD BLOKE'.
Gone but never forgotten. RIP Martin Helcoop.
Doug