IN MEMORIAM - BOB THATCHER (AM Hobbies)

Bob was one of the most honest people with whom I have dealt.

I bought all my Atlas O from Bob.

Neal Jeter

It's been a while since I dealt with Bob, but he was always a first class guy and a pleasure to deal with. I am sorry to hear that he passed.

Gerry

Bob was my LHS and I have lived in AZ for 30 years.  He always was so friendly, had the best custom Atlas runs of anthracite roads, and just was a pleasure to deal with in so many ways.  I was so disappointed when he sold his business, but of course understand completely it was his right to do so.  I have missed him all these years later.

When Bob was in business, I ordered all my Atlas from him.  I never once had anything but an A+ experience.  I am sorry he is gone.  Great guy.

John

I had heard that Bob had passed several years ago.  Was I misinformed?

Terrific guy.  The majority of items in my collection are Atlas and almost of all it came from AM Hobbies.  When you dealt with Bob you knew the order was going to be filled correctly.

George

I also bought a lot of Atlas O from Bob. He was a great guy. One time I ordered a B&M boxcar from him and it arrived quickly as did all my purchases from him. About a week later another B&M boxcar showed up that I didn’t order. The same exact model. I contacted Bob and told him I didn’t order it but I would pay for it. Bob insisted that I keep it free of charge. What a guy! How many other dealers would do that? I too was sad when he sold the business but he certainly had a right to retire. He was definitely one of the top if not the top Atlas O dealer back in the day.

Thank you for doing this Ben.

I purchased all of my Atlas engines and my Atlas Track from him as well. I remember him calling me and informing me that my two Atlas C628 were in and he was going to take a few days off to care for his wife who was ill. I prayed with him and he thanked me. He called me a few weeks later and informed me that he was closing the store to care for his wife and he had mailed me the engines even though I had not paid for them. I gave him my credit card info and that afternoon the engines were delivered. He was truly one of a kind a warm and kindhearted gentleman.

Although I never met  I did make a number of purchases from him Bob was a respectable and knowledgeable train vendor who always had time for a conversation, a true gentleman. 

I bought several items from Bob in ebay. Before pay pal he shipped a Lionel 4 car Lionel MP54 set to me before I could get the check in the mail the following day.

Did Bob have a store in Mullica Hill NJ many years ago?  Like the 80's.

Early 2000's, I purchased several Atlas units from Bob.  I always thought it interesting, the Wellsboro address.   One of the few large communities, what I would call,  up-state Pennsylvania.  He was able to do a viable internet business, may be even before the internet, as we know it today.  ?? I don't think there was a store front/hobby shop ??   Thanks Bob, it was a great experience     Mike CT.

Bob was my gateway into Atlas trains!

He was always great to deal with, had fair prices, and provided excellent customer service.

Jim

Purchased many great products from him, he was a pioneer and pretty good guy.

They don't make them any better than Bob! RIP

ECI

While Bob was in business I bought all of my Atlas O from him. I loved all the custom runs especially the Pacemaker Box Car variations. He was super nice even after he had gotten sick he was always friendly and accommodating. I've missed doing business with him. One of those guys you don't forget. RIP Bob!

Great tribute...greater guy!  Bought all my Atlas O from him...a lot of it, too!

Though we never met...I will always miss him.

Great guy and a pleasure to do business with. Mullica Hill NJ got hit hard by this recent storm. Bob was from there.

I was fortunate to meet him once at York. That day, I purchased several MPC reefers from him. Bob, purchased a lot of my custom run Weaver cars. He and his business were first class.

@jim sutter posted:

I was fortunate to meet him once at York. That day, I purchased several MPC reefers from him. Bob, purchased a lot of my custom run Weaver cars. He and his business were first class.

And that’s from a guy who’s first class. I’m lookin’ at you, Jim Sutter!

Thanks Doctor.

I used to always buy my Atlas from Bob he was a super nice man.The only bad part about buying over the phone you never have any personal contact with the seller.Would anyone have a photo of Bob to share so I would be able to see who he was. Thanks

Simply the best!

ECI

I purchased much of my Atlas O from Bob. he was always such a gentleman. I was about to run my two PRR C628 earlier today before my wife called me for dinner. I will defintely run them in his honor now that I have seen this post. He called and informed me that he was closing his buisness and of his wifes health issues and we prayed. Later in the week I recieved a boxcar from him as a gift. I honor him and I am so saddened to learn of his transition,