Geoffrey (Geoff) Bishop, 88, who created superb American railroad models that he exhibited at major shows all over the country, was described at his funeral last week as “an exceptional modeller and a very good fellow”. Rail model enthusiasts from a wide area were among the large congregation at Kingsdown Crematorium in Swindon, where Garth Ponsonby paid tribute to this unassuming, highly respected man who spent most of his life in north Wiltshire.

During the 13 months when an American Army unit was based at Wootton Bassett, prior to D-Day, Geoff ran errands for the soldiers, in return for chewing gum and chocolate. After the war he maintained friendship with Bill Greiner and his family in Philadelphia. Mr Bishop’s models, inspired by his visits to America, and extensive rail journeys across the USA, included Idaho Springs and Santa Fe railroad layouts that were displayed at well over 100 shows.

Mr Bishop was born at New Road, Wootton Bassett; he was the only son of Alfred and Gladys (‘Birdie’) Bishop. His father died when Geoff was four, and an uncle fostered his early interest in model trains.

As a schoolboy Mr Bishop, who loved animals, had a part-time job at Nore Marsh Farm, where he gained full-time work from the age of 14.

As a young farmhand he won a scholarship to the Agricultural College at Usk, the home town of Stella, who became his wife.

After their marriage, Mr Bishop worked on farms at Lydney, Stow on the Wold and Emley Castle, and was one of the first herdsmen to work with Charolais cattle, although he really preferred Jerseys. He showed bulls at major regional shows.

Geoffrey Gleed, who officiated at the funeral, recalled that Mr and Mrs Bishop and their young daughter moved back to Wootton Bassett after his mother, Birdie, became frail.

They shared her house at New Road and their daughter attended Bentley Grammar School, Calne.

Mr Bishop left farming, and worked with local building companies Bradley and Smith & Hope.

The family enjoyed holidays in Spain, the Channel Islands and Bulgaria.

Later, as a widower, Mr Bishop had another change of career, and became caretaker of Toothill Primary School in Swindon, where he was a popular member of staff and assisted with school trips.

He also appeared as an extra in film productions with which his daughter and her family were involved.

Latterly, after arthritis and poor eyesight hampered his activities, he lived with his daughter’s family in Purton.

He took pride in the achievements of his grandsons and maintained a keen interest in rural life and his friends in the rail modelling fraternity.

At the service, Mr Bishop’s daughter, Lynda Warren, read the Trip Day passage from local author Ken Ausden’s book, Up the Crossing.

The closing music, Santa Fe All The Way, reflected the subject of one of Mr Bishop’s favourite layouts.

Afterwards, at Stanton House Hotel, a memory book contained many photos and recollections from a long, active life, including newly emailed condolences from the late Bill Greiner’s two daughters, in Pennsylvania.