per the Tweetsie mailing list, John Barden passed away last night. He was involved with the North Carolina Transportation Museum for several years, then later with the Southeast Threshers Reunion/Handy Dandy Railroad in Denton, NC. Also known for a 7 1/2 inch gauge live steam model of ET&WNC #12.

Very little information at this point, but John was always fun to talk with, and a true artist on the whistle cord. He will be missed.
Kevin Gilliam

for anyone interested...

John's memorial service will be Monday September 5, 2011. The funeral will
be held at Meyers Park Methodist Church in Charlotte. 12:00pm- Viewing,
12:30-1:30 Funeral Service, 1:30-2:30 Visitation with family and friends in
the Jubilee Room at the church. Thank you for all of your continued thoughts
and prayers.

Here's a link to John's obituary on the funeral home website...condolences may be posted there. http://tinyurl.com/4x26efa

Jim Tatum.