Toy World is sad to report the passing of Hornby’s Darrell Burge, well known for working extensively on the Airfix brand, who died suddenly on February 10th.

CEO of Hornby, Lyndon Davies, described the news as ‘very sad and very sudden’. He commented: “Darrell had Airfix running through his veins, working at Humbrol in Hull before he joined Hornby in Margate in 2006. Working with both the Airfix and the Humbrol brands, he was highly respected throughout the industry. He was full of fun and energy, many would have met with him at shows and events across the country. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Jane, his children Emily, Martin and Gavin and his granddaughter, Oriana.”

Darrell enjoyed a long and successful career at Hornby. As product manager at Airfix, he oversaw the revitalisation of Airfix products and the brand over the last decade and was a popular member of the Hornby team. His former colleagues have been quick to share their fond memories of working alongside Darrell over the years.

Luke Bigg worked with Darrell on the Corgi brand, and said: “Darrell was always there for his team whatever the issue, funny and overall just a top bloke, one of life’s good guys gone to soon. Thoughts are with his family and my former Hornby colleagues at this time. R.I.P mate.”

Former Hornby national accounts controller Alistair Tonnison added: “I was at Hornby when Darrell joined, and you couldn’t help but love the man. Cut him in half and Airfix was through him like a stick of rock – and he would bleed Humbrol. Going to really miss this guy.”

Sharing ‘some of my best memories at Hornby’, Damien Collett, now head of sales at SES creative, commented: ” Whether it was discovering tapas was free in Spain or spending a few days in a van driving round the UK to set up store trials, we always had fun, enjoyed the same music and never got bored in each other’s company. Darrell was one of the nicest people I knew. Gone, but never forgotten.”

Lee Sharrocks, former Hornby sales director, had this to say: “Darrell was a legend at Hornby and nothing was ever too much trouble for him regardless of whether it was logistics for the Nuremberg show or patiently explaining the history of Humbrol. He was great fun and always had a twinkle in his eye. I know many from Hornby, past and present, will be devastated. Godspeed Darrell and thank you for all your help and support.”

Toy World would like to add its sincerest condolences to Darrell’s family and his colleagues, past and present, at Hornby.