Aloha oe, Pat Bird of Series 77

[buzz1941]

Pat Bird, one of the seminal figure sculptors of the 1960s who helped create a new wave of interest in model soldiers, died yesterday in Florida. He and John Tassell were working for Stadden when they decided to strike out on their own with larger scale figures that were more detailed than the war-game toys they had been sculpting. The size was 1/24, or 77mm, from which the company Series 77 was named. Series 77 was operated by Pat and wife Olly for a couple of decades, and the firm is in the midst of a rebirth in which Pat's figures will once again become available. Pat is survived by Olly.

 

[bucsfan21]

Pat Bird's passing

Sad news indeed...Pat's work was inspiring to me and magical. I recall upon seeing the ad for his first releases to the Americans Line-Continental Dragoons, mounted and standing, in the old Military Modeler and Campaigns magazine. They were my first miniature figures...I was indeed both impressed by his ability and work. His line of miniatures, The Americans, was amazing at the time. I was teaching school as a history teacher at the time of Americans Line… I was in "high cotton" and enjoyed painting the line greatly. Bob Knee's conversion pushed me to do little things here and there. Mike Stelzel's heads make more conversions possible. Painting Series 77 miniatures was both a lot of fun and provided good memories for this modeler. May Pat rest in peace...Hopefully the legacy and those he touched will relish his contribution to our hobby.

God Bless, Terry Martin

 

[IronMike]

Pat certainly was a giant in this hobby. His work inspired me and he set the bar that I constantly tried to reach. Back in the day the release of a new Series 77 kit was Christmas morning. He was great guy and very generous to me and many others. My condolences to Olive. I am so sorry.

Mike

 

[bonehead]

Pat certainly was a giant in this hobby. His work inspired me and he set the bar that I constantly tried to reach. Back in the day the release of a new Series 77 kit was Christmas morning. He was great guy and very generous to me and many others. My condolences to Olive. I am so sorry.

Mike

I too have good memories of Pat and Olive as well. They were great people and Pat was a dedicated craftsman. The world will certainly be less without Pat. My condolences to Olive.

Mike Good

 

[Tecumsea]

From the UK sad news indeed-one of the first kits I ever painted was his 150mm Landsknect and the Carabinier is still in the grey army-I remember the postman commenting on the weight of some 175mm figures I ordered from the States-and the very appreciative hand written notes of thanks Pat included with the package.
My condolances to his family and good news that some re-releases are planned.
Tecumsea

 

[garyjd]

One of my first metal miniatures came from the Series 77 "Americans" series. Mike's right, whenever a new release came out it was like Christmas. I always thought his 5th NY zouave and WW2 fighter pilot from the pacific were among his best. My condolances to Mrs. Bird at this difficult time. ~Gary

 

[Kevin D.]

My condolences to Pat's family!

Like so many, Pat's figures were pure excitement for me. I lived in San Antonio and did occasional business in Austin, 90 miles away, and would ALWAYS have to stop at the King's Hobby store in Austin before going home, if only to gaze on the wide variety of great figures!

I just this last month found and bought the 154mm German Landsknect in a friend's gray army. The instruction sheet is a little fragile and yellowed and at the bottom is a dedication...

"This model is dedicated, with love to Olly"

Nice people. May he rest in peace and God's love surround Olly.

Kevin D.

 

[gorgosaurus]

My condolences to Pat´s nearest and dearest on this sad news.
Series 77 Greek Hoplites were among my first and finest figures as a teenager living in Gravesend as Pat did.
As an adult, I look forward to working on his admirable Carolingian Scola one day. I just hope I can do him justice.

Spike.

 

[captnenglish]

I recently picked up from my local club for a minimal donation a box lot of figure which included two Serries 77 figures from the Americans Series that I had not been able to previously get, though nearing thirty years old and deemed not worthy of our club's raffle they will always be prized possesions that I hope to paint in the new year. Pat will be missed

 

[Steve]

It was always a pleasure to call Pat and Olive when need be and chat about anything that came up. Series 77 set the standard for some time. Sorry Olive and Godspeed Pat.

 

[phc35]

My introduction to the world of figures was through the Series 77 line. I can remember the
local hobby shop back home selling 15-20 of every Series 77 that came out.Thanks for the
good times Pat,rest in peace

Jay

 

[ralpht]

series 77

I have been a fan of Pat's since the early seventies. Several years ago I started picking up figures I had missed in original release, first the Americans series and then any I could find. I am afraid to go and count or catalogue my collection, and expect to die before painting very many of them.
His craftsmanship and detail are still outstanding today.

 

[diamond cutter]

Let's hope that Pat is still working on a new sculpt wherever!
An iconic and innovative person.
Respect to all those left behind.
Pete

 

[Squeemie Ellis]

I'm shocked at this news and forgive my EXTREME tardiness in response to Pat Byrd's death.
I only heard about his passing, just recently while researching the old Series 77 kits.
I agree with many of the earlier posts that the newest Series 77 kit, especially ANY of the "American" series was a big day in the hobby. I had the very great honor of painting many of the box art figures for this line and an even greater honor at having a figure named after me too. That being the Berdan's sharpshooter.
I visited Pat and Olive at their studio in Canoga Park many times, I'll always remember the smells of his "office", talcum powder, burning flux and molten lead and Pat's ever present Raleigh cigarettes, another habit he picked up from working with Charles Stadden.
Too my very good friend Pat, R.I.P and to Olive all my wishes for peace and happiness
your friend Ben Harper