Skip to content
Remembering David B. - a military model enthusiast to the end
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of one of our valued customers, David B., who died on Sunday 1st March 2026 — fittingly, St David’s Day.
David wasn’t just a customer of BrickTanks — he was a true enthusiast, a builder in the purest sense, and someone who found real joy in every model he completed.
We recently received a heartfelt message from David’s son, Matt, who kindly shared his father’s story with us.
David discovered a love for building Cobi models that quickly became a cherished part of his daily life. Each new set brought not only a sense of achievement, but genuine happiness. As Matt described so beautifully, once his dad finished a model, "He was like a little kid again immediately returning to your website seeking his next model to build."
Of course, this growing collection didn’t go unnoticed at home — with completed models gradually taking over the lounge and dining room! But as Matt said, it was all worth it, because it made his dad so happy.
As David’s collection grew, so did the need for a proper space to showcase it. Earlier this year, Matt created something truly special — transforming a back bedroom in his parent's house into a dedicated model display room. Carefully designed and built, the room featured glass shelving and lighting to highlight David’s incredible collection. It became a space that reflected not just the models themselves, but the passion, patience, and pride behind them.
Sadly, not long after the room was completed, David became unwell and spent several weeks in hospital. Although he was unable to continue building models upon returning home, he found comfort in simply sitting in his model room — surrounded by the results of countless hours of enjoyment, focus and satisfaction.
Matt shared that these models weren’t just objects — they were a source of lasting memories.
On behalf of everyone at BrickTanks, we are deeply honoured to have played even a small part in David’s story. It means a great deal to us to know that our models brought him so much joy, purpose, and pride.
David’s collection — and the beautiful space created to display it — stands as a lasting tribute to a loving husband, dad, grandad and great-grandad.
We extend our sincere condolences to Matt and the entire family, and we thank them for allowing us to share David’s story here with his fellow model building enthusiasts.
Mark Linehan
My sincerest condolences to David’s family and friends. I did not know him but was touched by the message that was posted, and can relate to the happiness he got through building and collecting models. I hope that you will hold on to your treasured memories and find some comfort in them!
Mark
What a beautiful tribute to David, an avid model builder like many of us here. My condolences to Matt and his family and I’m sure that David’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will cherish and honour the legacy that will be a lasting reminder of the man himself.
Julia George (Auntie Noo Noo)
Dearest Matt, Matt and family ,
katie, Daniel, Jon and myself are so saddened by your family’s loss.
I remember meeting your dad and such a nice warm gentleman.
Sending you all our condolences and special hugs xx lots of love xxx
Derek
Sad to hear of his passing,ive just started building and it’s definitely contagious sure he enjoyed building like i am
Grant
What a beautiful, heartful message to the incredibly sad loss for Matt and his family.
It was a wonderful thing that you did for David, your Dad, especially poignant that when he came home from hospital just sitting in his room gave him joy and peace.
Thank you for sharing his love and passion.
Stay strong.