Fred Dibnah was a legendary steeplejack and passionate about steam power. DAN EVASON pays tribute to him with a 4mm scale diorama based on a chimney scene.
Above: The completed boiler house and chimney diorama, with ladders and scaffolding boards secured in place, together with detailed hardstanding area and obligatory Land Rover.
FRED DIBNAH, the renowned steeplejack, was one of my heroes. I loved his way of thinking and his approach to life, his appreciation for the Victorian era and his passion for steam.
As child I remember watching him on television with his ladders strapped by ropes to a great big chimney with not a hard hat in sight. I watched in amazement as Fred would spectacularly bring these brick monsters to their feet in a cloud of red and grey dust and then just simply walk away casually saying “Did you like that?”
