Late add-on to the "Fred Dole condolences" thread. No, I never met him, either, but I don't believe there's ever been a better photographer of O-gauge railroad layouts ANYWHERE ! He spoiled me, for one. Rival publications to OGR may have great articles, but almost always have small "vignette" pictures, leaving you craving for an overall "big picture" view to put the smaller scenes into perspective. Fred forever "ruined me" in that way. Scope, focus & lighting - ALL were perfect.
I was a johnny-come-lately to the grandeur of the Delta Lines. As most DL fans, we've seen the imitation layouts (pretty darn good in their own right) and read tribute articles, as well as Frank Ellison's original musings, but I don't think I've ever seen a complete detailed track plan. If he were still alive, I'd ask him if he ever actually MET Frank, or saw firsthand the DL layout before it was dismantled.
I salute Fred for his homage to all-things-Ellison and remember his wonderful articles (and photos!) in past issues of OSR and OGR. And recall his love for the (Harbor Mist) Gray & Armour Yellow of the U.P. even though he was fundamentally an east-coast railfan.
He is definitely missed !
