Alan Arnold's Layout

I too looked at the digital edition.  Impressive layout!

WOW! 

The WOW FACTOR is even greater when visiting Alan's layout in person -- as I have done, thanks to his hospitality and eagerness to share his magnificent urban-based empire with hobbyists/guests and through a series of articles published years ago in THE LION ROARS, the magazine of the Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA).

His O-gauge layout is an "echo" of his appreciation for urban architecture and an affirmation of "build up, not out."

Mike Mottler     LCCA 12394
Previous Editor, The Lion Roars

40 X 30 is a massive layout and he has just about every aspect of railroading included on it.  The sky scrapers make it look like a real metropolis.... A first class operation for sure'..👍⭐👌⭐

@Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

40 X 30 is a massive layout and he has just about every aspect of railroading included on it.  The sky scrapers make it look like a real metropolis.... A first class operation for sure'..👍⭐👌⭐

I agree that a layout of that size is massive, which contributes to making Alan's layout awesome. 

I have not seen it in the digital magazine yet, but when I saw it on YouTube, I thought that Alan must have a basement the size of a very large gymnasium. LOL, Arnold

If that is an unfinished layout he felt was no good enough to share you guys are never ever going to see pictures of my layout.  That was just spectacular.

It looks like most of the magazine is Alan's layout.

I have seen many pictures and videos that Alan has posted on this forum, so I was already impressed with the amazing quality of his layout, but the digital edition has shown me something that I had never seen on Alan’s layout before... steamers!!! As an addict of large steam, I would love to see Alan post some additional pictures (or even better, a video) of the steamers running on his layout!!!

Yes, it’s a really amazing layout from the many pictures I’ve seen over the years. Our group is going to plan a trip to visit Alans beautiful layout as soon as it’s safe, getting a vaccine for this hidden coronavirus. I look forward to reading this fine article soon. Alan is a true ambassador for our hobby, and has enhanced our enjoyment of the great OGR Magazine. Seeing his hard work and imagination is such a wonderful way to sit back and enjoy this truly fun hobby. Great thread, Happy Railroading Everyone... 

Thanks guys!  I had some folks contact me privately concerning what kind of camera was used to take the pictures.  The pictures were taken with a Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus.  The software was upgraded to the most recent available and I have to say that the quality of the pictures are as good as my nice Nikon digital camera.  Very little extra lighting was needed.  The Digital magazine has about 130 more pictures of the layout than we could put in the print version.

WOW''', the photos are excellent' that is a very impressive camera in a cell phone.  Unbelievable high quality...

Alan's layout is a favorite of mine!   Please share more coverage in the future!  I've seen some videos of trains running on Alan's layout and I felt like I was trackside at some great urban train watching spot.  Realistic and interesting consists are well done!  Inspiring to see such quality! 

Magnificent layout!

Peter

Alan and Lakeeta hosted a small group of us from Atlanta last year.  I’m not exaggerating when I say both the layout and their home are spectacular!  I would also be remiss if I didn’t note what wonderful hosts they were!

The photos are great but; you really need to experience Alan’s layout in 3D to maximize your appreciation of it!

Curt

I like the supports for your 2nd level tracks.  I'll digitally clip and save some of your layout for ideas to use on the new layout I am building.  That's why I like the digital and hard copy of the magazine.  I have the same good looking Electroliner, too!

Alan, you mention the late John Allen in regards to modeling water in the fantastic presentation of your layout.  I imagine most all veteran model railroaders know who John was.  His larger than life Gorre & Daphetid HO scale empire appeared in most of the model magazines during his lifetime.  Indeed, he truly became a legend in model railroading, even after his untimely passing in 1973.

The late editor of Model Railroader, Lynn Westcott, wrote a book about John and his G&D which went into several printings.  The GD LINE was freelanced and  featured some of John's humor, even a small model of a train, with children taking a ride on it.  I'm not going to bring out the slide ruler, but if you were to model a theme park on your layout which included a miniature train, which scale would be realistic for O gauge?  N perhaps, or Z?  John's little model was non-operating, but today a working model would really be an eye catcher, don't you think?

In closing, I'd like to ask modelers of all scales who are dedicated OGR readers, if anyone of you has ever considered constructing a layout as close as possible to the G&D?  John never finished his layout due to his death, so building a duplicate would naturally include the unfinished portion of course.  A 3 rail O gauge G&D would certainly be a work of art itself but at the same time serve as a tribute to a pioneer in the hobby as well.

Thanks,

Joe