Lorell Joiner

During the San Antonio O scale National meet, Sam Sachs, myself, and one other ( Walt?) went to visit the Great Southern (in a rented Cadillac limo, Sam had class!) but I really do not remember much about the GS; just too many folks there. One thing that I do remember is a "notch" or "cut-out" in the platform edge every so many feet. I asked Lorell what they were for; step into one to give someone  space to pass behind you. Unfortunately that is my main memory of the visit. Oh, and that the limo was a an uncomfortable ride!

I first learned of Lorrel Joiner this past summer when I purchased a whole bunch of the "Dream, Plan, Build" DVD series. Volume 8 features an interview with Lorrel and some great footage of his layout. I am not sure of the video's date, likely early 1990s as Lorrel explained the need to invent a remote control system to control the trains. The footage may have been from the "Tracks Ahead" series, as many of the videos shown in the Dream, Plan, Build series are from. Many are also excerpts from Allen Keller videos.  Also, John Armstrong's layout is covered by Allen Keller in the accompanying series, "Great American Layouts."

I've searched high and low and am collecting as many DVDs of great layouts as I can find; thus far I must have close to 55 DVDs. Personally, I don't prefer streaming videos on Youtube or elsewhere, I guess I am a dinosaur that way, yet I stand by that the best layout tours were done by Allen Keller and others who took the time to capture excellent videography and create interesting narration that is not easy nor quick to accomplish.

Last week I purchased the DVD on John Allen's G&D layouts (there were two G&D layouts) and can see now why so many modelers have followed his layout building features. John seemed like a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor.

I just found some pictures of the Great Southern Lines layout I took in 1986 when I visited Lorell in San Antonio. He was so gracious to let me visit and take these photos for my inspiration.
I was in town to visit my sister in law for a few days and I called and he agreed to let me see the layout. I now wish I had had a better camera.