Remembering Fred Dole

So sorry to learn of Fred's passing.  I met him a few times and indeed he was a fine gentleman.   May his soul rest in eternal light and may his family have the needed strength to get through these difficult days.  My sincerest condolences to the family.

Sad news indeed. Condolences to his family and friends. Fred was one of the good guys.

This is certainly a shock to hear.  My condolences to all his family and friends.   He certainly had a lasting impact on many in the hobby and will be missed.

Regards,

Greg

I just  learned of Fred Dole's passing and was stunned by the news. Fred photographed Collector's Gallery for many years, among his other duties  as Editor of O Gauge Railroading, and I learned to be a much better writer thanks to his professionalism as an editor as well as his artistic talents as a photographer.  In his years as Editor of OGR, Fred was responsible for the look as well as the content of the magazine which helped us become the magazine we are today.

When we worked together, because our names sound similar, people were always confusing us. For years  I  found myself  answering to Fred Doyle and Fred answering to Ed Dole. Given Fred's achievements in the hobby as photographer, editor, layout person and writer I was proud to be called Fred. It was an honor.

My condolences to Edie, his loyal wife and chief supporter.  Fred and his superior set of talents will be missed by all of us in the hobby. 

Ed Boyle

Wow....I am shocked and saddened. Fred Dole was a  true gentleman. I enjoyed his writing and envied his skills. Condolences to the family.

Real professional model railroader, writer and editor and one of my OGR favorites going back many years. My condolences to the family.

A sad loss for our hobby.  Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

Fred will be long remembered by me as a true friend who not only gave me the start with OGR but also taught me a lot about magazine development and photography. On a few but nonetheless memorable occasions, Fred and I got to spend all-too-short spans of time together, and I will remember them all with fondness.  His warm smile and quiet but assured personality were truly infectious.  When I accepted the editor's desk from Fred's stewardship, he passed on tips and wisdom for doing the job that quickly proved to be immensely helpful. He heard me say this before in real-time and I have to say it again--thank you Fred.

George Brown

Sad news. Condolences to his family. He will be missed.

This is very sad to hear, and my condolences go out to his family and friends.

I was just reading some older OGR articles that Fred wrote this morning at breakfast - he loved to write about Delta Lines and reproduced many of the structures Frank Ellison originally built. His photographic skills and genuine interest in layout building made him an icon in model railroading - his camera angles of layouts are the best bar-none - and he had one neat layout going from what I recall.

Fred Dole is one of the giants of model railroading in my estimation.

So sorry to hear of this. When I got back into trains, I found that reading OGR exposed me to many new things and helped with a lot of questions I had. I met Fred a few times and my recollection is that he was a really good guy. Fred's OGR was a great magazine and a pleasure to read.

Gerry

Let me add my voice to this thread in expressing my condolences on Fred's passing.

Classic Toy Trains magazine once referred to Fred as a "Hobby Legend." I would agree with that assessment. We lost a great modeler and photographer with his passing.

Fred was one of the first people I met at my very first York.  He was one of the nicest people and fun to talk trains with.  I always associate him with the famous Delta Lines layout which he was very fond of.  I seem to remember Fred buying some of the original structures and building some of his own.  A true talent and gentleman who will be missed.  Condolences to all his family and friends.  BigRail

I knew Fred back in the 80's.  Condolences to his family and many friends, he will surely will be missed by all who knew him.

Jack

I never met Fred but knew of him and his name from the RR model magazines I read...in a way it's like losing a friend ...be it one I never met...and I have to same the same feeling about some other folks who have appeared in OGR for quite a long time...Ed Boyle, Rich Melvin, Jim Barrett..I may ever meet any of you face to face...but you all have been a part of my life through this great hobby....My condolences go out to Bob and his family....Our own family of train model railroaders also lost a good friend. RIP Fred and thank you for all the memories....

I never met Mr. Dole, but as a subscriber of OGR for many, many years, I am very familiar with his work. He will be greatly missed by everyone in the model railroading community. My condolences to his family.

As an OGR Reader. A person like Fred, that departs from this earth never truly leaves. For he is still alive in our hearts and minds.

Please accept my condolences, he will not be forgotten.

Gary

So sorry to hear about Fred.   A big loss to all model railroaders especially OGR Magazine and Forum.    Good ones seem to go far too soon.

Godspeed Mr. Dole!

I have been struggling with this all day......Fred and his wife Edie, along with Myron and Nancy Biggar were the pillars of the OGR booth in the old Yellow Hall in the 90s.....a great guy.....it is sad that time has to march on.....I am thankful of the memories of those days and the time we shared.

Peter

I met Fred several times at York, and always thought highly of him. Good modeler, good editor, good photographer.  I'll always remember him for his efforts at saving as much as he could of Frank Ellison's Delta Lines.

Keep the rails polished upstairs for us, Fred!

Chris

LVHR

Condolences and prayers for Mr. Dole and his family.  I on!y had the pleasure to speak with Fred once, at an NMRA convention event in Lancaster, Pa. many years ago.  OGR had a booth there and he convinced me to get an OGR subscription that I enjoy to this day.

Very sad news indeed. His efforts to bring so many great layouts and train modeling techniques to his fellow hobbiests through OGR is what inspired me to rejoin this great hobby after college. 

Thank you Mr. Dole! Sincerest sympathies to his family. 

May the peace that comes from heaven above shield and comfort the Dole family in this time of loss. Those of us left behind have our memories of this great person. There is no one who can fill the void in our hobby community when one of the pioneers departs from us. We have lost so many great individuals in the past twenty-years. The ones that we are saying goodbye to are some of the very ones who helped make this hobby what it is today. Mr Dole, I want to say Thank you for everything you accomplished during your time with us.  

Putnam Division posted:

I have been struggling with this all day......Fred and his wife Edie, along with Myron and Nancy Biggar were the pillars of the OGR booth in the old Yellow Hall in the 90s.....a great guy.....it is sad that time has to march on.....I am thankful of the memories of those days and the time we shared.

Peter

I remember when Fred would come over to the gold hall and take pictures for the next Right of Way catalog.  A 35mm film camera and a ton of wisdom.  And always willing to share that wisdom.  

Lou N

My condolences to the Dole family

Alex

I am heart struck to read about this loss to hobby with Fred Dole's passing. I consider myself lucky to have known Fred. I think he laid the foundation for the wonderful relationship enjoyed by the OGR staff and their readers to this day.

Fred always tried to draw people from all walks of life together so as to further the enjoyment of the hobby.  There are many wonderful people I am lucky enough to of met because of these pages and they can be traced back to Fred's  efforts and belief in people. True we owe much to the present owners but it was Fred who brought us all together. 

I don't have the professional skill at writing as Allan to express my feelings so all I can offer is my prayers for all of Fred's family and friends.

I am stunned to hear this very sad news.

He had been to our home to photograph the layout, and since I had learned he was a minister, I addressed him at the front door as Reverend, but he told me to call him Fred, helping, as an excellent guest, to help set the perfect tone for having him as an editor and photographer of an important train hobby magazine into out home on OGR business. His  warmth blended well with our outreach to him very comfortably. That's my strongest memory of him, his cordiality. He subsequently invited us to his home, a homestead he loved very much. He was a delightful fellow and very much a gentleman.

I am sorry he is gone.

FrankM.

I first met Fred at an OGR anniversary party sometime in the early 1990's along with the late Norman Cole at what was at that time OGR head quarters in Pennsylvania hosted by Byron and Nancy Biggar.  My wife and I arrived about a half hour before the scheduled closing time and after we both had a piece of sheet cake I wondered  into the back area of the office and found Fred's desk.  I started to laugh and then Fred joined in because his desk was lined with factory painted and issued Dole Fruit freight cars.  How appropriate.  

I met Fred several more times over the years at various O Scale meets and the foremost lasting impression that I have of Fred Dole was that he was very polite, respectful and he was a good listener. He did not try to dominate, highjack or change the conversation, he was truly interested in what I was saying to him.  I had a standing invitation to visit with Fred at his home in Connecticut but between professional and family responsibilities I sadly never make it to his home to see his version of Frank Elson's Donaldson. He was a good guy and I am a better person for having know him.  Rest in Peace my friend!   Bill    

"So ask not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee."

I had the honor to work with Fred when I started with the company in 2003. He was the art director I was the graphic designer. He was always on time with the deadlines and taught me how important they are. He had a wonderful eye for photography and page layout. Deepest sympathies to his wife Edie and his family.

I got to know Fred back when I was a 26 year old newly-wed.  I'd bump into him at Barilarro's Train Shop in Colchester, CT.  I didn't even know he was "somebody" until later.  Just a nice guy who shared a passion...

Jon

As I wrote on another thread, I am very saddened to hear this.  Speaking for myself, I miss Fred, and hope for nothing but the best for Edie. It was due to Fred's push that I first wrote an article for O Gauge Railroading magazine over twenty five years ago, and that one push changed my life completely.  I went from hobbyist to avid writer, photographer and supporter of OGR.  He was indeed a legend in the hobby and will always remain that way. 

Too soon to pass . . . . Rest in Peace

Well this is really sad news indeed.He will be missed by family and friends.He is with the lord now rip fred I send my to his loved ones condolences. 

Fred Dole was multi-talented and a leader in the hobby.  Most important, he was a mensch.  He will be greatly missed.

Condolences to Edie and the rest of the family.

Keith

Allan,

   Great picture of Fred in your 1st post, to me he was the Legend that Frank and a few others happened to be, his loss to our hobby is a very big one.  Here in our home we hope his family weathers this storm, and they are all right.  Fred now runs his Trains on the Supreme Architects great Layout, I am sure the Boss will use him as his Chief Photographer, his talents were that great.

PCRR/Dave

Sad day guys. Sorry about the loss. I do recall him when I was buying OGR back 16-17 years back. 

Sorry to hear of Fred passing, I talked with him on the phone many time renewing my subscription years ago. My condolences to his family.

Doug

My condolences to Dole family and friends! 

Condolences to his family and friends. He was a very nice person. Sad day

have never met Mr Fred Dole....but it was his photography and Dr Tinkers kind words on repair advice that brought me to be an avid reader of OGR magazine.   An earlier post by Allegheny said it all for me in wishes for Fred and his wife & family.  bless Fred for re-kindling my interest in O gauge.

 Sorry to hear of Fred's passing, I had the privilege of meeting Fred many years ago when he came to my home to take pictures of my old layout for OGR magazine. He was here for quite a few hours taking pictures, and was very helpful in preparing the layout for the pictures. The layout at the time had florescent lighting and I remember Fred saying in a very positive/kind manner, that this type of light does not do justice for our layouts. Years later when I started preparing for the new layout, I remembered Fred's words about the lighting and installed track lighting above the new layout. This was of course a huge difference in the lighting of the layout. This is just my little story of Fred, and the short time we spent together all those years ago!! Please see the attached photo of Mr. Dole!

Rest in peace my friend,

Jeff James 

Very sad news indeed.  Ironically he passed away on my birthday.

I remember almost 15 years ago talking with him when I was helping to coordinate his visit to the San Diego 3-Railer's layout in Balboa Park; he was going to be in Cali for a few days visiting relatives & friends as I recall, and wanted to drop by to take photographs while he was here, in spite of the layout not being quite finished scenery-wise at the time (the layout was just recently rebuilt).  After a few pleasant phone & email chats the day was finalized.  When that day came I made sure to keep an eye out for him, and before too long I spotted him along with Edie huddled amongst a group of visitors; he told me later he was trying to be discreet but I told him it didn't work .

Before long after chatting with the group of us running that day on the history of the layout, etc. he began setting up his gear.  I've heard beforehand, from Jim Barrett and others in addition to his own self-confession, that he was a bit of a cranky curmudgeon when it comes to staging shots to suit his style of photography, and sure enough (and in spite of being a minister) he did get a tad bit cranky & impatient a few times when having people stage their trains in certain spots on the layout, but once he got his shots, he was all happy in between.  It didn't bother me a bit; I chalked it up to part of his strive for the perfect shots.  He was made an honorary club member as a sign of our appreciation.

Needless to say, I haven't corresponded with him all that much since then, but needless to say he struck me as a very humble, personable, warm and likable fellow, and I've always admired his interest in the Delta Lines and his interpretation he did on his layout in addition to the contributions he's made to the magazine and the hobby as a hole.  And his wife Edie was a real sweetheart and a treat to talk to as well.

You'll be greatly missed Fred, and my sincere condolences go out to Edie and the rest of his family in their time of loss.

Like losing family.  I read so much of his work in OGR over the years.

HOPPY posted:

Like losing family.  I read so much of his work in OGR over the years.

You are right about that!

Peter

Seems strange for me to say, as others have, that Fred "will be missed".  I have already missed him for 10 years now because I haven't seen him since he left the magazine.  I had the pleasure of visiting with him several times and I had interaction with him when he accepted an article of mine for the magazine when he was editor.

My condolences to the family.

Dennis

Another Great Person was called home to his eternal rest. To those of us who know Mr. Dole were truly blessed as he was a gentleman who always had time for all of us.

As PCRR/Dave stated in his post - Fred now runs his Trains on the Supreme Architects great Layout, I am sure the Boss will use him as his Chief Photographer, his talents were that great.

We all shall miss this great man and I wish my condolences to his family.

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 !

Even though I never met him either, I felt like I knew him because of his excellent writing and photography in the pages of OGR. A great loss. He will be missed.

I kept many of my old OSR and OGRs dating back to late 1980s and early 1990s...and have done so mainly due to the excellent photo and layout editorials the late Fred Dole. He knew how to photograph and cover train layouts like no one else IMO. His class and character showed through his work as well.

Agreed. When he came to our home to see the layout, we felt proud and honored to receive him. When he then suggested doing more than one Run of our layout, we were delighted. Plus, frankly, he was fun to be with, pleasant and enjoyable as a guest.

FrankM

Fred Dole was a good friend and helped me (via USPS) in taking decent photos for two articles I  wrote for OGR in the past. One was on about building a Galloping Goose for 3 rail. The other covered making my old Lionel 675 from 1949 look more "Pennsy." I added a pilot shroud, a few other details. It also got a PRR paint and lettering job with a PRR K-4s number. I have always appreciated his help and encouragement from many years ago.  

S. Islander

It is nice to see this thread again.......Fred is gone but not forgotten.....His name frequently and fondly surfaced at the Delta Lines interest group meeting at York this past October....

Peter

I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Dole, in fact, he was gone (from OGR) long before I found the magazine and before I started my subscriptions to it.  As I read thru the various comments about him, I realize just how great a person he really was and nice it must have been to have been able to know him and to have been able to be associated with him.  What a huge loss the model railroading community has endured.  I wish I could have met him.  He sounds like a true inspiration to so many people.  I'm so sorry for his wife and family, I'm sure they will miss him tremendously.  May he live on forever in our thoughts and hearts.  Let us all take comfort in knowing that he is in a much better place now and may he rest in peace.

John Korling posted:

Very sad news indeed.  Ironically he passed away on my birthday.

I remember almost 15 years ago talking with him when I was helping to coordinate his visit to the San Diego 3-Railer's layout in Balboa Park; he was going to be in Cali for a few days visiting relatives & friends as I recall, and wanted to drop by to take photographs while he was here, in spite of the layout not being quite finished scenery-wise at the time (the layout was just recently rebuilt).  After a few pleasant phone & email chats the day was finalized.  When that day came I made sure to keep an eye out for him, and before too long I spotted him along with Edie huddled amongst a group of visitors; he told me later he was trying to be discreet but I told him it didn't work .

Before long after chatting with the group of us running that day on the history of the layout, etc. he began setting up his gear.  I've heard beforehand, from Jim Barrett and others in addition to his own self-confession, that he was a bit of a cranky curmudgeon when it comes to staging shots to suit his style of photography, and sure enough (and in spite of being a minister) he did get a tad bit cranky & impatient a few times when having people stage their trains in certain spots on the layout, but once he got his shots, he was all happy in between.  It didn't bother me a bit; I chalked it up to part of his strive for the perfect shots.  He was made an honorary club member as a sign of our appreciation.

Needless to say, I haven't corresponded with him all that much since then, but needless to say he struck me as a very humble, personable, warm and likable fellow, and I've always admired his interest in the Delta Lines and his interpretation he did on his layout in addition to the contributions he's made to the magazine and the hobby as a hole.  And his wife Edie was a real sweetheart and a treat to talk to as well.

You'll be greatly missed Fred, and my sincere condolences go out to Edie and the rest of his family in their time of loss.

Sorry such a belated reply, John, but were these pictures by Fred ever all published? I traveled out to see your layout from KS w/ my youngest son and an adult friend (via Amtrak) and took a few pix myself, though NOT of the same quality as Fred, I'm QUITE sure. Don't remember what year, offhand, but I DO know it was NOT the latest layout version -- and I DO recall the latest version in pictures, somewhere in print. You guys (and the museum) represent the pinnacle of model railroading, in my mind. Maybe NOT the biggest (Paterson, NJ ?) but likely the best.

P.S. Let me explain my not-intentional, but likely somewhat-controversial comment: First, as I have aged, I have realized there is no absolute "bests" of anything, only personal preferences. Second, as I was the president of a local club for nearly a decade, I got mild arrows shot my way for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was that while we embraced O-gauge AND S-gauge layouts and collectors (i.e. TOY trains) we did NOT include HO (ho ho ho). I always felt there were PLENTY of outlets for ho-ho-ho'ers already. So back to my earlier comment - it was quite refreshing to see ALL the gauges represented in a museum, with each club literally having a "seat at the table." And getting along! (maybe better than could be expected?) 

But, thru MY eyes, it was great seeing O-gauge 3 railers putting forth a superb effort, one that could more than adequately stand up to the superb MODELS of HO gauge railroads. And a layout with "action-accessories" that kids could embrace with widened eyes (and possibly a vehicle which could attract them into the hobby - we could certainly use THAT !)