I am sorry to report the passing of Bill Neale MMR on December 28th of last year.
His obituary can be found here: https://www.heeney-sundquist.c...ary/william-neale-ii
I considered him the foremost modeler of the Panhandle in any scale. Bill's HO layout has appeared in many publications over the years including several NMRA calendars, Model Railroad Planners, and other publications (such as the long defunct Railmodel Journal). Over the past 20 years, he and I corresponded frequently about our shared modeling interest, and I learned a great deal from him. A few years ago, I got to meet him through the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society annual meetings; he was an engaging, generous, and knowledgeable human being. Bill was extremely active in the PRRT&HS and had recently been elected a director of that organization. He was also the keynote speaker at our Mid-Central Regional Convention in Pittsburgh back in May 2023. Bill was an inspiration to me and one of the highlights of my modeling career was the privilege of introducing him at this event.
Bill was always looking to help other modelers. I certainly enjoyed and benefited from his friendship. He will be missed.
George
