The V&O story

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Just wondering who here has this book. I’ve recently come across the Model Railroader issues where this book draws it’s information; do you guys think that buying the book itself is worth it? Is there anything extra in it that wasn’t in the original MR articles (running from Jan '77 to March '78).

Also, does anybody here have the Pentex video “Afton: The Finale” or whatever its called. Its a video created a few days before the original V&O was torn down back in 2001. Just curious as to it’s quality. I want to get the Keller video… but damn! 40 bucks for an hour. On VHS!!! Nope, no way.

2

I have the Afton Finale video and it’s a keeper!

I’m a huge V&O fan, and this video is an essential part of any fan’s collection. The quality is very good, and it even has dubbed in prototype sounds. Allen talks about his planned expansion, and there’s video footage that shows the incomplete expanded areas.

All-in-all, very informative and a fun watch. I drag it out and rewatch it now and then when I want a hobby-inspiration-shot-in-the-arm.

3

Wow… Joe Fugate responds to my thread… haha. Sorry, I just never imagined interacting with someone who I used to read all about in MR when I was a kid.

Thanks for the input; I can get a copy at a pretty good price (almost half the GMR videos from Allen Keller, and LONGER) so I was wondering if it was a worthy investment.

4

Got my copy of The V&O Story many moons ago from M.B.Klein’s. Have read it many times, and still encorporate the “good enuff” style of model railroading to this day.

Also, recommend Great Model Railroads Volume 11.

5

I have the V&O Story Book and the Allen Kellar VCR tape both are great and money well spent…Cox 47

6

Everything in the book is extra to the MR articles since The V&O Story was published by Carsten’s Publications; that’s RMC.

Don’t feel badly!; Ray-O-Vac® did a survey of shoppers one time and discovered that over half of those surveyed believed that the Energizer Bunny was a Duracell®mascot.

7

I purchased a copy of the V&O Story many years ago as well as the Allen Keller video of the V&O. I also got to meet Allen McCelland at a regional NMRA meet. His work has inspired me from the very begining. I loaned my V&O book and a Keller V&O video to another model railroader and didn’t get them back. I have also have a Pentrex video “Virginian & Ohio: Afton Division Finale” You can find old Keller VHS videos on Ebay for reasonable prices. I am sad to hear that the most recent edition of the V&O will be dismantled as Mr. McClelland is selling his home. I hope that Model Railroader, Pentrex or Keller get to the layout for some video before it is dismantled.

My current inspiration is Joe Fugate. Although I model the KCS in the central US, I find his videos (DVD) inspirational as well. They are very reasonable in price and loaded with great information. Joe has also done several OPS session videos which has helped as I am building a large basement layout for operation. Joe also has a great web site with a forum and lots of great information.

8

The best thing about The Afton Division Finale is there are two version of the video in the DVD. The first, is what you would expect - good footage and informative interviews etc. The second in the same footage from the first, but without any voice overs - just great scenery and trains running!

-George

9

waaaaaaait a second. When did this come out??? I never heard of the V&O being actually no more… i dont think…

10

There is 1 chapter in the V&O story that wasn’t in the RMC…also some photos…Cox 47

11

I have the book well read and well worn. I keep it and my copy of George Selios’s Franklin and Southmanchester book in close proximity when I’m modelling,keeps me going. I have the Pentrex Vid as well,and I find something new in it each time I watch it.

Rob

12

Dito!!!

Joe’s videos are worth every penny.

13

Yes it is, much better than the AK video, (Nothing against Allan…he has done some good work as well) and it’s avalible on DVD.

14

The book does a couple of things you only see a glimpse of in the articles:

[1] There is the feel for “the larger picture” beyond the V&O.

[2] The V&O only is a portion of that larger picture.

[3] The V&O models a layout to the point of being “good enough.”

[4] The V&O pioneered what is called proto-lancing,

[5] V&O operations has a purpose and is modeled to fulfill that vision.

15

Yeah that and it looks cool as all get out, and makes even the most veteran modelers drool.

16

These are several of the guiding concepts that make the V&O held in some of the highest regard in my mind. Along with the old O-scale layout at the Chicago Museum Of Science And Industry, the V&O has had major impact in what I’ve always wanted to do with my layout. I still look back at those issues and think, someday…

Cheers!

~METRO