I have subscribed to CTT since the January 2003 issue, and will always remember the sight of Mr. Pete Vollmer's "practice" layout featured in the May 2004 issue (yes, I still have a dog-eared copy of it). I also read with interest the feature on his new layout, as published in CTT about four years ago. I remember there being talk in the final paragraph or so of that article about Mr. Vollmer getting out of O scale and into On30. I also recall reading a forum posting (O Gauge Railroading) which seemed to suggest that Vollmer's beautiful O gauge layout was indeed being succeeded with an On30 display.Now, here in the May 2015 issue of CTT are a series of amazing photographs in which postwar Lionel trains meander through the scenery described in the 2011 CTT article. It almost seems as though the "Postwar-yet-Hi-Rail" approach taken with the "practice" layout we saw in 2004 has been reincarnated. Beautiful work, Mr. Vollmer!
Not only a mater layout builder, but Pete is just one of the best guys you will ever meet. I was sorry to see his recent layout go, it was probably my favorite layout. It even featured "The Frank53 Bed Flophouse"
It is my understanding the "Flophouse" will be repurposed on his new layout and he is doing some incredible work - really quickly I might add. I don't seem to have the photos handy, but I have seen the structures he is building and they just keep getting better and better.
Just a really good fellow and an incredible artisan.
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