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I'm searching for any and all information about this legendary modeller and his equally stunning railroad. Mr. Ellison was a model railroading pioneer from the 30's through the 50's, paving the way for the likes of John Allen, Malcolm Furlow and Frank Sellios. Unlike John Allen, who had a book written about his famous GD line, there has been no definitive work about Mr. Ellison, and I believe we are nearing a time when first hand information will be lost to the ages. A synopsis: Mr. Ellison was the child of a theatrical family, and used that knowledge and artistic talent to create scale structures and stunning backgrounds for his layout. He converted his 3-rail 'O' gauge layout to an outside-third-rail SCALE layout. He was one of the first to advocate true operation, including a 'card order' systems and a 'scale clock' ~ complete with 'smileposts'! Mr. Ellison's basic philosophy was that the trains are the 'actors' on a 'stage ' (the layout), and that structures and scenery were merely 'the set' for The Show. The actual 'plot' of the story was the operation, complete with its own twists and turns (scheduling, meets, way freights, etc.). Ellison's Delta Lines ceased operations as he grew older, and his 12 to 15 man operating crew disbanded. In the early 60's, the layout was dismantled and sold to a modeller in Boston, who had dreams of rebuilding the original. Sadly, on its trip from its original home in Louisiana, the moving van hit an overpass in the rain. The layout, and most of the structures and equipment, were destroyed. Ellison's legacy lives on, however, since he was a prolific author. Old issues of "Model Builder" magazine, as well as "Model Railroader" clearly show how he designed and built structures. His concept of model railroading was brought to light in the book, "Frank Ellison on Model Railroading", published in the 50's. In Kalmbach's new book about the 'Model Builder' magazines, Ellison articles are highlighted. It is known that some of the remaining structures and equipment are in the hands of collectors; I can't help but wonder if there aren't more out there. Mr. Paul McClune was a teen operator of the 50' x 53' Delta Lines in the 50's; does anyone know of his whereabouts? Is it possible that someone knows of his daughter and son? Does anyone know the whereabouts of surviving operators/structures/equipment? I seek factual or anecdotal stories, published or unpublished photos, leads, clues... ANYthing that might help us compile a thorough and concise 'final chapter' to this 'Granddaddy' of model railroading.
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