Book Review Wanted: V&O Railroad

[BRAKIE]

Chip,Its a good book and worthy of a spot on your railroad book shelf.My 2 all time favorite model railroads is the former AM and the V&O.[:D]

[BigJim]

I'll echo what everyone else has said even without reading the book. I have all of the original articles. The V&O was an inspiration to me. Eighth Notch all the way!

[edkowal]

This is an excellent book. In the course of describing the V&O in the detail, from conception through operation, there are extremely informative discussions of what made the V&O so successful as an operating model. That is one of the more interesting contributions of Allen McClelland. He looked at the whole layout as a model of a transportation SYSTEM, not just a collection of interesting models which you could run.

This outlook was championed by him, as well as by others, including John Armstrong. Many aspects of the most "modern" and noteworthy model railroads of today were anticipated by the V&O.

It's not primarily a tips and techniques book for building a model railroad. You won't find a lot about how to lay track or do scenery. That's not the focus. It is one of the better treatments of how you can play trains with a realistic viewpoint. While there are many interesting photos, they're there to provide a reference to a point made in the text.

Get the book. You won't be disappointed.

By the way, the title is "The V&O Story."

-Ed

[MidlandPacific]

Chip,

I enjoyed it - the focus is operational and modern, but there's lots of interesting stuff in there. I think you'll enjoy the description of Astrac, the early command and control system that he originally used - and you'll really, really appreciate DCC.

[Anonymous]

Exactly what DavidH said. I bought it in 1988 and have worn it out. Very enjoyable and informative book.

[SpaceMouse]

Thanks David, anyone else?

Harrisburg, I don't know.

[DavidH]

The book is a compilation of a series of articles that appeared in RMC in the 70s. It is an excellent narrative of the conception, planning, building and operation of one of the great model railroads of all time. Lots of excellent photos as well.

David

[harrisburg]

Spacemouse, did that gentle start on his new layout yet ?

[SpaceMouse]

I saw the ad for it at home so the title might not be right. Any one read it? What's in the book? Is is just photos of the layout or are there tips and techniques. Philosophies of design? Operating guidelines?