General Discussion (Model Railroader)

I just read in the April issue of Model Railroader where O scale modeler Lorell Joiner of TX passed away on December 7, 2007.  I was curious if anyone knows if he was still active in O scale and did he still have his Great Southern layout.  I saw it once and it was really fantastic.  He was only 62 and I was also curious what he passed away from.  Thanks

He had pretty much given up on modelling. The Great Southern was sold off.

I don't think that getting into the cause of his death is important (nothing personal against you).

 You know that's sad, I remember the January 1989 MR article Legendary Layouts and the men who built them that featured Lorells layout.....it really changed my perspective on O scale, and tempted me to consider going O scale on my Piedmont Southern line. It's always sad to see the passing of a true craftsman. My condolences to the Joiner family.

okiechoochoo wrote:

I just read in the April issue of Model Railroader where O scale modeler Lorell Joiner of TX passed away on December 7, 2007.  I was curious if anyone knows if he was still active in O scale and did he still have his Great Southern layout.  I saw it once and it was really fantastic.  He was only 62 and I was also curious what he passed away from.  Thanks

Sad indeed - he was a great modeler.  The cause of his death is no secret.  The NMRA "Scale Rails" announcement of his death said he suffered from diabetes, failing eyesight, and other ailments.    This was discussed some weeks ago elsewhere on the Forums

 http://cs.trains.com/forums/1335623/ShowPost.aspx

Dave Nelson

I too am sorry to hear about his passing.  The Great Southern was featured frequently in MR when Mr. Joiner was active in the hobby, and it was a remarkable O-scale model railroad, big, sweeping and beautifully detailed.  Really an inspiration to anyone modeling in ANY scale.  And from what I understand, Mr. Joiner was a very accessable, likeable, down-to-earth person that enjoyed sharing his hobby and his expertise. 

Just a personal thought: 62 is FAR too young.  My condolences to his family and friends.  He'll be missed. 

Tom  

I always enjoyed articles about Lorrell and his Great Southern and even my wife liked watching the video Kalmbach with Lorell on doing track work (which is a good thing because I've watched it over and over  - more times than I watched the original Starwars movie).

He will be missed.

George

loathar wrote:

I hope I can make it to 62 with my diabetes. I don't like to think about the point in time when I won't be able to model because of it.

csmith9474 wrote:

He had pretty much given up on modelling. The Great Southern was sold off. I don't think that getting into the cause of his death is important (nothing personal against you).

Knowing the cause of death gives some people closure. I happen to be one of these people.

Anyways. I'm sincerely sorry that this man passed away at such a young age - may he rest in eternal peace.

Tracklayer