Has anyone ever heard of the Great Southern layout? I have heard that it is very large. I know it is here in San Antonio; maybe I can get to see it. There is an NMRA regional convention here next June 1-3, but the Great Southern is not involved, AFAIK. Here is some information about Lorell Joiner. I had never heard of the "O Scale News," either.
I haven't heard much of late, but I saw a feature on his Great Southern on one of the Model Railroader video series several years ago. It's housed in its own building and is quite large.
Lorell Joiner Deceased Lorell Joiner passed away yesterday In San Antonio, Texas. I am in NC and do not have much information, but he was a member of the SAMRA. Here is a quote from the message sent to members: Lorell H. Joiner, MMR (1945 - 2007) Master Model Railroader, Lorell Howard Joiner of San Antonio Texas, was found dead Saturday, December 8, 2007 at his Farm near Gardenridge Texas at the age of 62. Lorell was a "life member" of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA), and member of the San Antonio Model Railroad Association (SAMRA) and the Texas Transportation Museum (TTM). Lorell was born November 27, 1945 in Bell County Texas and was the 83rd member of the NMRA to be awarded the "Master Model Railroader" certification. Lorell Joiner's monumental, O-scale, "Great Southern Railroad" was among the nation's premier layouts during the 1980's and 1990's. The Great Southern was featured in alomst all of the hobby periodicals and many video layout publications including Kalmbach's 1989, "Legendary Layouts and the Men who Build, Build Them." The Great Southern was featured in the PBS series, Tracks Ahead (Vol 4 #213). Lorell authored the "Opus in O" series of articles for the NMRA Bulletin (now Scale Rails) and hosted two O-scale National Conventions in 1988 and 1996 in San Antonio. He was a an early pioneer in wireless throttles publishing his infrared system in Model Railroader magazine in 1990. His layout was a featured tour on at all SAMRA sponsored Lone Star Region NMRA conventions, and the Astrorail 1989 NMRA National Convention. His layout was even singled out by the US Department of State for an official state visit for a foreign dignitary who shared the hobby of model railroading. Diabetes, failing eyesight and other health and family issues resulted in his withdrawal from Model Railroading in the mid 2000's, but Lorell Joiner will be long be remembered as an intelligent and gifted model railroader and a gracious host and friend. John Lowrance, MMR He certainly will be missed. The Great Southern Railroad was an 0 scale marvel.
Sorry to learn of his passing. His was one of the best O scale layouts I'd ever seen in print. Boxcab E50
Sorry as well. I remember the first Model Railroading Video I purchased featured his layout and was dumb struck by what he was doing. Last year I posted on a few boards asking about what had become of him and his layout. Didn't get much in the way of replies so I figured he had moved on to something else maybe? I hope his layout stays intact, or is put on display someplace. Not sure of his family situation, but I think if NMRA could step in somehow and make sure it isn't destroyed, it would be a great thing to preserve this small piece of modeling history. My first wife's Grandfather was an engineer on SP driving Cab Forwards up and down between Sacramento and Reno in the 1930's and loved looking at what Lorell was creating. He couldn't see well and I remember having to read the articles to him. Ralph would always say how it was too bad he modeled in Texas, "Seemed more like a California Guy" he would say. Again, sorry for his passing and my condolences to his family. Joe MTL
Lorell Joiner had an ad in "O Scale Trains" several months ago offering much of his equipment roster and buildings for sale. He had explained in the ad that his health was deteriorating and had wished to dispose of everything. Wish that I had the money to buy some of his offerings, but I don't. Like Joe, I offer my condolences to his family as well. Robyn
I remember reading about his layout when I was in high school. It is a sad day indeed and I too offer my condolences to his family. Greg
My understanding is that the layout was sold some time back. Portions of it was transported in tractor trailer trucks so it would not be destroyed. Maybe it is being used on someone else's layout, hopefully. I may have more information in about a week. That means...I will ask Al Boos and John Lowrance if they know anything.
It is a sad day, To hear of Lorell Joiner's passing over. He was an insperation to all that heard him or saw his work. A paramont mentor of O scale for myself and others, he will sorely be missed. My hart felt condolences to his family. Respectfully, Leonard Lee Davis
Very sad news indeed. He was truely one of my inspirations as a kid and on into adulthood. He will be missed. J
I just found this ebay link about Lorell Joiner (Sictrainset), obviously written by him some time ago. Very interesting. I found the link on a google search; hope it works. [edit; 18March 2008] I hate to lose this quote from ebay. This is Lorell Joiner's own description of his hobby.
Flash, Thanks for the link. I think reading it proves that, unlike some hobby experts, Lorell was accessable and open. I didn't build O scale, but it never stopped me from getting inspiration from what he was doing. But, like John Allen's work, I suspect the Great Southern has been tossed to the four winds...shame really. thanks again Joe
Lorell Joiner Ebay Narrative - Inspiration We have previously discussed the late Lorell Joiner. Here is his personal seller's description from Ebay. I just read it again and was inspired. I don't think many people go on the internet and leave their phone number unless they are very comfortable with their status in life. Model railroading should make us all that way. Here is Lorell's quote from ebay:
Scale Rails with Lorell Joiner Tribute The April 2008 issue of the NMRA magazine has a tribute to Lorell Joiner's Great Southern O scale layout. It is a very nice pictorial. Lorell did use "construction crews" of local model railroaders to detail his very large layout.
