Overview of the Virginian & Ohio, Gauley Subdivision

Good to see you I sure will. You take care of yourself too. On March 16th, 2008, a landmark model railroad had its last public showing. For it was on this day that Allen McClelland held his last open house for his world famous Virginian and Ohio Gauley Subdivision. Due to physical limitations, Allen had to move to a retirement home. About 200 V&O fans came to pay tribute to this legendary modeler, and his railroad. What are your thoughts about the abandonment? Very sad. This has been my life since I was 15, 16 years old so, when I first heard it, it was like getting hit in the gut with a punch. I'm getting a little more philosophical about it. I've talked to Allen. Hopefully I'll be modeling the B&O in my basement. Well one part of it made me sad obviously because a lot of work and effort has been put in by individuals and putting this layout up including Allen. And its kinda like a little bit of an end of an era you know, we're all getting older. Its the end of an era. The way I looked at it you had the early days in model railroading then you had the John Allen days, or the John Allen era. And then you had the Allen McClelland era and certainly someone will probably follow, but certainly was the Allen McClelland era that put everybody into layout building, operations and all those kinds of things. I think Allen should just plant a flag and declare victory. Because the only thing left to do here is more trees some more buildings, and some more bridges. This show is gonna be a little bit different than the other shows that we done in the great model railroad series. As you'll notice, its not finished. But because Allen McClelland is such an icon in the hobby, there is an exception to the rule. It's unfinished, but yet we're going to show you many of the things that he's pioneered the concepts that he's made over the years. We're here recording the final days of Virginian and Ohio. Allen McClelland, as an icon in the hobby, what do you want people to remember about your railroads? Well I'd like for everybody to remember that Virginian and Ohio as a real railroad because that the way I always thought of it and it was designed and operated as much like the prototype as we could achieve. And that is the best honor I could have when people think of it as a real railroad. This version of the V&O Gully sub was started in the Spring of 2002. It filled Allen's 1400 square foot basement. The main line is about 325 feet, and the minimum radius is 36 inches. Allen will lead a tour of the layout including the unfinished areas.