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Meeting some of the great layout builders, including Marty Fitzhenry, Dave Connolly, John Coy, and Steve Nelson via DVD

Although I never met Marty in person, I was aware of his larger-than-life presence from the magazines and OGR forum (I still have the Dec. 1991 issue that featured his spectacular toy train layout). When I learned of his illness, I like many of you, was affected, from a sympathetic and admittingly from my own mortal perspective. After Marty passed away, for some inexplicable reason, I became interested in catenary - and I recalled Marty's layout had been an early adoption of functioning catenary.

Low and behold, I subsequently somehow stumbled upon the OGR DVD - Great Layout Adventures volume 13. I don't remember how I found it, maybe from reading the forum, word of mouth, or perusing OGR's web store, don't recall exactly. Anyway, as I already had volumes 1-11, I don't know how I missed volumes 12 and 13! I recently purchased both and just last night finished watching volume 13.

I don't know if the video reviews were already discussed on the forum, and I won't try to describe the layouts or the interviews with the builders, suffice it to say they're very nice. Marty was a genuine proponent of the hobby and his passion and good nature become quickly evident in the interview. Dave Connolly's layout and interview followed Marty's, and then John Coy's and Steve Nelson's (aka Mr. Muffins) layout and interviews. All of these guys are great model railroaders and are also are nice guys. I chose the Blue Ray DVD version because I have a 55" HD TV - thus all the better to watch as compared to a laptop or tablet.

If you never met Marty, or any of the other layout builders, this is a great way to understand a little more about what goes into building a dream layout and getting to know the builders.

BTW: volume 12 was also very good. I actually don't have the time to do a detailed review on either DVD, but just know that they exist. I sincerely hope that OGR and others continue to make more DVDs in the future...I understand that on-line/YouTube videos are taking over and that's where the demand is, but I for one prefer Blue Ray DVDs...wondering if that makes me old school - just like preferring print vs. digital magazines  

 

Last edited by Paul Kallus
Original Post

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800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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