Tony Koester posted this on the Proto-Layouts discussion list on Groups.io late yesterday. Allen McClelland died this afternoon following a massive stroke yesterday. No other information is available at the time. He was in great spirits leading a normal lifestyle right until the end, however. I can’t think of another individual who comes close to making the key contributions to scale model railroading that he did over the years, and he was also one of the nicest people I ever met. I was honored to be able to call him a close friend. ****************** Personally , I never had the privilege to meet Allen, but his works certainly influenced the direction of my modeling and operations interests. I actually discovered Tony’s Allegheny Midland first as a kid in the early 90’s, who often cited Allen as a friend and inspiration and that lead to my “discovery “ Allen, his writings and his Virginian and Ohio. My life was changed forever! Thanks Allen for your contributions to this great hobby. Godspeed! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
never had any interactions, but being from Ohio I have of course seen pictures of his layout many times. That, and I always remembered the name because it's somewhat rare to see anymore - my mother's family are of the McClelland clan, changed the name to Cleland when they came to America a few generations ago. I think there's a museum out west that has his layout now, so his talents will continue to be appreciated.
Sad news, indeed. The three top influences upon my model railroading have been John Allen , Hayden & Frary and Allen. Thankfully for two of them we have books to help keep our memories ongoing.
BoxcabE50, I recently found a source for Allen's "The V&O Story." I bought two copies, am reading one and will leave the other sealed in its packaging. What I have read thus far is quite fascinating and his recall of childhood events, is amazing. Glenn
!00% agreement here. A wealth of the ideas that shaped the hobby came from these men. Rest in peace, Allen. High Greens.
All I have to say Is My Condolences to the McClelland Family. God Speed, Rest Well. W. Allen McClelland ! “Now he belongs to the angels.” Tom
Rest In Peace Allen. Was lucky to operate on Gerry Albers layout. Ran two trains on the V&O section with Allen dispatching. Talked with him after session. Very nice person.
@GP30, well said indeed. This man was certainly a great influence and inspiration to many. Sad for family and friends. On a side note, "in great spirits leading a normal lifestyle right until the end" sounds like a blessing to me. Well deserved. He will be missed.
Peace to his family and friends. Allen's talent and work will live on through the thousands that surely incorporate some contribution of his in our own work. Sad to see him go, but our hobby is universally better off because of him. Thank you Allen!
