Virginian
&
Ohio

The V&O needs no introduction to members of the model railroading community. Conceived forty years ago as a free-lance bridge route serving Ohio, West Virginia and Virginia, Al McClelland's now famous HO scale layout can be found in ads and articles in almost every issue of any model rail publication. The original construction of the layout, as well as the subsequent two major expansion projects, have been well documented in print and film.

The original V&O is gone, and construction of the new version is well under way in a new home. Parts of the original live on, both in the new incarnation, and in other layouts around the country.

These photos represent three stages in the development of the V&O.
First, the early years of the V&O, with steam locos and black and white film. These vintage shots are from the Division 3 Photo Archives.

Second, photos of the V&O at its peak when operating as the Afton Division. Our thanks to Dave Matheny of Division 6, MCR for sharing these views from his collection.

Third, a look at early (April 2003) progress being made on construction of the Gauley Divison, the newest incarnation of this fine railroad. These photos are also from Dave Matheny.

More recently, Nick Folger's photos from a combined Division 3 / Division 7 visit in June of 2004.

Finally, Norm Courtney's photos from May 2006 show trackwork nearly complete and scenery well under way.