O Gauge Layout: Joe Fiore's 2-Rail Southern Keystone RR

[@matwoods8505]

Joe was my Grandfathers Brother. They both lived on Sussex drive in Vestavia, AL. I would go there a lot to hangout and see the setup. Last time was in 2015 I believe it was. Southern Company or Alabama Power bought it from Joe as he was selling his home due to certain circumstances. I have the last video as they had already began packing things to dismantle. Before Joe and my Grandfather passed they told me Joe would go sit with southern or Alabama and coach them as they pieced it back together. It’s somewhere in the Birmingham area. I’m just not sure where. I will find out and try to let you guys know. To the editor of this video I greatly appreciate this video. Brings me to tears and also warms my heart to see it in action and see Joe.

[@luvindemtrains]

Never got to see this jewel, but know people that have. Always hear great stories about it.

[@ericoxner326]

I read about this when I was a kid. Being that I always liked trains.I saw a picture of a 2 rail L&N Berkshire with an large headlight.I think there's video from years ago.Of a 2 rail N&W J pulling a long freight train.What a great layout.

[@kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853]

Large radii and long trains, what a magnificent space!

[@BillNichols-b9r]

Outstanding model railroad

[@Zipidy2Da]

Enjoyed his speaking about all he went thru to build this layout and it sounds as though 90 percent or more was done all by himself. a lot of detail even though this is one large layout. I liked his statement about buying at least one new engine a year.

[@lescobrandon3047]

Excellent layout, great railroader.

[@davidbrown4823]

Excellent layout and video.

[@dewittkandle5674]

His layout is absolutely stunning and so very realistic. I've seen a lot of beautiful 3 rail layouts. But when you see a two rail layout, it's different, it's very realistic.

[@jimmelchin1531]

Terrific layout...great imagination. 👍👍👍

[@davidblackham5649]

Makes me want to go two rail. Most of my equipment should covert..... I think.

[@gemgari]

Joe One of the best layouts I’ve seen. Can you tell me how you use 2 rail engines? Did u convert 3 rail or buy 2 rail engines? What power supply do you use?

[@anb7408]

Anyone know what happened to this layout? Joe passed away in 2016. I sincerely hope his life’s work didn’t get trashed!

[@OGRYouTube]

We don’t know for sure what happened to the layout when Joe passed. It certainly was a work of art.

[@paulvoelker8684]

I asked a friend of mine about this and here is his answer to me: Joe's layout was purchased by Alabama Power for $100 k with the intent of putting it at the Powell Ave steam plant on display after it was retired and renovated. However, the railroad was stored in a warehouse in pieces for several years until a new management team came in at the power company. The layout was offered to Heart of Dixie Museum, but they didn't have any place for it. The last I heard was that Alabama Power was ready to load it into trailers and send it to heart of Dixie for storage, but that never happened, and no one seems to know the disposition of the layout.