Abandonment of Paul Scoles' Pelican Bay Railway and Navigation Co.

[Jim Courtney]

A few days ago, I received the following email from our local group, the Northwest Narrow Gauge Modelers:

Dear NWNG Members,

It’s been over a year now since our friend, Paul Scoles, passed away. His wife, Cindy, has during that time been very generous about allowing access to his layout for our recent Symposium and a few other occasions. But, she has decided that it would be best to remove the railroad now in anticipation of a possible sale of her house and relocation back east to be closer to her family. With that in mind a few of us have volunteered to help in this effort, which includes disposition of Paul’s extensive collection of rolling stock, engines and models, along with salvaging whatever is practicable. That salvaging began today.

Cindy would like to offer the first opportunity for acquisition of some of these items to Paul’s local friends, in the hopes that they can be used or retained as memorabilia. So, similar to the way Brian Ellerby’s collection was sold or dispersed, there will be a gathering at the Scoles residence on Sunday afternoon, 14 June, from 1 to 5, for those of you who would like to come by and select some additions to YOUR collections! The idea is to respectfully pass on as much of Paul’s model railroad to those who knew him and, at the same time, provide a little income for Cindy. If anything remains after that, it will be put up for auction on eBay, listed on Steve DePolo’s website, or otherwise advertised to the general modelling public.

I know we all have mixed emotions about Paul’s spectacular layout having to be torn down, but everything has its time. So, please try to come by on the 14th for your best chance at selection of some wonderful models formerly owned by one of the best model railroaders ever.

Dave Woodrell

 
I consider myself fortunate to have known Paul and to have visited his beautiful layout over the years.  I consider Paul to have been the John Allen of our era, certainly in terms of Sn3 modeling.

So if you'd like to own a small part of this landmark model railroad in memory of Paul Scoles, check eBay frequently, searching under "Sn3".

Jim

[nedsn3]

Thanks Jim, even if it's bad news. Certainly, nobody can fault Cindy. I spoke with Paul a couple of years ago about his CD's, kept every copy of the many magazines which featured his layout and wish I could have seen it in person. Like Paul, I'm a Vietnam vet from an airborne unit (101st, although I was never wounded) and an early Sn3 modeler (but not prolific like Paul was) and wanted to compare notes with him. Guess that will never happen.
I'll keep my eyes open for his stuff. If you ever publish a list please keep me in mind. Thanks.
Ned

[Jim Courtney]

Ned,

It is my understanding that any of Paul's models that remain after the NWNG event today, will be offered to the public via Steve DePolo's hobbyshop in Woodinville, Wa, The Inside Gateway.  http://www.theinsidegateway.com, as broker, eBay seller, etc.

I'd suggest you contact Steve directly this next week to see what remains available of Paul's estate, prices, etc.

Jim

[nedsn3]

Jim- Thanks, I will contact him.
As an aside, does anybody know what unit Paul served with in Vietnam? I think I'd read that he served 2 tours so he might have been Regular Army. I'd be interested in finding out his military history. There were a few of us model railroaders in the military, most more talented than me.
Ned