Influential Modelers with Bob Brown

Tuolumne Forks is a O&3 freelanced narrow gauge logging and mining railroad. Bob Brown is the editor and publisher of the Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette.This layout combines mining and logging with a tourist line. The operation follows the Lake Tahoe Railway and Navigation Company’s transport of tourists from Workshop to the Lake Tahoe Resort. The railroad is famous among narrow gauge enthusiasts like Bob Brown.

Even though many builders are inspired by Bob Brown because he is one of the finest model railroad builders today, over the years he has looked up to others too.

Many early modelers have influenced Bob’s work such as Cliff Brandt, John Allen, Lee Claus at Bell Lee Car Works, and Hugh Butell. Hugh Butell was a very early pioneer, and it took Bob Brown a 13 year search to obtain Butell’s last models. Bob views Hugh Butell’s work as folk art and considers Butell as his biggest influence.

Watch more from Allen Keller’s Great Model Railroads series from the Model Railroad Academy archives.