GREAT DIVIDE LINE: A BUILD STORY

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August 10, 2021 - This small building is an iconic structure that was originally seen in John's Allen's second version of the Gorre & Daphetid. It is an an exact copy of that model created by David Barron of Sierra Scale Models. A lifelong fan of John Allen, David's generous gift will now become the location of a new business on the Great Divide Line project.

The fictitious business to be housed in this building will belong in tribute to the late Glenn Joesten. Glenn was the youngest member of the original Gorre & Daphetid layout operating group when John died (for full operation the G&D required the help of local enthusiasts and volunteers). He was also the only member of the group who was on a long-term military assignment right there in Fort Ord, near John's home in Monterey, Calif. 

In the immediate days following John's passing in 1973 the operating group and Andrew Allen (John's brother) met to discuss a way to create a museum of sorts and keep the Gorre & Daphetid operational -- perhaps a place for this group to use as a club layout with hours for visiting guests. During that meeting Glenn was chosen to stay in John's home beginning the very next day. In tribute to John, the group ran the famed layout later that evening, but the tragic fire that broke out after the group and John's family left ended this wonderful possibility.   

In Linn Westcott's now rare book on John's life's work (entitled "Model Railroading with John Allen") the author credited another man with staying with the home. It was not such a big mistake but I think it bothered Glenn in some ways for many years as he thought the world of John and that model railroad.  

I spoke with Glenn a few months before his passing in January of 2021.  He had many fun stories of John and despite his age still missed the fun of being part of that dynamic group. He was not with the crew long enough to have had anything named for him on John's layout (which was a G&D tradition), but he was thrilled that I was doing such a wonderful job of bringing John's masterpiece back to life.  

When I took the opportunity to ask Glenn if I could name a business on the new Great Divide Line he was animated and thought it was very clever. Thankfully, he accepted the offer when I shared my idea for his new "company" -- Glenn Joesten's Long Term Caretakers & Estate Management Co.

On John's third and final G&D he had moved the original building into the hills behind Daphetid (see below).  In the near future Glenn's memory will officially watch over the  layout, along with Emma who will live under an open air shed behind his place. His name will always  be remembered here. 

In fact, his family sent me one of Glenn's handmade train cars after his death. It will proudly run on these rails as was intended so very long ago.   

Randy Decker