Seymour F. Johnson

Linn H. Westcott Pays a Visit

Linn H. Westcott, then editor of Model Railroader magazine, paid a visit to Dr. Seymour Johnson at this Goleta Valley Western R.R. in 1969. Westcott wrote an extensive article on the operation which was published in the September 1969 edition of Model Railroader.

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  Seymour Johnson Backs his 7.5" gauge 4-8-4 up the ramp leading from the steaming tracks to the main lines. Retaining wall supports main station tracks. From Model Railroader, Sept 1969.

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  Linn H. Westcott watches Seymour Johnson work on his live-steam 4-8-4, Goleta Valley Western R.R., Montecito, California.

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  Seymour Johnson and Linn H. Westcott servicing Johnson's 4-8-4.

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  Linn H. Westcott driving Seymour Johnson's 4-8-4, Goleta Valley Western R.R., Montecito, California.

What Happened to the GVWRR?

The club and layout were built on Dr. Seymour Johnson's private estate. Unfortunately, he died around the mid 1990's while in his mid 80's. The club continued to meet at his track until shortly after his death. Eventually, all track was removed. Most of the 15" gauge went to the San Diego area and is at Glen Bell's "Bell Gardens" Farm. Some of the 7.5" live steamers negotiated land in Ventura and built a new livesteamer facility. However, this club property was also recently closed.

References

• "Goleta Valley Western RR", Linn H. Westcott, Model Railroader, Sept 1969