Westcott, Linn Hanson (July 13, 1913 - September 8, 1980)

Linn Hanson Westcott (July 13, 1913 - September 8, 1980) was an American railroad enthusiast and model railroader, best known as the influential editor of Model Railroader magazine. Born in Los Angeles, California, Westcott attended Carleton College in Minnesota. Starting with publication of his contest-winning track plan in 1934, Westcott enjoyed 46 years of association with Model Railroader, serving 16 years as Editor (1961-1977), and following that as Editor Emeritus. Westcott made many innovative contributions to nearly every aspect of the hobby, and was creative and forward thinking in layout planning, modeling of equipment, scenery techniques, and electronics and control systems. He traveled widely in the US, making extensive documentation of prototype railroad structures, equipment, and practices. Westcott died in September of 1980 and was survived by his wife, Harriet, two sons, one daughter, and five grandchildren.