Model Railroading > 1/8th scale Indiana Live Steamers run day

One of our members had his loco repainted this past winter. This is often a normal thing. However, he had it painted in metallic paint! These photos absolutly do not show how beautiful it is.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/16/18 18:55 by santafedan.

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My cousin and I built this ramp to get cars down from an upper level to increase storage space. It would always take two people to unload the cars in either case. The ramps make it easy. The cars are articulated and 4 of the five riding cars have only one set of trucks.

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We may not be Train Mountain, but we have a darned good time. It was 91 today with a good amount of humidity. We did have about 200 riders in spite of the heat.

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Love that Santa Fe unit. Now to convince my wife that I need one.

Nathan

I don't see any live steamers.

Frisco1522 Wrote:
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> I don't see any live steamers.

I said the same thing a few months back and I was told not to complain. That's what they call everything nowadays.

Frisco1522 Wrote:
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> I don't see any live steamers.


That is our name. We have one member who is LEARNING to run his steam loco. It is a steep curve when all of the other setamers have pass on. There is not a lot of experience around these days. He wil get soon we hope.

During out Dog Daze Run in August we get several steam engines. Wrong Way Murphy had been known to show his expertise at the DDR.

patd3985 Wrote:
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> Frisco1522 Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I don't see any live steamers.
>
> I said the same thing a few months back and I was
> told not to complain. That's what they call
> everything nowadays.

Hah hah, I was going to say the same thing but someone beat me to it!

Looks like big fun.

CHeers, Jim

Frisco1522 Wrote:
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> I don't see any live steamers.


If you ever built one then you would know why there are less and less live steam engines. Many now that are around have been re sold many times. Keeping them running is a chore in itself let alone building one. Also its easy to run the other types kind of turn the key and go when done just put it away with no cleaning required.
As for it not being Train Mountain, well live two miles from it so have some input there being a member since 93. It is what it is, fun to run on, lots of work to keep running. My comment is each railroad no matter how big or small each have there own draw to it. Look close to see them and why they are enjoyed as much by there members as TM is by there members. I know of one north outside of Bend OR, looks like the needed heavy equipment on some of there rock cuts as they required labor to do them. And the way its laid out makes it very different. Shady Dell up north of me is the same, should see the round house that a friend help build there, fantastic to see. So never think that because of size that really means something enjoy each when visiting along with those who keep it running. Boyd in Chiloquin OR where the sky is clear and the days are getting close for our big meet in two weeks.

I brought my steam engine from Texas there last summer, having being invited by SFDan to join
in on the fun. Here she is popping off after a long uphill pull. Its a great track
to steam on and a good bunch of guys and gals.

I have been in the hobby only about 10 years and have partially seen the transformation from
steam to diesel take place. Am told 20 years ago most power was steam on the Texas tracks,
now is diesel about 80% to 20% steam. I have both to maximize the fun factor.

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santafedan Wrote:
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> We may not be Train Mountain, but we have a darned
> good time. It was 91 today with a good amount of
> humidity. We did have about 200 riders in spite
> of the heat.


Are these events open to the public and/or visitors? I would attend,pay a reasonable admission or donation if so.

Tom

There are some places like the Riverside Live Steamers in Riverside, California who only allow steam locomotives, period.

PHall Wrote:
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> There are some places like the Riverside Live
> Steamers in Riverside, California who only allow
> steam locomotives, period.

Now THAT I agree with! Otherwise, change the name to "Indiana Live Diesels"?

PHall Wrote:
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> There are some places like the Riverside Live
> Steamers in Riverside, California who only allow
> steam locomotives, period.


We are in Indiana south of Indianapolis. We have public runs the third Saturday May, June, July, October and special public runs the last Friday in June (fireworks at the park) and the Saturday after Labor Day.
The rest of the time we work to maintain the track and we are adding 3000 feet of more track.
Indianalivesteamers.org for more info.

towazy Wrote:
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> santafedan Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > We may not be Train Mountain, but we have a
> darned
> > good time. It was 91 today with a good amount
> of
> > humidity. We did have about 200 riders in
> spite
> > of the heat.
>
>
> Are these events open to the public and/or
> visitors? I would attend,pay a reasonable
> admission or donation if so.
>
> Tom

Depending on the club, Train Mountain offers day passes one can buy. Our money collected helps pay for our operating costs is the reason its not free. And our big meet starts today with the work week. Next week every day for that week will be for operating trains on our railroad. Come enjoy the fun and am willing to bet that you cannot find any thing close to this for the price of admission either. Am off at this time to get things ready in the back shop along with some items that I need to get finished. Boyd in Chiloquin OR home of Train Mountain where its a clear day today.

PHall Wrote:
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> There are some places like the Riverside Live
> Steamers in Riverside, California who only allow
> steam locomotives, period.


The side note on that club is, no other types are ever allowed to run there. If so then the lease is invalid and track gone as I was told years back. I see nothing wrong with it and many of there members are also Train Mountain Members too.

Our riders are the reasaon our insurance is $4,800 per year. The 15 minute ride is just $3.

PHall Wrote:
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> There are some places like the Riverside Live
> Steamers in Riverside, California who only allow
> steam locomotives, period.

And those clubs will be the first ones to wither on the vine. Steam has a far higher "cost of entry" and the learning curve is far steeper as well.

...and there's a lot to be said for turning the key and going. My engine can be pulling a load of passengers within 10 minutes from when I get out of the car.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/18/18 10:12 by pennsy3750.

Lots of hard work pays off.

pennsy3750 Wrote:
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> PHall Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > There are some places like the Riverside Live
> > Steamers in Riverside, California who only
> allow
> > steam locomotives, period.
>
> And those clubs will be the first ones to wither
> on the vine. Steam has a far higher "cost of
> entry" and the learning curve is far steeper as
> well.
>
> ...and there's a lot to be said for turning the
> key and going. My engine can be pulling a load of
> passengers within 10 minutes from when I get out
> of the car.

They don't seem to be withering. Matter of fact they've expanded their storage and steaming areas.