Andy Clerici

Kenneth Shattock posted the following on Chaski.org, 1 October 2015:


 * Long time live steamer and GGLS member Andy Clerici passed away on September 28th, 2015.


 * Andy's obituary:


 * Loving husband, father, and master live steam locomotive craftsman, Andrea J. “Andy” Clerici, Jr, passed away on September 28, 2015 at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Louise, and his stepson, Carl Galopin. He is also survived by his sister Diane Lawley-Jonas (Don); his sister-in-law Alberta; his nephews Don (Maureen); David (Barbara); Rick (Tess); Michael (Lisa); as well as other family members. He was predeceased by his brother Relio “Ray” and his stepson Claude Galopin.


 * Born and raised in Napa, California, he was the son of Andrea J. and Aurora V. Clerici. He graduated from Napa Senior High School and later was a Korean War veteran – having served in the US Army as a mechanic. He worked as an automobile mechanic at the Studebaker dealership in Napa. Later he worked thirty years as a mechanic at the Veterans’ Home in Yountville.


 * Andy is nationally known for his live steam locomotives that he designed and built for 7.5 inch gauge. His C&O Allegheny (2-6-6-6), the most powerful steam locomotive ever built in the US, is now on display at the C&O Historical Society in Clifton Forge, WV. His SP Mogul (2-6-0) is on display at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, CA. He wrote numerous articles on building live steam locomotives. He was featured several times on the cover of Live Steam Magazine. His locomotives are known for their detail as well as for their operability.


 * In addition to live steam locomotives, he designed and built diesel and electric locomotives for 7.5 inch gauge. The diesel locomotives were powered by small gasoline engines. Overall he built twelve locomotives. He was a member of the Golden Gate Live Steamers. During his lifetime Andy and Louise visited many live steam railroads throughout the US.

Andy's famous engine at Clifton Forge, WV. 6LQ1zwSIFNs

Bob Hornsby wrote:


 * I met Andy a few times when I visited California. I never got to know him on a personal basis, only as a fellow Live Steamer. I do have some photos of his very beautiful 2-6-6-6 C&O Allegheny which I’ve included below. I’ve also included a video of his Allegheny running at Clifton Forge, Virginia. The detail on the locomotive was outstanding.

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