New York Live Steamer Society, Inc

Mechanix Illustrated

October 1951

by Robert Brightman

Have you ever wished you could be a locomotive engineer? One hand on the throttle as your iron horse snorts ruh-choo, ruh-choo. This wish undoubtedly lies dormant in the heart of every man. You can make this dream come true, as others have done, at the track of the New York Live Steamers Society in Wyandanch, N. Y., the headquarters for live steamer activities in the East. However, you will have to substitute fingers for hands when operating the throttles of these fascinating, exquisitely detailed locomotives.

To its members, the hobby of hobbies is model live steam railroading. These men machine their equipment to exact sacle. Real live steam under pressures of 100 to 150 pounds per square inch is used to drive the tiny connecting rods which propel the locomotive wheels. Even the shovels are to scale. They hold about a tablespoonful of coal. Power? Plenty. Some of these locomotives can pull a string of six flatcars carrying about 12 men. If you like the smell of soft coal and the chug of a locomotive, write to Harold Rector, president of the club. New members are always welcome.