Second Annual Texas Live Steam Meet

by Clarence King

Live Steam Magazine, January 1971

The Second Annual Texas Live Steam Meet was held at Falfurrias, Texas, on Labor Day Weekend, September 5th, 6th and 7th, 1970. Mr L. L. Yates was host again with his 7.5 inch gauge "Bright Star Track."

There were 47 registered guests from a wide area, including Austin, San Antonio, Houston and Corpus Christi. With some of the local town folks that dropped by, the total attendance was estimated to be over 100 people.

This year there were five locomotives. John Enders brought his Atlantic from Austin but had difficulty with the throttle leaking and was able to run very little. The only coal-burner was brought by Paul Torn and belonged to Allen Guiberson of Dallas who was not present. It was a good performer and pulled the bulk of passenger load. Everyone liked the aroma of coal smoke, but not the soot and cinders!

Paul Torn, Sr., of Austin, brought his unfinished 4-6-0 which is being built by adding a pair of drivers to a Little Engines American.

Ces Beck brought his butane-fired 0-4-0 from San Antonio and host L. L. Yates had his Little Engines Pacific that was the best performing engine of them all. About half the time there were at least three trains running at one time. Traffic was so heavy that a track gang was organized to go around and tighten all the rail joiners!

Mr Yates and Oscar Pena of the Bright Star Laundry and the people of Falfurrias were again most gracious hosts. The Second Annual Texas Live Steam Meet was a great success and everyone is looking forward to the Third Annual Meet.