IBLS Journal 1972

February
New Name for BLS

Live Steam Magazine, February 1977

It is the opinion of the secretaries of the Brotherhood of Live Steamers that a change of title is in order.

Inasmuch as the Brotherhood is represented in other countries besides the United States, namely Canada, Europe and now Western Australia, that the organization be known as

The International Brotherhood of Live Steamers

This title suggestion has come from the new secretary, Keith Watson of Western Australia and has subsequently been approved by


 * Carl Purinton, Founder
 * Barney Barnfather, Eastern Restion
 * Austin Barr, Mid-West Region
 * Harry Dixon, Pacific Region
 * Jack Kerr, Canadian Region
 * Rob Van Dort, European Region
 * Keith Watson, West Australian Region

April
From Live Steam Magazine, April 1972

BLS 1972 National Meet Coming Up!



Three days of Live Steam talk, action and fellowship are in store during the 1972 National Meet of the Brotherhood of Live Steamers on October 13, 14 and 15. The Pioneer Valley Live Steamers will host the meet at their track in Southwick, Massachusetts, and there is a beehive of activity as the club prepares for the event.

Track for running 7-1/4", 4-3/4" and 3-1/2" gauge locomotives and equipment are available with air, electricity and water available at the steaming bays. Tables for display of static exhibits and a boiler for operation of stationary engines will be available.  (Be sure to bring 1/8" male or female pipe fittings.)  Don't leave your traction engine home because there is plenty of room for operation at the club site. A PVLS member will be available to help with the unloading of equipment at all times and the track will be open for running all day and evening.

For safety reasons, the following procedures must be observed:

 
 * 1) A boiler inspection certificate from any recognized Live Steam club will be honored.  If your boiler needs to be checked, please have it fitted with a 1/8" pipe fitting (male or female).
 * 2) Any locomotive that does not have a standard drawbar between the locomotive and tender or riding car shall have, in addition to the coupler, a safety chain between the locomotive and tender or riding car.
 * 3) Any car supplying LP gas to the locomotive shall be coupled to the locomotive with a lock pin drawbar and safety chain.  Cars carrying bottled gas shall have open bottoms to prevent accumulation of gases.

The club reserves the right to bar any piece of equipment from operation if it is suspected of damaging the track and many new switches. The following standards are used:



Special emphasis at this meet will be placed on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the founding of the Pioneer Valley Live Steamers and the 40th Anniversary of the founding of the Brotherhood of Live Steamers. A "20/40 Commemorative Dinner" will be served on Saturday evening, October 14th, and reservations must be made in advance for that affair. Catering service will be offered at the club site during all three days of the meet.

In order to plan for those attending, please fill out the coupon (or give the information on a separate sheet) and send to "Barney" Barnfather before August 1st, 1972. Be sure to enclose a check for the proper amount, too. If you need motel information, please request a list when you send in your registration form.

Plan early! Be sure to attend! See you there!!!



September
Here are the Secretaries listed in the September 1972 issue of "Live Steam" magazine.


 * Charles A. Purinton
 * Harry Dixon - Pacific Coast Region
 * Austin Barr, Jr - Midwest
 * Edgar Kruckeberg - East Coast
 * Brenton Barnfather - East Coast (after Kruckeberg)
 * Jack Prest - Canadian Division
 * Jack Kerr - Canadian Division after Jack Prest's death