Alva Trook - Revision history

Dnevil: /* 1957 Meet */

2025-09-25T16:55:35Z

1957 Meet

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:55, 25 September 2025
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	Lafayette, Indiana (UP) -- Scores of model railroad enthusiasts from 10 states and Canada were expected today for a three-day invitational "live steam" meet. The coal-burning models of famous steam engines will be run on a 1,200-foot track on the [[Alva Trook]] farm south of here.		Lafayette, Indiana (UP) -- Scores of model railroad enthusiasts from 10 states and Canada were expected today for a three-day invitational "live steam" meet. The coal-burning models of famous steam engines will be run on a 1,200-foot track on the [[Alva Trook]] farm south of here.

			== 1960 Meet ==

			<gallery widths=300px heights=300px>
			File:BudTitus at AlvaTrook LayfayetteTrack by EricL Sep1960.jpg\|Bud Titus with his NYC Hudson running on the Alva Trook track at Lafayette, Indiana, September 1960.
			</gallery>

	== 1972 Meet ==		== 1972 Meet ==

Dnevil: /* 1956 Meet */

2024-03-12T21:30:51Z

1956 Meet

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:30, 12 March 2024
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	[http://www.chaski.org/homemachinist/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=101173 Bill Yoder posted on <i>Chaski.Org</i>]:		[http://www.chaski.org/homemachinist/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=101173 Bill Yoder posted on <i>Chaski.Org</i>]:

	: This brings back memories. I was at this track for the summer meet in 1958, I believe. That was along with my Dad, Enos Yoder. He should still have an 8 mm movie of that visit. The scenes included a spiffy, C&NW-style 4-4-2 as well as a PRR K4.		: This brings back memories. I was at this track for the summer meet in 1958, I believe. That was along with my Dad, [[Enos Yoder]]. He should still have an 8 mm movie of that visit. The scenes included a spiffy, C&NW-style 4-4-2 as well as a PRR K4.

	[http://zjtyqfi.farmcollectorshowdirectory.com/steam-traction/the-ladies-page-july-1956.aspx "Pre-Season Get Together", <i>Farm Collector</i>, July/August 1956]:		[http://zjtyqfi.farmcollectorshowdirectory.com/steam-traction/the-ladies-page-july-1956.aspx "Pre-Season Get Together", <i>Farm Collector</i>, July/August 1956]:

Dnevil: /* Trook and Hurst */

2017-02-11T20:36:55Z

Trook and Hurst

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:36, 11 February 2017
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	When time permits, Trook has plans for improving his layout south of the city. Some day, "much in the future," he says, Trook will add a passing siding, devise automatic switches and erect a new building to house the Trook-Hurst machine shop. In the meantime, he will continue to high ball over the Trook Line with No. 5297, keep up the track, work on his Atlantic steamer and repair Lionel electric trains for Lafayette stores.		When time permits, Trook has plans for improving his layout south of the city. Some day, "much in the future," he says, Trook will add a passing siding, devise automatic switches and erect a new building to house the Trook-Hurst machine shop. In the meantime, he will continue to high ball over the Trook Line with No. 5297, keep up the track, work on his Atlantic steamer and repair Lionel electric trains for Lafayette stores.

			[[File:HurstTrook 1957 Dec 9.jpg\|thumb\|center\|500px\|A close-up view of Trook's No. 5297 shows detail of authentic model. Prototype of replica once made fast passenger runs for NYC.]]

	== 1952 ==		== 1952 ==

Dnevil: /* Trook and Hurst */

2017-02-11T20:30:18Z

Trook and Hurst

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:30, 11 February 2017
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	The two Hoosiers work in the machine shop when and as the spirit moves them. Currently most of Hurst's time is spent on completing his Hudson. Trook recently started building a 1-1/2 inch scale model 4-4-2 Atlantic-type steamer which is hundreds of hours from completion.		The two Hoosiers work in the machine shop when and as the spirit moves them. Currently most of Hurst's time is spent on completing his Hudson. Trook recently started building a 1-1/2 inch scale model 4-4-2 Atlantic-type steamer which is hundreds of hours from completion.

			[[File:HurstTrook 1957 Dec 8.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Already 2,000 hours have gone into chassis of Hurst's Hudson-type locomotive, with many more required before completion.]]

	Trook explains that most live steamers have but one locomotive, mostly because of the time involved in constructing just one. Too, maintenance and repair of existing rolling stock is no little matter. And where the model builder has a track, as Trook does, much maintenance is required to keep the "iron pike" usable.		Trook explains that most live steamers have but one locomotive, mostly because of the time involved in constructing just one. Too, maintenance and repair of existing rolling stock is no little matter. And where the model builder has a track, as Trook does, much maintenance is required to keep the "iron pike" usable.

Dnevil: /* Trook and Hurst */

2017-02-11T20:20:58Z

Trook and Hurst

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:20, 11 February 2017
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	Trook and Hurst share more than just an interest in live steam railroading. For some time now they have had a combined machine shop, located in the airy, well-lighted basement of Hurst's new home. Between them, they have all the machine tools necessary to construct a live steam locomotive - two lathes, shaper, milling machine, band saw, drill press, grinder, welding equipment and a multitude of small tools and accessories.		Trook and Hurst share more than just an interest in live steam railroading. For some time now they have had a combined machine shop, located in the airy, well-lighted basement of Hurst's new home. Between them, they have all the machine tools necessary to construct a live steam locomotive - two lathes, shaper, milling machine, band saw, drill press, grinder, welding equipment and a multitude of small tools and accessories.

			[[File:HurstTrook 1957 Dec 7.jpg\|thumb\|center\|500px\|Trook and Hurst have combined equipment to provide themselves with a complete machine shop in the basement of Hurst's new home.]]

	The two Hoosiers work in the machine shop when and as the spirit moves them. Currently most of Hurst's time is spent on completing his Hudson. Trook recently started building a 1-1/2 inch scale model 4-4-2 Atlantic-type steamer which is hundreds of hours from completion.		The two Hoosiers work in the machine shop when and as the spirit moves them. Currently most of Hurst's time is spent on completing his Hudson. Trook recently started building a 1-1/2 inch scale model 4-4-2 Atlantic-type steamer which is hundreds of hours from completion.

Dnevil: /* Trook and Hurst */

2017-02-11T20:12:46Z

Trook and Hurst

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:12, 11 February 2017
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	Wherever possible, Trook gives his layout the authentic air. On the side of a pedestrian bridge over the track are mounted small metal emblems of various nationally-famous railroads. "Clarence and I ate cereal until it was coming out our ears to collect a complete set of those emblems," Trook recalls with a grin. From the bridge hang two railroad lanterns. Inside the clubhouse are mounted reproductions of railroad scenes provided by the Monon.		Wherever possible, Trook gives his layout the authentic air. On the side of a pedestrian bridge over the track are mounted small metal emblems of various nationally-famous railroads. "Clarence and I ate cereal until it was coming out our ears to collect a complete set of those emblems," Trook recalls with a grin. From the bridge hang two railroad lanterns. Inside the clubhouse are mounted reproductions of railroad scenes provided by the Monon.

			[[File:HurstTrook 1957 Dec 6.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|An engineer's view of the Trook Line shows pedestrian bridge and portion of track in background. Passing siding is at the right.]]

	What does all this cost? "I Don't know," Trook confesses. And he doesn't want to know, for he adds, "I just feel fortunate that I'm able to do it."		What does all this cost? "I Don't know," Trook confesses. And he doesn't want to know, for he adds, "I just feel fortunate that I'm able to do it."

Dnevil: /* Trook and Hurst */

2017-02-11T20:06:51Z

Trook and Hurst

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:06, 11 February 2017
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	The amateur engineer rides side saddle behind his locomotive and to accommodate the dangling lets the Trook Line is elevated. The rails, like everything else associated with model railroading, are to scale and made of extruded aluminum. Even the tiny spikes, which hold the rails to creosote-treated ties, are scaled.		The amateur engineer rides side saddle behind his locomotive and to accommodate the dangling lets the Trook Line is elevated. The rails, like everything else associated with model railroading, are to scale and made of extruded aluminum. Even the tiny spikes, which hold the rails to creosote-treated ties, are scaled.

			[[File:HurstTrook 1957 Dec 5.jpg\|thumb\|center\|500px\|Hurst is at the throttle as the miniature engine completes a sweeping curve. Track is located on a three-acre plot south of Lafayette.]]

	Wherever possible, Trook gives his layout the authentic air. On the side of a pedestrian bridge over the track are mounted small metal emblems of various nationally-famous railroads. "Clarence and I ate cereal until it was coming out our ears to collect a complete set of those emblems," Trook recalls with a grin. From the bridge hang two railroad lanterns. Inside the clubhouse are mounted reproductions of railroad scenes provided by the Monon.		Wherever possible, Trook gives his layout the authentic air. On the side of a pedestrian bridge over the track are mounted small metal emblems of various nationally-famous railroads. "Clarence and I ate cereal until it was coming out our ears to collect a complete set of those emblems," Trook recalls with a grin. From the bridge hang two railroad lanterns. Inside the clubhouse are mounted reproductions of railroad scenes provided by the Monon.

Dnevil: /* Trook and Hurst */

2017-02-11T19:57:58Z

Trook and Hurst

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:57, 11 February 2017
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	Trook's layout is L-shaped and utilizes two of the three acres available. Because a round-house would take up too much space, the ingenious builder has arranged a series of rail tables to serve as steaming bays. On these the model builders make minor repairs and adjustments to their engines and fire up the boilers before moving out onto the main line for a run.		Trook's layout is L-shaped and utilizes two of the three acres available. Because a round-house would take up too much space, the ingenious builder has arranged a series of rail tables to serve as steaming bays. On these the model builders make minor repairs and adjustments to their engines and fire up the boilers before moving out onto the main line for a run.

			[[File:HurstTrook 1957 Dec 4.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|The 4-6-4 Hudson-type locomotive, built to an exact scale of 3/4 inch to one foot, hauls two adults over elevated track with ease.]]

	"It's a 30-minute job getting an engine ready to roll," Trook pointed out as he prepared No. 5297 for a spin. From the roof of the clubhouse, rain water is collected, filtered and stored in an underground tank of 2,000-gallon capacity. By means of an electric shallow pump, it is piped to the steaming bay and main line for use in these small locomotive boilers.		"It's a 30-minute job getting an engine ready to roll," Trook pointed out as he prepared No. 5297 for a spin. From the roof of the clubhouse, rain water is collected, filtered and stored in an underground tank of 2,000-gallon capacity. By means of an electric shallow pump, it is piped to the steaming bay and main line for use in these small locomotive boilers.

Dnevil: /* Trook and Hurst */

2017-02-11T19:50:40Z

Trook and Hurst

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:50, 11 February 2017
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	To own such a locomotive and have no place to run it would be frustrating. Trook overcame this problem, faced by nearly all the live steamers, by purchasing three acres of ground south of Lafayette. There he and Hurst have constructed a 1200-foot layout, the longest in the Midwest and, at last report, the third longest in the country. It's a popular place with the members of the brotherhood. Three times each year Trook is host to fellow enthusiasts who descend on Lafayette from as far away as Massachusetts and Missouri. At one of the meets this summer, the Trook Line accommodated 28 locomotives and some 55 rail fans.		To own such a locomotive and have no place to run it would be frustrating. Trook overcame this problem, faced by nearly all the live steamers, by purchasing three acres of ground south of Lafayette. There he and Hurst have constructed a 1200-foot layout, the longest in the Midwest and, at last report, the third longest in the country. It's a popular place with the members of the brotherhood. Three times each year Trook is host to fellow enthusiasts who descend on Lafayette from as far away as Massachusetts and Missouri. At one of the meets this summer, the Trook Line accommodated 28 locomotives and some 55 rail fans.

			[[File:HurstTrook 1957 Dec 3.jpg\|thumb\|center\|500px\|With a roaring fire and a full head of steam, No. 5297 is ready to take engineer-building Alva B. Trook for a spin around the 1200-foot Trook Line.]]

	Trook's layout is L-shaped and utilizes two of the three acres available. Because a round-house would take up too much space, the ingenious builder has arranged a series of rail tables to serve as steaming bays. On these the model builders make minor repairs and adjustments to their engines and fire up the boilers before moving out onto the main line for a run.		Trook's layout is L-shaped and utilizes two of the three acres available. Because a round-house would take up too much space, the ingenious builder has arranged a series of rail tables to serve as steaming bays. On these the model builders make minor repairs and adjustments to their engines and fire up the boilers before moving out onto the main line for a run.

Dnevil: /* Trook and Hurst */

2017-02-11T19:32:21Z

Trook and Hurst

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:32, 11 February 2017
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	From <i>Magic Circle</i>, December 1957		From <i>Magic Circle</i>, December 1957
			[[File:HurstTrook 1957 Dec 1.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|In the steaming bay, Hurst stokes firebox and Trook lubricates main steam cylinder. Booster, connected to stack, creates a draft.]]
	Model railroading knows no age limits. Its followers range in age from five to 75 - and then some! It's a powerfully fascinating hobby that somehow takes a firm hold on the pre-school-age youngster and maintains that grip for years to come. Once addicted to miniature trains, you're hooked for life.		Model railroading knows no age limits. Its followers range in age from five to 75 - and then some! It's a powerfully fascinating hobby that somehow takes a firm hold on the pre-school-age youngster and maintains that grip for years to come. Once addicted to miniature trains, you're hooked for life.

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	With these live steamers, the locomotive is it. Very few bother about adding rolling stock except for a flat car on which the engineer rides. Designed for power rather than speed, some of the miniatures are capable of pulling a load consisting of twelve adults.		With these live steamers, the locomotive is it. Very few bother about adding rolling stock except for a flat car on which the engineer rides. Designed for power rather than speed, some of the miniatures are capable of pulling a load consisting of twelve adults.
			[[File:HurstTrook 1957 Dec 2.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|A portable rail table delivers the model from steaming bay to main line. Trook prefers tables to space-consuming roundhouse.]]

	Among the ranks of live steam enthusiasts are a couple of Hossiers, [[Alva Trook]] and Clarence Hurst of Lafayette and West Lafayette, Indiana, respectively. Both are members of the international model railroaders' group, the [[IBLS\|Brotherhood of Live Steamers]], and between them they have one operating steamer and two a-building.		Among the ranks of live steam enthusiasts are a couple of Hossiers, [[Alva Trook]] and Clarence Hurst of Lafayette and West Lafayette, Indiana, respectively. Both are members of the international model railroaders' group, the [[IBLS\|Brotherhood of Live Steamers]], and between them they have one operating steamer and two a-building.