Iowa Model Steam Engineers
1954
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Sunday, May 9, 1954 was the first meeting and run of the club. The day was spent with the operation of three locos on the track and a Case traction engine under steam. It was the inauguration of the new turntable that had been installed this spring. With the new turntable in operation, it was much easier to get to and from the roundhouse. It was a well known fact by the end of the day that the rails were highly polished.
There were several engines on display. Ron Christensen had one of stationary engines on exhibit and a Puffin' Billy chassis along with a 3/4 inch Hudson chassis and boiler. Del Mann had two fine stationary engines, Dave DeLancey bought along his upright boiler for his stationary engine and a very fine 3/4 inch Atlantic of the late Henry Klein. This engine was not in steam for the lack of a safety valve. Les Glass had his 3/4 inch $/& tanker chassis. This very fine array of equipment caused as much comment as the engines that were operating.
On the track were Les Glass and his Hudson, Clint Elliott and his 0-4-0, Scott and the Limey 2-4-0, Paul Otto had his Case Traction engine performing in the yard. What this engine will do caused great amazement. Incidentally this engine is 1 inch scale and very detailed.
After a festive day of operating at the track site all retired for the social hour. Following this enjoyable event we proceeded to Elliott's basement for the business meeting. We were happy to welcome two new members, V.H. Christensen and E.B. Gramenz. Gramenz has a 3/4 inch Hudson that at present is in for repairs. The business meeting was followed by many good movies. Gramenz showed movies of past club activities and film from the collection of the late Henry Klein. Ron Christensen put you right in the action by showing film of his personal travel on the CG&Q. Many of the pictures are of the fast disappearing steam engine. The meeting broke up quite late and everyone left looking forward to the next one.