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.
Harold Rector, president of the N. Y. Live Steamers Society at work on his pet pictured on the cover. Locomotive was started by his dad 47 years ago. it is a 4-4-0. The prototype was New York Central's No. 999.
The members of the club meet Sundays, weather permitting, at their track in Wyandanch, N. Y. Track, about 900 feet long including turntable, adjoins the right of way of the Long Island Rail Road.
The members like to bring their partially completed models down to the track. The locomotive at left is a miniature of the famous Royal Scot. Framework of a 4-4-2 locomotive is at the right.
Most of the rolling stock is hooked up to a flat car in order to give the kids of the neighborhood a chance to ride behind the engineer. Trestle is designed for foot clearance. Track has a turntable.
