Northeastern Ohio Live Steamers

Yesterday we visited my grandpa's train club out near Medina. The club has built a miniature railroad at Lester Rail Trail, part of the Medina County Park District. The club members operate their own train engines at the facility. My grandfather is currently working on his own locomotive, building it entirely from scrap. He's been working on it for 2 years. He has a few more years to go before its complete. When he's not working on his own engine, my grandpa volunteers at the club's facility. He assists in laying track, constructing buildings, and other maintenance.

As part of the club's deal to build the railroad on park land, the club is required to host train runs for the public. Over 200 people showed up for yesterday's public run. The runs are free but the club asks for donations. Donations help the club maintain the track and improve their facility.

This was my first time out to the club. It was a good time. The club members were really friendly, especially when they heard we were Kalman's grandkids. One of the members jokingly argued with my sister about who was going to get the first ride on my grandpa's locomotive.

The track is pretty long and takes you through forest, brush, a train station, and a field. There were bridges, mini-telephone poles, and all sorts of other train accessories. One of the neat features of the park is that it abuts a full-size train line. During a couple rides, we ran right next to a freight train. The conductor of the freight train whistled twice for the miniature trains. One of the club members explained that two whistles are used to acknowledge another train.

If you want to check out the train club and get a couple rides around the facility, there are a few more public train runs this year. Club members recommended the special Halloween runs when the facility is decorated for the holiday. This year's Halloween runs are October 15th and 16th from 6:30-9:30pm.

You can visit the Northeastern Ohio Live Steamers club on the web at www.livesteamohio.homestead.com/LiveSteamOhio.html