Need a sign that interest in steam traction engines is growing? Chew on this: Many steam school classes sell out quickly and waiting lists are common – and at least one (the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion in Mount Pleasant, Iowa) has responded to increased demand by offering a second session.
The takeaway is this: Register early, as classes fill up fast.
Steam school classes provide invaluable instruction on steam basics, maintenance, safety precautions and emergency procedures – and all are conducted by qualified, experienced professionals. Some steam school programs even offer credit toward licensing.
Did we miss your group’s steam school? Contact us at editor@farmcollector.com or call (800) 678-5779 to get your program listed on our website and in future listings printed in the magazine.
Illinois
Central States Threshermen’s Reunion
- When: June 1-2
- Where: Threshermen’s Park, Pontiac
- Tuition: $60 ($50 for each additional family member)
The Central States Threshermen’s steam school is designed for beginning and intermediate engineers, with an emphasis on safe engine operation. Tuition includes camping space, refreshments, lunch on both days and class materials.
The morning schedule consists of classroom presentations covering the properties of steam, boiler basics, running the engine, lubrication, injector operation, boiler maintenance and restoration, belting and emergency procedures. Afternoon sessions focus on hands-on firing and operation.
For more information: Doug Smith, 2695 E. 1900 N Rd., Moweaqua, IL 62550; (217) 341-4987; email: smithkeck1920@gmail.com; Threshermen’s Reunion website.
Iowa
Heritage Park of North Iowa Steam Engineer School
- When: May 18-19
- Where: Heritage Park of North Iowa, Forest City
- Tuition: $100
The Heritage Park Steam School offers two classes: one for beginners and one for advanced students. As part of the course, students help prepare one or more steam traction engines for steam-up. Those who complete the course will receive 16 hours of credit toward the 50 hours required for a Minnesota Hobby Engineers License. Class size is limited to 50 beginners and 25 advanced students. Materials, breakfast, lunch and refreshments are included.
For more information: Register online at the Winnebago Historical Society website; email: heritagepark@whsiowa.org.
Midwest Old Threshers Steam School
- When: Two identical sessions will be held: April 27-28 and May 4-5
- Where: Midwest Old Threshers grounds, Mount Pleasant
- Tuition: $75
The Midwest Old Threshers have expanded their steam school to two sessions in 2024 to accommodate increased demand. Each session will cover the same material. Classes begin at 8 a.m. on the first day; a short lunch break is held at noon. On the second day, participants will operate working engines for a hands-on experience. Classes end at 2 p.m. on the second day, following a noon meal (included). Students must be age 14 or older.
For more information: Julie Scott, 405 E. Threshers Rd., Mount Pleasant, IA 52641; (319) 385-8937; email: info@oldthreshers.org; Old Threshers website.
Kansas
Kansas Antique Engine Show Safety Assn. (KAESSA) Steam School
- When: April 13-14
- Where: Meriden Antique Engine & Threshers Assn., Meriden
- Tuition: $60
Tuition covers handouts, breakfast and lunch on both days. Those who attend all of the two-day sessions will earn 16 hours toward a Kansas operator’s license. Two or three engines will be fired up for use during the school.
Topics covered include boiler system components, feed systems, safety appliances, lubrication, terminology, types of engines, start-up from cold and safety.
For more information or to register: Sherry Housos, (785) 488-6727; email: sherryhousos@gmail.com. Information will also be posted on the KAESSA Facebook page.
Minnesota
Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion
- University of Rollag Steam School
- When: June 14-16
- Where: Steam Hill, Rollag
- Tuition: $70 (includes books); age 16 and under, $35
The two-and-one-half-day course offers classroom instruction and hands-on experience using a wide range of steam equipment, including stationary, traction, miniature and railroad engines. The class is approved for 16 hours’ credit by Minnesota, North Dakota and Ohio. Noon meals available; camping is free. Class begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday and ends at 5 p.m. Sunday. Class size is limited to 70. Registration required.
For more information: Tom Hall, University of Rollag, P.O. Box 999, Moorhead, MN 56561; (218) 233-1771; Rollag website.
Pennsylvania
Rough & Tumble Engineers Historical Assn. Steam School
- When: May 18-19 Note: Registration for the 2024 school is closed; the class has been filled.
- Where: Rough & Tumble grounds, Kinzers
- Tuition: $85
Participants must join Rough & Tumble prior to steam school in order to operate equipment on the R&T grounds. Class is limited to the first 23 applicants (age 14 and older). Steam School tuition includes all materials. Steam school registration is held on Friday morning at the “Time of Harvest” show in October for the following year.
Emphasis is placed on safety, maintenance, operation and hands-on experience. Class time is limited to half of the first day, with remaining time dedicated to practical, hands-on operation, including cleaning, inspection, maintenance and operation of numerous steam traction engines. Conditions permitting, students may operate two railroad engines (The Shay and Little Toot) as well as custom engines and a large variety of steam traction equipment. This gives students the widest experience available to operate steam equipment, an experience unique to Rough & Tumble Engineers Historical Assn. in Pennsylvania.
For more information: John Johnson, P.O. Box 9, Kinzers, PA 17535; (717) 442-4249; email: steamschool@comcast.net; Rough & Tumble Engineers website.
Virginia
Somerset Steam & Gas Engine Assn. Somerset Steam School
- When: April 13-14
- Where: Fairfield View Dairy Farm, Somerset
- Tuition: $100
The course is divided into classroom and hands-on sessions with qualified and experienced instructors focusing on education, familiarization and safety in the operation and maintenance of steam engines and boilers. All course materials and two lunches are provided. Class size is limited to 20 students. Applications may be downloaded from the Somerset Steam & Gas Assn. website.
For more information: Gil Roberts, P.O. Box 492, Somerset, VA 22972; (540) 672-3429; email: info@somersetsteamandgas.org; Somerset Steam & Gas Engine Association website.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Historical Steam Engine Assn. Steam School
- When: Sept. 27-29
- Where: North Central Wisconsin Antique Steam & Gas Engine Club showgrounds, 223755 Steam Hill Dr., Edgar, WI 54426
- Tuition: $85
Topics covered include steam theory, steam engine components, boiler construction, operation and maintenance, piping, valves and accessories, firing under various loads, handling an engine, boiler water treatment and emergency procedures.
Tuition includes a textbook, Steam Traction Engineer’s Checklist, the Case Steam Engine Manual and a one-year club membership (for non-club members) in the Wisconsin Historical Steam Engine Assn. Those who complete the course earn 16 hours of instruction toward the Minnesota state hobby engineer’s license and the Ohio historical operator’s license. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Saturday and Sunday; a Saturday night dinner is also included.
The class is open to the first 40 to register. Pre-registration is required; primitive camping is available on the show grounds.
For more information: Jeff Bloemers, Wisconsin Historical Steam Engine Assn. Steam School, 5903 Cart Path Rd., Sheboygan, WI 53081; (920) 287-1146; email: jwbsteam@gmail.com; Wisconsin Historical Steam Engine Association website.
