Eight steam schools will put steam engines and education together this year for those new to the steam hobby or simply needing a refresher course.
The schools place particular emphasis on safety, focusing on the intricacies of safe operation and maintenance basics. Seasoned steam engineers offer instruction in classroom settings before moving onto hands-on instruction. Whether you are new to the hobby or an experienced veteran, these courses provide essential experience and lessons to help keep old iron working and safe for everyone involved. If you would like to attend a class, register soon, as classes tend to fill quickly! FC
Illinois
15th Annual Central States Threshermen’s Steam School
When: June 4-5
Where: Threshermen’s Reunion Park, Pontiac
The course is designed for beginning and intermediate engineers, with an emphasis on safe engine operation. Camping, coffee, donuts, lunch both days and all classroom materials are included. Class size is limited to 50; must register by May 1.
For more information: Doug Smith, 2695 E 1900 N Rd., Moweaqua, IL 62550; (217) 768-4853 (home) or (217)341-4987 (cell); email: smithtwenty@cebridge.net; www.threshermensreunion.org.
Iowa
Midwest Old Threshers Reunion Steam School
When: April 30-May 1
Where: Midwest Old Threshers show grounds, Mt. Pleasant
Tuition: $75
The two-day course offers classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Materials and two noon meals are included.
For more information: CEO Terry McWilliams, 405 E. Threshers Rd., Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641; (319) 385-8937; email: info@oldthreshers.org.
Heritage Park of North Iowa 15th Annual Steam Engineer School
When: May 21-22
Where: Heritage Park of North Iowa, Forest City
Tuition: $40
Materials, breakfast, lunch and refreshments are included. Free primitive camping is also available. A test similar to the test required by the State of Minnesota for a Hobby Steam Engineer’s License will be administered at the conclusion of the seminar for those who wish to take it. Class size is limited to 55. Online registration is available.
For more information: Jerred Ruble, Director of Shows, Heritage Park of North Iowa, P.O. Box 27, Forest City, IA 50436; (641) 797-2697; email: antiquepowershows@heritageparkofnorthiowa.com.
Minnesota
Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion/University of Rollag Steam School
When: June 18-19
Where: Steamer Hill, Rollag
Tuition: $50
The course stresses classroom instruction and hands-on experience using a wide range of steam equipment, including stationary, traction, miniature and railroad engines. The class is certified for Minnesota, North Dakota and Ohio steam hobby licenses. WMSTR is the only training approved by the State of Minnesota not provided by a state-run entity. Materials and two meals are included. Class size is limited to 70; early enrollment is suggested as the course usually fills by May 1.
For more information: Tom Hall, University of Rollag, P.O. Box 999, Moorhead, MN 56561; (218) 233-1771; www.rollag.com.
Pennsylvania
Rough & Tumble Engineers Historical Assn. Steam School
When: May 21-22
Where: Rough & Tumble Engineers Historical Assn. grounds, Kinzers
Tuition: $75
The course emphasizes safety, maintenance, operation and hands-on experience. Classroom time is half of the first day, with remaining time dedicated to practical hands-on experience, including cleaning, inspection, maintenance and operation. Students will be introduced to operating railroad engines, a steam roller and various steam traction equipment. All materials are included. Class size is limited to 27, age 14 and over; applications accepted beginning Oct. 9 and early application is suggested as school fills quickly. Must be a Rough & Tumble member or join prior to steam school.
For more information: John Johnson, (717) 442-4249; email: steamschool@comcast.net; www.roughandtumble.org.
Virginia
Somerset Steam & Gas Engine Assn. 18th Annual Somerset Steam School
When: April 9-10
Where: Fairfield View Dairy Farm,
14375 Blue Ridge Turnpike, Somerset
Tuition: $75
The course is divided into classroom and hands-on sessions with focus on education, familiarization and safety in operation and maintenance of steam engines and boilers. All materials and two noon meals are included. Class size is limited to 20 students.
For more information: Gil Roberts, P.O. Box 492, Somerset, VA 22972; (540) 672-3429; email: info@somersetsteamandgas.org; www.somersetsteamandgas.org
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Historical Steam Engine Assn. 13th Annual Steam School
When: Sept. 23-25
Where: Rock River Thresheree show grounds, Edgerton
Tuition: $65
Subjects include steam theory, boiler construction, safety, maintenance and operation with hands-on experience. All materials, coffee, donuts and lunch on Saturday and Sunday are included. Free primitive camping is available on the show grounds. The American Society of Power Engineers test will be offered (but is not mandatory) on Sunday for $55. Class size is limited to 40; preregistration is required.
For more information: Jeff Bloemers, Wisconsin Historical Steam Engine Assn. Steam School, 5903 Cart Path Rd., Sheboygan, WI 53081; (920) 564-6292; email: jwbsteam@gmail.com; www.whsea.org
Maryland
Tuckahoe Steam Engine School
When: May 7
Where: Tuckahoe Steam and Gas Assn. show grounds, Easton
Tuition: $25
A one-day course designed for those who are interested in operating steam engines. Hands-on instruction will focus on operating procedures and safety. Topics include: steam engine history overview; identifying various steam engines; operating procedures and maintaining safety in all procedures. Class size is limited to 15 participants.
For more information: Eric Harvey, Tuckahoe Steam & Gas Assn., Steam Department, P.O. Box 636, Easton, MD 21601; email: eric@erharvey.com; www.tuckahoesteam.org
Did we miss your club’s steam school? Contact Codi Spiker at cspiker@ogdenpubs.com or 1-800-682-4704 to get your club included in future listings.
