It may feel like winter outside, but it won’t be long until students head back to school – steam school, that is. Steam schools have been announced by several groups across the U.S. and interested persons are encouraged to register early, as classes regularly fill fast.
Whether you’re a veteran engineer or a novice, you’ll gain invaluable instruction in steam basics, maintenance, safety precautions and emergency procedures, all presented by qualified professionals. Some steam school programs 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.
Illinois
Central States Threshermen’s Reunion Steam School
When: June 3-4, 2023
Where: Central States Threshermen’s Reunion Park, Pontiac, Ill. (2 miles north of I-55 on Rt. 23)
Tuition: $60 ($50 for additional family members)
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 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, piping, valves, pumps, miscellaneous topics, real life scenarios and emergency procedures. Afternoon sessions involve hands-on experience firing and running engines.
For more information: Doug Smith, 2695 E. 1900 N Rd., Moweaqua, IL 62550; (217) 341-4987; email: smithkeck1920@gmail.com.
Iowa
Heritage Park of North Iowa Steam Engineer School
When: May 20-21, 2023
Where: Heritage Park of North Iowa, Forest City
Tuition: $100
The Heritage Park steam school is offered in two classes: one for beginners and one for advanced students. As part of the course, participants help prepare one or more steam traction engines for steam-up. Those who complete the course will receive 16 hours credit toward the 50 hours required for a Minnesota Hobby Engineer’s license. Class size is limited to 50 beginners and 25 advanced students. Materials, continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments are included.
For more information: Wyndham Sellers, (612) 804-9919; email: heritagepark@whsiowa.org; online at Winnebego Historical Society.
Midwest Old Threshers Steam School
When: May 6-7, 2023
Where: Midwest Old Threshers Grounds, Mount Pleasant, Iowa
Tuition: $75
The class begins 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. The session ends at 2 p.m. on the second day, following a noon meal (which is included). All participants must be age 14 or older.
For more information or to register: Julie Scott, 405 E. Threshers Rd., Mount Pleasant, IA 52641; (319) 385-8937; email: info@oldthreshers.org; Old Threshers.
Kansas
Kansas Antique Engine Show Safety Assn. (KAESSA) Steam School
When: April 15-16
Where: Winfield
Tuition: $50
Tuition covers handouts, breakfast and lunch both days. Those who attend both days will earn 16 hours toward a Kansas operator’s license. Two to 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 and website.
Minnesota
Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion: University of Rollag Steam School
When: June 16-18, 2023
Where: Steam Hill, Rollag
Tuition: $70
Marking its 41st year in 2023, the University of Rollag Steam School’s two-and-one-half-day program offers 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 license. WMSTR is the only training approved by the state of Minnesota not provided by a state-run entity. Books are included. Class size is limited to 70. Registration is required.
For more information: Tom Hall, University of Rollag, P.O. Box 999, Moorhead, MN 56561; (218) 233-1771; Rollagg.
Pennsylvania
Rough & Tumble Engineers Historical Assn. Steam School
When: May 20-21, 2023
Where: Rough & Tumble grounds, Kinzers
Rough & Tumble’s 2023 steam school is full. Registration is held during the Time of Harvest show in October for the next year’s steam school, and all available slots are currently filled in less than an hour. Registration for the 2024 steam school will be held during the 2023 Time of Harvest show.
For more information: Email Steam School Administrator John Johnson at steamschool@comcast.net; online at Rough and Tumble.
Virginia
Somerset Steam & Gas Engine Association: Somerset Steam School
When: April 15-16, 2023
Where: Fairfield View Dairy Farm, Somerset
Tuition: $100
The course is divided into classroom and hands-on sessions conducted by qualified, 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 (see address below).
For more information: Gil Roberts, P.O. Box 492, Somerset, VA 22972; phone: (540) 672-3429; email: info@somersetsteamandgas.org; online at Somerset Steam and Gas.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Historical Steam Engine Assn. Steam School
When: Sept. 22-24
Where: North Central Wisconsin Antique Steam & Gas Engine Club show grounds, 223755 Steam Hill Dr., Edgar, WI 54426
Tuition: $75
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. Registration is at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Class is held from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Materials provided include a textbook, Steam Traction Engineer’s Checklist, and Case Steam Engine Manual. Breakfast and lunch both days, and dinner Saturday night, are included. Free primitive camping is available on the show grounds. Class size is limited to 40; preregistration is required. Completion counts for 16 hours toward the required number to obtain a state operator’s license in Minnesota and Ohio. Youth scholarships are available.
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. FC
