Seven steam schools will put
steam engines front and center this year, connecting those with a fascination
with steam engines to the resources and education to turn their interest into a
new hobby.
Steam schools place a special
emphasis on safety, focusing on the ins and outs of safe operation and
maintenance basics. Experienced steam engineers provide instruction in
classroom settings before moving to hands-on instruction. If you’re interested,
don’t hesitate to register – most courses fill quickly. Whether you’re new to
the hobby or a seasoned veteran, these courses provide invaluable experience
and lessons to help keep old iron alive and safe for everyone involved. FC
Did we miss your club’s
steam school? Contact Beth Beavers at bbeavers@ogdenpubs.com or 1-800-682-4704 to get your club included in
future listings.
Illinois
13th Annual Central
States Threshermen’s Steam
School
When: May 18-19
Where: Threshermen’s Reunion Park,
Pontiac
Tuition: $50 ($40 for
additional family members)
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: Bob
Stadsholt, 717 Lara Rd.,
Normal, IL 61761; (309) 452-8223 (home) or (309)
838-9902 (cell); email: bstads@comcast.net.
Iowa
Midwest Old Threshers Reunion
Steam School
When: May 4-5
Where: Midwest Old
Threshers show grounds, Mt.
Pleasant
Tuition: $50
The course stresses
classroom and hands-on experience. Materials and two noon meals are included.
For more information:
Terry McWilliams, Public Relations and Marketing, 405 E. Threshers Rd., Mt.
Pleasant, IA 52641; (319) 385-8937; email: info@oldthreshers.org.
Heritage Park of North Iowa13th Annual Steam Engineer School
When: May 18-19
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 but is not
mandatory. Class size is limited to 50. Online registration available.
For more information:
Jerred Ruble, Director of Shows, Heritage Park of North Iowa, 754 342nd St.,
Hanlontown, IA 50444; (641) 797-2697; email: ruble@wctatel.net.
Minnesota
Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion/University of Rollag Steam School
When: June 15-16
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 typically fills by
May 1.
For more information: Tom
Hall, University of Rollag, PO Box 999, Moorhead, MN 56561; (218) 233-1771.
Pennsylvania
Rough & Tumble Engineers Historical Assn. Steam School
When: May 18 and June 1
Where: Rough & Tumble 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
28, age 14 and older; applications are being accepted now; 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.
Virginia
Somerset Steam & GasEngine Assn. 15th Annual Somerset Steam School
When: April 13-14
Where: Fairfield View Dairy Farm, 14375 Blue Ridge Turnpike, Somerset
Tuition: $75
The course is divided
into classroom and hands-on sessions with a 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.
For more information: Gil
Roberts, PO Box 492, Somerset, VA 22972; (540) 672-3429; email: info@somersetsteamandgas.org.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Historical Steam Engine Assn. Steam School
When: Sept. 27-29
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 an additional fee of $55. Class size is limited to 50;
preregistration is required.
For more information: Jeff Bloemers, Wisconsin Historical
Steam Engine Assn. Steam School, W 4597 County Road F, Waldo, WI 53093; (920)
287-1146; email: jwbsteam@gmail.com.
— All Photos Courtesy Rough & Tumble Engineers Historical Assn., Rough & Tumble.
Beth Beavers is the associate editor at Farm Collector and Gas Engine Magazine. Contact her by email atbbeavers@ogdenpubs.comor find her onGoogle+.
