The Pennsylvania Live Steamers, Inc. was established in 1946 as an all volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation of the nation’s rich mechanical and engineering heritage. We are incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Our purpose is to formulate and carry out plans for the construction and operation of a live steam railroad and to foster a sprit of cooperation among live steam railroaders.
We are a group of people who enjoy trains and railroading. Our members operate various scales of miniature railway equipment, with one-eight scale, one-twelfth scale and gauge-one being the most prevalent.
Some of our members own locomotives and/or cars. However, owning equipment is not a requirement for membership.
Our 5-acre club site has 3,200 feet of 1½″ scale (7¼″ gauge), 3,000 feet of 1″ scale (4¾″ gauge), an 800-foot multi-gauge loop and a 219-foot dual-tracked Gauge-1 loop. There are multiple unloading facilities as well as handicapped facilities for our members and visitors.
George Thomas with camelback on the Paoli, Leopard & Sugartown, the forerunner of the Pennsylvania Live Steamers.
Our 2022 Annual Picnic on July 16th was a huge success. After enjoying a cookout hosted by member John Forsythe and his family, everyone gathered for a group photo with the newly rebuilt and repainted club locomotive which suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Ida last year. The day’s photos are available in the Gallery.
The weather was perfect, but the attendance was down a little for the 2023 Fall Meet. The meet took place from September 1st through 3rd. There was a Saturday memorial service for long-time member Dave Sclavi. Several of Dave’s family members were in attendance. Photos from the meet are available in the Gallery.