The Triad Live Steamers hosted the Carolina Southern Division at their facility in a public park in Harrisburg, NC.  Division members and other visitors were treated to rides on the trains and a few members had turns at running some of the locomotives.  We all learned a lot about how large scale trains are operated.
The club moved to the Harrisburg location a couple of years ago and this year became a 100% NMRA club to take advantage of the NMRA insurance program.  Because their regular membership fee includes NMRA membership, they are offering a special deal to existing NMRA members who can join the club for only $10.
The layout currently is a large loop with four passing sidings and several yard/service tracks.  The turnouts at each passing siding are sprung so that there can be meets without throwing any turnouts.  The club has plans for a larger loop going up a hill and around the recreation fields in another area of the park.
There are regular times when the facility is open to the public for rides.  See the schedule and other information at their web site: www.triadlivesteamers.org .

For membership information email:  info@triadlivesteamers.org

Click here for a video slideshow from the event.

Text and photos by Jack Haynes