The Waushakum Live Steamers club exists to promote interest in and knowledge of steam locomotion, especially on rails. It is open to all who have a sincere interest in the subject. The primary activity of the club is to maintain an outdoor track, where members can operate scale steam locomotives. The present track accommodates equipment in 1″, 3/4″ and 1-1/2” to the foot scales (1/12 and 1/16 and 1/8 of full size). These engines will pull the engineer and several passengers on riding cars.
The club owns several locomotive, which will be used as tools for teaching safe and successful operating procedures to all members. Qualified members may than operate them for practice.
Club History
The Waushakum club was founded in 1954. An elevated track of 3.5″ gauge was built in Ashland Massachusetts, and inaugurated in 1956. Under the lea
dership of George Hildreth, the club built a new track in Holliston, MA in 1970, where it remained until August 1996. See a more detailed history in our history page.
Facilities
Following the 1996 August meet at the old Norfolk Street track, the facilities were disassembled and transported to Arthur St., the new club site. The new property consists of some 26 acres with both wooded area and a field. Already in service is a 1,200′ loop of 3-1/2, 4-3/4 gauges (elevated track), there are also a two loops, one within the other (1,300′ each), of 7-1/4 gauge, (ground) track. The elevated rail is approximately 30 inches above ground level. The new facility is only about 5 miles from the old track.
An expansion of the high line track, extended its length to about 2600′ with a covered bridge and trestle. The ground line has a beautiful tu
nnel and an extension off of the original loop out into the wilderness division through the tunnel and return back again, linking into the current track. The main line is about 3,500′ and will soon be extended by a switch to the inner look and crossover back to the main line.
The engines will be served by a coal tower and a railroad water tank. The engine house which has storage tracks and a transfer table provide for weatherproof storage of equipment. A railroad-style control tower, provides a vantage point for the chief dispatcher. During meet weekends, the dispatcher will be able to switch to and from yard and main line tracks on both the high line and ground tracks. There is a nice picnic area for lunches under a pine grove across from the entrance shanty.
Activities
The operating season usually runs from early May to late November. Normal running days at the track are every Sunday, weather permitting. During the running season, Saturdays are normally work days, for maintenance of track and grounds.
Each August, we hold an Annual Meet, where Live Steam enthusiasts from all over the Northeast bring as many as fifty locomotives to operate. The visitors number in the hundreds. Several engines usually are steamed up at the annual New Year’s Day Run. A recent innovation is the Waushakum Dinner, held on the Thursday before the meet members, their families and guests.
Newsletter
Our newsletter, Waushakum Journal, is currently published four times per year for members of the WLS. To become a member see the membership information on this site.