MADEONEARTH

Steamed Up

If the phrase “Live Steam enthusiasts” conjures up visions of health spa devotees huddled over vapor pools, think again.

In geek parlance, it refers to the global community of model-train lovers who build quarter-scale models of steam and diesel locomotives in their home workshops using mills, lathes, and drill presses — then ride them around through large layouts in backyards or public parks. Prices for miniature, rideable locomotives can range from a few hundred dollars for one made from scavenged parts to hundreds of thousands of dollars for a high-end model with all the bells and whistles.

One popular online hub for rideable model-train fans is livesteaming.com, which has pointers to dozens of hobbyist clubs in Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. The site also serves as a helpful resource for locating live-steam conventions, which take place at locations around the world and throughout the year.

In 2004, one American group organized a marathon ride in an attempt to break The Guinness Book of Records’ standard for distance traveled in 24 hours by a rideable-scale locomotive. Using two diesel model locomotives — one powered by gasoline and the other driven by batteries — a tag team of engineers spanning three generations of railroad junkies claims to have successfully broken the 1994 record of 168 miles, set in England. One locomotive reached 218 miles, the other 208. All participants, who bypassed sleep for a day in their pursuit of greatness on the rails, achieved a satisfied state of exhaustion. —Xeni Jardin

>>Live Steaming: livesteaming.com

Photograph by Trevor Heath

16 Make: Volume 01