named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
57th Anniversary Invitational Meet
Annual multi-day event for members of live steam and riding-scale clubs to bring their trains and operate on 7¼", 4¾", and gauge one tracks; includes a club dinner.
Boiler Inspection Program
Self-administered safety program that issues inspection certificates for miniature model locomotives, recognized by other regional live steam clubs.
Gauge One Railroad
Track for gauge one (45 mm) model trains, popular with garden railroad enthusiasts; includes steam-powered and electrically powered models using radio control.
Model Railroader & Social Member Day
Annual event allowing model railroaders of all scales to visit, operate trains, and socialize with members on the outdoor tracks.
activities · 4 groups
What they do
-
Railroad and Canal Heritage Preservation 5 activities
- Maintaining and expanding model railroad track infrastructureDesigns, constructs, and maintains an expanding network of model railroad tracks, including dual-gauge elevated sections, a figure-eight bridge loop adding 1,500 feet to the mainline, and additional track panels totaling hundreds of feet. The club operates multiple gauges including 7¼, 4¾, and gauge one, with electrified options for electric trains.
- Operating public model train runsRuns model trains on Saturday afternoons from mid-May through mid-October for public enjoyment and education. These events are held on a mile-long railroad track featuring a yard, passing sidings, bridges, and operating signals.
- Preserving and promoting railroading history and researchEncourages research, writing, and preservation of the history of steam, diesel, and electric locomotion and railroading. Recognized by the New York State Assembly for community contributions and dedication to preserving steam locomotive heritage.
- Providing educational resources and promoting railroading knowledgeMaintains a reference library for students, teachers, and scholars focused on the history and technology of steam, diesel, and electric locomotion and railroading. Engages in educational activities to increase public understanding, especially among youth, of rail transportation history, safety, and future developments.
- Providing facility and storage for membersMaintains a 12-acre club site with dedicated infrastructure including a car barn, personal storage building, and yard facilities for members to store and work on locomotives and rolling stock. The site was developed from a former corn field and includes natural regrowth and tree planting since 1969.
-
-
Organized Member Social Events 1 activity
- Hosting organized events and gatherings for members and visitorsHosts special events multiple times per year, including the 57th Anniversary Invitational Meet, Model Railroader & Social Member Day, open houses, club picnics, and member project work sessions on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Monthly meetings are held from April through December, with minutes distributed to members.
-
-
Professional Certification and Continuing Education 1 activity
- Operating a recognized boiler inspection and safety programRuns a self-developed boiler inspection program that issues certificates recognized by other live steam clubs in the northeast. Requires visiting operators to present current certification or complete inspections on-site under club supervision, ensuring safe operation of live steam equipment.
-
-
Organizational Newsletter Production and Distribution 1 activity
- Supporting member engagement and club operationsProvides members with access to the monthly newsletter, the Pop Valve, and opportunities to participate in track maintenance, grounds upkeep, and special improvement projects. Adheres to IBLS wheel standards for 7¼ and 4¾ gauge railroads to ensure compatibility and safety.
-
financials · form 990EZ · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$19K
Contributions & grants$5K27%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$180%
Other revenue$4K
expenses
Total expenses$28K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits—
Grants paid out—
balance sheet
Total assets$349K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$349K
2 years on record · 2023–2024 · YoY revenue -26.7%
relationships · 9
Who they work with
- 4¾ Gauge Railroad Partner — Operates 4¾ inch gauge model railroad tracks.
- 7¼ Gauge Railroad Partner — Operates 7¼ inch gauge model railroad tracks.
- Boy Scouts Partner — Improved the grade crossing by removing bent brickwork and creating a straight crossing for better foot and equipment traffic flow.
- Gauge 1 Railroad Partner — Operates Gauge 1 model railroad tracks.
- International Brotherhood of Live Steamers Network — Follows wheel standards set by the International Brotherhood of Live Steamers (IBLS).
- Local Amish Partner — Constructed a personal storage building for club members to store model cars and locomotives.
- New York Senate Government — Referenced as the body that amended labor law to exempt certain model boilers from state and federal inspection.
- New York State Assembly Government — Recognized the organization with an official citation.
- not specified Partner — No named organizational partnerships identified in source text.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Experiential Education through Live Steam Railroadingmethodology: experiential-educationBy engaging participants in hands-on construction and operation of large-scale model railroads, the organization fosters informal learning and sustained community interest in railroading, because experiential involvement deepens understanding and emotional connection to the craft and history of steam locomotion.
- Peer-Led Skill Development and Mentorshipmethodology: peer_mentorship_and_skill_transferBy leveraging experienced members to mentor newcomers in model building and train operation, the organization enables rapid skill acquisition and strengthens community cohesion, because hands-on guidance from peers lowers barriers to entry and reinforces a shared culture of learning and safety.
- Youth Engagement through Hands-On Educational Outreachmethodology: youth-oriented educational outreachBy designing interactive, hands-on experiences focused on railroading, the organization sparks interest in youth and promotes intergenerational participation, because early experiential exposure cultivates lasting enthusiasm and supports long-term community involvement in the hobby.