Lake Shore Live Steamers.com

Located at

Penitentiary Glen
8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd
Kirtland, Ohio 44094

For our morning session with the children, Paul Emch is giving the descriptions on the different type of cars that the railroad uses and what type of load would be hauled in each car. Jann Glove, in the foreground, of the Park service was present as Paul went through the operations in different styles of railroad cars.

Skip Frank brought his Columbia type steam engine and he gave a talk on steam engines, how steam is generated and made to work to move the engine. The part that all the kids were waiting for was the ride after the presentation, which they all seem to look forward to.

Another type of steam engine on display for the presentation was Paul Emch's Nickel Plate Road Hudson along with one of the old-time varnish passenger cars with 6 wheel trucks, definitely one of the heavyweights. A view of Skip's engine "Lynn" with Paul Zorko's diesel switcher reposing on another steaming bay.

The members that were helping out, relaxed and waited for the next group, which were Bill Besselman, Mike Harkleroad, Paul Zorko, Judson Elliott, Paul Emch and Joe Banzer. Today was still a work day so some of the guys were draining the water from our water tower so they could work on the float.

Ted Nyland was assisting along with Josh Frank, Bob Beardslee and Skip Frank as the water drained through the pipe across the track into the ditch. Skip on the ladder using a hose to rinse out the inside of the tank, which has a liner.

Here is Skip performing a ballet step from the top of the ladder so he can get the liner all rinsed down as Bob watches. The next group of children arrived and Skip moves over to the steaming bays to give his talk on the steam engines.

Skip had his steam engine blocked up in front and had it operating on air for the kids to see the linkage motion as the wheels went around which they seemed quite interested in. From this view of the group you can see Paul's SW9 switcher with his control car.

Again with his group Paul goes on to describe the cars, the type of loads they would of haulded for the railroad. Happy time!, as it's time time to board the train and take a ride around the track, which is almost 5/8 of an actual mile for the trip. Ken Brooks and Mike Harkleroad were the engineers the these trips.

We took time out for a few to get pictures of the event as the attendees boarded the train for the ride with Edith Hacker on this side of the train assisting with the loading. With the trains loaded, Paul Emch gives riding instructions to the riders before they depart the station.

Ken with his trainload of passengers is just passing Shoe on his way into the Covered Bridge with Mike in the distance just coming off the Big Bend bridge. Mike entering the Covered Bridge with his trainload of passengers and Lew Fowler as his conductor at the rear.

While all this was going on, Dave Hird was cleaning switch throw's, adjusting and lubricating them, keeping a watchful eye for the trains. Ken having just passed through the Truss Bridge with another load of passengers as he heads for Mackey's Run and the Big Bend bridge.

The 3rd group has arrived and Jann is kneeling in the foreground with the kids as they listen intently to Skip's description of the steam engine and answering questions that seems to have all the parents smiling at this point. Can you tell Skip just blew the whistle as some of the kids are holding their hands to their ears?

Once again, Paul describes the operation of the different styles of railroad cars out on the high rail as the kids, parents or grandparents listen to his talk. Here Paul answers one of the questions put forth by one of the youngsters about the train cars.

Paul supervises the loading of the children and their parents or grandparents as Mike and Ken watch the proceedings as some of the riders get their pictures taken. Waiting as we make an adjustment to the seating for one young man and Ken will be able to depart the station.

With the last few riders boarding the train. Ken prepares to depart the station, which also has some Park personnel as passengers. Trains loaded! The mighty GP 38 starts moving, pulling its load out on track 2 to shortly merge with the mainline. This is a Rail Systems engine, which is a good hauler.