What Exactly Is A "Live Steamer", Anyway?

A "Live Steamer" refers to a person who is interested in the worldwide hobby of Live Steaming. A catchall phrase, "live steam" refers to the fact that the engine or locomotive is running on real steam, generated by burning coal, oil, or using electricity to boil water. But that's not all Live Steamers do. We are generally metalworking hobbyists, covering the gamut from building and running our own model trains (usually one-eighth life-size, like the ones at Tradewinds Park), to pattern-making and foundry work, live steam cars (like Stanley Steamers), stationary steam engines, steam boats (like the "Delta Queen"), to welding and metal forming are just some of the things we cover in our hobby.

It is not necessary to have all the tools for these trades to participate in the Live Steam hobby, or have a shop to work in, or even know how to do what it is you want to do. That's what we're here for - to teach about the hobby of Live Steam and teach each other new methods to enable us to make new things.