Steamup at
The Sacramento South Side Railroad

Text and photos by Mike Martin

We must thank Kevin O'Connor for hosting a wonderful steamup on April 17th. His gracious hospitality and beautiful, relaxing garden make for a "not to be missed" event. The weather was perfect and attendance was good (although we missed seeing Charley Lix and Richard Finlayson).

I was remiss in not taking down the names of all those attending, and was having too much fun running engines to take more than a few photos. However, we had a great time and are looking forward to the next event at Kevin's. See you there!


Tony had just finished assembling his new Aster King George and is seen here making preparations for it's first run.


While it could use some more running time to "loosen-up", Tony's King George sounded spectacular while underway!


Kevin and Tony discussing the fine coaching stock that Tony brought with him.


A familiar sight at any steamup!


Here's a Frank S waiting on the siding for a clear mainline.


A couple of Sterno-burning, chain slapping, fire breathing Project Engines. Gee, they look familiar...


A sampling of some of the motive power on hand.


Reg Stocking brought his beautiful new Roundhouse Russell. I shouldn't have to tell you that it performed flawlessly.


Here we see Reg's new loco flanked by some classy company.


I didn't get all the details, but it appears that John Bailey is building this 7/8" scale loco to the 2-1/2" scale standards he's more accustomed to. Nice workmanship!


A close look at an eccentric rod, an expansion link, and a giant 24" diameter penny!?


A few of the parts for my "It'll probably take longer than Jim Hadden's Heisler project" project. With the exception of the Locosteam wheel castings, this 1847 Tulk and Ley built Crampton is being entirely scratch built.


This is a rendering of the partially completed CAD model that has been invaluable in the design development of the Crampton model loco. I will be conducting a seminar at the National Spring Steamup that will explore this sort of modern modeling work.