Chula Vista Live Steamers - History

Club History

     Chula Vista Live Steamers, established in January 1974, is a group of persons interested in building and operating scale models of real (live steam) machinery. Their engines and associated equipment are usually built and operated by the owner and are maintained by him at his own considerable expense of time and money.
     Live steam machinery encompasses mechanisms other than railroad locomotives. For example: steam tractors; stationary mill engines; steam driven pumps, hammers, calliopes, pile drivers, cranes, boats, cars and ... whatever the imagination can invent. Presently the most prevalent facet of CVLS live steam activity is heavily oriented toward railroad ideology.
     Live steam railroading attracts many railroad hobbyists, steam buffs and other who recall the nostalgic days of steam locomotive. Railroad (track) right-of-way at Rohr Park is made available through a cooperative agreement with the City of Chula Vista. The track and facilities are built and maintained by CVLS members on their own time and money! Much skill, effort, patience and time goes into the building of the 'iron horse' and rolling stock. Locomotives and cars are CVLS member owned and are exhibited to the public view. CVLS members are NOT obligated in anyway to run an amusement park or furnish rides to the general public. However, since many engineers enjoy running their trains prototypically and want to share their avocation with you, they may invite you to ride on the trains they operate, at your own risk. All that is asked of you is that you obey the rules of common courtesy and specifically obey our SAFETY RULES posted in the passenger station area.

THINK - SAFETY FIRST!

Statistics concerning the...SWEET WATER & ROHR PARK RAILROAD.
Predominant Scale: 1 1/2 inches to the foot, meaning that the replicas are one-eighth the size of full sized (prototype) equipment. Some other scale (sizes) may be present.
Track Gauge: 7 1/2 inches between rails. Rails are extruded aluminum.

OPERATION: Scheduled operating dates are the second weekend (the 2nd Saturday and following Sunday) of every month.

Membership in Chula Vista Live Steamers is open to anyone interested. A one-time Charter Membership Certificate ($25 donation) is required with annual dues of $40 (except Military and Non-Resident, $15) fiscally. Meetings are held monthly on the last Wednesday at the Manor in Rohr Park. The FEEDWATER is the CVLS news publication.

CVLS is a non-profit organization incorporated under the laws of the State of California. Finances are derived through donations and member dues.

Ace W. '88

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