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Case Study: The Waushakum Live Steamers

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Working on the railroad: Train admirers are big on miniature hobby

The first time you round the bend on the long, narrow dirt road that leads to the grounds of the Waushakum Live Steamers, you'll probably rub your eyes to make sure you're seeing correctly. In front of you, in miniature, you'll spy an entire railroad junction, complete with diminutive structures, a railroad turntable, several tracks and a brick shed constructed to resemble a 19th century engine shop. Then there's the numerous miniature train cars and locomotives, each several feet long.

But it's no mirage - just the home turf of a dedicated group of railroad hobbyists for whom nothing can be too realistic. Their steam locomotives are powered by real miniature steam engines …show more content…

Although members can operate trains on the site at almost any time, weekends are the most popular, particularly when there is a scheduled meet. This weekend Waushakum is hosting its largest event of the year, a three-day meet with total daily attendance expected to reach 1,500, providing an opportunity for hobbyists from New England and across the country to share their interest and admire each other's …show more content…

The Rev. Jay Finelli, pastor of Holy Ghost church in Tiverton, R.I., said he always has been interested in trains, but took his interest to a new level when he joined Waushakum a few years ago.

``The hobby is great for many reasons but two stand out in my mind the most,'' Finelli said. ``I have made many great friends at Waushakum and around the country, including Canada, and I have also learned lots about machining and building and running a live steam locomotive,'' he said.

O'Brien said the membership includes several machinists, doctors, a harbor pilot and a maker of medical instruments, as well as carpenters and electricians. Most, O'Brien estimates, are in their 40s or 50s, although ``we are bringing in more younger people - anyone with an interest in railroads is welcome.''

Professionally, O'Brien does on-the-road repair of tractor-trailers. Like Finelli, he grew up loving trains and had ``a cellar full of model trains'' back in Framingham, where his father worked for the Boston & Albany division of the PennCentral

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