Safety is a paramount concern with any hobby that involves machinery. The Live Steam hobby prides itself on its safety record. Unlike twelve inch to the foot operations, accidents with small scale steam engines are extremely rare!
On March 3, 1965 the New York Senate amended the labor law to exempt certain boilers from (state and federal) inspection. "The boiler of a miniature model locomotive, boat, tractor, or stationary engine constructed and maintained as a hobby and not for commercial use, and having a volume of less than two cubic feet and a grate area not in excess of two square feet."
This exemption does NOT mean anything goes. The Finger Lakes Live Steamers, Inc. has developed a boiler inspection and certification program of its own. The certificate is recognized by other clubs in the northeast.
Wheel Standards These have been erroneously refered to as IBLS standards by some sources. The IBLS never published standards, but these standards are used by most clubs in North America.
Library The FLLS maintains a reference library for the use of students, teachers, and scholars interested in steam, diesel, and electric locomotion and railroading.
Training The purposes for which the Finger Lakes Live Steamers, Inc. was formed are:
To foster the construction and operation of model trains by providing and maintaining a publicly available facility for large scale model railroading.
Encouraging research, writing, and preservation regarding the history of steam, diesel, and electric locomotion and railroading.
Promotion of activities which stimulate the public and particularly young persons to know more about steam, diesel and electric locomotion and railroading.
Promotion of public awareness and particularly young persons of safety precautions in and around railroading activities.
Promotion of public interest in the future of rail transportation.
Flora (Wildflowers and Trees) Over the years, many members have planted grass, trees, and shrubs, in an effort to beautify the grounds. In recent years there has been an effort to develop an arboretum at the club with the planting of many different north american species. As parts of the property revert to wild meadow, the number of naturally occuring wild flowers increases.
Fauna that has been seen at the club include: deer; red fox; migrating geese and songbirds; owls; and even the occasional eagle.
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SAFETY FIRST
Is Rule Number One!