A Model Engineer's Viewpoint
By Stanley A. Schaffer
Ford City, Pennsylvania. The New York Steam Engine Association has gone and done it again. They really put on a great show had beautiful weather and had the largest turnout of model engines in the East. Of course the model building was under the very capable supervision of Bus Longrod, as has been for a number of years. According to Bus, there were 220 various types of models displayed and the huge crowds that passed through the building attest to the fact that they are genuinely interested in this facet of the steam show.
For the modelers themselves, it is a time to renew old acquaintances, talk shop and see what each other may have built since the last show. The show would not be complete without many of the long time showmen M. G. Hartley with his miniature saw mill; Clarence Stills on of Rochester with his raft of beautiful engines; Ray Hasbrouck with his "build from scratch" display; Don Fitzgerald, a meticulous model builder; A. Russell Snyder and his bevy of finely finished miniature gas engines; and Paul Breisch and many others whose names escape me. Some of these men travel up to 350 miles just to be a part of this great show!
One more item, although not connected with modelers, it was stationed near the model building and that was the very unusual display of a huge American flag, 18 feet long and 12 feet high, supported on a specially built trailer by Mr. Jack Breen of R.D. #2, Canandaigua. I'm sure all those who saw it were very impressed as I was and Mr. Breen deserves a big "thank you".