Rain or Shine
COME ON UP to Hesston and bring your trains!

Who's Invited?

If you are into large scale "ride-able" model railroading you are welcome to attend. You do not need to bring equipment but we encourage you to do so.  You are invited to bring your 7.5" gauge steam, gasoline, diesel, electric powered equipment (IBLS standards please) or 14" (contact us prior to bringing 14" ga.). If you're new to the hobby, this will be a GREAT place to find out about us. Sorry, the general public is not invited to this event.

Registration Form

Hesston Steam Museum Rules

• Steam engines need to have documentation (proof) of a 2011 hydro test. The current hydro from your Live Steam/Diesel club is probably sufficient. Folks with steam equipment must contact the museum director prior to bringing your equipment (Ted Rita ted.rita@hesston.org )

• You must be at least 16 and hold a valid driver's license if you are operating equipment at the museum.

• The main line track needs to be free for public rides starting promptly at 1:00 PM Sunday.  If you are not a Hesston Museum Member, you will need to clear the track for the museum visitors.  You are invited to spend the entire day on Sunday at the museum to enjoy the exhibits and take some train rides.

Read Hesston's Rules as they pertain to this event.

Cost to attend

There is a nominal Registration Fee of $20 per vehicle (a max. of 5 persons) plus $5 per person (that fee covers all days). 

Food

There will be a banquet dinner on Saturday Night. Details.

A menu of burgers, dogs and tacos etc. will be available on site at the Museum's "Whistle Stop" cafe. There are several fine restaurants and fast food establishments with in several miles of the Museum too.

Vendors

See the current list of vendors.  Vendor List

Are you a vendor? Do you sell live steam/diesel cars or locomotives or accessories or related items?    Vendor Registration Form

Who's the Sponsor?

Discover Live Steam is providing web space to promote this event. Unlike the 2010 convention, Discover Live Steam is not a sponsor of this event. The Hesston Steam Museum is the sole sponsor of the 2011 Railroad Convention.  The Hesston Steam Museum is operated by the LaPorte County Historical Steam Society as an all volunteer 501(c)(3) not-for-profit.  Proceeds from this event will support the museum and it's work of preservation and education.

More Railroad Fun at the Hesston Museum

In addition to the 7.5" gauge track, the museum's 14" gauge "Park Train" steamers will be in operation along with one of Hesston's full scale narrow gauge (2' and 3' gauge) trains Schedules TBA.

Cab Ride Raffle

While attending the convention, purchase a raffle ticket to win a Cab Ride in one of the Museum's Narrow Gauge Locomotives. You can only purchase raffle tickets at the event. Rides will be given on Saturday and Sunday during the convention. Riders must be able to climb in and out of the cab and be wearing long pants and closed toe shoes at the time of the ride.

Vendors

Hesston is inviting all Diesel, Steam and related vendors to come join us at the convention.  Vendor Registration Form

Seminars  

Several of the vendors have volunteered to conduct seminars.  They will be held Saturday PM. Click for details.

 

Flea Market / Swap Meet

Sell your assorted railroad (scale or 1:1 scale) items at our swap meet table.  Swap Meet will begin Saturday after lunch.  And a last chance swap meet will be held Sunday AM.  More about the swap meet.

Hotels

There are dozens of hotels in the area to fit any budget. To see a partial list of near by hotels, click this link.

Camping

*You can set your camper or tent up right at the Museum. There will be a $10 fee per night for campers.  No charge if you camp in a tent.

Other things to do in the area

• Heston Supper Club

• Blue Chip Casino & Hotel

• Four Winds Casino

• I Love Toy Trains Store

• Harbor Grand Hotel

Find the Museum

Conveniently located near I94 exit 1, only 90 minutes from Chicagoland.

• Directions - Take I-94 to Exit 1, south to "County Road 1000 North".  Or take the Indiana toll road to Exit 49, north on 139 to "County Road 1000 North" and watch for our billboard.

• GPS - 1201 E 1000 N, La Porte, IN
  or these coordinates :  N41.75299 W86.67820

• Google Maps - Find us using Google Maps

The Hesston Steam Museum is operated by the LaPorte County Historical Steam Society an all volunteer 501(c)(3) not-for-profit
 © All images, logos and text copyright Hesston Steam Museum October, 2007  Copyright Statement

contact us

This event is sponsored by The Hesston Steam Museum.
Discover Live Steam is not a sponsor.