OCME SPRING MEET – 2024 – Orange County Model Engineers

CALLING ALL LIVE STEAMERS – JOIN US AT THE GOATHILL JUNCTION RAILROAD IN APRIL!

The OCME Spring Meet is a Private Event Open to Live Steamers, invited guests, and members of the club ONLY.
NO PUBLIC RIDES WILL BE GIVEN.

*Pricing, Food, and Events are Subject to change

WELCOME LIVE STEAMERS!

Hello Live Steam Enthusiasts,

As the vibrant colors of spring blossom around us, we are excited to extend a warm invitation to all Live Steamers for our upcoming Spring Meet at Orange County Model Engineers! This is the perfect opportunity to gather with large-scale model train enthusiasts, share knowledge, and immerse ourselves in the joy of everything model railroading.

Event Details:

Dates: April 26-28, 2024
7.5-inch gauge layout
Location: Orange County Model Engineers, Fairview Park, Costa Mesa, CA

Highlights:

Live Steam Showcases: Bring your impressive live steamer, your gasoline hydraulic, your electric locomotive, or your person-powered equipment for a grand showcase on our 7.5-inch gauge layout! Let’s marvel at the craftsmanship and engineering prowess of our fellow enthusiasts.
Run the Goathill Junction Layout: Chug around our nearly 5 miles of track through beautiful Fairview Park. Enjoy perfect sunsets and nighttime fun!
Limited Overnight Camping: We’ll have a small number of overnight camping available. Please sign up for the camping information form located on the website.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals, share your passion for Live Steam, and forge new friendships within the thriving Live Steam community. And learn how you can join us at OCME!

Refreshments and Fun:
We’ll provide a delightful spread of refreshments to keep the energy high, ensuring a weekend filled with laughter, camaraderie, and trains. Don’t miss our Saturday Night Fiesta with all-you-can-eat Tacos. You’ll need to RSVP!

See the flyer information below to find out about our meal services.

How to Reach Us:
For any inquiries, please contact us at info@ocmetrains.org

Let’s make this Spring Meet an unforgettable celebration of all things Live Steam! We look forward to welcoming you aboard for a long weekend of steam-powered excitement.

Complete details are located below. Please scroll down.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Warm regards,

Board of Directors
Orange County Model Engineers

OCME MEET SIGN-UP FORM:

By Signing up below, you’ll receive information about our Spring and Fall Meets. You will also get updates as the meets get closer! Sign up today!

SATURDAY NIGHT FIESTA DINNER

NORMA BRINGS HER AUTHENTIC MEXICAN STREET TACOS TO OCME.

CHICKEN, ASADA, PASTOR, RICE & BEANS, QUESADILLAS, CHIPS, PICO DE GALLO, GUACAMOLE, AVOCADO SALSA, RED SALSA, ONIONS, CILANTRO, LIMES, CHEESE, SOFT DRINK/WATER, AND DESSERT ($25.00)

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT!

You must RSVP for Dinner at the form below. This form must be completed by Wednesday, April 24 at 12 PM. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Meet Chairman.

CAMPING

CAMPING IS NOW CLOSED DUE TO THE POPULARITY OF THE EVENT. IF YOU’D LIKE TO CAMP AND HAVE A TENT, PLEASE CONTACT INFO@OCMETRAINS.ORG FOR POSSIBLE ACCOMMODATIONS.

A limited number of camping spots has been approved by the City of Costa Mesa for our event.

REMINDER: There will be no RV hookups or outdoor cooking (OCME has meals available for purchase. See the flyer for details).

Camping will be allowed from Friday through Sunday. All campers must depart by Sunday at the close of the meet.

SPRING MEET CHAIRMAN + COMMITTEE

Josh Guesman is your Spring Meet Chairman. Josh serves as the VP of Operations at OCME and has been visiting OCME for 30+ years.

He’s assisted by Dalton “DJ” Johnson, Mike August (OCME VP Facilities), Rich Barrientos, Steve Collier, Zach Jones (OCME Secretary), and Adam Dupre.

You can send questions to Josh and the committee by emailing info@ocmetrains.org

DIRECTIONS

ORANGE COUNTY MODEL ENGINEERS
2480 PLACENTIA AVENUE
COSTA MESA, CA 92626

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

The entrance to the club is located directly across the street from Estancia High School.
Signs will indicate the club entrance, and the dirt road will lead you either toward the station or the compound. Take the road on the right for the entrance to the compound, the unloading area, and the steaming bays.

Parking will be restricted inside the fenced area. Signs will mark the unloading areas.

MEET SCHEDULE

LAYOUT INFORMATION

SAFETY IS NUMBER ONE

Please read the rulebook, a copy of which is available at the club. The following rules are emphasized for your enjoyment of the scheduled events.

Direction for MOTIVE POWER out of the station:
- FRIDAY – SOUTHBOUND
- SATURDAY – NORTHBOUND
- SUNDAY – SOUTHBOUND

All trains must be run at a SAFE SPEED and under full control at all times. Don’t let the wide-open space hypnotize you. KEEP YOUR SPEED DOWN!!
This is an open park – kids and animals can be anywhere.
All trains must carry a RED FLAG and must PROTECT THE REAR OF THE TRAIN when stopped
Mackerel Flats & Goathill Junction Station is for LOADING and UNLOADING ONLY.
Engines in need of SERVICING do so in YARD AREAS ONLY (Steaming bays, Skinner Yard, Platfoot Yard). City water is also available at Mehren Tower on the North Loop and midway on the Mountain Division at Sweetwater Siding.
Dump ashes only in designated ash pits or in the Steaming Bays.
Engineers and crew are responsible for proper switch alignment. Switches should always be left aligned for the designated run direction of the day.
Trains must approach the double cross-over at the station at SLOW SPEED. Yield to trains coming out of the station.
USE CAUTION going down Higgins Loop (northbound – running – see map) as you approach the bridge – 2-WAY TRAFFIC is possible for a short distance.
NIGHT-TIME operation requires a headlight and a red tail light. A flashlight is recommended.
NO WHISTLES or HORNS after 7:30 p.m.
Maintain a minimum safe running distance between trains of 200 feet.
NO SMOKING on trains – locomotive exhaust excepted.
City Park and Club rules (Gen. Rule G) prohibit possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Dogs must be leashed (C.M.C.C Sec. 12-42).
A Current boiler check/certificate is required to run at O.C.M.E. If you need one, we will arrange to check your boiler.
OCME’s Layout is built and maintained to IBLS standards. ALL ROLLING STOCK (CARS AND ENGINES) MUST MEET THESE STANDARDS IN ORDER TO RUN AT THE MEET. Equipment not meeting IBLS standards will not be authorized to run. Please check the gauge on your wheels before running on the layout.
MAIN GATE LOCKED AT 10:00 PM – See board member for special arrangements.
OCME will monitor the fire danger on the layout. In the case of windy conditions, some restrictions may be placed on solid-fuel steam engines. But every effort will be made to keep those to a minimum.
Steamers, please do not use the track immediately adjacent to the station – the ties will burn. Track 2 is authorized for live steam loading, unloading, and water-fill activities.

RADIO INFORMATION

Handheld radios are REQUIRED during the meet. We broadcast on CHANNEL 9, SUBCHANNEL 25. Please ask a member for assistance if you have any questions.

WHISTLES

For the benefit of all, please use the correct train whistles and hand signals when operating trains at O.C.M.E. These signals have meaning and are professionally appropriate for our train operations.

NOTE: Noise Curfew at 7:30 pm takes precedence over advised whistle signal usage

WHISTLES

One short: Stop or stopping; apply the brakes
One long: Approaching railroad station or junction (if moving), or apply air brakes and equalize pressure (if standing)
Two longs, one short, one long: Warning when approaching a trestle or a blind curve or any other warning is needed. This is appropriate, especially on Higgins and Metassa Loops.]
One Long – Three Short: When an unscheduled stop is necessary, such as a track crew is working and signals the engineer to stop
Two short: A general answer to a signal or acknowledgment of a signal; identical to the “roger” or “10-4” radio terms
Two long: Train is about to proceed forward; release the brakes
Two long, One short, or Two short, One long: The train is approaching a meeting or waiting point
Two long, One short, One long: The train is approaching a grade crossing (i.e., a road crossing) or bridge. This is a widely used safety signal used to warn motorists and is blown at every grade-level crossing, except where local noise ordinances prohibit it. Known in railroad rulebooks as rule ’14L’
Three short: The train is about to proceed in reverse (if standing), or the train is about to stop at the next station (if moving)
Four short: The engineer is calling for signals
Multiple short: Danger, get off the tracks! Used to warn pedestrians or livestock who are on the tracks in front of the approaching train.

ACCESS AND SERVICE AT ORANGE COUNTY MODEL ENGINEERS

An air-powered automotive-style lift is available for unloading and loading with a capacity of 2,000 pounds. Please support each end of the lift (a jack is available) when unloading large locomotives. Please roll your locomotive and cars off the lift expeditiously onto the turntable in order to allow others to load and unload. Gas-Mechanical, Gas-hydraulic, and electric locomotives may be moved immediately off the turntable and into the Skinner yard. Steamers passing the wheel check can move onto the transfer table.
There are 21 open steaming bays accessed by a 20′ transfer table. The braced bays are for very large, heavy narrow-gauge locomotives. Please PUSH; Don’t pull the transfer table. Remember – SAFETY FIRST! The steaming bay area features:
Boiler water on most bays – Culligan treated to remove hardness and particulates.
Two air connections are available on alternate bays.
Electric outlets are along the fence.
Lighting
Trash cans are at each bay – please use them.
A two-bay, two-level recessed work area that allows you to work underneath your locomotive. Please use it and save your back.
Water and soda in the clubhouse – Honor system payment.
The porta-potties and hand-washing sink are behind the storage containers. Flush-type restrooms are in the station.
Shop for minor emergency repairs. Ask any member for assistance.
An Ash Pit is immediately outside of the steaming bays in Skinner Yard. Two ash pits are also located adjacent to Goat Hill Station, at the Mehren water tower, and another in Platfoot Yard.
Treated Water for steam locomotives is also available in Platfoot Yard (in three recessed boxes). City Water is available at the Station (four recessed boxes), the Mehren tower, and at Sweetwater siding on the Mountain Division.
Locomotives should be blocked from rolling when on the steaming bays.
Moving locomotives onto the main: Line up the turntable with the transfer table. Note the color coding of the turntable and align it so that your locomotive will face the intended direction. Place safety chains over the ends, then roll; do not drive the locomotive onto the turntable. PUSH, do not pull the turntable. Watch your toes. Safety First! Please do not use the lift for moving locomotives onto Skinner’s yard.
Blowdowns: In Skinner Yard or on the turntable, please. Avoid burns!
FRS Radio: Use Channel 9; Subchannel 25.
Club-owned cars may be utilized during the meet. Please return them when finished.
Gravel parking areas near the station will hold about 40 cars. Please do not park at the loading area in order to keep it clear for trailers.
Operations: See the following pages.

OCME GOATHILL LOCAL GUIDE

FUEL

Shell – 19th and Placentia; Gas and Diesel, 24 hours; South on Placentia; about four Signals.
Arco – 19th and Placentia; Gas only, 6am to 9pm; South on Placentia.
Shell – Wilson and Harbor; Gas Only, 24 Hours; South on Placentia to Wilson turn Left to Harbor On right.
Mobil – Baker and Harbor; Gas and Diesel, 24 hours; Placentia North to Adams, turn right to Harbor then turn left; about a mile north on Harbor.
Costco – north of 405; Take Placentia North to Adams, turn right to Harbor, then turn left on MacArthur Blvd and turn right at Newhope St.

PROPANE

SINCLAIR – Corner of Harbor and Fair
U-HAUL MOVING AND STORAGE – 2680 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa

Hardware

Home Depot – Wilson and Harbor; Placentia South to Wilson turn Left at Harbor on the Right side at next light on Harbor.
Ace Hardware – Adams and Magnolia; Placentia North to Adams left to just before Magnolia. Right turn into shopping center on right.
Hub Auto – Victoria and Harbor; Placentia South to Victoria turn left to Harbor turn Right on the left side.
O’ Reilly Auto Parts – 17th and Newport Blvd; Placentia to 17th turn Left at Superior turn left stay on the right side of Allen’s Tire.
Auto Zone – 19th and Wallace; Placentia south to 19th turn Left it will be on the left.

Fast Food

Take Placentia north to Adams, turn right, then at Harbor, turn Left. There will be a McDonald’s, El Pollo Loco, Jack in the Box, In-N-Out, Chick Fillet, Denny’s, Burger King, Golden Spoon, Canes Chicken Fingers, Sonic Burger, and IHOP before you hit the freeway.

24-Hour Drugs Stores

Rite Aid – 17th and Orange. Take Placentia south to 17th turn left
CVS – 17th and Irvine. Take Placentia south to 17th and turn left.

Stores

7/11 – Victoria and Placentia; South three lights on Placentia.
Vons – Adams and Harbor; Placentia north to Adams turn right.
Smart and Final – 19th and Pomona. Take Placentia south to 19th turn left.
Stater Brothers – Adams and Brookhurst; Placentia north to Adams turn Left to Brookhurst
Costco (see gas above)

ABOUT OCME

The Orange County Model Engineers (OCME) is a non-profit scale model railroad organization that was formed in 1985 and is dedicated to the hobby and education of others in larger scale model railroading in 1.5” scale. Our track gauge is 7 ½”. OCME, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, has maintained a strong working relationship with the City of Costa Mesa since 1988, interacting with public, commercial, private, and other service-oriented organizations on a routine basis by providing tours and free rides on the third full weekend of each month at Fairview Park on the Goat Hill Junction and Mackerel Flats Railroad.

There are over 20,000 feet of track on 40 acres of land where the co-habitation of wildlife, trains, and the public uniquely converge in an undeveloped landscape surrounded by the urbanization of Costa Mesa. Visitors and riders on the railroad (approximately 24,000 annually) have the opportunity to see numerous species of plants, grasses, birds, and other wildlife that can only be seen at Fairview Park. This is due, in part, to the wildlife habitat that was built on the western side of Fairview Park.

The nearly 200 members of OCME have 35 engines of various sizes that are powered by several means such as; foot pedals, steam, gas-driven hydraulics, and electric (battery and solar-powered). There are approximately 300 cars (rolling stock), of which some are scale models of real train cars or bench seating cars used when pulling guests and maintenance cars that are used to haul track ballast and a myriad of equipment needed to work on the railroad. This equipment and other tools necessary to maintain and operate the railroad are stored securely onsite within a 20,000-square-foot maintenance facility. Financing for the OCME activities at Fairview Park is made available through membership dues and private and corporate donations. To maintain and operate these facilities and trains, the OCME membership work (donate) over 7000 hours annually so that others might enjoy the railroading experience at Fairview Park.

OCME offers public rides on the third full weekend of the month and provides rides for special events such as birthday parties, spring and fall train meets, Pumpkin Run, Lyons Club, Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), Kiwanis, California Fire Museum, Costa Mesa Fire and Police departments, Newport Beach Police, American Cancer Society, Raise Foundation, other train organizations including those of other scale railroads (e.g., HO, O, S and G scales), and others. Additionally, OCME actively participates and supports Boy Scouts of America – Eagle Scout programs, Girl Scouts of America, Kristie’s, Orangewood, and other charitable and civic organizations to make their ‘special events’ a more enjoyable experience for their supporters and clients.

OCME has enjoyed supporting the Costa Mesa, California community for the past 37 years and looks forward to continued community involvement for many years to come.

DOWNLOADS

SPRING MEET FLYER

2024-OCME-Spring-Meet Download