COSTA MESA, Calif. — The sounds of steam engines, bells, whistles, and horns filled Fairview Park as the Orange County Model Engineers hosted their Annual Fall Meet this last weekend (September 22-24).
More than 100 attendees, some from as far away as Utah and Arizona, piled into the 40-acre site that hosts more than 5 miles of 7.5-inch gauge track and was founded in the mid-80s.
As always, the idea was to get together with friends and fellow hobbyists to further the concept of live steam model railroading, to share stories, and to ride trains throughout the layout.
OCME provided meals throughout the meet, with a grand dinner on Saturday night that included ribs and chicken from the Newport Rib Company. A raffle was also held on Saturday night that raised 400 dollars for the club and saw our club members taking home the many gift certificates that some fantastic local companies donated.
Throughout the meet, guests and members were encouraged to ride the rails of the layout, and as many as 40 engines were seen at various times riding on the Goathill Junction Railroad.
OCME hosts two large meets every year. They host a Spring Meet in May and a Fall Meet in September. And following in the tradition of the hobby, they invite live steamers from across California and its neighboring states.
Below are Pictures from the Meet.
If you’re interested in joining OCME so that you can be a part of all the wonderful events they hold for their members throughout the year, please CLICK HERE.
