The influential events that created the Golden Gate Live Steamers…
The main line gauge at the Golden Gate Live Steamers is 7 1/2″ Gauge. This means that the distance between the rails is approximately 7 1/2″ from end to end. This allows for a manageable and sturdy gauge that is large enough to work on, but at the same time not so large that it is impossible to move around by hand. For more information about gauges please visit discoverlivesteam.com.
The Golden Gate Live Steamers haven’t always called Tilden Park home, in fact before 1948 the Golden Gate Live Steamers were located in Redwood Park located in the east bay.
The Golden Gate Live Steamers was started by Victor Shattock in 1936, however at that time it was located in his basement where he lived in Oakland California. It was no until about mid 1948 that construction actually started in Redwood Park of the outdoor model railroad. For the full story click here.
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The ability to interact with your locomotive at 7 1/2″ gauge is truly spectacular. This gauge allows you to control the locomotive as if it were the real thing. This hobby however is built on more than just running trains and having a great time, it is also built on the firm foundation of working hard to be able to play hard. It is a hobby that teaches children and adults alike that if you work hard you will reap the benefits in the end. This especially true of one father and son duo who have spent their lives running and building locomotives from the ground up. Their names, John Pappas and his young son Stathi. Together they have built not only locomotives but rolling stock as well. Here is there story.
The creator of the Club intended for it to be a place where the art of true craftsmanship could shine. This is done through the creation of locomotives from nothing more than some castings and machined steel and brass components. A friend of mine who I have met through the club has been in charge of the total re haul of a of Pacific Locomotive number 3123. This Steam locomotive has been totally recreated from the boiler on up to the gauges and tender. Over the last eight years, 17 year old David has restored this locomotive to a almost working condition. 
