The Home Machinist!

i want to` build a live steamer and join a club, but i'm on SSI disability and cannot work.I'd like to join the LALS because i want to build a 1" scale locomotive, but there website says all new members must work.I can walk or stand for thirty minutes, that's it, and i cannot bend over to work on the track, quite im possable.I used to do a`lot when i was a member of the GGLS, but that was twenty years ago.Should i rejoin the`GGLS and then run on the other track? Have seen many outside members run engines during meets at LALS.LALS is the only track in southern california to have a 1" scale track.1-1/2" scale is too build and heavy for my small mill and engine lathe.opinions?

I don't have any connection with the LALS but have been on the boards of several organizations. All had tasks that needed to be done that didn't involve physical labor. Rather than raising the question here, why don't you contact a board member, or if they have one, the membership chair, and explain your situation and what you can contribute to the organization that falls within your abilities?

SingleShot...I'm with Dick on this one. I get similar requests and statements from people at my club. Basically...we're all getting older and suffer from various ailments and physical limitations that prevent easily bending in some directions (I bend forward a lot easier than I bend over backwards!). There are many ways to serve an organization...and those don't all have to be physical. While it's greatly appreciated when members can pitch in on the heavy duty stuff (track, construction, other)...there are still many other tasks (some mundane) that need to be addressed and "somebody" has to do those. Find something you can offer or do to further the organization. Should you find the members or Board of any club to be unreasonable in that regard...well, you're in an area where there are other clubs to choose from...and they will most likely appreciate your efforts! Good luck. Carl B.

I can respond to this. If you live in the LA area, please come down to LALS on Sunday August 15 for Small Scale Sunday. Ask for me or John De Rosa. We would love to have a member interested in the small scales. The rules at LALS for joining state that the new member have 20 hours of conducting for the public, and 20 hours of help around the facility. The conducting is easy to do had other than taking the conductor's test, does not require you to do heavy work. The keeping of the grounds requires a little more, can you rake?, can you build small buildings for the ROW at home?, can you help by driving a locomotive for clean up? Believe me, we can fit you in some how. If you come down, we can meet with a Board member and discuss the situation.

As to joining GGLS, you can do that if you want too. To run at LALS, you would need all papers for the locomotive, if steamed powered, and you would have to come on either Small Scale Sunday (every third Sunday of the month), sign in with John or me, and run. If you want to run on your own, you would have to get someone to open the place up.

I am 53, and time is taking it's toll, but we have members who are in their 70's and 80's, and of course Gordon Sherwood at 99, all having fun in what ever capacity they can handle.

Steve Ruetta is on this board a lot, and he can comment on this also.

I'm sure I speak for most clubs when I say that LALS is always looking for new members who want to build equipment. As the General Superintendent, I can say that you shouldn't worry about the work requirements - I have a zillion things on my to do list and I can accomodate any range of dis/abilities. Our work day is the third Saturday of the month, but I am out there almost every Saturday and there is always a group of people working on something or another - a good way to meet other members. If Saturday doesn't work, there is always a list of things to do in the patio or you can call me.

See you there.
Steve (Ruatta)

I cannot say enough good things about the GGLS club. I am rather sad I have to go back to the East Coast and not be able to participate anymore at the GGLS.
At the GGLS, on workdays, I always see the same core group of people doing the work. I personally do not have any running stock of my own, however I get great satisfaction from doing manual labor to make the club as nice as it is. Everyone who wants to work, always finds something they like to do that is with in their capabilities. I would not be concerned as far as the GGLS goes. GGLS also has 4.75" track, both elevated and ground level.

P.S. I used to be a member of GGLS, but when i came back to California, i went to the southern part, as my arthuritis is so bad, i couldn't stand the fog and wet air in the bay area.I needed a dry area.