Central Ohio Area Live Steamers Inc

COALS holds nearly a dozen operating meets and activities each year bringing the public and those interested in railroading to our facility for gathering, communing and learning. Our operating activities normally run from April through November and are mostly held during extended weekend periods but can be made available during the week when adequate volunteer assistance is available. These individual events, usually attended by as little as 15 to as many as 200 people, are used to teach individuals different railroad operating techniques while also providing the opportunity to ride on a train. Some of the learning activities include the use of block signaling systems as well as dispatch operation and card order sessions. Not only does this provide for others to learn different railroad dispatching techniques but it also provides a historical perspective of railroading. Other activities include group outings for youth like Boy Scouts and Trail Life. We have in the past and will continue to host the public for the Coshocton County Fall Farm tour.

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COALS also holds around ten working and learning sessions each year to teach other how to construct and maintain a railroad while at the same time helping to maintain and improve our facilities. Each session occurs over a two-day period, and it allows those who are learning construction techniques to learn from those more experienced. Over the past year COALS' volunteers have helped train others in the construction of a new building, nearly a mile of new railroad right-of-way, leveling and grading, as well as the design and construction of a new bridge and tunnel. Individuals have also been able to learn how to use different types of constuction equipment like dozer, backhoes and tractors. These sessions usually have an attendance of anywhere from five to twenty individuals depending on the weather and the time of year. Sessions also allow an individual to better understand the techniques needed to meet the "Track Standards" that we have posted on our website and that we find so commonly accessed by the public for their own use.

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Had several senior housing groups come and visit the railroad. They were given rides around the track and shown how the operation and equipment operate.

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