University of Rollag
16-hour Steam Traction Engineering Course
16-hour Steam Traction Engineering Course
For your GPS Navigation 27512 102 Ave. S, Hawley, MN 56549
Course Requirements: An interest in steam traction engineering! Beginners ARE welcome!
Age Limits: There are no age limits. Age 16+ to take the state license exam
All instructors (and ALL WMSTR workers) are volunteers and receive NO pay for their time & services.
Scholarship: Any active WMSTR member pays $35 tuition if active member hours are logged in.
Books: 3 books are included in the tuition cost.
Materials needed: pen/pencil; GLOVES; spending $$. U of R items available to course graduates only—not available to the public.
Accommodations: [see attached sheets]. Free camping at Steamer Hill. Electrical & showers available. 2 noon meals available ($). Supper Sat. provided for all by instructors & WMSTR volunteers.
Questions: Contact Tom Hall 218-233-1771
Course: This 18-hour course (Fri.- Sun.) consists of 11 classroom and demonstration hours and 5++ hours of hands-on operating opportunities. There are NO tests or quizzes, and students are NOT required to do anything they are not comfortable with. We will have lots of opportunities available.
Much of Saturday’s hands-on time is geared toward beginners. We plan to have 6-8 full-size steam tractors operating, several scale models, 2+ large stationary engines, a full-size RR locomotive, a ¼-scale RR locomotive, and a fully operational steam sawmill (this is running Friday also, if you get here early). Our instructors are here to help you—all 49 of us!
NOTE: WMSTR Board policy does NOT allow video taping or audio recording of the instructional course. Videos or photos are fine, but please avoid instructional course materials. Any photo of WMSTR used for commercial purposes must have board approval.
License Exam: All engine operators in Minnesota MUST hold a steam traction engineer’s license issued by the Dept of Labor & Industry. This is a lifetime license before you can apply to take the exam, you must have additional hours of operating experience.
These requirements will be covered during the course. The minimum age to take the state exam is 16 (but experience hours can be earned before age 16). If you have experience from outside MN, contact Tom Hall for more info about the license exam. Applications and affidavits for the state exam MUST be submitted at least 15 days before the exam date. Exams are given at Rollag on Sunday evening of steam school, and on Thursday afternoon before our Labor Day weekend show.
Students of this course are not required to work toward a state license, but we will assist those who want to. A Minnesota license is valid in ND, Ohio, & Virginia, & Montana.
Steamer Hill: Rollag, MN: During Steam School weekend, all WMSTR campgrounds are available to U or R students & families. Camping is free. 120V electricity for
you non-Canadians, water, showers, and a dump station are all available, and a very friendly group of people. When you arrive, ask anyone—we will help you.
During our Labor Day weekend show, only primitive camping & showers (no hookups) are available for a fee.
Rollag, MN: (1/2 mile) 15 population; no store or gas; like nothing!
Hawley, MN: (12 miles); AmericInn: 218.486.5140 [nearest motel]; groceries & gas
Detroit Lakes, MN: 15,000 population; many resorts & motels, Walmart, DL Visitors Bureau 1-800-542-3992 35 miles
Fargo, ND/Moorhead, MN: 225,000 population; FM Visitors Bureau 800-235-7654 – 35 mi NW of Rollag, international airport, car rental, lots of motels, 35 miles