Register Here The Jerred D. Ruble Steam School hosted by Heritage Park of North Iowa will be held May 16-17, 2026. The Jerred D. Ruble Steam Engineer School is held to help promote and encourage the hobby of steam engineering. Two levels of classes are provided, a Beginners class and an Advanced class. The Beginners Class requires no prior experience. Attendees of the class will be instructed in the safe operation and care of steam boilers and engines. Topics on boilers will include types of boilers, basic boiler operation, safety devices, proper boiler start up and shut down procedures, use of injectors and pumps, forced draft induction, firing a boiler under load, holding constant steam pressure and how to handle emergency situations. Steam engine topics will include basic operation of the steam engine, starting and stopping the engine, introductory levels of how the valve gear works, how a steam engine governor works and how to lubricate the engine and drive train. For the beginners class the following demonstration are planned: Sight glass break Hydro-testing The Advanced Class is for those students who have prior operator experience and have already attended a steam school somewhere and would like to get into more detailed aspects of boiler work and engine maintenance. Topics and hands-on experience include boiler testing calculations, safety valve sizing, in depth engine timing, injector internal operation, horsepower calculations, and tube installation and removal. The topics covered in detail in the Advanced class change each year. Materials are provided for all topics listed. Demonstration are also changed each year. For 2026 the following demonstrations are planned. Tube installation Riveting Engine timing As part of the course, all attendees will help prepare one or more steam traction engines for steam up. This will include washing the boiler, visually inspecting the boiler, ultrasonically testing the boiler, installing hand hole plates, checking for leaks as the boiler is filled with water, cleaning the flues, and lubricating the engine and drive train. Students, under the supervision of experienced engineers, will steam-up one or more steam traction engines. They will have hands-on experience operating the steam traction engine including proper firing techniques, ways to check boiler water level, starting and stopping the injector and/or pump, starting and stopping the engine, maneuver the engine through a prearranged course and help trouble shoot problems. You will get dirty both days of class. The following attire is recommended: Leather Palmed Gloves Long Sleeved Shirt Boots (not tennis shoes) Pants Cap Safety Glasses Although Iowa does not require a license to operate steam boilers, The Jerred D. Ruble Family Charitable Foundation (Ruble Foundation) has instituted their own operator licensing requirements. The Ruble Foundation provides most of the steam traction engines that are used at Heritage Park of North...
