Ground Flying

Ground Flying is a term coined by Carl Purinton to describe the sensation of operating a live steam locomotive while laying on a flatcar close to the ground. This riding posture lowers the rider's center of gravity, thus stabilizing the rider and allowing much higher speed of operation.

Ground flying was "invented" at Carl's track in Boxford, Mass. and referred specifically to the 3-1/2" gauge equipment.

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  The "ground flying' was referring to the 3-1/2" gauge track. It was more comfortable to lie down on a long flat car and run your locomotive than to sit upright as the balance was tedious. Because many of us laid down to run, we could go faster. There have been many speed records on that little track! A lot of fun!

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  Here is a good example of "ground flying" as Carl puts it. Bob Hornsby is stopped on the mainline with his locomotive as he has a brief chart with the late Ralph Lathrop. Standing to the right is the late Ev Ryan. Bob is lying on a long flat car to keep the center of gravity low (for speed).

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  October 5, 1974. It was a beautiful day at Carl Purinton's track in Boxford. Dick Symmes & Bob Hornsby were running their 3-1/2" gauge locomotives. Dick took this photo while Bob went roaring by. They found it easier to run with more stability lying down on these small trains, plus they could go faster and be safe.

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  Carl Purinton preparing to "ground fly" at his Boxford Outer Belt track. Photo by Bob MacMillan.

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  Carl Purinton "ground flying" on his 3-1/2" gauge Boxford Outer Belt track. Photo by Bob MacMillan.

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  Bob Thomas runs his 2½” gauge B&O Tenwheeler at the PLS 2006 Spring Meet. Photo by Bruce Saylor. From "The PLS Gazette", Jan-Feb 2011.

References

• "Life Along The Boxford Outer Belt Section 1", Bob Hornsby
• "Life Along The Boxford Outer Belt Section 2", Bob Hornsby