The "York" of miniature live steam has been held annually in Diamondhead, MS just off I-10. Usually, an entire hotel lobby is the scene of several loops of G gauge track for 24-hour live steam operation. Many types of engines can be seen there, including scratch-built, as well as the very largest and complex engines built by Aster, Accucraft, Roundhouse Engineering, and others not so well known. Attendees have come from many countries, including the UK, The Netherlands, Australia, Japan, Germany, and Canada to name a few.
Some O gauge engines, including some vintage ones, and even some HO live steam locos have been demonstrated there. Engines seen at Diamondhead run on butane, alcohol, and even coal. One home-built loco even ran on propane (not recommended!).
Many dealers set up there and many locos, parts and service are offered.
In the past, when I attended in 1996 and 1997, the meets were held in mid-January.
NOTE: Propane, unlike butane, is a highly expansive gas, which requires an extra sturdy fuel tank and combustion system for safety reasons.
