+ Murry, George
George Murry + February 4, 2001
It is with a very heavy heart that I must pass on the following. This past Sunday, Feb. 4th, 2001 saw the passing of one of the Live Steam hobby’s pioneers. George Murray, at age 92 succumbed to illness that had plagued him most of his adult life. While many do not remember him these days, George was the publisher of the very first all Live Steam magazine in the USA. For two years, 1950 and 1951, George wrote published and edited, single-handedly, the magazine “The Live Steamer.” He was an ardent modeler who had almost 100 locomotives pass through his shop. He had built entirely many locos, finished many that had been brought to him in buckets and did the final tuning and trouble shooting to countless others. His list of friends was a who’s who of the hobby. The late L.B.S.C. (L. Lawrence) was a house guest of his. Carl Purinton, the founder of the IBLS and Bill Van Brocklin were among George’s closest friends. George had written correspondence with literally hundreds all over the world. His interests included all scales from “0” and No. 1 gauges up to 7-1/4″ gauge. He was particularly fond of the smaller gauges and was one of the few proponents of 1/2″ scale 2-1/2″ gaugeright up until his death. He was engaged in building a 3/4″ scale model of the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad’s 999 at his passing. I, amongst his countless friends, will miss him greatly. Another of the Icons of our hobby has left us!
Sincerely, Keith Taylor
Secretary, East Coast USA Region IBLS
Hello I came across this posting and I see its signed by a Keith and I have seen postings by a Keith on the Chaski site as well. I am not sure if this is the same person but if it is it seems you know a lot about George Murray. I purchased his old home in Manchester, Ct 3 years ago and the neighbors have told me stories about George and his trains. I have been searching for photos or videos of the trains he had in the yard and i have found two one of which was posted by you. I was hoping that you know more about George that you could share with me I would love to see and know more about the history here!
Thank You!
Hi Kristen,
Hoping you are enjoying the home George enjoyed for most of his life. The lot on the West side of the house use to have a large oval track and he had a straight track behind the house.
If you are looking for photos, I can go through what I have an share. I still have the original Live Steamer magazines he created, authored, and published.
hello my name is colin,
I’ve recently bought a live steam 3/4 scale locomotive which was owned by george and was curious if any one out there would be able to find any old photo’s of this locomotive..
it’s a 3/4 scale 3 1/2 gauge model 4-8-2 coal fired
i have letters from george to the man who bought it from him dated 1960.
i know the builder was al milburn i believe ..
if anyone could help that would be awesome please e-mail me directly
colinabradbury@hotmail.com
i have one photo of george on this locomotive on his home track on the loop for the man who bought his house ..