Since SACOM’s inception in the late 1990s, it has been a dream for the group to have a building and layout dedicated to preserving the essence of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway through the Kanawha Valley in scale model form. Today, we see that dream coming to fruition more than we ever have. With most of the benchwork completed, nearly all planned tracks laid, and a complete loop to which we can operate trains is the culmination of many years of hard work by many individuals. However, one stands out among the rest, Stephen Hardman.
Without Steve’s help, SACOM would not be where it is today. He has almost single-handedly built the benchwork for our layout and nearly renovated our building from a new drop ceiling, to outfitting the walls, redoing the office space so that we could have staging yards, and much more. On top of his volunteered labor, he has also been a great financial benefactor, helping upfront the costs of some our more expensive projects, like a new HVAC system so that our layout space can be climate controlled.
This past Saturday, Nov. 27, SACOM named and dedicated the building and it will now be known as the “Stephen Hardman Building.”
“We recognized a long time member who, through his tireless efforts, has moved our group forward more in the last nine years than most of us thought possible,” Jim Butler said. “He is known for working and solving problems without being asked, motivating others by example and taking pleasure in the successes of everyone in the group.”
Steve, center, surrounded by his family under the new sign that now designates the building as the “Stephen Hardman Building.” 
Steve surrounded by many of his friends, family, and fellow SACOMers.
SACOM continues to meet every Friday evening, around 6 p.m., at the Stephen Hardman Building. Located at 901 10th St. in St. Albans, W.Va., we are next door to the former St. Albans Jr. High School on Kanawha Terrace.
Always great fun there when we all come together!