Prep Day for our second run day will be on Saturday, May 11th
The second public run day of the season is just around the corner. Come out on Saturday, May 11th and let’s prepare the property and the railroad for our visitors. Workday will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the focus making sure the railroad is ready to go along with cutting grass and checking all equipment. Make sure you bring leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and other lawn tools. Don’t forget other tools you may need to perform work on other items around the railroad.
The second public run day of the season is just around the corner. Come out on Saturday, May 11th and let’s prepare the property and the railroad for our visitors. Workday will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the focus making sure the railroad is ready to go along with cutting grass and checking all equipment. Make sure you bring leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and other lawn tools. Don’t forget other tools you may need to perform work on other items around the railroad.
Are you available to volunteer for our May 18th Public Run Day Event?
We are looking to see who is planning on visiting other railroads this spring. We are hoping to have a good showing at other locations and to help promote our Fall meet. Please fill out the form below and let us know.
Our second public run day of the season is on Saturday, May 18th. Please let us know if you are available to volunteer that day. Fill out the form below or click the button.
This Saturday, March 2nd is our 2nd Almost Monthly Club Fun Day of 2024.
Our 2nd Almost Monthly Club Fun Day will be this Saturday, March 2nd. The day is intended for club members, guests, and those who are in the hobby to come out and enjoy a day of running trains. Come when you want and stay as long as you want. If you plan on coming out, please let us know by clicking here.
Some changes to the railroad have taken place since the last time we have operated on the railroad. If you are the first one on the railroad, make sure you take it slow and verify all switches are aligned correctly. Pay close attention to the area heading down towards the Nicol’s bridge after you leave the station area as this area had some major work done last weekend, and a new switch has been installed on the inner loop on the west end as you approach the water line track.
Our 2nd Almost Monthly Club Fun Day will be this Saturday, March 2nd. The day is intended for club members, guests, and those who are in the hobby to come out and enjoy a day of running trains. Come when you want and stay as long as you want. If you plan on coming out, please let us know by clicking here.
Some changes to the railroad have taken place since the last time we have operated on the railroad. If you are the first one on the railroad, make sure you take it slow and verify all switches are aligned correctly. Pay close attention to the area heading down towards the Nicol’s bridge after you leave the station area as this area had some major work done last weekend, and a new switch has been installed on the inner loop on the west end as you approach the water line track.
AJC lists NGLS as one of six family friendly train trips in and around Georgia
A big shout out to LaVay for finding a February 20th article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution online edition which lists NGLS as one of six family friend train trips in and around Georgia. Check out the full article by visiting AJC online - Six family friendly train trips in and around Georgia (ajc.com).
A big shout out to LaVay for finding a February 20th article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution online edition which lists NGLS as one of six family friend train trips in and around Georgia. Check out the full article by visiting AJC online - Six family friendly train trips in and around Georgia (ajc.com).
NGLS Club Steamer Maintenance Update
As many of you know the club steamer needed a couple of repairs after her travels back from the Trains, Trains, Trains event last month. Bob reports that the repairs are complete but would like an additional review of how the lubricator is working. He spent time priming it but felt some additional inspection would be helpful to insure it is 100% operational. Bob is going to be unavailable for the next couple of months so if we could get a few steam guys to step in and help Bob with verifying everything is operational before our first public run day event that would be great.
Until this verification is complete, please do not use the club steamer until then.
As many of you know the club steamer needed a couple of repairs after her travels back from the Trains, Trains, Trains event last month. Bob reports that the repairs are complete but would like an additional review of how the lubricator is working. He spent time priming it but felt some additional inspection would be helpful to insure it is 100% operational. Bob is going to be unavailable for the next couple of months so if we could get a few steam guys to step in and help Bob with verifying everything is operational before our first public run day event that would be great.
Until this verification is complete, please do not use the club steamer until then.
Club Meeting Location Change - Moving to Hawthorn Suites across from railroad
Our January meeting is this Saturday, January 6th at 1 p.m. The meeting location will move across the street to Hawthorn Suites which is at 1659 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30013. If you are unable to make the meeting and are a FULL member you can vote for the 2024 Board online by visiting https://tinyurl.com/ngls2024voting. Please note that you must be a current FULL member and have paid your 2024 dues prior to the start of the Saturday, January 6th meeting.
Our January meeting is this Saturday, January 6th at 1 p.m. The meeting location will move across the street to Hawthorn Suites which is at 1659 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30013. If you are unable to make the meeting and are a FULL member you can vote for the 2024 Board online by visiting https://tinyurl.com/ngls2024voting. Please note that you must be a current FULL member and have paid your 2024 dues prior to the start of the Saturday, January 6th meeting.
For Sale - Sandy Creek 523 Switcher $2,000.00
Here is a great opportunity to purchase a completely rebuilt electric switcher. The story begins 40+ years ago when the switcher was built by Paul Demianchik in about 1979. The cab was custom built for him by Bill Koster’s Miniature Railroad Supply. The motor and controller also came from Bill. The drive train came from Railroad Supply Corp. The exact origin of the chassis is unknown. To read more on the history of this great locomotive and see additional pictures click the link below.
http://www.davelevy.net/sandy-creek-523-switcher/
The video below shows the locomotive operating after the restoration completion.
$2,000
If interested contact Dave Levy (dave@davelevy.com) for more information. This locomotive is located at North Georgia Live Steamers in Conyers, GA.
Here is a great opportunity to purchase a completely rebuilt electric switcher. The story begins 40+ years ago when the switcher was built by Paul Demianchik in about 1979. The cab was custom built for him by Bill Koster’s Miniature Railroad Supply. The motor and controller also came from Bill. The drive train came from Railroad Supply Corp. The exact origin of the chassis is unknown. To read more on the history of this great locomotive and see additional pictures click the link below.
http://www.davelevy.net/sandy-creek-523-switcher/
The video below shows the locomotive operating after the restoration completion.
$2,000
If interested contact Dave Levy (dave@davelevy.com) for more information. This locomotive is located at North Georgia Live Steamers in Conyers, GA.
Club Meeting and Christmas Party this Saturday, December 9th
As a reminder the annual December Club Meeting and Christmas Party has been rescheduled for this Saturday, December 9th. Please continue to work with Joan on coordinating food and other activities for the Christmas Party.
The plan is still start arriving around 11 a.m. with food at noon and club meeting at 1 p.m. Don’t forget party activities include White Elephant Raffle. So, make sure you bring a white elephant gift and money to buy some raffle tickets to play.
For those not able to attend the meeting and would still like to submit nominations for the 2024 board please do so no later than Friday, December 8th using the link below. If you have already submitted your nominations online you do not need to do it again.
As a reminder the annual December Club Meeting and Christmas Party has been rescheduled for this Saturday, December 9th. Please continue to work with Joan on coordinating food and other activities for the Christmas Party.
The plan is still start arriving around 11 a.m. with food at noon and club meeting at 1 p.m. Don’t forget party activities include White Elephant Raffle. So, make sure you bring a white elephant gift and money to buy some raffle tickets to play.
For those not able to attend the meeting and would still like to submit nominations for the 2024 board please do so no later than Friday, December 8th using the link below. If you have already submitted your nominations online you do not need to do it again.
Train For Sale
A great locomotive and a couple of cars have come up for sale within our group. John H. has put his equipment up for sale as he prepares to bring to life another steam engine. Details included below.
For more information contact John H.
A great locomotive and a couple of cars have come up for sale within our group. John H. has put his equipment up for sale as he prepares to bring to life another steam engine. Details included below.
For more information contact John H.
$8,795 Complete Train and Mini-Camper
$2,200 Engine with extra cab, including Batteries
$1,000 Engineer Car with matching folding seats
$1,800 Passenger/conductor car with folding seat
NOTE: Mini-Camper not sold separately.
Public Run Day Recap for Saturday, October 7, 2023 (Members Recap)
What an incredible day we had this past Saturday. The day started out with beautiful weather and friends from Georgia Garden Railway Society (GGRS) stopping by not only to spend some time with us but to feed us lunch before our big day. We received some great pictures from our Gauge-1 setup from Dan Long, who visited with his family and shared some great photos of there stay. He shared on Facebook the following “We went to North Georgia Live Steamers today and Ezra had a blast. He asked if he could help and Mark showed him how to run an actual steam engine.” Moments like this is what allows the hobby to live on.
We had posts like this all over social media yesterday and the smiles are not possible without each of our members who came out to make the day such a success. For those wondering about the numbers we gave 722 rides plus about 50 rides for GGRS. Based on historical numbers Saturday was our largest public run day to date for our railroad.
In just a couple of weeks our Fall Meet will take place and we need to hear from you regarding your plans for the meet. This will also help us with making sure we have enough food for Saturday’s lunch. Please use the link below to let us know - https://tinyurl.com/2023fallmeetmembers
What an incredible day we had this past Saturday. The day started out with beautiful weather and friends from Georgia Garden Railway Society (GGRS) stopping by not only to spend some time with us but to feed us lunch before our big day. We received some great pictures from our Gauge-1 setup from Dan Long, who visited with his family and shared some great photos of there stay. He shared on Facebook the following “We went to North Georgia Live Steamers today and Ezra had a blast. He asked if he could help and Mark showed him how to run an actual steam engine.” Moments like this is what allows the hobby to live on.
We had posts like this all over social media yesterday and the smiles are not possible without each of our members who came out to make the day such a success. For those wondering about the numbers we gave 722 rides plus about 50 rides for GGRS. Based on historical numbers Saturday was our largest public run day to date for our railroad.
In just a couple of weeks our Fall Meet will take place and we need to hear from you regarding your plans for the meet. This will also help us with making sure we have enough food for Saturday’s lunch. Please use the link below to let us know - https://tinyurl.com/2023fallmeetmembers
Video provided by Mike Dreskell
Videos from Dan Long and family
Come prepare the railroad this Saturday, September 30th starting at 8:30 a.m. as we prepare for our next run day
Come out and help prepare the property for our next public run day. Workday is this Saturday, September 30th starting at 8:30 a.m. The focus of the day will be to prepare the railroad and equipment for our next run day. The grass will need to be cut, fence line will need weed eating and more. Make sure you bring proper tools to do both yard work and railroad maintenance. Make sure you walk the railroad and look for any gaps in the railroad that need to be repaired and make sure you take care of it. Make sure the switches are also oiled so they work properly during our run day. Make sure you bring lunch, drinks, and a good sense of humor for the day.
Come out and help prepare the property for our next public run day. Workday is this Saturday, September 30th starting at 8:30 a.m. The focus of the day will be to prepare the railroad and equipment for our next run day. The grass will need to be cut, fence line will need weed eating and more. Make sure you bring proper tools to do both yard work and railroad maintenance. Make sure you walk the railroad and look for any gaps in the railroad that need to be repaired and make sure you take care of it. Make sure the switches are also oiled so they work properly during our run day. Make sure you bring lunch, drinks, and a good sense of humor for the day.
Come prepare the railroad on Saturday, September 30th as we prepare for our next run day
The third public run day of the season is just around the corner. Come out on Saturday, September 30th and let’s prepare the property and the railroad for our visitors. Workday will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the focus making sure the railroad and equipment are ready to operate. The grass will need to be cut, the switches will need to be oiled, and debris cleared from the track. Please make sure you walk the railroad and look for any repairs that are needed and make them. Don’t forget to bring the necessary tools you’ll need for the workday.
The third public run day of the season is just around the corner. Come out on Saturday, September 30th and let’s prepare the property and the railroad for our visitors. Workday will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the focus making sure the railroad and equipment are ready to operate. The grass will need to be cut, the switches will need to be oiled, and debris cleared from the track. Please make sure you walk the railroad and look for any repairs that are needed and make them. Don’t forget to bring the necessary tools you’ll need for the workday.
Wasps and tree down discovery ahead of our Saturday, September 16th workday
Thursday morning while Wes was at the site monitoring weed spraying and taking care of wasp’s nest, he discovered a tree that had fallen behind our red container where some of our rail is stored. He said that the switch templates didn’t get damaged, and the pile of rail seemed to cushion the fall of the tree. No real damaged just a little cleanup.
Speaking of clean up don’t forget our annual boiler inspection and workday is this Saturday, September 16th starting at 8:30 a.m. We are just three weeks away from our first fall run day which is scheduled for Saturday, October 7th. The weather on Saturday is going to be great with highs only reaching about 75. A big difference from our summer highs which prevented most of us from getting out to the railroad. Come and catchup with the crew and help make the railroad a beautiful place for us and our fall visitors.
Here is a short list of items you can help with this Saturday:
Thursday morning while Wes was at the site monitoring weed spraying and taking care of wasp’s nest, he discovered a tree that had fallen behind our red container where some of our rail is stored. He said that the switch templates didn’t get damaged, and the pile of rail seemed to cushion the fall of the tree. No real damaged just a little cleanup.
Speaking of clean up don’t forget our annual boiler inspection and workday is this Saturday, September 16th starting at 8:30 a.m. We are just three weeks away from our first fall run day which is scheduled for Saturday, October 7th. The weather on Saturday is going to be great with highs only reaching about 75. A big difference from our summer highs which prevented most of us from getting out to the railroad. Come and catchup with the crew and help make the railroad a beautiful place for us and our fall visitors.
Here is a short list of items you can help with this Saturday:
Check to make sure Club Diesel is in working order including train brakes
Check to make sure Club Steamer is in working order including train brakes.
Check to make sure brakes on riding cars are working.
Exercise and lubricate all mainline switches. Make sure the points clear the cut out when position changed.
Clear debris off railroad. Bring a leaf blower
Check to make sure rail joiners are properly positioned at each joint and make sure gap at joints are not larger than they should be. Be prepared to repair. Bring battery tools and kneepads.
Clean out and organize the grey container.
Apply ballast in areas that need a little attention. This means you can play with trains and fill buckets with ballast and dump and spread around the railroad.
Bring lots of bad jokes and a good sense of humor.
Don’t forget to bring a lunch and plenty to drink.
Let’s enjoy the day and prepare for a great fall of playing with trains.
GHIP marquee repaired and new NGLS sign
Some of you may not know but a couple of months ago someone ran into the Georgia International Horse Park marquee at the intersection of HWY 138 and Centennial Olympic Parkway. The marquee also housed signs promoting what could be found within the horse park complex including NGLS. Yesterday the final repairs were completed, and we now have a new sign. A big thank you to the horse park and those involved in the repairs.
Some of you may not know but a couple of months ago someone ran into the Georgia International Horse Park marquee at the intersection of HWY 138 and Centennial Olympic Parkway. The marquee also housed signs promoting what could be found within the horse park complex including NGLS. Yesterday the final repairs were completed, and we now have a new sign. A big thank you to the horse park and those involved in the repairs.
New NGLS T-Shirts have been ordered and will be available Saturday, September 16th (Members Only)
The new NGLS t-shirts have been ordered and will be available for pickup during our annual boiler inspection on Saturday, September 16th. For our NGLS members t-shirt price is $12 per shirt. All payments should be given to Norm at the time of picking up t-shirts. A follow up email will be sent to everyone to show what you ordered and balance due.
The new NGLS t-shirts have been ordered and will be available for pickup during our annual boiler inspection on Saturday, September 16th. For our NGLS members t-shirt price is $12 per shirt. All payments should be given to Norm at the time of picking up t-shirts. A follow up email will be sent to everyone to show what you ordered and balance due.
Hot Summer Nights Run and Final Notice on NGLS T-Shirt Order
This Saturday, August 26th is our Hot Summer Nights Club Fun Day. This year is going to be extra hot so make sure you pack extra drinks to stay hydrated. Don’t forget to bring food for dinner and the grill will be available for those wanting to use the grill. Make sure you bring your own utensils. It looks like most will start arriving around 4 p.m. unload, have dinner and play trains into the evening as it hopefully starts to cool off. We also need to make sure we walk the railroad and make sure we don’t have track issues with the excessive heat we’ve had. We could find a few areas that railroad has buckled at a few joints. Make sure you bring some tools just in case we need to do some minor track work to make the railroad operate.
We have also extended the deadline to order NGLS t-shirts to this Sunday, August 27th. If you haven’t already placed your order please do so by Sunday. For those that have already placed your order thank you.
Based on the feedback our 2023 Fall T-Shirts will be Ash Grey. Depending on the final number of t-shirts will determine final pricing of the shirts. Based some estimates we are expecting the shirts to cost NGLS members to be between $12 and $14 per shirt. Our run day price for shirts will most likely be around $16 for non-members and general public. If you would like to order a shirt, please fill out the form below by Sunday, August 27th, August 21st. If you have any questions, please let Robby know.
This Saturday, August 26th is our Hot Summer Nights Club Fun Day. This year is going to be extra hot so make sure you pack extra drinks to stay hydrated. Don’t forget to bring food for dinner and the grill will be available for those wanting to use the grill. Make sure you bring your own utensils. It looks like most will start arriving around 4 p.m. unload, have dinner and play trains into the evening as it hopefully starts to cool off. We also need to make sure we walk the railroad and make sure we don’t have track issues with the excessive heat we’ve had. We could find a few areas that railroad has buckled at a few joints. Make sure you bring some tools just in case we need to do some minor track work to make the railroad operate.
We have also extended the deadline to order NGLS t-shirts to this Sunday, August 27th. If you haven’t already placed your order please do so by Sunday. For those that have already placed your order thank you.
Based on the feedback our 2023 Fall T-Shirts will be Ash Grey. Depending on the final number of t-shirts will determine final pricing of the shirts. Based some estimates we are expecting the shirts to cost NGLS members to be between $12 and $14 per shirt. Our run day price for shirts will most likely be around $16 for non-members and general public. If you would like to order a shirt, please fill out the form below by Sunday, August 27th, August 21st. If you have any questions, please let Robby know.
Another Update: Regarding this Saturday, February 11th activities
Because of the weather the workday is canceled. However, we will still have a Club Meeting at 1 p.m.
Because of the weather the workday is canceled. However, we will still have a Club Meeting at 1 p.m. Our regularly scheduled workday will be on Saturday, February 18th.
Important Update: 2023 NGLS Board Nominees
A change to the 2023 nomination list has changed as of Monday, January 2, 2023. At this point Calvin Abernathy has withdrawn his nomination for the 2023 board. For anyone who had voted for Calvin electronically will be contacted to update your submission based on this change. As a reminder in person voting will take place this Saturday, January 7, 2023, during our normally scheduled January meeting. The meeting starts at 1 p.m. and will be held at the site. Voting members must have a Full member status and have paid there 2023 dues before voting takes place.
For those that are not going to be at the meeting and still wish to cast a vote you may use the information below to submit your ballot. Again, you must be a Full member and have paid your 2023 dues in order for ballot to be counted prior to the January 7, 2023 meeting. All online votes must be received by 6 p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2023.
To cast your vote, click the link and complete the online ballot. (https://tinyurl.com/2023nglsvoting). All online votes must be received by 6 p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2023.
A change to the 2023 nomination list has changed as of Monday, January 2, 2023. At this point Calvin Abernathy has withdrawn his nomination for the 2023 board. For anyone who had voted for Calvin electronically will be contacted to update your submission based on this change. As a reminder in person voting will take place this Saturday, January 7, 2023, during our normally scheduled January meeting. The meeting starts at 1 p.m. and will be held at the site. Voting members must have a Full member status and have paid there 2023 dues before voting takes place.
For those that are not going to be at the meeting and still wish to cast a vote you may use the information below to submit your ballot. Again, you must be a Full member and have paid your 2023 dues in order for ballot to be counted prior to the January 7, 2023 meeting. All online votes must be received by 6 p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2023.
To cast your vote, click the link and complete the online ballot. (https://tinyurl.com/2023nglsvoting). All online votes must be received by 6 p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2023.