Here is a list of current workdays and projects on the calendar for the month and beyond.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
All Dates are subject to change and weather conditions
Here is a list of current workdays and projects on the calendar for the month and beyond.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
All Dates are subject to change and weather conditions
Here is a list of current workdays and projects on the calendar for the month and beyond.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
All Dates are subject to change and weather conditions
Get involved in the "Grandma Line" project
Are you looking for a winter project around the railroad you can get involved in? The “Grandma Line” project team is looking for volunteers to come out and help make some major progress on the long talked about “Grandma Line.” If you are interested in help please contact John T. for more information regarding the workday schedule. The crew will need help with everything from building track panels, switches, moving dirt, and building a retaining wall. Opportunities for everyone to get involved.
This is just one of several projects going on around the railroad this winter so don’t hesitate to get involved.
Are you looking for a winter project around the railroad you can get involved in? The “Grandma Line” project team is looking for volunteers to come out and help make some major progress on the long talked about “Grandma Line.” If you are interested in help please contact John T. for more information regarding the workday schedule. The crew will need help with everything from building track panels, switches, moving dirt, and building a retaining wall. Opportunities for everyone to get involved.
This is just one of several projects going on around the railroad this winter so don’t hesitate to get involved.
Here is a list of current workdays and projects on the calendar for the month and beyond.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
All Dates are subject to change and weather conditions
Project 3 Inner Bridge Rebuild information
The bridges on our railroad date back to when the railroad was operating in a different location. The bridges are at least 30 years old and are in need of replacing the deck boards. The next bridge scheduled for this work is the inner bridge which currently serves as our mainline for trains traveling from east to west.
The bridges on our railroad date back to when the railroad was operating in a different location. The bridges are at least 30 years old and are in need of replacing the deck boards. The next bridge scheduled for this work is the inner bridge which currently serves as our mainline for trains traveling from east to west.
Some prep work needs to be done before the rebuild can be started which includes:
Cutting deck boards making sure they are all the same height.
Purchasing appropriate bolts, washers, and nuts
Once all of the prep work is complete this project can take place at any time. If you would like to coordinate a workday during the week or on a weekend, please click the “I want to volunteer” button and let us know.
Last Grandma Line workday of 2023 happened on Saturday with the installation of a new mainline switch
As 2023 winds down work on the “Grandma Line” took place on Saturday, December 30th with a major milestone taking place with the installation of a new mainline switch. This new switch will eventually connect both the “Grandma Line” and the east end of the water line to the mainline. Until then John and Wes also installed a few straight panels off the new switch and began to map out the relocation the existing water line switch and what track panels will need to be built next. You might be asking what switch is being relocated, well it is the switch closest to the red water tower on the east end of the water siding track. This relocation is needed to connect the “Grandma Line” and water line together before they eventually connect to the mainline.
As 2023 winds down work on the “Grandma Line” took place on Saturday, December 30th with a major milestone taking place with the installation of a new mainline switch. This new switch will eventually connect both the “Grandma Line” and the east end of the water line to the mainline. Until then John and Wes also installed a few straight panels off the new switch and began to map out the relocation the existing water line switch and what track panels will need to be built next. You might be asking what switch is being relocated, well it is the switch closest to the red water tower on the east end of the water siding track. This relocation is needed to connect the “Grandma Line” and water line together before they eventually connect to the mainline.
As we move into 2024 John and Wes are looking for help with making a temporary grade crossing near the west end of the water line. This temporary grade crossing will be used to haul dirt, ballast, and more from the gravel pit through the woods to the east end of the “Grandma Line”. If you are interested in helping with this project click here and let John know.
New riding cars are getting some updates before the 2024 season.
Over the past couple of months, we acquired three new individual riding cars. This is a great addition to the fleet which will allow the club and the members the opportunity to use club owned riding cars around the railroad. Back in August we acquired two riding cars from Godshall Customer Machining and used them during our fall run days. A few updates to the riding cars are being performed including adding new couplers and preparing to add brakes to each of the trucks. On Saturday, December 30th the new couplers were installed, and the temporary pass-through airline was adjusted to accommodate the new couplers which will allow the two cars to operate independently. Over the next few month brakes will get installed and final adjustments to the airlines will take place at that time. We are also looking at repainting the cars and are looking for individuals to help with this portion of the project. If you are interested, click on the “I want to help” button below and let us know you are interested in helping.
Over the past couple of months, we acquired three new individual riding cars. This is a great addition to the fleet which will allow the club and the members the opportunity to use club owned riding cars around the railroad. Back in August we acquired two riding cars from Godshall Customer Machining and used them during our fall run days. A few updates to the riding cars are being performed including adding new couplers and preparing to add brakes to each of the trucks. On Saturday, December 30th the new couplers were installed, and the temporary pass-through airline was adjusted to accommodate the new couplers which will allow the two cars to operate independently. Over the next few month brakes will get installed and final adjustments to the airlines will take place at that time. We are also looking at repainting the cars and are looking for individuals to help with this portion of the project. If you are interested, click on the “I want to help” button below and let us know you are interested in helping.
As you may have seen recently our third new riding car is also getting a makeover. When we received the car it was unpainted and did not have brakes on the trucks. The riding car has been unassembled and cleaned surface rust off the metal and painted. The trucks are also getting cleaned and painted and will also get brakes installed once completed. We hope to have all of this completed in the next couple of weeks. We are also working on getting the riding car lettered before putting it back on the railroad this spring. Here are some pictures of the riding car when we picked it up as well as the work that has been done to clean and paint the car.
Grandma Line Project Explained
Here are some details regarding the Grandma Line portion of the project. The details are broken out in three pieces which includes two ends and the middle. Details below.
Here are some details regarding the Grandma Line portion of the project. The details are broken out in three pieces which includes two ends and the middle. Details below.
East end:
1. Complete East end of the Waterline extension.
2. Determine new location for water access (near outer loop) and relocate same.
3. Set additional RR ties.
4. Continue backfill behind RR ties.
5. Extend East end of Grandma Line starting from the Waterline switch to a point inside the woods. (Forms/crush & run/track)
West end:
1. Make curved RH 100’ r switch
2. Install switch at marked location.
3. Fill sub roadbed from new switch to a point inside the woods. (Forms/crush & run/track)
Woods section (middle):
1. Finalize and mark route.
2. Determine pier placement (span & location).
3. Make pier forms.
4. Prep/set/pour one pier at a time.
5. Construct/install one span at a time as piers are built using current bridges as a model.
6. Install tracks & guard rails as spans are completed.
Merry Christmas from North Georgia Live Steamers
The Board of Directors and the members of North Georgia Live Steamers want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The Board of Directors and the members of North Georgia Live Steamers want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Impromptu planning day recap for Friday, December 22nd
With Christmas just around the corner some of the elf’s took a day and went to the railroad to plan out a few things that will take place starting in January. As many of you know we’ve been waiting to start on the clubhouse and workshop project and one of the key items that we need to get done for the project to pick up steam is get electricity into the containers. Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been measuring and determining what supplies we will need to run power from the grey container to clubhouse container 1. Earlier this week Wes went and picked up more than 200 feet of electrical conduit and laid them out today so we could make the path for the trenching to take place and to also prepare for the property to be marked before digging.
The plan at this point is to trench and install the electrical conduit on Saturday, January 13th.
With Christmas just around the corner some of the elf’s took a day and went to the railroad to plan out a few things that will take place starting in January. As many of you know we’ve been waiting to start on the clubhouse and workshop project and one of the key items that we need to get done for the project to pick up steam is get electricity into the containers. Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been measuring and determining what supplies we will need to run power from the grey container to clubhouse container 1. Earlier this week Wes went and picked up more than 250 feet of electrical conduit and laid them out today so we could make the path for the trenching to take place and to also prepare for the property to be marked before digging.
The plan at this point is to trench and install the electrical conduit on Saturday, January 13th. Depending on the size of the crew we also plan on installing a water line from the Breeseway to the Clubhouse containers. Plans are also in the works to finish prepping the move of the blue container to its new home and we hope to have that done by January 12th.
Moving into 2024 we will also be unveiling a new way for everyone to keep track of this project and others going on around the railroad in hopes of giving everyone more notice on upcoming workdays and what the focus of the workday will be. More to come on this.
2024 NGLS Online Voting closes on Friday, January 5th at 6 p.m.
Voting for the 2024 board is now open to all FULL Members who are NOT planning on attending the January 6 2024 meeting. The nominees for the 2024 board were voted on during our December 9, 2023, meeting and because some positions only had a single nominee those individuals automatically are elected to the 2024 board in accordance with our bylaws.
As a reminder only members that have FULL membership status are eligible to vote and must have paid dues prior to the vote being taken during our January 6, 2024 meeting. Dues can be mailed to:
North Georgia Live Steamers
P.O. Box 1809
Conyers, GA 30012
Dues for the 2024 season will also be taken during our January 6th meeting.
Yearly Dues
Full Membership: $75
Associate Membership: $50
Junior Membership: $25
To cast your vote, click the link and complete the online ballot. (https://tinyurl.com/ngls2024voting). All online votes must be received by 6 p.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024.
Voting for the 2024 board is now open to all FULL Members who are NOT planning on attending the January 6 2024 meeting. The nominees for the 2024 board were voted on during our December 9, 2023, meeting and because some positions only had a single nominee those individuals automatically are elected to the 2024 board in accordance with our bylaws.
As a reminder only members that have FULL membership status are eligible to vote and must have paid dues prior to the vote being taken during our January 6, 2024 meeting. Dues can be mailed to:
North Georgia Live Steamers
P.O. Box 1809
Conyers, GA 30012
Dues for the 2024 season will also be taken during our January 6th meeting.
Yearly Dues
Full Membership: $75
Associate Membership: $50
Junior Membership: $25
To cast your vote, click the link and complete the online ballot. (https://tinyurl.com/ngls2024voting). All online votes must be received by 6 p.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024.
Project 6: Ballast Hopper
The railroad has been in need of a way to get a load of ballast without a bobcat being available. Two grain bins have been purchased and will be converted to a ballast hopper. The plan is to install the ballast hoppers on the west end of the railroad on the gravel pit siding. If are interested in working on this project click on the “I Want To Volunteer” button and let us know.
An official workday schedule has not be determined at this time.
The railroad has been in need of a way to get a load of ballast without a bobcat being available. Two grain bins have been purchased and will be converted to a ballast hopper. The plan is to install the ballast hoppers on the west end of the railroad on the gravel pit siding. If are interested in working on this project click on the “I Want To Volunteer” button and let us know.
An official workday schedule has not be determined at this time.
Project 5: Install rebuilt Doe Bridge
This bridge is another piece from our original railroad. This bridge was restored a few years ago and now it is time to get it installed. The current plan is to remove the bridge closest to the west loop (currently called the LaVay Bridge) and widen the span and place the Doe bridge in its place. We will then rebuild the "LaVay Bridge” and place it in a location to be determined. The hope is this bridge swap will be completed prior to this track becoming the mainline for trains traveling east to west on the inner loop.
This bridge is another piece from our original railroad. This bridge was restored a few years ago and now it is time to get it installed. The current plan is to remove the bridge closest to the west loop (currently called the LaVay Bridge) and widen the span and place the Doe bridge in its place. We will then rebuild the "LaVay Bridge” and place it in a location to be determined. The hope is this bridge swap will be completed prior to this track becoming the mainline for trains traveling east to west on the inner loop.
If you would like to work on this project click on the “I want to volunteer” button and let us know. An official workday schedule has not be determined at this time.
Some prep work needs to be done before the rebuild can be started which includes:
Cutting deck boards making sure they are all the same height.
Purchasing appropriate bolts, washers, and nuts
Once all of the prep work is complete this project can take place at any time. If you would like to coordinate a workday during the week or on a weekend, please click the “I want to volunteer” button and let us know.
Prep work began on a riding car recently purchased in preparation of being painted.
On Saturday, December 17th work began to prepare the recently purchased riding car for paint, brakes, and more. The first thing that took place was to begin to take the riding car apart and clean the steel of any surface rust and start preparing aluminum pieces for paint. The trucks will also undergo some cleaning and removal of some surface rust before getting painted in the next couple of weeks.
On Saturday, December 17th work began to prepare the recently purchased riding car for paint, brakes, and more. The first thing that took place was to begin to take the riding car apart and clean the steel of any surface rust and start preparing aluminum pieces for paint. The trucks will also undergo some cleaning and removal of some surface rust before getting painted in the next couple of weeks.
Grandma Line workday recap for Saturday, December 16th
A small, devoted crew came out to the site on Saturday to work on the “Grandma Line” project. John T. and Wes worked on replacing a drainpipe and replaced with a French drain system with a conventional open end upstream and flex pipe over the cliff. They also placed boards in preparation for crush and run and east end waterline extension. Today’s event marks the last official workday of the year with plans to continue to make progress on this project and others in 2024. Thank you to the “Grandma Line” crew for all of the work and progress you’ve made in 2023.
A small, devoted crew came out to the site on Saturday to work on the “Grandma Line” project. John T. and Wes worked on replacing a drainpipe and replaced with a French drain system with a conventional open end upstream and flex pipe over the cliff. They also placed boards in preparation for crush and run and east end waterline extension. Today’s event marks the last official workday of the year with plans to continue to make progress on this project and others in 2024. Thank you to the “Grandma Line” crew for all of the work and progress you’ve made in 2023.
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.
Christmas Party and Club Meeting Recap
The early rain didn’t put a damper on the annual Christmas Party and December club meeting. The rain came in mid-morning but by the time we finished lunch the skies cleared, and the sun came out. During the club meeting the nominations for the 2024 were made official. The following will be voted on during our January 6th meeting for the 2024 board.
The early rain didn’t put a damper on the annual Christmas Party and December club meeting. The rain came in mid-morning but by the time we finished lunch the skies cleared, and the sun came out. During the club meeting the nominations for the 2024 were made official. The following will be voted on during our January 6th meeting for the 2024 board.
2024 Nominations
President: Robby Mossman
Vice President: Peter Craymer
Secretary: Dave Levy
Board Member Nominees (3 Positions Available)
Calvin Abernathy
Bob Cummings
Scott Moore
Wes Rogers
John Tuten
According to the by-laws for positions that only have one nominee those positions are automatically filled by the nominee starting with the 2024 board year. This means the position of President, Vice President, and Secretary do not require additional vote during the January meeting. For the three Board Member positions we have more nominees than available seats will requires a vote during our January 6th meeting.
One change to the nominee list came from Scott Moore after the meeting as he requested his acceptance be changed from Vice President to Board Member. Scott had originally been nominated for both and originally accepted the Vice President and declined the board member nominee. He requested his acceptance change to Board Member nominee. This then means that Peter Craymer will be the only Vice President nominee and will become the Vice President for 2024 board year.
An email will follow shortly allowing those not able to attend the January 6th meeting an opportunity to submit a ballot electronically. Please only submit your vote electronically if you do NOT plan on attending the January 6th meeting.
As we wind down the 2023 season don’t forget John Tuten is planning a workday on the “Grandma Line” project on Saturday, December 16th. If you plan on helping, please make sure you contact John and let him know.
If you purchased a 2024 NGLS calendar, please make sure you get with Norm regarding paying and picking up your calendar. Also, if you ordered a club t-shirt and have not had a chance to pay and pick up your shirt also contact Norm to make arrangements. Do not forget to pay your dues by the January 6th club meeting. All full members must pay by the day of the meeting in order to be eligible to vote.
One final thing. Don’t forget to join everyone at the railroad on January 1st for our annual New Years Day club fun day.
