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Some early history of the NGLS Steam Engine

One of the exciting aspects of our nonprofit organization is the aspect of history. Recently we received some long talked about documentation about our club steam engine. It had been known or rumored to have been built in the late 1940’s and put into service around 1951. At a recent event at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History we received some exciting documentation form a fellow railroad hobbyist with direct connection to the early days of what we now call the club steamer. One of the most exciting was the confirmation of who built the locomotive and who ultimately was the first owner. Back in 1951 a E. K. Cargill, the owner of 41 Drive-In Theatre had been in discussions earlier in the year with the builder of the locomotive Mr. Clyde T. Dempsey to purchase the locomotive, riding cars, track, ticket booth, and more however on August 27, 1951, Mr. Cargill sent a letter to Mr. Dempsey saying he was no longer interested. The great news is Mr. Dempsey had another buyer and on August 28, 1951, the newly built baby steam locomotive and tender, three coaches, track, rails, cross ties, ticket booth, concrete block and wood building, light post, blowers, gates, extra wheels and axles, ticket box, and all equipment and parts pertaining to the miniature railroad were sold to A.C. Crane for a total of $6,500.00. In 2024 dollars that is more than $76,000 for everything.

The next part of the locomotive history then takes us to Grant Park were the locomotive operated in Grant Park which also has a long Atlanta history dating back to 1883. We don’t yet know a lot about its time in Grant Park or what happened after that until 1982 when the Atlanta Historical Society received a donation by Mrs. Elinor K. Crane. After spending some time with the Atlanta Historical Society the locomotive was then donated to North Georgia Live Steamers in the 1990’s where North Georgia Live Steamers has spent years maintaining and operating the locomotive.

If you or someone you know has more details about the locomotive or individuals involved in its early days, please reach out to us and share what information you have so we can continue to preserve the history of this great locomotive.

Please consider making a donation to help us with a major restoration efforts currently being planned.

Present day photos of the locomotive

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Union Pacific 822 Switcher

At the end of January 2024 one of our members took delivery this beautiful UP switcher built by Backyard Train Company out of Denver Colorado. During the February 3,2024 club meeting this locomotive operated on the railroad for the first time. Looking forward to seeing this railroad around the railroad for years to come.

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Progress on rebuilding the new NGLS electric switcher

Some exciting progress has been made on rebuilding the electric switcher. Dave L. installed new motor, controller, batteries, and a new paint job. Things are coming together nicely, and I know we all look forward to seeing this locomotive operating around the railroad in 2024. Big shout out to Dave for his work on this project.

Like many of our projects around the railroad none of them can be completed without our members, volunteers, and support to help cover the cost of these projects. Please consider making a donation to help cover the cost of this and other projects.

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NGLS Electric Switcher

A few years ago, a small two axel electric switcher was donated to the club. In December 2023 a plan was developed, and work has begun on restoring and upgrading the electric switcher so it can be used for light duty service around the railroad. Dave Levy is taking this project on and look forward to updates from him in 2024.

Update: By January 19, 2024 the locomotive was nearly completion with a new motor, batteries, and a paint job. A few more things and this locomotive will be ready for operation.

The locomotive under power for the first time after installation of new motor, controller, batteries, and more.

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Running C&O 701 at the NGLS Fall Meet October 2023

C&O 701 ran at the 2023 NGLS Fall meet for the first time on Saturday, October 21, 2023. She ran great and without any issues.

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C&O 701 Running at Mid-South Live Steamers September 30 - October 1, 2023

C&O 701 went to Columbia, TN for the Fall meet and operated a couple of days. Here are a couple of short videos of her time at Mid-South Live Steamers.

C&O 701 went to Columbia, TN for the Fall meet and operated a couple of days. Here are a few pictures and a couple of short videos of her time at Mid-South Live Steamers.

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First boiler inspection in the books along with a few extra smiles behind the throttle

The locomotive had its first official boiler inspection on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at North Georgia Live Steamers. The day was a success with lots fun had by all. We had 9 total locomotives inspected and all passed.

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The arrival of 701 on Saturday, August 12, 2023

The big day has finally come as C&O 701 arrives to the railroad for the first time. Check out some of the videos and pictures from the day.

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C&O 701 running during annual Hot Summer Night Run on August 26, 2023

Multiple video’s showing C&O 701 operate for only the 4th time since coming a live in late July 2023.

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Rail Inspection Truck (3 3/4" Scale)

Railroading comes in all shapes and sizes. One of our members has a unique vehicle which is modeled after a Model A Ford rail inspection truck. The truck is made of all steel with oak wood interior with plenty of leg room and comfortable seat for those long drives around the railroad. Just about everyone works including the lights. The detail is incredible including the Model A mirrors and stainless-steel grill. The roof and bed of the truck are covered with Rhino bed liner with a wood crate hiding batteries and other electronics. This is certainly a great ride on any railroad. Here is some additional details about this truck:

Truck has a wired controller with sound system that mimics an antique truck and is wired to be controlled while seated in the cab or from behind the truck.

Approximate Truck Height 54“, Length 91“, Width 19.5”

Power is from 2, 12 volt deep cycle batteries.

24 volt, 160 amp power module with regenerative braking.

Powered 4 wheel equalized truck has a 5/8 HP motor with 5:1 gear box and 7 inch wheels.

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#36 Darmar Southern Switcher

#36 Damar Southern Switcher

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Cannonball Little Gasser

On Saturday, December 4, 2021 this little gasser began its journey to a new life as one of our club members purchased this from its long time owner. This locomotive was originally provided by Cannonball Limited out of Arcadia, Oklahoma.

http://www.cannonballltd.com/

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C&O 701 (2-8-0)

The #701 is prototyped after the real #701 located in Covington, Virginia which was built by Alco in 1911 and originally operated as #171 for Hocking Valley Railway. The following information is from rgusrail.com which highlights the history of this locomotive.

C&O 701 In Operation

See Locomotive In Action — **Click image to see CO701 in action**

In the fall of 2021 plans began to take shape to build a 1.6” scale 7 1/2” gauge version of the C&O 701. The prototype is currently located in Covington, Virginia and was originally built by Alco in 1911. The locomotive originally operated as #171 for Hocking Valley Railway. The following information and images are from rgusrail.com which highlights the history of this locomotive.

The Hocking Valley Railway was primarily a coal hauler, operating entirely in the state of Ohio, with a main line from Toledo to Athens and Pomeroy via Columbus, and several branches to coal mines in the Hocking Valley near Athens. Most of its life was spent under the control of outside railroads. In 1903, a syndicate comprising the PRR, B&O, C&O, Erie and Lake Shore & Michigan Southern acquired majority ownership. From 1906, the C&O began to increase its ownership until it gained outright control in 1910, although the HV continued to operate as a separate entity until merged into the C&O in 1930. At that time, #171 was renumbered CO #701 and reclassified as a G-5. For more information visit http://www.rgusrail.com/vaco701.html.

In doing some additional research I learned that the #701 is the last remaining C&O 2-8-0 locomotives still in existence. I have placed some pictures and videos below.

Photos provided from rgusrail.com

2012 before a cosmetic restoration

A short video of C&O 2-8-0 locomotives

Now on to the 1.6” scale version of the 701 which is actually being built off a slightly different prototype from the Pennsylvania Railroad H10 class steam locomotives and was built by Lima Locomotive works. One of the primary differences between the prototype and the H10 was the type of valve gears used. The H10 used the Walschaerts Valve Gear vs. the C&O prototype which used Baker Valve Gear. The 1.6” scale pictured was built by Godshall’s Custom Machining out of Shermans Dale, PA. This locomotive is the nineteenth 2-8-0 build by Godshall using the H10 prototype. This project provided the opportunity to show how the base locomotive could be adapted for other 2-8-0 Consolidation prototypes. By the time it is completed it will be very close to the real C&O 701.

Here are a couple of videos regarding the Godshall H10.

Estimated number of days until locomotive is completed (August 2023).

C&O 701 Build Pictures 2021-2023

Godshall H10 Facebook Group

CO701 In Action

Chesapeake and Ohio 701 Videos

What do some of the pieces look like?

Here are some photos from Wayne Godshall, of Godshall Custom Machining & Live Steam, showing how an H10 begins. The first picture represents the locomotive frame before being machined. The second picture represents cylinder heads, and the third pictures is the lead truck boxes. The pictures below represent H10 Consolidation build number 20 through 25. Pictures taken June and July 2023.

Walschaert Valve Gear

Baker Valve Gear

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2-6-0 Electric Outline Steam Engine

This is a Tom Bee electric outline steam engine.

This is a Tom Bee #11 electric outline steam engine.

Video of this locomotive running at Ridge Live Steamers during the Winter 2022 meet.

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#34 B&L Railroad Company (2 1/2 Scale Fitchburg Northern)

This locomotive arrived at the railroad in the Fall of 2021. At the time of posting the road name and number had not been decided on. More information about this locomotive can be found on Allen Models: Fitchburg Northern 2-6-0

This locomotive arrived at the railroad in the Fall of 2021. From what we know it has an Ed Perry Boiler and will be setup with a propane burner. More information about this locomotive can be found on Allen Models: Fitchburg Northern 2-6-0. Pictures are from Fall of 2021 and Spring of 2022.

Video take on Saturday, May 21, 2022 during our Public Run Day

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Consolidation (2-8-0)

This is a Gene Allen Consolidation (2-8-0). The casting kit were purchased from a former NGLS member who never got to build it. It was purchased in August of 2020 and completed in June of 2021. It burns diesel fuel and operates on 120 lbs. of steam pressure. The tender was extended to make room for two riders. The locomotive now belongs to another NGLS club member who splits his time between North Georgia Live Steamers and his other home club in Florida.

As of October 23, 2021 now operates out of Florida at Northeast Florida Live Steamers but does visit periodically.

Northeast Florida Live Steamers

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Box Cab Locomotive

Box cab locomotive. This locomotive has been rehomed to another railroad in the fall of 2023. We look forward to seeing this locomotive around the country.

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American Locomotive

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936 Great Northern

Great Northern #936 is an Allen Models 10 Wheeler. It is unknown when it was built but is believed to have been built sometime in the 1980’s. The locomotive spent most of its life in Washington State before moving with its owner to Atlanta around 2014. In 2018 it was sold to a member here at North Georgia Live Steamers where he spent the next several years updating several items and then in 2021 sold again to an individual in Alabama.