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
Exciting progress made on several projects during our Saturday, March 23, 2024, workday.
Another Friday evening rain leads to great weather on Saturday as more work was done on the “Grandma Line”, water line extension, and the new retaining wall. The crew took a divide and conquer approach to projects starting finishing the new retaining wall then moving to the water line extension project. We had a special visitor “Bob Jr” who helped bring dirt in for the “Grandma Line” area.
Another Friday evening rain leads to great weather on Saturday as more work was done on the “Grandma Line”, water line extension, and the new retaining wall. The crew took a divide and conquer approach to projects starting with Wes and Scott finishing the new retaining wall then moving to the water line extension project with Robby and John.
Wes also jumped in and help build a temporary crossing so Rick and “Bob Jr” could start bringing in dirt for the “Grandma Line”. Rick spent most of the morning bringing in load after load into the area to fill in many of the low spots we have in the area. The first layer of dirt will settle the next few weeks with more dirt to be brought in later which will also require time for the dirt to settle and compact. Overall, the great news is the “Grandma Line” has made a great deal of progress the past couple of weeks and if all goes well this year, we could get this line completed by fall. If you are looking to get involved, we need track panels and a switch built.
The crew also worked on ballasting both ends of the water line extension and spent time realigning the existing water line track and adding additional ballast. During our next workday the water line track will begin to operate as a mainline for traffic traveling east on the railroad. This will also allow west bound traffic to move over to the track next to the water line and begin traveling across the “LaVay Bridge”. More details on the changes to the railroad operations in the coming weeks.
As the day was wrapping up John and Wes took time to make additional changes to the railroad tie wall near the east end of what will become the “Grandma Line”. They swapped out a couple of bad ties with newer ones and will begin the process of bringing in dirt and other material to secure the wall and prepare the ground for future roadbed through that area.
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
Updated track plan has been posted on our website. Check it out.
The past several years we have taken on a lot of projects and completed many of them. Because of the completion of those projects an updated track plan diagram has been posted which shows what has been completed and what is currently planned or being worked on around the railroad. To date we have almost 2 miles of track on the ground with nearly 1 mile of it being mainline.
For a complete list of current and future projects don’t forget to visit our projects web page listing all of what we are planning or thinking about.
The past several years we have taken on a lot of projects and completed many of them. Because of the completion of those projects an updated track plan diagram has been posted which shows what has been completed and what is currently planned or being worked on around the railroad. To date we have almost 2 miles of track on the ground with nearly 1 mile of it being mainline.
For a complete list of current and future projects don’t forget to visit our projects web page listing all of what we are planning or thinking about.
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.
Water Line portion of the Grandma Line Project Explained
The water line portion of the Grandma Line project is intended to temporarily convert the existing water line siding into a mainline track while the Grandma Line is being installed. This helps the railroad operate a little more efficiently as well with the shift of mainline traffic to the water line. First it allows trains traveling East to West to stay off the yard track and also allows west bound traffic to cross over the LaVay bridge and avoid the cross over switches just beyond the station. Once the Grandma Line is complete the water line will become the water line again with East bound traffic traveling on the Grandma Line.
The water line portion of the Grandma Line project is intended to temporarily convert the existing water line siding into a mainline track while the Grandma Line is being installed. This helps the railroad operate a little more efficiently as well with the shift of mainline traffic to the water line. First it allows trains traveling East to West to stay off the yard track and also allows west bound traffic to cross over the LaVay bridge and avoid the cross over switches just beyond the station. Once the Grandma Line is complete the water line will become the water line again with East bound traffic traveling on the Grandma Line.
Water line project breakdown (West end 1-4, East end 5-8):
Place Crush & Run forms and fill between two switch locations on West end.
Complete and install curved 100r RH Switch on West end Mainline.
Build and install RH 60r Switch on West end of current Water Line. Sprung points to normally be thrown for curved route.
Build and install track panels connecting Switches in steps 2 & 3. (Upon completing steps 1-4 we can actually start using this route and shift traffic off the yard tracks.)
Finish installation of Crush & Run forms and fill on the East end of Water line. Backfill with dirt as necessary, especially near new location of the switch currently marking the East end of the Water Line.
Tweak the LH Switch (currently on the table) so the spring action is viable and cut in East end mainline where marked. Sprung points to normally be thrown for straight route.
Build and install several straight sections on diverging route from previous step.
Shift current East end Water Line switch over to new route from previous two steps, Fill in both gaps with straight track. (One created by removal of switch, the other between new location of switch and the straight part of the current water line.) Ensure proper operation for sprung points to normally be thrown for straight route. (Or this can be designated a non-sprung switch normally thrown for the curved route upon completion of the Grandma Line.)
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.
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.
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.
Project 4: Westside water siding track changes
The purpose of this project is to add a switch coming off the inner loop traveling west bound just after the bridge and before connecting to the current mainline. The new switch will allow trains traveling west board to connect to the current water line siding. This also means we will need to install an additional switch on the water line siding that will allow us to then connect the two new switches together with a few straight panels. Once completed this will allow trains traveling east to west to stay off the yard track and travel on the mainline instead.
Based on current projects schedules we are anticipating this project will take place during some months after our last spring run day.
The purpose of this project is to add a switch coming off the inner loop traveling west bound just after the bridge and before connecting to the current mainline. The new switch will allow trains traveling west board to connect to the current water line siding. This also means we will need to install an additional switch on the water line siding that will allow us to then connect the two new switches together with a few straight panels. Once completed this will allow trains traveling east to west to stay off the yard track and travel on the mainline instead.
Based on current projects schedules we are anticipating this project will take place during some months after our last spring run day.
Project 2: West Loop track repair near the Nicol bridge
The purpose of this project is to repair an area on the west loop near the Nicol bridge that needs about 40 feet of track repaired including moving a switch to a new location in order to provide better transition coming out of a curve heading towards the Nicol bridge. Because of the nature of this repair, it must be completed before our April 13th run day.
The purpose of this project is to repair an area on the west loop near the Nicol bridge that needs about 40 feet of track repaired including moving a switch to a new location in order to provide better transition coming out of a curve heading towards the Nicol bridge. Because of the nature of this repair, it must be completed before our April 13th run day.
Proposed work schedule
Workday #1 (at any time before January 27th) - Identify and build track panel(s) need to be built as well as cut replacement ties that will be installed in numerous places in the area being repaired.
Workday #2 (Saturday, February 24th)- repairing and reworking west loop track section near Nicol bridge.
Workday #3 (Saturday, March 23rd) - All repair work must be completed by this date to make sure the railroad is operational again before our first public run day which is Saturday, April 13th.
Project 1: Clubhouse and Workshop Buildout
The purpose of this project is to take three 40ft shipping containers and combine them together to build out a clubhouse and workshop to use as a meeting space and shop. When completed the space will be about 960 square feet of usable space. The structure will have electricity, water, and climate control making the space useable year-round. In order to fully complete the build of the space a lot of work will need to be done along with raising the necessary funds to complete the building project. As of December 2023, it is estimated to cost between $10,000 and $13,000 to complete not including the hundreds of volunteer hours our membership and other volunteers will put in to complete.
The purpose of this project is to take three 40ft shipping containers and combine them together to build out a clubhouse and workshop to use as a meeting space and shop. When completed the space will be about 960 square feet of usable space. The structure will have electricity, water, and climate control making the space useable year-round. In order to fully complete the build of the space a lot of work will need to be done along with raising the necessary funds to complete the building project. As of December 2023, it is estimated to cost between $10,000 and $13,000 to complete not including the hundreds of volunteer hours our membership and other volunteers will put in to complete. Below is an outline of workdays and tasks we are trying to complete during the work event.
Project 1: Clubhouse & Shop Project
Workday 1 (Anytime between now and January 12, 2024) - Get the gravel pad cleaned up next to member container #3 so the blue container can be moved. Once the gravel pad is ready, schedule to have the blue container moved. Wes will make arrangements for a Bobcat to be available and Gene has agreed to operate the Bobcat.
When the blue container is moved, we also need to separate red container #1 from #2 so we can work on installing a center pier between container 1 & 2.
Workday 2 (Saturday, January 13, 2024): Trench and pull electrical wire to shop container #1. Depending on who is available we could also trench a water line from Breeseway to the shop container area. Wes will arrange for a trencher and operator to be available for this workday. We will need to mark the path of the trench ahead of this workday and call Georgia 811 to mark underground hazards.
Workday #3 (Saturday, February 10, 2024)- Since red containers 1 & 2 are separated we need to install center piers between container 1 & 2. May also spend some time marking the cut lines for the inner walls between container 1 & 2.
Workday #4 (At any time before March 9, 2024) - The electrical panel should now be active. Some electrical work can be started in container 1. Assumption is we may install some lights and outlets but all of that is to be determined.
Workday #5 (at any time before March 9, 2024) - Slide container 1 & 2 back together. We will then schedule welding the roof line between container 1 & 2 together and mark the cut lines that will be used to cut out the inner wall between container 1 & 2 if those have not already been done.
Workday #6 (Saturday, March 9, 2024)- Cut out container 1 inner wall. Not sure if we can do container #2 inner wall the same day. I will assign a separate day for container #2 inner wall. We may also want to work on sealing.
Workday #7 (at any time before Saturday, April 20th) - Mark cut lines in container #2 if not already completed. If the inner wall in container 2 has already been removed, we will leverage this day for some other tasks for the shop. One example could be to make sure the containers are watertight at the seam. Other items will be determined prior to the Saturday, April 20th workday.
Workday #? (can be done anytime) - Install pier that will be leveraged between container 2 & 3.
Workday #? (On Going) - Continue to build out container 1 & 2 to make the space functional before container 3 is installed.
We should also start considering some fundraising options to help fund the construction of the shop & club house. Please start thinking of ideas that will help us raise the necessary funds to build out the shop & club house. The current project workday list does not account for any track work that will need to be done in the future.
Passenger Line Project 2020 - 2021
In July 2020 the club started on the “passenger line” project which added a mainline from the east loop along the fence line towards the station. This allows the railroad to operate without traveling through the yard.
In July 2020 the club started on the “passenger line” project which added a mainline from the east loop along the fence line towards the station. This allows the railroad to operate without traveling through the yard.
