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.
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.
Get involved in the "Grandma Line" project this winter
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.
Progress on the "Grandma Line" was made today during an official workday
A small crew of two went out to the site on Saturday and took advantage of the cooler weather by working on moving a retaining wall which is part of the “Grandma Line” project. John and Wes started Friday evening by picking up sixteen railroad ties and spent Saturday installing eight of them while doing groundwork along the way. More of the old rotten ties have been removed and relocated in places that still makes them useful. John reports that approximately 10 feet of backfill leveled the sub roadbed in preparation for crush & run and a preliminary track plan was laced out. They had a drain that they couldn’t figure out how to extend so they made a 3 square foot holding tank filled with gravel to hold the water until it could be absorbed into the soil. If you are interested in getting involved in this project a schedule is being put together and will be shared soon.
A small crew of two went out to the site on Saturday and took advantage of the cooler weather by working on moving a retaining wall which is part of the “Grandma Line” project. John and Wes started Friday evening by picking up sixteen railroad ties and spent Saturday installing eight of them while doing groundwork along the way. More of the old rotten ties have been removed and relocated in places that still makes them useful. John reports that approximately 10 feet of backfill leveled the sub roadbed in preparation for crush & run and a preliminary track plan was laced out. They had a drain that they couldn’t figure out how to extend so they made a 3 square foot holding tank filled with gravel to hold the water until it could be absorbed into the soil. If you are interested in getting involved in this project a schedule is being put together and will be shared soon.
Work on the Grandma Line resumed this past Saturday, September 9th
Work has begun again on what we call the Grandma Line. For those that are not familiar with this project the Grandma Line will eventually allows us to shift part of the mainline through the woods and away from the yard as trains travel West to East on the inner loop near the yard. When complete it will also allow trains traveling East to West to stay out of the yard as well.
This project started as a conversation a few years ago and John T. has taken the conversation and made it a personal project to work on during his many weekend trips to the railroad when we don’t normally have an official workday scheduled. This past Saturday was no different as he and Wes worked on moving the old retaining wall so the Grandma Line can be installed where the current retaining wall is today in the future. John and Wes spent the day pulling some of the rotten ties out, salvaging what they could and adding five new ties that John donated. Here are a few pictures from today’s work. If you would like to help John with this project or help by donating replacement railroad ties for the retaining wall let us know. At this time John is estimating another 25 - 30 ties needed.
Work has begun again on what we call the Grandma Line. For those that are not familiar with this project the Grandma Line will eventually allows us to shift part of the mainline through the woods and away from the yard as trains travel West to East on the inner loop near the yard. When complete it will also allow trains traveling East to West to stay out of the yard as well.
This project started as a conversation a few years ago and John T. has taken the conversation and made it a personal project to work on during his many weekend trips to the railroad when we don’t normally have an official workday scheduled. This past Saturday was no different as he and Wes worked on moving the old retaining wall so the Grandma Line can be installed where the current retaining wall is today in the future. John and Wes spent the day pulling some of the rotten ties out, salvaging what they could and adding five new ties that John donated. Here are a few pictures from today’s work. If you would like to help John with this project or help by donating replacement railroad ties for the retaining wall let us know. At this time John is estimating another 25 - 30 ties needed.
Bridge Rebuilt Recap for Saturday, July 15, 2023
What an incredibly productive and hot day. We had a large turnout including three new volunteers who showed up to help us rebuild one of our bridges. We started off strong but ran into a small bump along with way. The team went into action to identify a solution, and everyone sprang into action. By the time we broke for lunch the bridge was about 90% complete and shortly after lunch was complete. Efforts will be made to identify if any of our other bridges need work and will address those overtime.
What an incredibly productive and hot day. We had a large turnout including three new volunteers who showed up to help us rebuild one of our bridges. We started off strong but ran into a small bump along with way. The team went into action to identify a solution, and everyone sprang into action. By the time we broke for lunch the bridge was about 90% complete and shortly after lunch was complete. Efforts will be made to identify if any of our other bridges need work and will address those overtime.
Prep Day Workday Recap for Saturday, April 22nd
The past couple of days have been busy around the railroad in preparation of our season opener next weekend. On Friday, Sam and Wes got a jump start on cutting the grass which made Saturday very productive. The Saturday crew consisted of Ben, Rick, Scott, John Tuten, Peter, Robby, Norm, Gene, Sam, and Tyler. Tyler spent the day cleaning the club steamer and when you see it next weekend you will notice just how clean he made it. Rick, Peter, and Robby took out the club diesel and went around the railroad and performed track maintenance. Norm, Sam, Gene, and Robby cleaned up the passenger station fence including putting new hooks on the fence posts and painting the posts. John and Wes worked on track items for member container #4. Norm brought back the remaining passenger trucks with repaired brakes, new springs, and other maintenance items now complete on the trucks. Now all passenger trucks have been rebuilt and ready for operation. Work was also done behind the red container cleaning out and organizing our storage space in preparation of our next order of railroad tie material arriving in the next week. This also meant rehoming a few tenants to new homes with the cleanup. Overall, extremely product day and looking forward to our season opener next Saturday, April 29th. Setup next Saturday will start at 8:30 a.m.
The past couple of days have been busy around the railroad in preparation of our season opener next weekend. On Friday, Sam and Wes got a jump start on cutting the grass which made Saturday very productive. The Saturday crew consisted of Ben, Rick, Scott, John Tuten, Peter, Robby, Norm, Gene, Sam, and Tyler. Tyler spent the day cleaning the club steamer and when you see it next weekend you will notice just how clean he made it. Rick, Peter, and Robby took out the club diesel and went around the railroad and performed track maintenance. Norm, Sam, Gene, and Robby cleaned up the passenger station fence including putting new hooks on the fence posts and painting the posts. John and Wes worked on track items for member container #4. Norm brought back the remaining passenger trucks with repaired brakes, new springs, and other maintenance items now complete on the trucks. Now all passenger trucks have been rebuilt and ready for operation. Work was also done behind the red container cleaning out and organizing our storage space in preparation of our next order of railroad tie material arriving in the next week. This also meant rehoming a few tenants to new homes with the cleanup. Overall, extremely product day and looking forward to our season opener next Saturday, April 29th. Setup next Saturday will start at 8:30 a.m.
Workday Recap for Saturday, March 18th
What an incredible day around the railroad during our March 18th workday. The day start out a little cold, ok just above freezing cold, as John, Robby, and Scott positioning track panels for container number four while Rick, Gene, and Norm did a little planning on the shop container project. Wes joined in on the fun with the container crew as they removed a switch from the mainline, which was the old red container switch near the main grade crossing. Norm and Gene removed the rest of the cross over switch from the mainline that was used to get to the middle of the steaming siding near the water tower. The crew then took the switches and rebuilt them before reinstalling them for the container number for track. The crew also ballasted the panels as the day ended.
What an incredible day around the railroad during our March 18th workday. The day start out a little cold, ok just above freezing cold, as John, Robby, and Scott positioning track panels for container number four while Rick, Gene, and Norm did a little planning on the shop container project. Wes joined in on the fun with the container crew as they removed a switch from the mainline, which was the old red container switch near the main grade crossing. Norm and Gene removed the rest of the cross over switch from the mainline that was used to get to the middle of the steaming siding near the water tower. The crew then took the switches and rebuilt them before reinstalling them for the container number for track. The crew also ballasted the panels as the day ended.
Progress made on container track project during our Saturday workday
The day started out a little cold but quickly warmed up as the Saturday work crew began arriving. The crew consisted of Norm, Gene, Robby, Rick, Thomas, David E., and Dave L. Most of the crew spent the first few hours collecting already built track panels from around the railroad that will be used for the container project along with doing some track repairs in the east loop. Dave L. hung another bracket for the second signal head which puts us another step closer to our first permanent set of signal heads. The track crew pulled out a switch from the steaming siding and reinstalled it for the container track.
The day started out a little cold but quickly warmed up as the Saturday work crew began arriving. The crew consisted of Norm, Gene, Robby, Rick, Thomas, David E., and Dave L. Most of the crew spent the first few hours collecting already built track panels from around the railroad that will be used for the container #4 project along with doing some track repairs in the east loop. The track crew also rebuilt a switch that came from the late Charlie Glass home railroad, thank you to John Tucker for donating the track to the club, allowing the legacy of Charlie to continue at our railroad. Dave L. hung another bracket for the second signal head which puts us a step closer to our first permanent set of signal heads. The track crew pulled out a switch from the steaming siding and reinstalled it for the container track.
Coming up for the club is our second “Almost Monthly Club Fun Day” on Saturday, March 4th. Weather permitting it will be a fun time to dust things off and come out and enjoy the railroad. Run trains or do work around the railroad it is member day around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite friends and family to enjoy the day with you.
Midweek workday this past Wednesday, November 9th
This past Wednesday a small crew go together to install the signal mast that Dave Levy is working on restoring along with moving the mill that Ethel Nicol’s donated to the club. The group consisted of Ben, Rick, Norm, Wes, Gene, “Bob 2”, Dave L. and Robby. While Ben, Rick, and Norm loaded up the mill at Norm’s shop the crew waiting at the site, Wes, Dave L, Gene, and Robby, worked on the signal mast, and spreading some dirt and gravel for the member container project.
This past Wednesday a small crew go together to install the signal mast that Dave Levy is working on restoring along with moving the mill that Ethel Nicol’s donated to the club. The group consisted of Ben, Rick, Norm, Wes, Gene, “Bob 2”, Dave L. and Robby. While Ben, Rick, and Norm loaded up the mill at Norm’s shop the crew waiting at the site, Wes, Dave L, Gene, and Robby, worked on the signal mast, and spreading some dirt and gravel for the member container project.
Once the crew arrived with the mill it was time to get the mill off the trailer and set inside the shop container. The team made it look easy with the help of Rick, Ben, Gene, and “Bob 2”. Now that the mill is in place it’s time to start working on welding the containers together and convert the containers into shop space.
While Gene and “Bob 2” were at the site they took time to clean up the driveway and the new drain that was installed earlier this year. Now the water should flow nicely into the drain and into the east field and the member container has some needed dirt and crusher run. Next step is to start building switches and track panels so the container can get completed during the off season.
Long Lost Workday and Project News from August through October
Over the past month or so we’ve had a lot of activity around the railroad. From working on our next member container, driveway drain, run day preparation and even preparing for the installation of a restored railroad signal head. Here are a few pictures to highlight some of the activities.
A special thanks to all of the club members who have volunteered to make these project happen.
Over the past couple of months, we’ve had a lot of activity around the railroad. From working on our next member container, driveway drain, run day preparation and even preparing for the installation of a restored railroad signal head. Here are a few pictures to highlight some of the activities.
A special thanks to all of the club members who have volunteered to make these project happen.
August brought tall grass, really tall grass, more work on the member container, installation of drain in driveway, and more.
On Wednesday, September 28th the forms were put in and concrete poured for the pier what will be used to bridge the gap between the container and the railroad for member container #4.
On Saturday, October 8th “Bob” brought in some extra help with his buddy the Yellow Truck to move some dirt and rocks around while the crew continued work on the member container project.
On Tuesday, October 11th we are now a step closer to a full-size signal head as Dave Levy mixed and poured the concrete for the foundation.
Recap of an impromptu morning work session on Wednesday, July 27th
With all the heat and some rain over the past few of week’s progress on the next member container had slowed but things got back on track over the past week. Last week Bill Cross from Shepphard Trucking delivered gravel but could not be dumped in the location of the container because of ground conditions. Fast forward to yesterday Wes went out and compacted and smoothed out the area the gravel needs to be spread so today Bill Cross could come out and spread gravel. The next step for the container is to schedule the delivery and then the real fun begins. On Tuesday, Wes also dug out around the driveway drain so we can get the drain cover installed.
With all the heat and some rain over the past few of week’s progress on the next member container had slowed but things got back on track over the past week. Last week Bill Cross from Shepphard Trucking delivered gravel but could not be dumped in the location of the container because of ground conditions. Fast forward to yesterday Wes went out and compacted and smoothed out the area the gravel needs to be spread so today Bill Cross could come out and spread gravel. The next step for the container is to schedule the delivery and then the real fun begins. On Tuesday, Wes also dug out around the driveway drain so we can get the drain cover installed.
Workday recap for both Saturday, July 9th and July 16th
Over the past two weekends a couple of different work crews went to the site to continue work on the next member container. On Saturday, July 9th the crew with help from Gene and his trusty bobcat did grading work in the for the new container, even with a little early rain, in preparation of gravel in the next week or so. Wes topped off the work during the week by marking off the general placement of the container. Then on Saturday, July 16th the plan had been to cut grass but since Wes came out on Thursday and took care of that, so the work crew ended up building much needed switch templates to make it a little easier to visualize future track placement. Coming up over the next couple of weeks the gravel will be delivered, and the container will be set.
Over the past two weekends a couple of different work crews went to the site to continue work on the next member container. On Saturday, July 9th the crew with help from Gene and his trusty bobcat did grading work in the for the new container, even with a little early rain, in preparation of gravel in the next week or so. Wes topped off the work during the week by marking off the general placement of the container. Then on Saturday, July 16th the plan had been to cut grass but since Wes came out on Thursday and took care of that, so the work crew ended up building much needed switch templates to make it a little easier to visualize future track placement. Coming up over the next couple of weeks the gravel will be delivered, and the container will be set.
Impromptu Workday recap for Saturday, May 28th
A small crew went to the site this past weekend to take out some trees in preparation of the next member container. The crew consisted of Wes, Brandon, Norm, Ben, and “Bob”. Some more work is still needed to finish preparing the site, but the guys are getting close. The crew will be looking for some help building track panels in the coming weeks along with figuring out exactly how the track will be laid out. More details to come.
A small crew went to the site this past weekend to take out some trees in preparation of the next member container. The crew consisted of Wes, Brandon, Norm, Ben, and “Bob”. Some more work is still needed to finish preparing the site, but the guys are getting close. The crew will be looking for some help building track panels in the coming weeks along with figuring out exactly how the track will be laid out. More details to come.
The first workday of 2022 is in the books. What a productive day.
The first workday of the 2022 season is in the books. The crew spent the day installing about 200 feet of track and two switches for the next member container. The crew consisted of Calvin, John T., Norm, Ben, “Bob”, David E., Thomas K., Gene, Robby, Rick, Wes, and Andrew. The day went well even with the normal heckling and second guess what we were doing. By the end of the day things came together well and this project is now about 90% complete.
The first workday of the 2022 season is in the books. The crew spent the day installing about 200 feet of track and two switches for the next member container. The crew consisted of Calvin, John T., Norm, Ben, “Bob”, David E., Thomas K., Gene, Robby, Rick, Wes, and Andrew. The day went well even with the normal heckling and second guess what we were doing. By the end of the day things came together well and this project is now about 90% complete.
The next official workday is planned for Saturday, March 12th at 8:30 a.m. The plans for the day are being finalized but most likely will do clean up around the properly, organize the containers, perform track maintenance and more.
Trains! Trains! Trains! 2022 - Weekend Recap
This past weekend, Saturday, January 29th and Sunday, January 30th, North Georgia Live Steamers displayed at the Trains, Trains, Trains! event at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw. What an incredible event giving us the opportunity to meet so many people interested in history and learn about our hobby. The museum was so generous to give us a space that was in the main walkway providing us to meet many of the more than 2,000 visitors. A big thanks to the museum staff, organizers, and NGLS club members for displaying and working the booth.
This past weekend, Saturday, January 29th and Sunday, January 30th, North Georgia Live Steamers displayed at the Trains, Trains, Trains! event at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw. What an incredible event giving us the opportunity to meet so many people interested in history and learn about our hobby. The museum was so generous to give us a space that was in the main walkway providing us to meet many of the more than 2,000 visitors. A big thanks to the museum staff, organizers, and NGLS club members for displaying and working the booth.
We look forward to seeing so many of our new friends at the railroad this year during one of our four train ride days. For those interested in learning how to get involved with us during one of our many workday activities and open house events please feel free to contact us to learn more.
Container delivery for new shop and member container delivered
Friday, November 19th marked another exciting day around the railroad as we took delivery of two more containers and placement of two existing containers. We now have placed three of the four containers in the spot of our new club workshop and the remaining container has been placed in the member container area. The work crew today consisted of Gene, “Bob2”, Rick, “Bob Jr.”, Norm, Wes, Calvin, and Scott. Next step is to begin working on the shop and member container which will most likely be our winter project.
Friday, November 19th marked another exciting day around the railroad as we took delivery of two more containers and placement of two existing containers. We now have placed three of the four containers in the spot of our new club workshop and the remaining container has been placed in the member container area. The work crew today consisted of Gene, “Bob2”, Rick, “Bob Jr.”, Norm, Wes, Calvin, John T. and Scott. Next step is to begin working on the shop and member container which will most likely be our winter project.
Shop container delivery and placement workday on Friday, November 19th
The day has finally come to take delivery and place containers that will become part of our shop and a member container. We will be placing three 40’ containers side by side and then place a 40’ high cube next to the member container area on the railroad. Bring tools, lunch, water, and a good sense of humor we are probably going to need all we can get as thing come together.
The day has finally come to take delivery and place containers that will become part of our shop and a member container. We will be placing three 40’ containers side by side and then place a 40’ high cube next to the member container area on the railroad. Bring tools, lunch, water, and a good sense of humor we are probably going to need all we can get as thing come together.
Another busy workday recap for Saturday, September 11, 2021
Another busy workday around the railroad as we get another weekend closer to re-opening the railroad after nearly two years. Today’s work consisted of installing the fencing at the station, installing a drainpipe in the drive way, installing new insulators for signal system, gauge 1 guys worked on the track, and preparing the replacement truck for the sulky to round out just a few things done today.
Another busy workday around the railroad as we get another weekend closer to re-opening the railroad after nearly two years. Today’s work consisted of installing the fencing at the station, installing a drainpipe in the drive way, installing new insulators for signal system, gauge 1 guys worked on the track, and preparing the replacement truck for the sulky to round out just a few things done today. A few members of the crew also spent time identifying what is needed to start work on the “Grandma” line which includes build a curved switch. The crew consisted of Wes, John, Scott, Norm, Ben, Rick, “Bob”, Dave E., Tyler, Calvin, Carl, and others.
The crew installed more than 120’ of fencing to help mark off the new station loading area just in time for the railroad to re-open on October 2nd.
A new drain was installed today to help drain off excess rainwater from the loading area out towards the east loop. A new catch basis is also in the works so be on the lookout for the cones on the east side of the driveway.
Last week the truck under the sulky finally wore out and a new sulky arrive today with brakes and getting a paint job before getting installed under the sulking in the coming days.
