2024
30 Most Recent Posts
Voting for the 2025 board is now open to all FULL Members who are NOT planning on attending the January 4, 2025 meeting. The nominees for the 2025 board were voted on during our December 7, 2024, meeting and because some positions only had a single nominee those individuals automatically are elected to the 2025 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 4, 2025 meeting.
It is hard to believe 2024 is about to come to an end. The year started off with New Years Day club fun day with workdays and other activities around the railroad to follow. Our members and volunteers worked more than 40 days and more than 2,000 volunteer hours throughout the year. We could not have done it without the help of “Bob Jr” and other special equipment to get so much done throughout the year. They helped trench, move dirt, gravel, and more on a variety of projects including the Clubhouse and Grandma line. Let’s take a look back at some of the photos highlighting what all happened around the railroad.
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.
Every three hours in the U.S., a person or vehicle is hit by a train. If you are ever stuck at a railroad crossing, or there’s and accident or any other situation where the railroad tracks are blocked find the blue sign and call.
Voting for the 2025 board is now open to all FULL Members who are NOT planning on attending the January 4, 2025 meeting. The nominees for the 2025 board were voted on during our December 7, 2024, meeting and because some positions only had a single nominee those individuals automatically are elected to the 2025 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 4, 2025 meeting.
The last official workday of 2024 is now in the books ending with more progress on the “Grandma Line” and repair of a leak with the gray container extension. The crew working on the “Grandma Line” consisted of John T., Wes, Norm, and Robby. Together they finished nearly 70 feet of track leaving a switch and nearly 100 feet of track until the long awaited “Grandma Line” is finished. The next step for the project includes installing a retaining wall and a curved switch on the mainline with the hope of finishing the project by the end of March.
The final workday of the year is this Saturday, December 14th starting at 8:30 a.m. The day will be focus on the “Grandma Line” with plans to install and set more track panels and continue working on building the final switch needed for the project.
Don’t forget our club meeting and Christmas Party is this Saturday, December 7th. The meeting and party will be hosted at The Whistle Post Tavern in Olde Town Conyers. The plan is for everyone arrive around 12:30 p.m. and once we get settled and seated, we will order lunch. While lunch is being prepared, we will hold our club meeting where we will discuss club business and accept nominations for the 2025 board. Once we eat, we will then pick the festivities backup with our White Elephant Raffle Ticket event and social. For those that haven’t done this with us in the past the idea is you bring a wrapped white elephant gift buy a bunch of raffle tickets and when your number is called you get to pick or take a white elephant gift. The cost of the raffle tickets is $1 for those participating and don’t forget the more you buy the more chances you have to unwrap a white elephant gift.
North Georgia Live Steamers has a number of ongoing projects that, as you might expect, need funding to complete. This funding comes from a variety of sources including individual donors such as yourself. During the year we participate in a number of fund-raising events with our primary being giving rides to the public several times a year. We also participate in the annual #GivingTuesday event which happens the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
Our all-volunteer crew has made a lot of progress, but much work still needs to be done. Please join us in our efforts to demonstrate a working miniature railroad to the public and educate everyone on the rich history of railroading in our country's history. To make a donation, please use the Donate button or you can mail your donation to: North Georgia Live Steamers, P.O. Box 1809, Conyers, Georgia 30012.
All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. North Georgia Live Steamers is a not-for-profit, educational organization, incorporated in the state of Georgia. We are tax exempt as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
It is that time of year again to submit nominations for the 2024 board. All nominees must currently be a Full Member. For those able to attend the Saturday, December 7th nominations will be taken electronical until Friday, December 6th at 8 p.m. Nominees will also be taken during our regularly scheduled December 2nd club meeting at 1 p.m. for those submitting nominees in-person. Please review our bylaws to understand what the requirements are for nominees for the various positions. Nominees will be approved at the close of the nomination process on Saturday, December 7, 2024, with voting to take place on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 1 p.m. during our regularly scheduled meeting. Remember that anyone being nominated must be a Full Member and in good standing with the club at the time of nomination and voting. All voting members must be Full Members prior to vote being taken on Saturday, January 4, 2025, with dues paid for the 2025 year.
All nominees submitted electronically will be contact ahead of our December 7th meeting to insure they are wanting to be nominated.
It is that time of year again to submit nominations for the 2024 board. All nominees must currently be a Full Member. For those able to attend the Saturday, December 7th nominations will be taken electronical until Friday, December 6th at 8 p.m. Nominees will also be taken during our regularly scheduled December 2nd club meeting at 1 p.m. for those submitting nominees in-person. Please review our bylaws to understand what the requirements are for nominees for the various positions. Nominees will be approved at the close of the nomination process on Saturday, December 7, 2024, with voting to take place on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 1 p.m. during our regularly scheduled meeting. Remember that anyone being nominated must be a Full Member and in good standing with the club at the time of nomination and voting. All voting members must be Full Members prior to vote being taken on Saturday, January 4, 2025, with dues paid for the 2025 year.
All nominees submitted electronically will be contact ahead of our December 7th meeting to insure they are wanting to be nominated.
The weather was beautiful but a little cold for most to come out and enjoy the railroad today but that didn’t stop John T. and a few others from bundling up and spending time at the railroad. John sent the following note and pictures showing the work he did on the container mural as well as installing some great looking signs at a few switches.
North Georgia Live Steamers has a number of ongoing projects that, as you might expect, need funding to complete. This funding comes from a variety of sources including individual donors such as yourself. During the year we participate in a number of fund-raising events with our primary being giving rides to the public several times a year. We also participate in the annual #GivingTuesday event which happens the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
Our all-volunteer crew has made a lot of progress, but much work still needs to be done. Please join us in our efforts to demonstrate a working miniature railroad to the public and educate everyone on the rich history of railroading in our country's history. To make a donation, please use the Donate button or you can mail your donation to: North Georgia Live Steamers, P.O. Box 1809, Conyers, Georgia 30012.
All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. North Georgia Live Steamers is a not-for-profit, educational organization, incorporated in the state of Georgia. We are tax exempt as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
North Georgia Live Steamers want to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. As a not-for-profit educational organization, we rely on our members and volunteers like you to make everything happen throughout the year. This year we are extra thankful for the hundreds of hours our members and volunteers have provided. Without each of them our railroad would not exists. Thank you.
North Georgia Live Steamers want to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. As a not-for-profit educational organization, we rely on our members and volunteers like you to make everything happen throughout the year. This year we are extra thankful for the hundreds of hours our members and volunteers have provided. Without each of them our railroad would not exists. Thank you.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 7th for our regularly scheduled Club Meeting and Christmas Party. Our plans have been finalized, and we will be meeting at The Whistle Post Tavern in Olde Town Conyers. Based on availability of the facility we plan on gathering at 12:30 p.m., to get ahead of the crowd that will start coming into Olde Town Conyers for the Christmas Parade around 2 p.m. We will order lunch and while we are waiting on lunch to be served, we will conduct our club meeting and take 2025 board nominations. As a reminder everyone is responsible for paying for their own meal, drinks, and tip. Once we eat, we will then pick the festivities backup with our White Elephant Raffle Ticket event and social. For those that haven’t done this with us in the past the idea is you bring a wrapped white elephant gift buy a bunch of raffle tickets and when your number is called you get to pick or take a white elephant gift. The cost of the raffle tickets is $1 for those participating and don’t forget the more you buy the more chances you have to unwrap a white elephant gift.
Date: Saturday, December 7th
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Address: 935 Railroad Street, Conyers, GA 30012
Menu: Whistle Post Tavern Menu(as a reminder everyone is responsible for paying for their own meal, drinks, and tip)
Please RSVP by Monday, December 2nd
The following oil fuel control valve was designed and documented by Gene Lurwig on Sunday, November 24, 2024.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 7th for our regularly scheduled Club Meeting and Christmas Party. Our plans have been finalized, and we will be meeting at The Whistle Post Tavern in Olde Town Conyers. Based on availability of the facility we plan on gathering at 12:30 p.m., to get ahead of the crowd that will start coming into Olde Town Conyers for the Christmas Parade around 2 p.m. We will order lunch and while we are waiting on lunch to be served, we will conduct our club meeting and take 2025 board nominations. As a reminder everyone is responsible for paying for their own meal, drinks, and tip. Once we eat, we will then pick the festivities backup with our White Elephant Raffle Ticket event and social. For those that haven’t done this with us in the past the idea is you bring a wrapped white elephant gift buy a bunch of raffle tickets and when your number is called you get to pick or take a white elephant gift. The cost of the raffle tickets is $1 for those participating and don’t forget the more you buy the more chances you have to unwrap a white elephant gift.
Date: Saturday, December 7th
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Address: 935 Railroad Street, Conyers, GA 30012
Menu: Whistle Post Tavern Menu(as a reminder everyone is responsible for paying for their own meal, drinks, and tip)
Please RSVP by Monday, December 2nd
A small work crew, which consisted of John T., Wes, Kenneth, and Norm, came out on Saturday along with a few who stopped by to say hello. The work crew started work on building out the last switch needed to connect the east end of the “Grandma Line” to the railroad.
Once this switch is complete and installed the last 80 or 90 feet of the “Grandma Line” can be connected completing another change to our mainline traffic. However, before this can be done, we will need to build a retaining wall most likely out of the cut container panels we have similar to what we did earlier this year near the Nicol bridge. With the installation of a new retaining wall, we will also need to bring in more dirt reduce the drop off on the east end of the “Grandma Line”.
It is that time of year again to submit nominations for the 2024 board. All nominees must currently be a Full Member. For those able to attend the Saturday, December 7th nominations will be taken electronical until Friday, December 6th at 8 p.m. Nominees will also be taken during our regularly scheduled December 2nd club meeting at 1 p.m. for those submitting nominees in-person. Please review our bylaws to understand what the requirements are for nominees for the various positions. Nominees will be approved at the close of the nomination process on Saturday, December 7, 2024, with voting to take place on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 1 p.m. during our regularly scheduled meeting. Remember that anyone being nominated must be a Full Member and in good standing with the club at the time of nomination and voting. All voting members must be Full Members prior to vote being taken on Saturday, January 4, 2025, with dues paid for the 2025 year.
All nominees submitted electronically will be contact ahead of our December 7th meeting to insure they are wanting to be nominated.
We have a couple of members who are working on plans for our December Club Meeting and Christmas Party. They have asked for some input from members. As a reminder the meeting and party will be on Saturday, December 7th. Please complete the information below by Sunday, November 17th.
What a way to close out our 11th season of operating on our railroad with eight steam engines and three diesel locomotives running on the railroad this past Saturday. A special thank you to our members, volunteers, and guests for making the day and year such a great success. The railroad may be closed for the season but that doesn’t mean the crews aren’t still hard at work finishing up current projects and beginning work on winter railroad maintenance.
The members of North Georgia Live Steamers look forward to seeing you around the railroad in 2025. If you or someone you know are interested in getting involved stop by one of our workdays and meet the crew and get involved.
We are doing another run of NGLS name badges and know that we have several new members who need name badges as well as a few existing members who are looking for a replacement badge. For our new members the name badge is provides by the club while existing members who received one when you joined a replacement fee will be charged for a replacement badge. The actual cost of the replacement badge will be provided prior to order.
For all our new or existing members that need a name badge please fill out the form below so we can make sure we don’t miss you. Please fill out the badge request by Wednesday, November 20th
Click here (https://tinyurl.com/nglsrrnamebadge) or fill out the form below.
The railroad comes alive on Saturday, November 9th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
The railroad comes alive on Saturday, November 9th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
All Posts - 2024 News Archive — North Georgia Live Steamers
2023
30 Most Recent Posts
If you shop at Kroger's, your everyday purchases could turn donations to the North Georgia Live Steamers. All you do is register and use your Kroger card every time you shop at Kroger's.
North Georgia Live Steamers is a non-profit educational organization, and our all-volunteer staff rely on our public run day events and donations from individuals like you to make it all happen. We recently partnered up with Microsoft Rewards which lets you support North Georgia Live Steamers through its Give with Bing program. After signing up and selecting our organization, you can earn rewards points just for searching the web with Bing. Microsoft then turns those points into cash donations to us.
The program is free--you just need to sign up with a Microsoft account.
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.
If you shop at Kroger's, your everyday purchases could turn donations to the North Georgia Live Steamers. All you do is register and use your Kroger card every time you shop at Kroger's.
North Georgia Live Steamers is a non-profit educational organization, and our all-volunteer staff rely on our public run day events and donations from individuals like you to make it all happen. We recently partnered up with Microsoft Rewards which lets you support North Georgia Live Steamers through its Give with Bing program. After signing up and selecting our organization, you can earn rewards points just for searching the web with Bing. Microsoft then turns those points into cash donations to us.
The program is free--you just need to sign up with a Microsoft account.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
North Georgia Live Steamers is a non-profit educational organization, and our all-volunteer staff rely on our public run day events and donations from individuals like you to make it all happen. We recently partnered up with Microsoft Rewards which lets you support North Georgia Live Steamers through its Give with Bing program. After signing up and selecting our organization, you can earn rewards points just for searching the web with Bing. Microsoft then turns those points into cash donations to us.
The program is free--you just need to sign up with a Microsoft account.
The season flew by this year and it is hard to believe we are already talking about the 2024 schedule. The goal of the 2024 calendar is to make sure we provide nearly monthly club fun days, scheduled workdays, and opportunities to visit other clubs without conflicting with anything we have on our official NGLS calendar. The list below is a partial list of our dates with a full list available on our website by click on the calendar page. Below we’ve simply listed our public run day events and Fall Meet. Starting in 2024 our Fall Meet will now be scheduled during the last weekend in October. This is being done in order to not conflict with events at other clubs in the region. This should provide an opportunity for both NGLS Members and others in the hobby an opportunity to visit other railroads and not have any scheduling conflicts between clubs.
2024 Calendar
Saturday, April 13, 2024- Public Run Day 1
Saturday, May 18, 2024 - Public Run Day 2
Saturday, October 5, 2024 - Public Run Day 3
Thursday, October 24 - Sunday, October 27, 2024- Fall Meet
Saturday, November 9, 2024- Public Run Day 4
A printed version of the NGLS calendar will be available for sale in the coming weeks and will have a full list of dates on the schedule.
To say the weatherman got the weather wrong would be an understatement as we cancelled our club meeting and party this past Saturday. The original forecast didn’t deter John, Wes, and Scott from coming out to the site and getting some work down around the railroad. The crew worked on building a switch that will eventually get installed on the mainline and help connect the “Grandma Line” and water line with the mainline. The crew is hoping to get the switch installed in the coming week or two.
All Posts - 2023 News Archive — North Georgia Live Steamers
2022
30 Most Recent Posts
We have a special opportunity to participate in a silent auction with the proceeds benefiting North Georgia Live Steamers. You are bidding on a chance to experience sailing on Lake Lanier. You will receive a four-hour sail aboard a 32-foot sailboat with a licensed captain. The experience is being offered by Lanier Sailing Academy and hosted by Bob and Ann Cummings.
What an incredible year. This year was a little more relaxing than the past couple of years as we took a break from large projects and enjoyed the railroad. The year saw a few new pieces of rolling stock around the railroad along with many new faces. Here is a month-by-month snapshot of just some of the things the club did.
From the members of North Georgia Live Steamers, we would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.
We have a special opportunity to participate in a silent auction with the proceeds benefiting North Georgia Live Steamers. You are bidding on a chance to experience sailing on Lake Lanier. You will receive a four-hour sail aboard a 32-foot sailboat with a licensed captain. The experience is being offered by Lanier Sailing Academy and hosted by Bob and Ann Cummings.
The Board of Directors of North Georgia Live Steamers want to thank our members, volunteers, and visitors who made our 2022 season a success. This was our first full season since 2019 and as a non-profit organization our all-volunteer staff has worked hard to make this season one of the best yet. Our volunteers and members work hard year-round on projects including performing maintenance on both our steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, and other railroad related items. Our volunteers also work on personal trains, scale buildings, and more which are used during our train ride events.
The money raised during our train ride day event goes right back into the railroad and if you are interested in donating to North Georgia Live Steamers, please visit our donation page for more information. We look forward to seeing you during our 2023 season. Our schedule for the 2023 season will be announced in January. Again, thank you for coming out and supporting the railroad.
In 2021 the club accepted a recommendation to rename the East Loop to the Adkins Loop in honor of Wayne and Berta Adkins. Most of the panels used in the east end of the railroad were built by Wayne and Berta. The Adkins Loop is one of the first things visitors see when they pull into the property and makes up such an important part of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad.
A plaque has been installed on the newly installed signal mast which Dave Levy is installing and also plans on installing two working signal heads making them our first permanently installed signals on the railroad drawing attention to the plaque each time trains pass by.
We have a special opportunity to participate in a silent auction with the proceeds benefiting North Georgia Live Steamers. You are bidding on a chance to experience sailing on Lake Lanier. You will receive a four-hour sail aboard a 32-foot sailboat with a licensed captain. The experience is being offered by Lanier Sailing Academy and hosted by Bob and Ann Cummings.
During the December 3, 2022 club meeting the nominees for the 2023 board were approved. The nominees will be voted on during our January 7, 2023 meeting. Based on the bylaws the following are automatically elected to the 2023 board.
As you know our December club meeting is this Saturday and traditionally this was also our club Christmas Party. I know it is last minute but Joan Lurwig and a few others have gotten together and would like to bring back our traditional Christmas Party this year. We are encouraged to bring a dish or dessert to share with others, don’t forget to bring some drinks for yourself, and “gift” or “white elephant gift” that can be used for the raffle. Have fun with the “gift” and remember it doesn’t have to be a new item, it could be something you are simply wanting to get out of the house. Don’t forget to bring some cash to buy a few raffle tickets. I believe $20 gets you a sleeve worth of tickets and plenty of chances to take home one of the many exciting gifts.
The fun and excitement start at 1 p.m. at the railroad. If you plan to run trains before or after the party, please make sure you walk the railroad and clear any debris that may be on the railroad from the latest storms. You may also want to bring a leaf blower.
For more information regarding what to bring or do for the party please reach out to Joan Lurwig.
This will serve as a final reminder that it is time to submit nominations for the 2023 board. All nominees must currently be a Full Member. Nominations will be taken electronic until Friday, December 2nd at 8 p.m. Nominations will also be taken during our regularly scheduled December 3rd club meeting at 1 p.m. for those submitting nominees in-person. Please review our bylaws to understand what the requirements are for nominees for the various positions. Nominees will be approved at the close of the nomination process on Saturday, December 3, 2022, with voting to take place on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 1 p.m. during our regularly scheduled meeting. Remember that anyone being nominated must be a Full Member and in good standing with the club at the time of nomination and voting. All voting members must be Full Members prior to vote being taken on Saturday, January 7, 2023, with dues paid for the 2023 year.
All nominees submitted electronically will be contact ahead of our December 3rd meeting to insure they are wanting to be nominated.
To submit a nominee please Click or use the form below to submit your nominees electronically.
Today is the day that many pause and make an end of year donation to a charitable organization. North Georgia Live Steamers is a not-for-profit, educational organization, incorporated in the state of Georgia and has been identified by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization.
If you’d like to make a donation to North Georgia Live Steamers please click the link or the image below to make a donation.
North Georgia Live Steamers want to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. As a not-for-profit educational organization, we rely on our members and volunteers like you. This year we are extra thankful for hours of time our members and volunteers have provided.
Each year for the past 10 years the Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been identified as a day to encourage individuals to donate to a non-profit organization that you believe in. This year #GivingTuesday will be on Tuesday, November 29th and we invite you to consider making a donation to North Georgia Live Steamers as a way to continue supporting the efforts of our non-profit organization. For more details, please click the link the image below.
The annual Leftover Turkey Club Fun Day will be on Saturday, November 26th. Come at any time with friends and family and enjoy the day riding trains, visiting, and working off some of that leftover turkey you had on Thanksgiving.
Accu-Tie has confirmed the machined frogs will work with the rail we use on our railroad. They currently offer #5 (32’ radius), #7 (60’ radius), and #9 (102’ radius) frogs. The picture below shows #7 frog being aligned with our rail. For the latest information here is a link to Accu-Tie: https://accu-tierailsystem.com/product/7-frog/
Our December Club meeting is scheduled for Saturday, December 3rd at 1 p.m. We will cover normal business items along with take nominees for the 2023 board. Depending on the weather we are thinking about making the day a Club Fun Day with everyone bringing a sharable dish and playing with trains. Nothing has been finalized but we are still looking for someone to take charge of planning this event as it would be our Club Christmas Party.
For those that are not planning on attending the meeting and would like to submit nominees for the 2023 board, please use the link below to submit your nominees. Otherwise, nominations will be taken during the meeting.
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.
What an incredible way to end the 2022 season with our last run day of the season on Saturday, November 5th. The railroad came alive with several steam engines, diesels, and battery-operated locomotives trains pulling passengers around the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The day would not have been possible without the all-volunteer staff of North Georgia Live Steamers and for that we thank each and every one of them. We look forward to seeing everyone next year as the railroad comes alive again in April. The list of dates for our 2023 run days will be announced in January.
If you shop at Kroger's, your everyday purchases could turn donations to the North Georgia Live Steamers. All you do is register and use your Kroger card every time you shop at Kroger's.
It is that time of year again to submit nominations for the 2023 board. All nominees must currently be a Full Member. Nominations will be taken electronic until Friday, December 2nd at 8 p.m. Nominees will also be taken during our regularly scheduled December 3rd club meeting at 1 p.m. for those submitting nominees in-person. Please review our bylaws to understand what the requirements are for nominees for the various positions. Nominees will be approved at the close of the nomination process on Saturday, December 3, 2022, with voting to take place on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 1 p.m. during our regularly scheduled meeting. Remember that anyone being nominated must be a Full Member and in good standing with the club at the time of nomination and voting. All voting members must be Full Members prior to vote being taken on Saturday, January 7, 2023, with dues paid for the 2023 year.
All nominees submitted electronically will be contact ahead of our December 3rd meeting to insure they are wanting to be nominated.
To submit a nominee please Click or use the form below to submit your nominees electronically.
Our railroad comes alive one final time on Saturday, November 5th for the 2022 season. Trains run continuously between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Bring friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
Our railroad comes alive one final time on Saturday, November 5th for the 2022 season. Trains run continuously between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Bring friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards.
We are currently testing a possible new way we keep track of our membership information. We need your participation and feedback. If the new resource works for us, we will also be able to offer a few new ways to accept dues for annual membership and more. In the next couple of days, you’ll be receiving an email that will walk you through completing setup of your login information to the membership website. After you activate your account, you will be able to access the on-line North Georgia Live Steamers club roster and edit your own profile including adding your picture and ensuring your address and emergency contact information is accurate. If any information in your profile needs to be updated, you can update it yourself.
Our 2nd Annual Fall meet is in the books with visitors from Florida, North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia. We want to thank all our visitors and NGLS club members for such a great event. On Friday night we had pizza delivered by one of our members employers, then on Saturday the club provided lunch for all in attendance. The railroad was busy day and night along with lots of stories being shared around the campfire each night. We look forward to seeing you next year during our 3rd Annual Fall Meet which is scheduled Thursday, October 19th - Sunday, October 22nd.
The time has finally come for our 2022 Fall Meet and look forward to seeing everyone. We have received word from groups from Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia that they will be making their way to the railroad for our event. For those that are wondering this is private event and is NOT part of our regular public run day events. All locomotive types are welcome and for those with steam engines we only require a hydrostatic test that is less than 12 months old to operate on the railroad. Hydro tests will be available during the meet.
Upon arrival a few things to note.
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.
The number of days until our Fall Meet is getting smaller and smaller. We are just a week away and are excited to share our railroad with others in this great hobby. We have received word from groups from Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia are going to be making their way to the railroad. For those that are wondering this is private event and is NOT part of our regular public run day events. All locomotive types are welcome and for those with steam engines we only require a hydrostatic test that is less than 12 months old to operate on the railroad. Hydro tests will be available during the meet.
For those arriving on Saturday please note that a high school cross country meet will be taking place next to our property so don’t get scared with all of the school buses and people. Our entrance will be towards the end of the line of school buses and a police officer is typically patrolling our entrance giving us and others a hand during days like this.
All Posts - 2022 News Archive — North Georgia Live Steamers
2021
30 Most Recent Posts
Electronic voting for the 2022 board positions is now open through Friday, January 7, 2022, at 7 p.m. Based on the results of the nomination process during the Saturday, December 4, 2021, meeting the following individuals will automatically be placed on the 2022 board.
President: Peter Craymer
Vice President: Scott Moore
Treasurer (2020-2022): Norm Wizner
Secretary: Robby Mossman
The following individuals have been nominated to fill one of three board positions for the 2022 term.
As we take a moment to look back on all that we accomplished in 2021 none of it would have happened without the dedication of each of our members. The countless volunteer hours put in by everyone including “Bob”, “Bob2”, and a special appears by “Bob Jr” made this past year unbelievable. This year like 2020 saw nearly 40 workdays which is equivalent to about 5 years of work if you look at how many workdays on average, we’ve normally done before 2020. While we may not be able to maintain this pace into 2022, we certainly made these interesting times work for our group and the railroad. Take a moment and check out some of the things we did each month in 2021.
On Saturday, December 4, 2021, North Georgia Live Steamers nominated individuals for the 2022 board with voting to take place on Saturday, January 8, 2022, during the regularly scheduled meeting. The nominees are:
We are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization and operate with volunteers and donations from individuals like you. Why do we need your help? We have several of ongoing projects that, as you might expect, need funding to complete. This funding comes from a variety of sources including individual donors such as yourself. During each year we participate in several of fund-raising events including our primary being giving rides to the public. However, the past couple of years have been challenging for everyone and that is why we are asking for your help.
North Georgia Live Steamers want to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. As a not-for-profit educational organization, we rely on our members and volunteers like you. This year we are extra thankful for hours of time our members and volunteers have provided.
A big thank you to everyone who came out and visited with us on our last ride day of the 2021 season. The day was full of so many special visitors including a large group from the Georgia Garden Railroad Society. A special thanks to each of the North Georgia Live Steamers members who volunteered and ran trains throughout the day. We look forward to seeing everyone next year as the railroad comes alive again in the spring of 2022. In the meantime, don’t forget to visit our website and social media pages for the latest on what’s going on during the offseason.
The railroad comes alive one final time for the 2021 season on Saturday, November 20th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Over the past two years the members and volunteers of North Georgia Live Steamers have been hard at work making changes to the railroad including the addition of nearly 1,000-feet of track to the railroad adding to the overall experience. Get your friends and family together and come out an enjoy riding trains on Saturday, November 20th from 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
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.
On Monday, November 8th a small crew went to the site to complete the groundwork for the new club workshop containers and next member container. The crew, which consisted of Norm, Ben, “Bob”, Robby, Wes, and our favorite delivery guy Bill C., from Sheppard Trucking, who brought us about 18-tons of crusher run that was placed in between the forms where the shop containers are going. Rick also stopped by to jump into the story telling while Ben and “Bob” did a lot of the work. Next step is to take delivery and place the containers which is scheduled for Friday, November 19th. If you are looking for something to do on that Friday, come out and join in on the fun.
The railroad comes alive one final time for the 2021 season on Saturday, November 20th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Over the past two years the members and volunteers of North Georgia Live Steamers have been hard at work making changes to the railroad including the addition of nearly 1,000-feet of track to the railroad adding to the overall experience. Get your friends and family together and come out an enjoy riding trains on Saturday, November 20th from 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Our first fall meet is in the books. A big thanks to everyone who attended and while we don’t have a lot of pictures from the weekend here is quick video of just some of the action on Saturday. For those that are planners our 2022 Fall Meet dates have already been set so mark your calendar for Thursday, October 20th through Sunday, October 23rd. Click here for more details.
We are just days away from our first ever fall meet. We will have a workday on Saturday, October 16th to cut grass, perform track maintenance, and more. Make sure you bring tools, lunch, water, and a good sense of humor.
What an incredible day at the Conyers & Hightower Trail railroad with so many visitors after a nearly two year absence of running trains for everyone to enjoy. Over the past two years club members and volunteers worked on reconfiguring the railroad to provide such an incredible experience yesterday. The members of North Georgia Live Steamers and the many volunteers who helped make day possible we want to say thank you.
Just four more days until the railroad comes alive with steam engines, diesel locomotives, and lots of smiling faces. Over the past two years the volunteers have worked almost around the clock to make improvements and adjustments to the railroad. In fact, since May 2020 the North Georgia Live Steamers volunteers have worked 56 out of the last 70 weekend
It was grass cutting day and final clean up around the railroad as we prepare to re-open the railroad for train rides after almost two years. The crew consisted of Gene, Robby, Wes, Norm, Dave L., and John T. The crew also repaired, leveled, and ballasted around the railroad. John and Robby also went around moving track panels out of the right of way area and picked up other construction items from all the work that has been done over the past two years.
It is the one day a year that so of many our steam engines come together for one important purpose. The annual physical I mean boiler test. The steam engines go through a hydro test where the boiler is filled all the way and then we pump more in to make sure the tubes inside the boiler are functioning properly. While we pump more water in, we also do visual inspections for any water coming out of the boiler in areas that aren’t normal. After its all said and done the steam engines are fired up and operated mainly for fun.
It has been two years since the railroad has come alive for train rides and during this time the members of North Georgia Live Steamers have been hard at work around the railroad which includes adding nearly 1,000-feet of track to the railroad. You, your friends, and family are invited to come rides trains as the railroad comes alive again on Saturday, October 2nd from 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
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.
What an incredible day. After 42 workdays over 14 months of work the passenger line is now complete. Today’s crew consisted of Wes, Gene, “Bob2”, Scott, Norm, David E., and Robby installed the last 55’ of track.
We had a rare workday during the week today as a small crew went out and finished ballasting, leveling, fixing drainage, and setting forms so the final 6 panels will go in easy during our next workday. The crew consisted of Ben, “Bob”, Peter, Dave E., Norm, Wes, and Robby. The crew focused on a few different areas throughout the day starting with finishing ballasting from the end of the passenger station area and worked towards the pedestrian crossing.
Well in typical fashion our “Summer Nights” club fun run was more like a “Summer Daytime” club fun day. The day saw many familiar faces, trains, and a new Consolidation making its debut around the railroad. Here is a video of Gene and Joan taking the locomotive out on the railroad giving it a good workout. A few special engineers also got the opportunity to be an engineer and took it for a few laps around the railroad.
This past Saturday, August 21st was another product workday. The crew which consisted of Rick, Ben, “Bob”, Gene, Scott, Norm, Tyler, and Robby where able to set forms for the remaining 170’ of track, crusher run for about 130’ feet and about 90’ of track. With the progress the crew made we are so very close to completing the passenger line project just in time for our re-opening plans for our first public run day in two years.
We are in the final few workdays to complete the passenger line project. At this point we have installed more than 700’ of track and all we lack to finish is 170’. We invite you to bring friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and anyone you can find looking for something to do this Saturday, August 21st at 8:30 a.m. to help with installing. At this point the grading has been done which leaves putting forms then we are off to installing track. Make sure you bring water, lunch, cordless drills, knee pads, and a good sense of humor.
On Saturday, August 14th we began the last 170’ of preparation work needed to complete the passenger line project. Gene, “Bob2”, Norm, and Robby came out to do grading work ahead of our next official workday which is on Saturday, August 21st. Dave E. was out, and he continued to work on making sure the new drain that was installed has a place to drain into the “dry pond” area under the bridges on the west end of the railroad. Dave and Dale also spent a little time looking at Dave’s locomotive in preparation of our annual club fun night event on August 28th.
Back in July 2020 construction began on the passenger line with the installation of a switch leaving the yard on the west end of the railroad. Soon after a switch in the inner east loop and our first diamond was also installed. Fast forward to July 2021 with more than 30 weekends worked we have installed more than 1,400’ of rail, 1,590 railroad ties (give or take), 5,320 screws (give or take), more than 70 track panels, 6 switches, 60’ concrete grade crossing, 30’ pedestrian crossing, a diamond, and countless loads of gravel.
Progress continues on the passenger line project. This past Saturday was a light workday with a lot of talking and planning prior to our August club meeting. After the meeting we had Robby, Calvin, Peter, Gene, Norm, and Scott install the deck boards for the pedestrian crossing. Planning for wiring for crossing electronics along with switch motor was also discussed during our time at the crossing.
An incredible milestone happened today with the help of Scott, John T., Tyler, Norm, Gene, Wes, and “Bob2”. The crew spent the day attaching the last 75-feet of the passenger line bypass to the railroad. This now allows trains to travel from the east loop across the new gate crossing towards the west end of the railroad. With the bypass track attached we now only have 170-feet of track remaining to complete the passenger line project.
Our “Bring A Friend” workday on Saturday, July 24th was very productive. The crew which consisted of Ben, “Bob”, Gene, Norm, Calvin, Wes, Scott, David E, and special guests Eric and Bradley. The crew worked on connecting the east end to the gate crossing extending the passenger line nearly 200-feet plus added an additional 40-feet on the west side of the new man crossing allowing the crew to set the switch for the station bypass track. This leaves only 75-feet of track to finish the passenger line station bypass track and an additional 125-feet to complete the passenger line.
The big push continues to complete the last 225-feet of the passenger line project with our next scheduled workday on Saturday, July 24th. We are calling it “bring a friend” workday to share with others what we are doing, and a few extra hands can go a long way to completing this project ahead of our mid-September goal. We are planning on connecting the bypass track and set forms heading towards the station.
The big push continues to complete the last 225-feet of the passenger line project with our next scheduled workday on Saturday, July 24th. We are calling it “bring a friend” workday to share with others what we are doing, and a few extra hands can go a long way to completing this project ahead of our mid-September goal. We are planning on connecting the bypass track and set forms heading towards the station.
All Posts - 2021 News Archive — North Georgia Live Steamers
2020
30 Most Recent Posts
This year has been an interesting year in so many ways. For our club and railroad, it has been an extra busy year which has produced more than 30 weekend workdays. This past July marked 10 years since the first sections of track where laid along with some of that very track being modified almost 10 years to the day later.
On December 17th Norm and Susan W. donated and delivered two 40’ containers to the site. The final resting place of the containers will be in the east loop area of the railroad and will eventually represent a 16 x 40 shop facility for the club.
Our December meeting will be this Saturday, December 5th at 1 p.m. The meeting agenda will include nominations for the 2021 board and a few 2021 calendar items. Speaking of calendar don’t forget the 2021 calendars are in and can be picked up at the meeting. The cost of the calendars is $13 for those that pre-ordered.
North Georgia Live Steamers want to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. As a not-for-profit educational organization, we rely on our members and volunteers like you. This year we are extra thankful for the more than 1,200 hours our members and volunteers have provided.
Today the last 20 feet of the eastside new passenger line up to the new grade crossing is now complete. Norm, Robby, John, and Gator went to the site at the last minute to attach and ballast the last section of track for the passenger line siding along with a few other things.
This year has been an interesting year in so many ways. For our club and railroad, it has been an extra busy year which has produced more than 30 workdays so far. This past July marked 10 years since the first sections of track where laid along with some of that very track being modified almost 10 years to the day later. By the end of October nearly 1,500 volunteer hours had also been logged.
A workday scheduled for Saturday, November 14th has been CANCELED. If you had plans on being at the site this weekend and are still interested in going out to do some work we could use some track panels built using new rail. We currently have enough ties already cut for about 25 panels.
Like many live steam clubs we find many of our core members are Veteran’s. They are often times one of the hardest working groups in our club and some of the more knowledgeable about so many things. We take this take along with our country and say Thank You Veterans for all that you have done and continue to do for our country.
This year has been an interesting year in so many ways. For our club and railroad, it has been an extra busy year which has produced more than 30 workdays so far. This past July marked 10 years since the first sections of track where laid along with some of that very track being modified almost 10 years to the day later. By the end of October nearly 1,500 volunteer hours had also been logged.
One of our last club fun days of the year was this past Saturday and boy what a great turnout. We had trains running all over the place with lots of smiles and great conversations going on all around the railroad. The railroad operated real good and only had a couple of minor items come up during the day. Here are a few pictures from the day with more to be added in the coming days.
North Georgia Live Steamers has an opportunity to receive donations from Amazon based on your everyday purchases. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support North Georgia Live Steamers every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com or on the Amazon app, you'll find the exact same low prices and products with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase to NGLS.
The track crew, which included Tyler, Norm, John, Ben, “Bob”, Robby, Calvin and guest, laid more than 100 feet of track on Saturday and built a few track panels. The passenger line is complete up to the switch which is about 40 feet short of the grade crossing. The passenger line siding only has about 20 feet and it will be complete.
Our next official workday is scheduled for this Saturday, October 24th at 8:30 a.m. The focus of the day is to build track panels, switches, and possibly install a few more panels. Remember to bring water, lunch, bug spray, and good sense of humor.
Busy week and weekend around the club. A new powered slug was picked up along with more member owned riding cars, and the installation of another 120 feet of track for the passenger line.
Even though the workday was cancelled because of the storm that blew through overnight a few members still took some time to take care of a few things around the railroad.
Are you an Amazon Prime Member? Have you been waiting all year for prime day? Well on Tuesday, October 13th and Wednesday, October 14th Amazon will be holding its annual Prime Day event. Why am I telling you this? If you shop on Amazon and if you are planning on taking advantage of prime day your purchase could qualify for a donation to North Georgia Live Steamers (501(c)(3)- Non-Profit Organization).
This past Saturday, September 26, 2020, marked the 27th workday for the club this year. As we mark this incredible milestone it is a reminder that our club is made of a great group of individuals who volunteer in so many ways around the railroad and the club. This weekend our members did electrical work, steam engine repairs, cut grass, laid track, spread gravel, operated a Bobcat, taught new members about the hobby, and so much more.
The weather is going to be great for our workday on Saturday. The plan is to continue work on the new passenger line project, track panel construction, grey container items, grass cutting, and more. The fun starts at 8:30 a.m. Don’t forget this is the last Saturday before our Club Fun Day, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd which is also the same day of the annual boiler inspection and October club meeting. So, come out and get things ready so we can enjoy the Club Fun Day.
We have a workday scheduled on Saturday, September 26th at 8:30 a.m. We will be putting the finishing touches on the new diamond and laying more track for the new passenger line. The grass also is in desperate need of cutting but before that can be done the club lawnmower needs to be repaired. If you are able to go over to the site and work on the lawnmower that would be great. The front left tire is loosing air and needs to be repair and an issue has come up with starting the lawnmower as well.
The summer heat continues as we do more work around the railroad. We had a small but productive crew on hard. The focus on the day was split between two areas with the first “Bob” and Ben took care of spreading the loads of dirt we recently received which some of it being used for our next shipping container project.
Our annual boiler inspection day is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd at 8:30 a.m. We have been in contact with the inspector and if we need to do anything different than we normally do we will get that information out everyone.
Also note that Saturday, October 3rd is also our regularly scheduled club meeting at 1 p.m.
On Saturday, August 15, 2020 the next big project got underway which includes an additional 900’ of mainline to the railroad. This addition will bring passengers from the east loop towards the fence line cross a 60’ grade crossing down to the station. A view of the addition can be seen on our map which shoes the addition in red.
Our next regularly scheduled workday will be Saturday, September 12th. The plans are to work on the mainline project, track panel construction, cut grass, and other general maintenance.
If my math is correct it has about 22 years since the “Doe Bridge” has looked this good. Over the past year Peter C. has taken this old bridge and made it new again. Every board, bracket, nuts, bolts, and more was inspected repaired or replaced. On Saturday, September 5, 2020 it made the journey back to the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad to be installed and put back in service sometime soon.
The North Georgia Live Steamers Board of Directors has decided to cancel our October 10th public run day. While we have been busy working around the railroad to get it ready to reopen our attention to safety of our club members and visitors is our priority. As a nonprofit organization we rely on our visitors support to help keep the railroad operational and continue to work towards reopen once the current health concerns have diminished. We look forward to sharing our hobby with you soon. In the meantime visit our Facebook page and website for information about future Public Ride dates. In the meantime, we continue to make improvements to the railroad including nearly 1,000 feet of new track being laid. We and look forward to seeing you around the railroad soon.
The annual August Club Fun Day brought the railroad to life for the first time this year. With all that is going on around us and the world it was great to see members and guests come out and enjoy the railroad and one another. Be on the look at for more activities around the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad in the coming weeks and months. Visit our Calendar page for the latest on what is going on around the club and railroad.
Today marked an incredible 24th workday at the railroad this year. The container project took another big step towards completion with the installation of the final pieces of flat bar for the track. The container now has about 160 feet of track on the ground giving us the ability to store all the riding cars, gondola, steam engine, and soon the club diesel all in one place. A couple of concrete blocks were also placed at the end of the container for the bridge to rest on. Next on the list of things to do in the container includes extending electrical into the new 20’ extension and install a couple of lights.
All Posts - 2020 News Archive — North Georgia Live Steamers
We have a special opportunity to participate in a silent auction with the proceeds benefiting North Georgia Live Steamers. You are bidding on a chance to experience sailing on Lake Lanier. You will receive a four-hour sail aboard a 32-foot sailboat with a licensed captain. The experience is being offered by Lanier Sailing Academy and hosted by Bob and Ann Cummings.