Looking Ahead to 2026 Together
Happy New Year, everyone.
Like many of you, I can’t quite believe we’re already in 2026. It feels like 2025 flew by. As I look back—really starting at the end of 2024 and carrying through all of last year—it’s clear that each of us has been through a lot. Some of that has been personal, some of it shared as a club, but all of it has shaped where we are today.
As we step into 2026, I want to share a few thoughts and outline some areas where I’d like us to renew our focus.
Club Member Care
At our December meeting, we were reminded that we’ve drifted a bit from our focus on caring for one another as club members. While some members have received support, not everyone has experienced that same level of care. In 2026, improving club member care will be a priority. More details will be coming soon, but the goal is simple: making sure everyone feels supported, valued, and connected.
Fun
We’ve always had plenty of projects going on around the railroad, but having fun together matters just as much. A few years ago, we tried hosting regular fun days around meeting weekends, visiting other railroads, and doing more social activities—but over time, those efforts faded. In 2026, I’d really like to bring that back.
This includes fun at our own railroad and getting out together to visit other clubs—Mid-South, Eagle Point, Dreams Come True, Canton, and others are all within reach. To make this happen, we’ll need someone to help coordinate these activities. If you’re interested in helping with that, please let me know.
Primary Projects for 2026
In addition to our ongoing work, I see two primary projects for the year:
Clubhouse & Workshop – We’re planning to move this project along at a faster pace. Details will be coming, but it will include cutting walls and putting a roof over the three containers.
Back-to-Back Switch Issues – Addressing switch placements on both the east and west ends of the railroad that have been causing derailments when operating beyond our normal patterns.
Ongoing Projects
Below is an incomplete list of work that continues year-round. The most important thing to remember is this: if you see something that needs attention and you have a moment to address it, please do. A lot of small efforts add up to big improvements over time.
Railroad and equipment maintenance
East Loop drain cleanup
Signal system and other electrical work
Property cleanup
Scale structure creation
For a broader (and still evolving) list of projects, please visit the project page on our website.
As we move into 2026, let’s do so with a renewed focus on leaving North Georgia Live Steamers better than we found it in 2025. It won’t be perfect, and there will be ups and downs—but when we look back a year from now, I hope we can all say that we accomplished a lot together and that the club is stronger for it.
Thank you all for your contributions, your time, and your friendship. I’m truly looking forward to what 2026 has in store for each of us and for our club. I unfortunately won’t be at our January meeting, but I look forward to catching up with everyone soon.
Robby
