The Final Work Day To Complete The “Grandma Line”
After more years than we can count, the “Grandma Line” will be completed this weekend. Come out on Saturday, July 26th, starting at 8:30 a.m., as the final 40 feet of track is installed and celebrate with the first train to officially travel over the new line.
Bring lunch, water, tools, and a good sense of humor.
After more years than we can count, the “Grandma Line” will be completed this weekend. Come out on Saturday, July 26th, starting at 8:30 a.m., as the final 40 feet of track is installed and celebrate with the first train to officially travel over the new line.
Bring lunch, water, tools, and a good sense of humor.
Work Day and Grandma Line Update for July 12, 2025
The dog days of summer are certainly in full swing but working in the shade made the day productive for the crew this past Saturday. The morning started early with getting the club riding lawnmower up and running with a new battery with Robby getting things started on the west end of the railroad plowing through grass that was about two feet tall or taller in some places. Darryl took over and spent the rest of the day tackling the east end of the railroad having to cut some areas twice because things were so tall.
The rest of the day consisted of John T., Rick, “Bob Jr.”, Dave E., Robby, and Norm working on the Grandma Line. The crew got a lot done but fell 4 panels shorts of completing the project. The crew will be back out on Saturday, July 26th to finish the project and perform test runs on the new line. We invite everyone to come out for the big photo opportunity for this project as many of you know it has been a project of passion for John for several years and we want to celebrate the moment.
The dog days of summer are certainly in full swing but working in the shade made the day productive for the crew this past Saturday. The morning started early with getting the club riding lawnmower up and running with a new battery with Robby getting things started on the west end of the railroad plowing through grass that was about two feet tall or taller in some places. Darryl took over and spent the rest of the day tackling the east end of the railroad having to cut some areas twice because things were so tall.
The rest of the day consisted of John T., Rick, “Bob Jr.”, Dave E., Robby, and Norm working on the Grandma Line. The crew got a lot done but fell 4 panels shorts of completing the project. The crew will be back out on Saturday, July 26th to finish the project and perform test runs on the new line. We invite everyone to come out for the big photo opportunity for this project as many of you know it has been a project of passion for John for several years and we want to celebrate the moment.
Rick, “Bob Jr.”, and Norm also took time to realigned shop container two which is now properly aligned with container one which means this project can also start making progress again in the coming months. Before this can get started however we need to address once again the big drainpipe on the east end of the railroad which continues to show signs of washing again. We believe we have a plan to put in a permanent solution instead of the band aides we’ve had to do in the past. Be on the lookout for a big workday to get this repair done. This will need to take place before our next public run day.
Finally looking ahead to what is on the calendar our next club meeting will be on Saturday, August 2nd with our annual hot summer nights club fun night event on Saturday, August 23rd. The annual boiler inspection is scheduled for Saturday, September 13th.
2025 Fall Meet will be October 16 - 19, 2025
Correction - The 2025 North Georgia Live Steamers Fall Meet will be Thursday, October 16th through Sunday, October 19th. You and your friends who love trains are invited to join us for our 5th annual fall meet.
The 2025 North Georgia Live Steamers Fall Meet will be Thursday, October 16th, through Sunday, October 19th. You and your friends who love trains are invited to join us for our 5th annual fall meet. We will be providing lunch on Saturday, October 19th, so make sure you register and let us know you are coming so we can make sure we have enough food for everyone. If you are coming from out of town or just want to stay local while you are enjoying the meet, we have created a list of great hotels in the area for you to pick from below. If you have an RV or camper and would like to stay on site, let us know so we can reserve a space for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Robby Mossman, Peter Craymer or visit our website for the latest information. We also want to make sure you are aware this is NOT part of our normal public run day event. The weekend is reserved for our group to enjoy the railroad with friends, family, invited guests, and those in the hobby.
Time and date:
When: Thursday, October 16 - Sunday, October 19, 2025
Railroad Gauge(s): 7 1/2 & Gauge 1
Accommodations:
We have limited room for RV’s and trailers onsite however overflow space will be available at the RV parking area located at the Georgia International Horse Park facility which is about a mile down the road. For those wishing to stay in a hotel please visit our website for the latest list of area hotels. Most hotels are within 3 to 5 miles of the railroad along with a lot of great restaurant options.
Visiting Trains:
All locomotive types are welcome, but steam engines are required to have a recent hydro-static test. The test can be completed at the railroad with help from a NGLS.
Loading / Unloading
North Georgia Live Steamers has a hydraulic car lift that has three 20-foot sections of track that can be used at one time.
2025 Fall Meet will be October 16 - 19, 2025
The 2025 North Georgia Live Steamers Fall Meet will be Thursday, October 16th through Sunday, October 19th. You and your friends who love trains are invited to join us for our 5th annual fall meet.
The 2025 North Georgia Live Steamers Fall Meet will be Thursday, October 16th, through Sunday, October 19th. You and your friends who love trains are invited to join us for our 5th annual fall meet. We will be providing lunch on Saturday, October 19th, so make sure you register and let us know you are coming so we can make sure we have enough food for everyone. If you are coming from out of town or just want to stay local while you are enjoying the meet, we have created a list of great hotels in the area for you to pick from below. If you have an RV or camper and would like to stay on site, let us know so we can reserve a space for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Robby Mossman, Peter Craymer or visit our website for the latest information. We also want to make sure you are aware this is NOT part of our normal public run day event. The weekend is reserved for our group to enjoy the railroad with friends, family, invited guests, and those in the hobby.
Time and date:
When: Thursday, October 16 - Sunday, October 19, 2025
Railroad Gauge(s): 7 1/2 & Gauge 1
Accommodations:
We have limited room for RV’s and trailers onsite however overflow space will be available at the RV parking area located at the Georgia International Horse Park facility which is about a mile down the road. For those wishing to stay in a hotel please visit our website for the latest list of area hotels. Most hotels are within 3 to 5 miles of the railroad along with a lot of great restaurant options.
Visiting Trains:
All locomotive types are welcome, but steam engines are required to have a recent hydro-static test. The test can be completed at the railroad with help from a NGLS.
Loading / Unloading
North Georgia Live Steamers has a hydraulic car lift that has three 20-foot sections of track that can be used at one time.
Workday planned for this Saturday, July 12th at 8:30 a.m.
Our next workday is scheduled for this Saturday, July 12th starting at 8:30 a.m. It appears that the goats have been on vacation this summer, as the grass is extremely tall and in need of cutting. If you have a riding mower and can bring it to the site to help cut grass that would be greatly appreciated. Our club riding mower should be operational but may need a little encouragement to get started. We are also looking to make big progress on the Grandma Line this weekend. John T has most everything ready for us to install the last 60 or 70 feet of track, and if we get a large enough group for the workday, we could finish the Grandma Line this weekend.
Our next workday is scheduled for this Saturday, July 12th starting at 8:30 a.m. It appears that the goats have been on vacation this summer, as the grass is extremely tall and in need of cutting. If you have a riding mower and can bring it to the site to help cut grass that would be greatly appreciated. Our club riding mower should be operational but may need a little encouragement to get started. We are also looking to make big progress on the Grandma Line this weekend. John T has most everything ready for us to install the last 60 or 70 feet of track, and if we get a large enough group for the workday, we could finish the Grandma Line this weekend.
After years of work the Grandma Line nears completion
A small crew went to the site this past Saturday and worked on a variety of projects. The crew consisted of John T, Calvin, Kenneth, and the Howards. John T reports that he thought that Kenneth worked the hardest picking up limbs and debris along the track most of the day, while John H and Calvin braved the direct sun to work on locomotives. Meanwhile in the shade, John T lifted track panels and set the crush and run forms on the remainder of the Grandma line (except for the grade crossing).
We are almost done with the Grandma Line. Be on the lookout for a big workday push to finish the Grandma Line in the coming weeks. If all goes well and we have enough volunteers, we could finish the project in a single workday.
A small crew went to the site this past Saturday and worked on a variety of projects. The crew consisted of John T, Calvin, Kenneth, and the Howards. John T reports that he thought that Kenneth worked the hardest picking up limbs and debris along the track most of the day, while John H and Calvin braved the direct sun to work on locomotives. Meanwhile, in the shade, John T lifted track panels and set the crush and run forms on the remainder of the Grandma line (except for the grade crossing).
We are almost done with the Grandma Line. Be on the lookout for a big work day push to finish the Grandma Line in the coming weeks. If all goes well and we have enough volunteers, we could finish the project in a single workday.
Workday planned for Saturday, June 28th
Our next workday is planned for Saturday, June 28th, at 8:30 a.m. We are planning on working on a few projects around the railroad, including the Grandma Line, and whatever other projects club members are working on around the property. Please come out and help with any of these projects or other projects going on. Don’t forget to check out our project page to see what is either currently in progress or in the planning stage. A lot of opportunities to get involved.
Make sure you bring tools, lunch, and plenty to drink. See you around the railroad.
Our next workday is planned for Saturday, June 28th, at 8:30 a.m. We are planning on working on a few projects around the railroad, including the Grandma Line, and whatever other projects club members are working on around the property. Please come out and help with any of these projects or other projects going on. Don’t forget to check out our project page to see what is either currently in progress or in the planning stage. A lot of opportunities to get involved.
Make sure you bring tools, lunch, and plenty to drink. See you around the railroad.
Dog days of summer are fast approaching
I hope everyone is doing well. It seems like the days, weeks, and months are flying by this year, and hard to understand how we are at the halfway point in the year. We have several members who have been out because of illness, while others have been traveling, and a few of us are continuing to work harder than we should. We wanted to make sure everyone is up to speed on the summer calendar, as I've had several people ask.
Here is what we have on the calendar at this point.
I hope everyone is doing well. It seems like the days, weeks, and months are flying by this year, and hard to understand how we are at the halfway point in the year. We have several members who have been out because of illness, while others have been traveling, and a few of us are continuing to work harder than we should. We wanted to make sure everyone is up to speed on the summer calendar, as I've had several people ask.
Here is what we have on the calendar at this point.
Saturday, June 7th - Club Meeting has been CANCELLED. If you plan to be at the railroad, anyway, make sure you let others know.
Saturday, June 14th - Father's Day Club Fun Day event. For those traveling out to Train Mountain for the Triennial, have a safe trip. The activities start on June 14th and go through June 29th for those interested in making a last-minute trip out. It is certainly worth the trip.
Saturday, June 28th - Workday is planned. Another push to complete the Grandma Line, as well as work on other projects around the railroad.
For the latest on what is on the calendar, please visit the calendar page on the website. (https://www.northgeorgialivesteamers.org/calendar).
What a great day we had running trains this past Saturday, May 17th
Another great day sharing our railroad with so many friends. The day started a little wet but cleared, and made for a beautiful day. A thank you to our members, volunteers, and visitors for making the day so much fun.
We look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad in the fall when we run again. In the meantime, if you're interested in learning more about our group or becoming a volunteer, please stop by during one of our workdays or contact us for more information.
Another great day sharing our railroad with so many friends. The day started a little wet but cleared, and made for a beautiful day. A thank you to our members, volunteers, and visitors for making the day so much fun.
We look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad in the fall when we run again. In the meantime, if you're interested in learning more about our group or becoming a volunteer, please stop by during one of our workdays or contact us for more information.
Come ride trains this Saturday, May 17th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive again on Saturday, May 17th 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 volunteers have been hard at work making improvements to the railroad and are ready to bring the railroad back to life. 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 again on Saturday, May 17th 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 volunteers have been hard at work making improvements to the railroad and are ready to bring the railroad back to life. 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
***Please Read*** NGLS: Public Run Day Saturday, May 17th
Let me first say Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms in our group. I am writing to everyone today to let you know that we are in need of help for our run day this coming Saturday, May 17th. Several of our normal volunteers are not able to make it to the public run day, which means we will need and we need everyone's help.
Let me first say Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms in our group. I am writing to everyone today to let you know that we are in need of help for our run day this coming Saturday, May 17th. Several of our normal volunteers are not able to make it to the public run day, which means we will need and we need everyone's help.
Because of the weather today, the grass didn't get cut and the railroad didn't get checked so on Wednesday, May 14th, weather permitting, Wes and David L are going out to the railroad and taking care of the grass and other items. If you are available to go out and help, please let them know.
For those that are planning on helping on Saturday please arrive by 8:30 a.m. so everything can be setup and ready to go in time. With fewer members able to help out it will take longer to get setup than normal. If you are planning on helping on Saturday please "Reply" to this email so we can get a count of how many people will be working the run day.
Thank you again, and we look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad soon.
Prep day and workday on Saturday, May 10th
Come out on Saturday, May 10th as we prepare the railroad for our next public run day. We will be working on railroad maintenance, cutting grass, and have a good time. The fun begins at 8:30 a.m. and typically wraps up around 3:30 p.m. See you around the railroad soon.
Come out on Saturday, May 10th as we prepare the railroad for our next public run day. We will be working on railroad maintenance, cutting grass, and have a good time. The fun begins at 8:30 a.m. and typically wraps up around 3:30 p.m. See you around the railroad soon.
Come ride trains on Saturday, May 17th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive again on Saturday, May 17th 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 volunteers have been hard at work making improvements to the railroad and are ready to bring the railroad back to life. 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 again on Saturday, May 17th 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 volunteers have been hard at work making improvements to the railroad and are ready to bring the railroad back to life. 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
Prep day and workday on Saturday, May 10th
Come out on Saturday, May 10th as we prepare the railroad for our next public run day. We will be working on railroad maintenance, cutting grass, and have a good time. The fun begins at 8:30 a.m. and typically wraps up around 3:30 p.m. See you around the railroad soon.
Come out on Saturday, May 10th as we prepare the railroad for our next public run day. We will be working on railroad maintenance, cutting grass, and have a good time. The fun begins at 8:30 a.m. and typically wraps up around 3:30 p.m. See you around the railroad soon.
Unofficial workday with progress on the “Grandma Line” and container mural
While we didn’t have an official workday on the schedule today, it was John’s official weekend to come out to the railroad. He spent time on the container mural, along with installing a retaining wall for the “Grandma Line”. A big thanks to John and his commitment to getting this project a step closer to being completed. Our next official workday is coming up on Saturday, May 10th, as we prepare the railroad for our May 17th public run day. Please come prepared to perform track maintenance, cut grass, and have a good time. Workday begins at 8:30 a.m.
While we didn’t have an official workday on the schedule today, it was John’s official weekend to come out to the railroad. He spent time on the container mural, along with installing a retaining wall for the “Grandma Line”. A big thanks to John and his commitment to getting this project a step closer to being completed. Our next official work day is coming up on Saturday, May 10th, as we prepare the railroad for our May 17th public run day. Please come prepared to perform track maintenance, cut grass, and have a good time. Work day begins at 8:30 a.m.
Come ride trains on Saturday, May 17th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive again on Saturday, May 17th 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 volunteers have been hard at work making improvements to the railroad and are ready to bring the railroad back to life. 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 again on Saturday, May 17th 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 volunteers have been hard at work making improvements to the railroad and are ready to bring the railroad back to life. 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
2025 Fall Meet will be October 16 - 19, 2025
The 2025 North Georgia Live Steamers Fall Meet will be Thursday, October 19th through Sunday, October 19th. You and your friends who love trains are invited to join us for our 5th annual fall meet.
The 2025 North Georgia Live Steamers Fall Meet will be Thursday, October 19th through Sunday, October 19th. You and your friends who love trains are invited to join us for our 5th annual fall meet. We will be providing lunch on Saturday, October 19th so make sure you register and let us know you are coming so we can make sure we have enough food for everyone. If you are coming from out of town or just want to stay local while you are enjoying the meet we have created a list of great hotels in the area for you to pick from below. If you have an RV or camper and would like to stay on site let us know so we can reserve a space for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Robby Mossman, Peter Craymer or visit our website for the latest information. We also want to make sure you are aware this is NOT part of our normal public run day event. The weekend is reserved for our group to enjoy the railroad with friends, family, invited guests, and those in the hobby.
Time and date:
When: Thursday, October 16 - Sunday, October 19, 2025
Railroad Gauge(s): 7 1/2 & Gauge 1
Accommodations:
We have limited room for RV’s and trailers onsite however overflow space will be available at the RV parking area located at the Georgia International Horse Park facility which is about a mile down the road. For those wishing to stay in a hotel please visit our website for the latest list of area hotels. Most hotels are within 3 to 5 miles of the railroad along with a lot of great restaurant options.
Visiting Trains:
All locomotive types are welcome, but steam engines are required to have a recent hydro-static test. The test can be completed at the railroad with help from a NGLS.
Loading / Unloading
North Georgia Live Steamers has a hydraulic car lift that has three 20-foot sections of track that can be used at one time.
Public Run Day Recap for Saturday, April 5th - What an incredible day
he 2025 season is in full swing and a big thank you to all our members, volunteers, and guests for making the day a success. The railroad operated three steam engines, one electric outline steam engine, and one diesel locomotive all day and our Gauge-1 railroad operated providing a great experience for all. We saw some familiar faces including some new ones who traveled from Charlotte to enjoy the day with us.
Again thank you to everyone who came out and made the day a success. We couldn’t do this without each one of you. As a not-for-profit organization, we rely on events like this and donations to operate the railroad. If you or someone you know is interested in donating please visit our donation page for more details. Look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad soon. Our next public run day is Saturday, May 17th from 1 to 4:30 p.m. but you don’t have to wait until then. If you are interested in learning more about our club and railroad visit us during one of our workdays that happen throughout the month. During our workdays, we perform routine maintenance on the railroad, work on special projects, and of course play with trains along the way.
The 2025 season is in full swing and a big thank you to all our members, volunteers, and guests for making the day a success. The railroad operated three steam engines, one electric outline steam engine, and one diesel locomotive all day and our Gauge-1 railroad operated providing a great experience for all. We saw some familiar faces including some new ones who traveled from Charlotte to enjoy the day with us.
Again thank you to everyone who came out and made the day a success. We couldn’t do this without each one of you. As a not-for-profit organization, we rely on events like this and donations to operate the railroad. If you or someone you know is interested in donating please visit our donation page for more details. Look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad soon. Our next public run day is Saturday, May 17th from 1 to 4:30 p.m. but you don’t have to wait until then. If you are interested in learning more about our club and railroad visit us during one of our workdays that happen throughout the month. During our workdays, we perform routine maintenance on the railroad, work on special projects, and of course play with trains along the way.
Come ride trains on Saturday, April 5th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive again on Saturday, April 5th 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 again on Saturday, April 5th 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 volunteers have been hard at work making improvements to the railroad and are ready to bring the railroad back to life. 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
Update on Eagle Point Railroad
Here is the latest information from Eagle Point Railroad from Wednesday, March 26th. Sounds like they are working on developing a plan and will be able to share mroe information soon.
Here is the latest information from Eagle Point Railroad from Wednesday. Sounds like they are working on developing a plan and will be able to share mroe information soon.
Last night, the CSME officers, EPRR manager, Barry Garard, and Allison Mattox-King had an online meeting to discuss the steps necessary to systematically get the railroad back operational again. There were many positive suggestions and ideas about how to achieve this goal with both time and materials in mind.
The first goal is to get the double track operational out to Saddleback which will require some work on the Stillhouse trestle along with a few short sections of track that had small amounts of ties burned and rail kinking. The second goal is to reach Cumberland, and their third goal will be to get around the swamp route leading up to the Kimble trestle. We’d like to focus our efforts on these sections of the railroad to get things operational in a timely manner.
This Saturday, March 29th, is going to be the planning day. We are not planning to start any work but rather determine what materials will be needed to achieve the first goal. This will also be a day to spend a considerable amount of time to determine exactly what repairs will be necessary to make the trestles safe to use.
After March 29th and planning is complete, we’re planning to have work days on all the Saturdays in April. If there are days other than Saturdays that you have available to help, please contact Barry Garard or me (Dale King). There have been discussions about providing food, drinks, etc. for the Saturday work days. Prior to each of the Saturday workdays, I’ll pass along what is planned for each of those days. We are planning to keep all members up to date with our overall progress.
The Spring Card Order and Spring Meet are both canceled for this year along with a visit by Troop 77. As we get closer to the month of May and the restoration continues, decisions will be made about any future events. The celebration of the railroad’s 25 anniversary which was planned for the Spring meet will be held off until the Fall meet. We are hopeful that we will get enough of the railroad up and running for the NARVRE and Knights of Columbus group visits.
While we did have some members that did lose equipment and/or buildings, we need to all remember to respect each other and not start clearing other member’s debris without their permission.
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CSME / EPRR Disaster Meeting Summary for March 25, 2025
Attendees: Amanda Murphy, Steve Wassell, Dale King, Pat Collins-Mattox, Paul Boberg, Barry Garard, Allison Mattox-King
Initial Thoughts
There is no emergency to rebuild. We are at a safe place now as the fire is basically contained. Everyone is safe.
We are overwhelmed by the support from the Fredonia community, and from Live Steam Clubs.
Moving forward EPRR and CSME will work together for common goals.
All material orders need to be coordinated by CSME.
Safety
Do not enter areas of burnt buildings. Only the building owners should be in those areas unless you are asked by them for help.
As always, DO NOT WALK ON BRIDGES. Most bridges are in bad shape, and we don’t need anyone getting hurt.
No Trains on track for now. As this changes we will let you know.
EPRR is closed to all trains for the moment. When this changes, members will be notified.
A crew will be assigned to assess trees. There are some that were damaged because they were next to structures or firewood that burned so hot it has partially eaten away at the base of the trees. Some will be brought down for safety reasons.
Safety Gear: At a minimum you must wear closed toe shoes, but boots are preferred. Gloves should be worn as there are a lot of exposed nails and screws. A new waiver is being drafted that we will ask everyone to sign to ensure you are aware of the safety concerns.
Immediate Needs
On Saturday, March 29 we will be performing an assessment.
We will inventory what we have and determine what we need to start work. We will organize groups to assess areas of the railroad. We expect to have a detailed list of work by mile post.
New milepost parkers will be posted to allow for this assessment.
Building Standards
As we build back, we will be keeping our standards and will not allow for temporary work. This includes not placing wooden bents at bridges on soil. We will pour concrete footing as necessary. We will use the best-preserved wood as possible.
We will consider using steel on some bridges.
Low bridges may be replaced with culverts.
Community Help
ACCU-TIE will donate one skid of plastic ties.
Deborah Mynatt offered to supply lunches and CSME has offered to help cover costs
Randy Townsend has an offer from a group in Huntsville if we need help clearing.
Mid-South, NGLS, Illinois Live Steamers, Pennsylvania Live Steamers offering work parties with enough notice.
Plum Cove started go fund me to help with bridge rebuild and members replacing flat cars and engines.
Calendar
We will hold the Annual Meeting on April 5. Al Saturdays moving forward are to be workdays. See the online calendar.
We will revisit May activities on April 26th.
Hot Summer Nights to be goal to get to Cumberland and back
We will give weekly reports to members with progress.
We will maintain a consistently updated list in Depot as to what work needs to be done and what has been completed. This will be posted with the mile post.
NMRA convention committee to be delayed 2 months
Buildings Losses
Taylor MoW Barn
Taylor Industries
Wassell House
Wassell Carbarn
Warren Buildings
Boberg Building - minor damage
Malone Building
Mattox Building
Moose Ridge