Planned workday disrupted by threat of rain that turns into beautiful day with a twist of project planning.
The threat of rain deterred most from going to the site today which had been a planned “Grandma Line” workday, but a few went anyway with the hope the rain would not spoil the day. Well while some areas around Atlanta saw rain the railroad started with the threat of rain but cleared throughout the day and ended up being dry and beautiful.
The threat of rain deterred most from going to the site today which had been a planned “Grandma Line” workday, but a few went anyway with the hope the rain would not spoil the day. Well while some areas around Atlanta saw rain the railroad started with the threat of rain but cleared throughout the day and ended up being dry and beautiful. The crew that did end up at the site included John, Tyler, Norm, and Robby. John actually arrived Friday and did some work setting forms for the “Grandma Line” and painted more on the container mural he’s been working on. The mural is looking great. The crew spent most of the day discussing the clubhouse and workshop project with a focus on the lift and track needed to get items from the railroad to the shop. The crew also looked at the “Grandma Line” and two of our newer riding cars to see what may need to be done to address a slight coupler height difference. More investigation to be done with hope of addressing during the summer months.
We also had club representation at Palmetto Live Steam and Mid-South Live Steamers this weekend during their Spring meets. Looking forward to hearing how the Spring Meets went at each of those railroad. If you plan on going to another railroad this Summer or Fall let us know others in the club may ant to go as well. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the railroad on Saturday, May 11th starting at 8:30 a.m. as we prepare the railroad for our next public run day, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 18th. We will need help making sure the railroad is operational, equipment is ready, grass cut, and more on Saturday. Don’t forget to make your calendar for some upcoming club fun days and workdays. See everyone around the railroad soon.
Grandma Line workday planned for this Saturday, May 4th at 8:30 a.m.
Things continue to move forward on the “Grandma Line” this Saturday as the project crew continues to work on various aspects of building out the new line. If you are free to come out and help the crew would love to put you to work. The crew starts around 8:30 a.m. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and a lunch. We are tentatively planning on laying track, building panels, and possibly spreading some dirt.
Things continue to move forward on the “Grandma Line” this Saturday as the project crew continues to work on various aspects of building out the new line. If you are free to come out and help the crew would love to put you to work. The crew starts around 8:30 a.m. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and a lunch. We are tentatively planning on laying track, building panels, and possibly spreading some dirt.
If you looking to work on something else this weekend, please come out and feel free to work on other items around the railroad. Also note that our next prep day for our May 13th public run day is going to be on Saturday, May 6th where we will clean up the property, cut grass, and make sure all of the equipment is operational. Look forward to seeing everyone that is available this Saturday. For those that are traveling to other railroads this week for spring meets have safe travels and don’t forget to let everyone know about our fall meet. Click here for a printable flyer you can take with you.
Grandma Line workday showed a great deal of progress again this past weekend.
With each weekend of work on the “Grandma Line” comes a great deal of progress with each and every day. The project crew, which consisted of John T., Wes, David E., Norm, Gene, and others worked on continuing to backfill dirt against a new retaining wall and laying about 30 feet of track. The project crew will need help in the coming weeks with the building of additional track panels and helping with spreading and compacting of dirt once we get enough dry days more dirt can be brought in. Meanwhile, Norm also came by the railroad today and repaired the club diesel which is now back in operation. Thank you for the quick turn around on the repair.
With each weekend of work on the “Grandma Line” comes a great deal of progress with each and every day. The project crew, which consisted of John T., Wes, David E., Norm, and Gene, worked on the project and worked on continuing to backfill dirt against a new retaining wall and laying about 30 feet of track. Others where onsite working helping out on this and other projects around the railroad. Here is a small snippet from John T’s post on Facebook with additional details from Saturday’s workday.
Well, Friday evening had two inspectors slither by. Both were dispatched post haste and with malice. I therefore decided to paint instead until morning light. Coast Guard is now finished and the base color for Space Force has been applied. Saturday crew was composed of: Wes, Gene, John T, Dave L, Bob C, Norm, David E, and even Scott made a brief appearance. Bob worked on the club steamer, Norm on the club diesel, Dave replaced a few ties with our plastic samples to alleviate a short on the crossing bell, and the rest worked on the Grandma Line…
The project crew will need help in the coming weeks building additional track panels and helping with spreading and compacting of dirt once we get enough dry days more dirt can be brought in with “Bob”. A continued thank you to everyone who came out this weekend and every weekend we have a workday around the railroad. The next couple of weeks will slow down a little as some of our workers will be traveling to visit other railroads but if you are one of the many that will be staying in the area and are available, we do have a planned “Grandma Line” workday on Saturday, May 4th and another workday on Saturday, May 11th to prepare the railroad for our May public run day. Both workdays will start at 8:30 a.m. If you are free either day, come out and give the crew a hand. As mentioned, our next public run day is also come up on Saturday, May 18th and we will need help from every available member and volunteer.
Grandma Line workday planned for this Saturday, April 20th at 8:30 a.m.
Things continue to move forward on the “Grandma Line” this Saturday as the project crew continues to work on various aspects of building out the new line. If you are free to come out and help the crew would love to put you to work. The crew starts around 8:30 a.m. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and a lunch.
Things continue to move forward on the “Grandma Line” this Saturday as the project crew continues to work on various aspects of building out the new line. If you are free to come out and help the crew would love to put you to work. The crew starts around 8:30 a.m. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and a lunch.
A full week of activity around the railroad comes to a close
Today marked the sixth workday out of the past eight days at the railroad as a number of projects make a great deal of progress. We saw everything from progress on the Clubhouse and Workshop project to the “Grandma Line” and more. Here is a recap of just some of the items that were worked on this week:
Today marked the sixth workday out of the past eight days at the railroad as a number of projects make a great deal of progress. We saw everything from progress on the Clubhouse and Workshop project to the “Grandma Line” and more. Here is a recap of just some of the items that were worked on this week:
The week saw the start of the clubhouse and workshop project make progress with the first set of walls and ceilings being installed along with getting electricity into the first of three containers. A shout out to Wes, Norm, Robby, and John T for all of the work on this project.
The “Grandma Line” saw a great deal of progress over the past 8 days with dirt that was brought in on March 23rd. The crew finished putting in railroad ties and concrete blocks for the retaining wall. The crew was then able to take the dirt that was piled up bring much of the ground up to grade. A lot more work and dirt still to be brought in. A big thanks to Rick and “Bob Jr” along with Wes and John T. for the progress that has been done.
The steaming bays got a fresh coat of paint. Thank you to Gene for cleaning and painting the steaming bays.
Pressure washing was done around the property. Thank you to Dave L for cleaning the concrete at the turn table along with the metal table and chairs at the Breeseway.
The transfer table / lift got some much-needed maintenance. Thank you to Peter for finding the cable off the pully today and not only fixing that but also adjusting the cables to square things up.
A new retaining wall was completed on the west end of the Nicol bridge. Thank you to Norm, Wes, John, Scott, Robby and others.
Ongoing track maintenance was done around the railroad. Thank you to Gene, Norm, Robby, Peter, Wes, John T. and others who help keep the railroad operational.
The signal system was rewired so they would work with the new water line extension and “Grandma Line” switches being installed on both ends of the existing water line. Thank you to Robby, Wes, and Peter.
Grass along the fence and around the property was cut. Thank you to Wes and Norn.
Run day items were organized. Thank you to Charlotte for cleaning up some of the run day items in the grey container.
Club steamer had some maintenance done. Thank you to Bob C for his continued help on the club steamer.
The Gauge 1 layout received some track and structure maintenance. Thank you, Carl and Dave L.
Picking up the many sticks and other debris around the railroad. Thank you to Joan, John, Wes, and everyone else who picked up sticks around the property.
The day also saw some equipment testing by Wes and Peter as they both are getting their trains ready for the season. For Wes he was making sure some recent improvements to the electronics on his electric outline steam engine could hand the load of passengers. Peter was checking some adjustments he made to his running gear.
With everything that took place this week we are looking forward to sharing the railroad with everyone on Saturday, April 13th from 1 to 4:30 p.m. for our season opener.
Fourth workday of the week and another day of progress on multiple items
The week has been very productive on a number of projects including with the clubhouse and workshop project. Today’s crew painted the newly installed walls along with getting power installed into the container. The crew also worked on moving about several yards of dirt to continue to fill in some low spots in the future “Grandma Line”.
The week has been very productive on a number of projects including with the clubhouse and workshop project. Today’s crew consisted of Wes, John T., Robby, and Norm as they painted the newly installed walls and ceiling along with getting power installed into the container. John was also able to install a switch and indicator light for a future item to be installed at the main grade crossing.
Once the power was completed Wes and Robby took care of bringing in more gravel to the new retaining wall installed a couple of weeks ago in order to bring the ground level up to the railroad, so it wasn’t such a drop off.
Before the crew called it a day, they moved several yards of dirt to the east end of the future “Grandma Line”. Once the dirt settles plans will be made to not only bring in more dirt but prepare to install the first 60 feet of track for the “Grandma Line”. Be on the lookout for help in building track panels.
Our third workday of the week sees more items being taken care of around the railroad.
The third day of our work week saw more progress on a number of items around the railroad including repairs on the club steamer and clubhouse and workshop project. The injectors were returned after being cleaned and the first sixteen feet of wall and ceiling are now installed into the clubhouse and workshop space.
The third day of our work week saw more progress on a number of items around the railroad including repairs on the club steamer and clubhouse and workshop project. Bob C was onsite in the morning and brought back the injectors for the club steamer after taking them home and cleaning them. He also mentioned that the water filter may not have a crack in it after all. He is looking into what is going on but feels it may have been screwed in incorrectly causing the filter not to have a good seal. The clubhouse and workshop project also saw more progress as the crew, which consisted of Wes, Robby, and Norm, finished installing 16 feet of wall and ceiling. The crew is planning on wiring the electrical panel and paint the new walls and ceiling on Friday. If you are free on Friday, the crew could use some extra help and will be starting at 9 a.m.
Don’t forget to join us on Saturday, April 6th for our major workday as we prepare the railroad for our season opener along with our club meeting. The workday portion of the day starts at 8:30 a.m. with our club meeting at 1 p.m. Our Saturday plan is to clean up the property, oil switches, organize containers, add more gravel along the new retaining wall, and more.
If you are looking for a project to volunteer for here is a partial list of items, we are looking for help on:
Oil all switches.
Cut grass and weed eat around the fence line.
Add additional crusher run and gravel against the new retaining wall near the Nicol bridge.
Pickup all construction items around the railroad.
Inspect track for any repairs needed and perform the repairs
Clean and organize the grey container.
Clean and organize the red container.
Test Signal System (new batteries have been ordered).
Help finish painting the steaming bays.
If you can think of anything else, please feel free to take the project on and let everyone know.
Day 2 of Weekday Workday sees pressure washing, painting, and framing.
Another weekday workday complete with lots of work done around the railroad. The day saw drainpipes installed, walls built, steaming bays painted, pressure washing, and more.
If you are available to come out and help or take on a project the crew plans on starting around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3rd.
Another weekday workday complete with lots of work done around the railroad. The day started out with Wes installing two drainpipes in the area that is part of the “Grandma Line” project. While Gene worked on cleaning and painting most of the steaming bays with more to be completed on Saturday. Dave L. was busy pressure washing the concrete at the turntable and pressure washing the picnic tables under the Breeseway. Things are really coming together around the property with much work to be done between now and Saturday.
The Clubhouse and Workshop project also saw some more progress as Norm, Wes, and Robby continued work on framing and building out walls and ceiling in the first container. They also got some extra help as Scott stopped by for a few minutes and helped us install the breaker panel. More volunteer and club members will be at the site again on Wednesday to continue working on various projects around the property. If you are available to come out and help or take on a project the crew plans on starting around 9 a.m. on Wednesday.
If you are looking for a project to volunteer for here is a partial list of items, we are looking for help on:
Oil all switches.
Cut grass and weed eat around the fence line.
Add additional crusher run and 57 gravel against the new retaining wall near the Nicol bridge.
Pickup all construction items around the railroad.
Inspect track for any repairs needed and perform the repairs
Clean and organize the grey container.
Clean and organize the red container.
Test Signal System (new batteries have been ordered).
Help finish painting the steaming bays.
If you can think of anything else, please feel free to take the project on and let everyone know.
Clubhouse and Workshop makes a step forward during latest work day.
The beginning of the workweek brought progress on the clubhouse and workshop project as Norm, Wes, and Robby began framing the first of many walls in the containers. Once the first wall is completed an electrical panel will be installed and we will have electricity in the container. This will help make future work obviously easier and get us a step closer to having a clubhouse and workshop at the site. A lot of work and money is needed to complete the project, but we are well on our way. The crew will be back at it on Tuesday, April 2nd at 9 a.m. as they continue to work on framing walls and ceilings in the first container.
The beginning of the workweek brought progress on the clubhouse and workshop project as Norm, Wes, and Robby began framing the first of many walls in the containers. Once the first wall is completed an electrical panel will be installed and we will have electricity in the container. This will help make future work obviously easier and get us a step closer to having a clubhouse and workshop at the site. A lot of work and money is needed to complete the project, but we are well on our way. The crew will be back at it on Tuesday, April 2nd at 9 a.m. as they continue to work on framing walls and ceilings in the first container.
Clubhouse and Workshop Workday Recap for Saturday, January 13, 2024
A big day at the railroad as a last-minute push to get the utilities marked on Friday was successful so we could finally get electrical and water to the clubhouse and workshop containers. After nearly a three year wait to start the project, we are now on track to making the first two containers functional in 2024.
A big day at the railroad as a last-minute push to get the utilities marked on Friday was successful so we could finally get electrical and water to the clubhouse and workshop containers. After nearly a three year wait to start the project, we are now on track to making the first two containers functional in 2024. A group made up of Wes, John T., Calvin, David E., Robby, Norm, Thomas, Scott, and a special helper Allen made the day a success. The crew trenched and installed 300 feet of conduit and 120 feet waterline. While things still need to hook up, we are a step closer to making the clubhouse and workshop operational later this year. Be on the lookout for the next workday for this project.
Impromptu planning day recap for Friday, December 22nd
With Christmas just around the corner some of the elf’s took a day and went to the railroad to plan out a few things that will take place starting in January. As many of you know we’ve been waiting to start on the clubhouse and workshop project and one of the key items that we need to get done for the project to pick up steam is get electricity into the containers. Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been measuring and determining what supplies we will need to run power from the grey container to clubhouse container 1. Earlier this week Wes went and picked up more than 200 feet of electrical conduit and laid them out today so we could make the path for the trenching to take place and to also prepare for the property to be marked before digging.
The plan at this point is to trench and install the electrical conduit on Saturday, January 13th.
With Christmas just around the corner some of the elf’s took a day and went to the railroad to plan out a few things that will take place starting in January. As many of you know we’ve been waiting to start on the clubhouse and workshop project and one of the key items that we need to get done for the project to pick up steam is get electricity into the containers. Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been measuring and determining what supplies we will need to run power from the grey container to clubhouse container 1. Earlier this week Wes went and picked up more than 250 feet of electrical conduit and laid them out today so we could make the path for the trenching to take place and to also prepare for the property to be marked before digging.
The plan at this point is to trench and install the electrical conduit on Saturday, January 13th. Depending on the size of the crew we also plan on installing a water line from the Breeseway to the Clubhouse containers. Plans are also in the works to finish prepping the move of the blue container to its new home and we hope to have that done by January 12th.
Moving into 2024 we will also be unveiling a new way for everyone to keep track of this project and others going on around the railroad in hopes of giving everyone more notice on upcoming workdays and what the focus of the workday will be. More to come on this.
Project 1: Clubhouse and Workshop Buildout
The purpose of this project is to take three 40ft shipping containers and combine them together to build out a clubhouse and workshop to use as a meeting space and shop. When completed the space will be about 960 square feet of usable space. The structure will have electricity, water, and climate control making the space useable year-round. In order to fully complete the build of the space a lot of work will need to be done along with raising the necessary funds to complete the building project. As of December 2023, it is estimated to cost between $10,000 and $13,000 to complete not including the hundreds of volunteer hours our membership and other volunteers will put in to complete.
The purpose of this project is to take three 40ft shipping containers and combine them together to build out a clubhouse and workshop to use as a meeting space and shop. When completed the space will be about 960 square feet of usable space. The structure will have electricity, water, and climate control making the space useable year-round. In order to fully complete the build of the space a lot of work will need to be done along with raising the necessary funds to complete the building project. As of December 2023, it is estimated to cost between $10,000 and $13,000 to complete not including the hundreds of volunteer hours our membership and other volunteers will put in to complete. Below is an outline of workdays and tasks we are trying to complete during the work event.
Project 1: Clubhouse & Shop Project
Workday 1 (Anytime between now and January 12, 2024) - Get the gravel pad cleaned up next to member container #3 so the blue container can be moved. Once the gravel pad is ready, schedule to have the blue container moved. Wes will make arrangements for a Bobcat to be available and Gene has agreed to operate the Bobcat.
When the blue container is moved, we also need to separate red container #1 from #2 so we can work on installing a center pier between container 1 & 2.
Workday 2 (Saturday, January 13, 2024): Trench and pull electrical wire to shop container #1. Depending on who is available we could also trench a water line from Breeseway to the shop container area. Wes will arrange for a trencher and operator to be available for this workday. We will need to mark the path of the trench ahead of this workday and call Georgia 811 to mark underground hazards.
Workday #3 (Saturday, February 10, 2024)- Since red containers 1 & 2 are separated we need to install center piers between container 1 & 2. May also spend some time marking the cut lines for the inner walls between container 1 & 2.
Workday #4 (At any time before March 9, 2024) - The electrical panel should now be active. Some electrical work can be started in container 1. Assumption is we may install some lights and outlets but all of that is to be determined.
Workday #5 (at any time before March 9, 2024) - Slide container 1 & 2 back together. We will then schedule welding the roof line between container 1 & 2 together and mark the cut lines that will be used to cut out the inner wall between container 1 & 2 if those have not already been done.
Workday #6 (Saturday, March 9, 2024)- Cut out container 1 inner wall. Not sure if we can do container #2 inner wall the same day. I will assign a separate day for container #2 inner wall. We may also want to work on sealing.
Workday #7 (at any time before Saturday, April 20th) - Mark cut lines in container #2 if not already completed. If the inner wall in container 2 has already been removed, we will leverage this day for some other tasks for the shop. One example could be to make sure the containers are watertight at the seam. Other items will be determined prior to the Saturday, April 20th workday.
Workday #? (can be done anytime) - Install pier that will be leveraged between container 2 & 3.
Workday #? (On Going) - Continue to build out container 1 & 2 to make the space functional before container 3 is installed.
We should also start considering some fundraising options to help fund the construction of the shop & club house. Please start thinking of ideas that will help us raise the necessary funds to build out the shop & club house. The current project workday list does not account for any track work that will need to be done in the future.