Workday Recap for Saturday, August 22, 2020
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.
Today marked an incredible 24th workday at the railroad this year. The crew included Wayne, David E., Bob C., Bill, Norm, Gene, and Robby. 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. Anyone interested in taking on the electrical let us know.
Bob C. and David E. started the day working on the club steamer and in typical steam engine fashion they uncovered a couple of items that need attention and will test things again soon. Meanwhile in the east loop the rest of the crew worked on the passenger line project. The day included adding a new switch in the east loop and lining up things for the new diamond. Track panels were also placed on the ground to check how the passenger line will line up to the 60’ grade crossing that will be installed at some point soon. Orange flags have also been placed so everyone can see the path of the passenger line next weekend during our club fun day.
During our next workday in September the plan will be to finish the installation of some of the panels for the passenger line and building track panels. Speaking of track panels, we need building about twelve curve panels and about 60 straight panels.
And finally, we continue to get more dirt from Sheppard Trucking and once the dirt and ground dries from all the recent rain it will get spread in preparation of the next member container.
Workday Recap for Saturday, August 15th
All week the forecast called for rain, but a determined crew still showed up today to take care of several items around the railroad and finished the day without any rain. Many members and a couple of visitors started showing up around 8:30 a.m. and started working on several projects. The projects included container extension, passenger line expansion, and more.
All week the forecast called for rain, but a determined crew still showed up today to take care of several items around the railroad and finished the day without any rain. Many members and a couple of visitors started showing up around 8:30 a.m. and started working on several projects. The projects included container extension, passenger line expansion, and more.
First 60’ section of rail on the ground
Track panels moved for next container project
Passenger line project - Day 1
The beginning of the 900’ passenger line project started today with the realignment of a few track panels and laying out the first 60’ of track including identifying the location of our first diamond and a 60’ grade crossing.
Workday Scheduled for Saturday, August 15th starting at 8:30 a.m.
We have a regularly scheduled workday on the calendar for this Saturday, August 15th starting at 8:30 a.m. The plan is to work on gray container, sort tie material, and a whole lot more. Make sure you bring plenty of water, lunch, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor. Plus don’t forget our annual Summer Club Fun Day is coming up on Saturday, August 29th.
We have a regularly scheduled workday on the calendar for this Saturday, August 15th starting at 8:30 a.m. The plan is to:
Install rail on the floor of the gray container
Sorting, stack and clean up tie material area
Start form work for roadbed on the lower east side for the passenger line
Move some dirt around from loads delivered by Sheppard truck
New member storage container crew meeting
Eat lunch, have fun, and give each other a little grief along the way
Remember to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, lunch, and a good sense of humor. Plus don’t forget our annual Summer Club Fun Day is coming up on Saturday, August 29th.
Past Workday Activity
Workday Recap for Saturday, August 8, 2020 - Container Clean out and more was the focus of the day
This year has been full of workdays and this past Saturday, August 8th was no different. The day consisted of work on the club steamer, retaining wall, and container clean-out.
This year has been full of workdays and this past Saturday, August 8th marked yet another day of work around the railroad. The group consisted of Norm, Elijah, Scott, Gene, Dan, Bob C., John, and Bill. Bob worked on the club steamer including making a list of some additional repair work needed. Additional railroad ties installed on the new retaining wall coming out of the woods. Dan transferred his locomotive from one trailer to another. Rumor has it that an additional locomotive maybe in the works so he can MU his locomotives during run days. Speculations are he will increase his passenger hauling capabilities plus about 100 coal cars for the coal fired steam engines. We shall see. The rest of the crew worked on extensive cleaning of the red container and newly extended gray container. All of the run day material has now been moved to the new 20’ container extension.
Additional work in the gray container is still needed. One of the items still needed includes putting the additional steel rail on the floor in the original container. The rail has been moved the gray container and with a little bit of work the rail can be installed.
Finally, it has been reported that a good time was had by all but not sure about the accuracy of the rumor. Our next official workday is Saturday, August 15th.
Moving Rail In Style
60-foot Container View
Grinding work on the 20-foot container extension
Workday Recap for August 1, 2020- Big workday with construction of a retaining wall and club meeting
Today marks the 21st workday of the year. It is amazing all that has taken place during these crazy times. This past Saturday was another busy day with grass cutting, cutting the center out of the gray container, construction of a 70-foot retaining wall, club meeting, and a whole lot more. We also had a couple of our new members stop by to do work and get introduced to other club members.
Today marks the 21st workday of the year. It is amazing all that has taken place during these crazy times. This past Saturday was another busy day with grass cutting, cutting the center out of the gray container, construction of a 70-foot retaining wall, club meeting, and a whole lot more. We also had a couple of our new members stop by to do work and get introduced to other club members.
Our next regularly scheduled workday is Saturday, August 15th. Between now and then we do have a need to start organizing the now 60-foot container which also includes installing about 80-feet of flat bar on the container floor, organizing run day items, and more. If you are available to do work on the container during the week or weekend please send an email letting us know.
Speaking of things to do if you are interested in building track panels, we need of between 30 - 40 straight panels to be built which will be used on the passenger line project. We have a fixture and supplies at the site ready to go. If you are interested in building panels please email for additional details.
Retaining Wall Construction
The installation of the retaining wall is to help address a change to the railroad recently that now places more traffic near the tree line which has a drop off.
Other pictures from the day
If you have pictures you’d like to share make sure you send them to newsletter@northgeorgialivesteamers.org.
Two have become one
Workday and Club Meeting Scheduled for this Saturday, August 1st
Our next regularly scheduled workday is Saturday, August 1st starting at 8:30 a.m. and our August club meeting will be at 1 p.m.
We have a lot planned for this Saturday’s workday including cutting out the center of the gray container, building a railroad tie wall, having lunch, moving some dirt around, and more. All the festivities start at 8:30 a.m. and look forward to seeing you around the railroad. For those that are looking for something a little lighter to do we are in need of some track panels to be built.
Our next regularly scheduled workday is Saturday, August 1st starting at 8:30 a.m. and our August club meeting will be at 1 p.m.
We have a lot planned for this Saturday’s workday including cutting out the center of the gray container, building a railroad tie wall, having lunch, moving some dirt around, and more. All the festivities start at 8:30 a.m. and look forward to seeing you around the railroad. For those that are looking for something a little lighter to do we are in need of some track panels to be built. Saturday is suppose to be a typical summer day bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and a good sense of humor.
Make sure you put on your calendar our Annual Summer Nights Club Fun Day which is scheduled for Saturday, August 29th. For a look at what is on the calendar visit our website for more information.
July 25, 2020 Workday Recap
Today marked the 20th time this year many of our club members have gotten together to work on something for the railroad. This past Saturday, July 25, 2020 we had Wes and Wayne taking care of the grass cutting duties while Gene, Norm, Robby, Elijah, Ben, “Bob”, David E., Scott, and Bill worked on various projects around the railroad. Part of the crew installed a new switch coming out of the yard and removed a switch coming out of the woods in preparations of the “Grandma” line project. Bob C. and his wife stopped by to delivery the club steamer after some much needed repairs.
Today marked the 20th time this year many of our club members have gotten together to work on something for the railroad. This past Saturday, July 25, 2020 we had Wes and Wayne taking care of the grass cutting duties while Gene, Norm, Robby, Elijah, Ben, “Bob”, David E., Scott, and Bill worked on various projects around the railroad. Part of the crew installed a new switch coming out of the yard and removed a switch coming out of the woods in preparations of the “Grandma” line project. Bob C. and his wife stopped by to delivery the club steamer after some much needed repairs.
The crew also took some time to figure out what it was going to take to start laying track for the passenger line project which includes constructing our first diamond on the railroad. We need to build between 20 - 30 track panels and several switches so be on the lookout for track panel building day to be scheduled.
Our next scheduled workday is Saturday, August 1st which is also the same day as our next regularly scheduled club meeting which is at 1:00 p.m.
First Day of Track Laying - July 24, 2010 Video
Back on July 24, 2010 North Georgia Live Steamers began to build the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. What an amazing time for the club as we establish our newest home after not having a railroad for several years to operate. In 2019 the railroad had more than 2,000 visitors with lots of smiles along the way. Thank you to all the members and volunteers who helped build this great railroad for the enjoyment of so many.
Back on July 24, 2010 North Georgia Live Steamers began to build the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. What an amazing time for the club as we establish our newest home after not having a railroad for a number of years to operate. In 2019 the railroad had more than 2,000 visitors with lots of smiles along the way. Thank you to all of the members and volunteers who helped build this great railroad for the enjoyment of so many.
Another switch built and ready for installation in preparation of the new passenger line
As preparations continue to get the railroad ready for the new passenger line installation Gene and Norm spent time today, July 21, 2020, and built another switch and delivering it to the site. Next step is to get the new switch installed and align the track. We also have another switch to pull out from the woods and realign the track to make room for the “Grandma” line installation.
As preparations continue to get the railroad ready for the new passenger line installation Gene and Norm spent time today, July 21, 2020, and built another switch and delivering it to the site. Next step is to get the new switch installed and align the track. We also have another switch to pull out from the woods and realign the track to make room for the “Grandma” line installation.
Here is a look at what's going on around the railroad as of today
Here is a look at what we have on the calendar over the next couple of months. For a more complete look visit our Calendar page on our website.
Workday Recap for Saturday, July 18, 2020 - Container Project, "Grandma" line, and mounds of dirt
Another productive day in the summer heat this past Saturday as a crew worked on the container project, mounds of dirt, and started work on the “Grandma” line.
A small crew made big progress on Saturday and worked on several projects. Onsite was Norm, Gene, Ben, “Bob”, Wes, Wayne, and Bill.
Norm completed the bridge and transition bracket for the container extension project making the 20-foot extension section now usable for storage. We still have several items that need to be completed on the container project which include cutting out dividing wall, lay track in container, electrical work, and reorganizing items in the both the gray and red containers.
Once the bridge installation was completed the crew moved to do some track modification coming out of the woods past the Nicol Bridge. This modification will allow for another project to get off the ground which we affectionately call the “Grandma Line”. The plan is to remove part of the double track as you approach the retaining wall to make room for a new section of the railroad coming through a wood area alongside the yard. This will eventually allow not use a portion of the yard for mainline traffic. Check out the video below for more details.
Meanwhile Ben and “Bob” played in the dirt and moved a ginormous amount of dirt from where Shepherd trucking had dumped it into the area where we plan on adding another member container. They also moved a substantial amount of the dirt pile from the area near the gate also to the same area.
As the summer heat continues be on the lookout for additional workdays to popup.
Landscaping work being done in the old tiny town site
Clean up in the old tiny town area continues. Wayne, Wes, and Bill picked up mulch and took it to the site this week. Be on the lookout for additional landscaping work being done around the railroad.
Clean up in the old tiny town area continues. Wayne, Wes, and Bill picked up mulch and took it to the site this week. Be on the lookout for additional landscaping work being done around the railroad.
July 11, 2020 Workday Recap
We had an unplanned workday come up a that the last minute on Saturday, July 11th. Bill reports that while the crew was few in numbers they apparently where “incredibly good looking.”
We had an unplanned workday come up a that the last minute on Saturday, July 11th. Bill reports that while the crew was few in numbers they apparently where “incredibly good looking.” On site today were Wes R., Gene L., Norm W., Wayne L., Dan C., and Bill L.
Here is what took place:
Grass was cut by Wayne and Dan with possibly the finest trimming I have seen performed by the virtuoso of the string trimmer Mr. Wes.
Both Wayne and Dan said Wes's trimming made the mowing go much smoother and faster.
Weeds were sprayed in the yard where there was an outbreak and along the ash pit track which of course was not treated earlier this year mostly because it wasn't there yet.
Several trees were cut down and two loads of dirt mixed with pretty large boulders were pushed over the edge and the area was smoothed and compacted in anticipation of additional truckloads of dirt and rocks which should be arriving Monday.
Here is a short video of Gene and Norm in the woods cleaning up debris over by the containers.
Gene and Bob2 filling in today moving dirt and rock already delivered and making room for more to come.
10 years ago, this month a new railroad begins to take shape
This month 10 years ago construction began on the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. Here are a few pictures from those early days of the railroad.
This month 10 years ago construction began on the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. Here are a few pictures from those early days of the railroad. A big thank you to all who have spent countless hours building and adding to the railroad over the years.
Form installed and concrete poured for the container extension project
Another step closer to completing the container extension project with the installation of the form for the bridge to rest on. Now just need to wait for it to dry and install bracket for bridge and track to attach to.
Another step closer to completing the container extension project with the installation of the form for the bridge to rest on. Now just need to wait for it to dry and install bracket for bridge and track to attach to.
Do you shop on Amazon? You could be raising money for North Georgia Live Steamers
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, 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.
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.
How do you select NGLS when you shop on AmazonSmile? On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) you need to select NGLS to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. Amazon will then remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.
AmazonSmile customers can now support us using the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones! Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.
Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into 'Settings'
Tap 'AmazonSmile' and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
One final spacing test before placing track in the container
One final spacing check of the new track going into the container extension. With spacing confirmed the track was installed into the 20-foot container.
One final spacing check of the new track going into the container extension. With spacing confirmed the track was installed into the 20-foot container.
What a great turnout by club members and guests - Workday and Club Fun Day Recap for Saturday, June 20, 2020
What a great turnout by club members and a few guests. We had groups working on finishing the track for the container project, club steamer was out for training, members running trains, and a whole lot more. Here are a few pictures from the day. If you have pictures or you’d like to share please send them to Robby so he can add them to the gallery.
What a great turnout by club members and a few guests. We had groups working on finishing the track for the container project, club steamer was out for training, members running trains, and a whole lot more. Here are a few pictures from the day. If you have pictures or you’d like to share please send them to Robby so he can add them to the gallery.
The sound of a steam engine getting ready for a journey around the railroad
This year has been a little strange to say the least. Came across a video from a couple of years ago of a Mikado getting ready to go out on the railroad for a run.
This year has been a little strange to say the least. Came across a video from a couple of years ago of a Mikado getting ready to go out on the railroad for a run.
Workday Recap for June 13, 2020 - Container Project Continues
We had a good group at the site today even though it was a little hot. The crew worked on a variety of things including cutting grass, Gauge 1 layout, and new track head up to the container and ash pit.
We had a good group at the site today even though it was a little hot. The crew worked on a variety of things including Wayne and Dan cutting grass, Paul and Carl working on the Gauge 1 layout, and the track crew which included Ben, “Bob”, Norm, Gene, Joe, Calvin, Bill, Scott, and Joe worked on the new track head up to the container and ash pit. The crew had to go back and add a drainpipe at the location of the new ash pit switch and adjusted the grade going up to the container which slowed progress today but still made great progress in the end.
