Club Fun Day Recap for Saturday, November 7, 2020
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.
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. if you have pictures or videos from this past Saturday please forward to Robby. In the meantime here are a few pictures from the day with more to be added in the coming days.
Also note that our next workday is scheduled for Saturday, November 14th at 8:30 a.m. The plan is to finish up the last 20 feet of the passenger siding track and build a couple of switches for the next container that will be going in this winter.
Meanwhile, during the club fun day the riding car committee met to discuss and review the next set of articulating riding cars. A few more decisions need to be on trucks, truck brakes, paint color, and a few other details. Overall things are moving forward, and the goal is to have the new cars ready for our first public run day in 2021.
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 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.
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
Workday Recap for Saturday, October 24, 2020 - Closing in on the grade crossing
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.
The track crew, which included Tyler, Norm, John, Ben, “Bob”, Robby, Calvin, and Brad, 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. The crew ran out of steam but made a great deal of progress with a little more time this part of the project will be complete.
Next on the schedule will be to finish up the passenger siding, build track panels and switches for the member container, and build straight panels for the passenger line. At this point the passenger line will need about 50 panels to be built over the next few months.
Bob C. also stopped by to do some work on the club steamer and to get some propane tanks.
Club Fun Day
Don’t forget our next Club Fun Day will be Saturday, November 7th. Come at any time throughout the day and make sure you bring friends and family to enjoy the railroad.
Workday scheduled for Saturday, October 24th at 8:30 a.m.
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.
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.
Workday Recap for Saturday, October 17, 2020 - Passenger Line and more
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.
We may not be running this year but that has not stopped many of our members in getting ready for 2021. Dan went up to Virginia this week and picked up his locomotive and new powered slug and green riding cars. I think he is up to about 6 or 7 riding cars plus his other rolling stock. Looking forward to seeing the new combination on the rails soon. Dan stopped by the site today to do a little trailer shuffle and will be back to rearrange his big trailer with all the new items. I hope it fits.
Meanwhile this past Saturday marked the 30th workday of the 2020 season. With the help of Ben, “Bob”, Bob C., Gene, Norm, Robby, and Scott the crew installed 120 feet of track putting the passenger line project in reach of the halfway point with about 80 feet to go before it will reach the future grade crossing. Hopefully during our next workday, which is on Saturday, October 24th at 8:30 a.m. we will be able to build the necessary track panels needed to reach the halfway point. Speaking of track panels, we are needing 19 straight panels (some with used rail), two switches for the member container project, and a lot more railroad ties.
Also not pictured below Scott also put the finishing touches on the electrical in the grey container. All we need now is to add a couple of lights in the 20 foot extension and everything will be complete. Thanks Scott for taking this project on.
Unofficial Workday Summary - Saturday, October 10, 2020
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.
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. Scott M. stopped by the site and worked on the electrical in the grey container and repaired the lift plug.
Meanwhile offsite Norm and Robby bent rail and then went to the site and built curves and straights panels. At this point we still need 418 ties cut so an additional 22 straight panels can be built.
Are you an Amazon Prime Member? Are you going to shop for deals on October 13th & 14th? Your purchases could help raise money for NGLS.
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).
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).
Now you may be wondering how to setup your Amazon account so a donation can be made to North Georgia Live Steamers. All you do is activate your AmazonSmile portion of your account, which is free to do, and select North Georgia Live Steamers as the charity you are supporting. Instructions have been provided below and don’t forget to setup the Amazon App on your smart device as well.
Instructions
How do you select NGLS when you shop on AmazonSmile? On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) you need to select North Georgia Live Steamers 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.
Smart Device Instructions
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
Our Club Members Are Volunteers
Each year our club members volunteer hundreds of hours to help promote railroading, the club, and the hobby. In 2020 our members have donated more than 2,000 hours of time. Your support will help us share the love of trains and make more smiles for kids of all ages. If you would rather make a donation directly to North Georgia Live Steamers you can do that by mail or online.
A look back at October 1994 when NGLS operated the Duluth & Mount Tabor Railroad
A look back at October 1994 when NGLS operated the Duluth & Mount Tabor Railroad
Check out this video from a run day back in October 1994 at our original railroad location in Duluth.
Here is a look at what's going on around the railroad as of October 1st
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, September 26, 2020
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.
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.
Scott M. took the day to work on adding conduit to the container extension so we will have additional lights in the grey container.
Bob C. came out and worked on additional repairs to the club steamer. For all the steam engine owners you know that the work never ends with a steam engine. Appreciate Bob’s continued efforts to keep this locomotive alive for the next generation of Live Steamers.
The track construction team was hard at work again this weekend with Ben, “Bob”, Norm, Robby, Calvin, Tyler, Gene, Bill, John, and Wes “Master Weedeater”. LaVay was also out with his train around the railroad testing everything out including the new diamond with great success. The track crew was able to lay about 100 feet of track and started preparations for the next 360 feet of track. The crew needs 12 curves and 24 straight panels to be built over the next couple of weeks. Norm took some rail to the show to be bent and plans are underway to cut ties in advance of a “Big Build Track Panel Day” on Saturday, October 10th. If you can go to the site between now and then we need to cut 684 ties cut before the panels can be built. If you are interested in cutting ties please contact Robby or Norm.
Coming Up
Saturday, October 3rd is another busy day around the railroad. Simply put the day is a Club Fun Day which includes the annual boiler inspection, club meeting at 1 p.m., and time playing with trains with others in the club and invited guests. The weather is looking great with great fall temperatures and clear skies.
See you Saturday at the railroad for our regularly scheduled workday starting at 8:30 a.m.
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.
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.
Other items on the radar include:
Grey Container Extension- needs electrical work completed
Member container project - a couple of frogs need to be profiled and two switches built
Track panels built for passenger line project. Railroad ties will also need to be cut
General maintenance around the railroad
Don’t forget to bring lunch, water, and a good sense of humor for the day.
Workday Scheduled - Saturday, September 26th at 8:30 a.m.
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.
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.
Other items on the radar include:
Grey Container Extension- needs electrical work completed
Member container project - a couple of frogs need to be profiled and switches built
Track panels built for passenger line project. Railroad ties will also need to be cut
General maintenance around the railroad in advance of our club fun day in October (replaces our canceled public day)
Don’t forget to bring lunch, water, and a good sense of humor for the day.
Checkout What Else Is On The Calendar
A Diamond recap from our workday on September 12, 2020
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.
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. The rest of the crew (Norm, Gene, John, Scott, Dave E., Rick, Robby, and Bill) worked on installing our first diamond and about 100’ of track. While the team got close to finishing what was planned for the day the last 20’ of track work will have to wait until our next workday. Paul also stopped by to do some grass cutting but a lot of tall grass is still needing to be cut.
Diamond Work
Passenger Line Track Work Beyond The Diamond
Work began on the first 100’ of the passenger line outside of the east loop which includes track for the passenger mainline and bypass track. The mainline was attached the first switch on the passenger line with about 20’ of track needing to be finished on the bypass to the same switch.
The next regularly workday is Saturday, September 26, 2020. For the latest go to our calendar page for more details.
Annual Boiler Inspection set for Saturday, October 3, 2020
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.
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.
Construction of the 900' passenger line has started
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.
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 passenger line can be seen on our map in red. On Saturday, August 29th, Gene and Norm made a template that will be used to build our first diamond on the railroad and once the diamond has been built and installed the construction of the passenger mainline can start moving forward, at least up to the grade crossing. In the meantime we are looking for a crew to take the lead on building track panels. If you are interested in being part of the track panel building crew please contact Robby or Norm. In the meantime our next regularly scheduled workday is on Saturday, September 12th.
Track Plan
1st Day of Construction - Saturday, August 15, 2020
2nd Day of Construction - Saturday, August 22, 2020
Workday scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 8:30 a.m.
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.
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. Speaking of the mainline project Norm and Gene have been hard at work on the construction of the railroads first diamond with hopes of it being ready for installation on Saturday. We are also in need of a crew to start building track panels for the passenger line project. If you are interested in leading a team to building panels please contact either Robby or Norm for more details.
Hope to see you around the railroad on Saturday. Things will get started around 8:30 a.m. make sure you bring plenty of water, lunch, and a good sense of humor for the day.
After a more than 20-year absence the "Doe Bridge" makes its return to the railroad fully restored
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.
If my math is correct it has about 22 years since the “Doe Bridge” has looked this good. Over the past year Peter Craymer has taken this old bridge and made it new again. Every board, bracket, nuts, bolts, and more was inspected repaired or replaced. Now it makes the journey back to the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad to be installed and put back in service sometime soon. The exact location of the bridge on the railroad is still being determined but something tells me the “Grandma” line may be getting this beauty. In looking at the archives this makes one of the last surviving structures to be reused from our original railroad which was call Duluth & Mount Tabor Railways. A big thanks to Peter for taking on this project and giving up space in his carport for this restoration project.
Construction pictures from February & March 2020
Delivery on September 5, 2020
A look back at the DMTRR
Cancellation Notice: Train Rides for Saturday, October 10th is Cancelled
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.
Saturday, October 10, 2020 Public Ride Day Cancelled
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 this fall our attention to the health and 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 re-opening once the current health and safety 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 what is going on around the railroad and future Public Ride dates.
Here is a look at what's going on around the railroad as of September 1st
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.
Annual August Club Fun Day Recap - Saturday, August 29, 2020
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.
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.
