One year in on the passenger line project and look at what has been accomplished
Back in July 2020 construction began on the passenger line with the installation of a switch leaving the yard on the west end of the railroad. Soon after a switch in the inner east loop and our first diamond was also installed. Fast forward to July 2021 with more than 30 weekends worked we have installed more than 1,400’ of rail, 1,590 railroad ties (give or take), 5,320 screws (give or take), more than 70 track panels, 6 switches, 60’ concrete grade crossing, 30’ pedestrian crossing, a diamond, and countless loads of gravel.
Back in July 2020 construction began on the passenger line with the installation of a switch leaving the yard on the west end of the railroad. Soon after a switch in the inner east loop and our first diamond was also installed. Fast forward to July 2021 with more than 30 weekends worked we have installed more than 1,400’ of rail, 1,590 railroad ties (give or take), 5,320 screws (give or take), more than 70 track panels, 6 switches, 60’ concrete grade crossing, 30’ pedestrian crossing, a diamond, and countless loads of gravel. This leaves us just 17 more panels to complete this project and the expansion of our mainline will be complete. A big thank you to all of you who have been able to come out and work throughout the year and a big thank you to those that could not come out but cheered us on we thank you.
As we near the completion of this project we also are closing in on our first public run day in nearly two years. We look forward to seeing many of you around the railroad over the next two months as we prepare to re-open the railroad and share our love for trains, the hobby, and more.
I hope you enjoy looking back over the past year at some of the pictures taken just to show how much has been done and how far we’ve come.
Workday recap for Saturday, August 7, 2021
Progress continues on the passenger line project. This past Saturday was a light workday with a lot of talking and planning prior to our August club meeting. After the meeting we had Robby, Calvin, Peter, Gene, Norm, and Scott install the deck boards for the pedestrian crossing. Planning for wiring for crossing electronics along with switch motor was also discussed during our time at the crossing.
Progress continues on the passenger line project. This past Saturday was a light workday with a lot of talking and planning prior to our August club meeting. After the meeting we had Robby, Calvin, Peter, Gene, Norm, and Scott install the deck boards for the pedestrian crossing. Planning for wiring for crossing electronics along with switch motor was also discussed during our time at the crossing.
Before work was done on the pedestrian crossing Bob C. took the club steamer around the railroad testing out the most recent pilot truck repairs. He then took the club steamer onto the passenger line make it the first steam engine to travel on the passenger line. Bob was happy to report that the steam engine is in good shape. Although he did put an asterisk by his recap stating its a steam engine it always needs something done to it. Check out the videos below to see the club steamer in action.
Don’t forget to checkout our events calendar for activities around the railroad and around the hobby regionally. Our next planned workday is scheduled for Saturday, August 21st with the annual Summer Nights Club fun day on Saturday, August 28th.
Passenger line nearly completed after this weekend's big workday on Saturday, July 31st
An incredible milestone happened today with the help of Scott, John T., Tyler, Norm, Gene, Wes, and “Bob2”. The crew spent the day attaching the last 75-feet of the passenger line bypass to the railroad. This now allows trains to travel from the east loop across the new gate crossing towards the west end of the railroad. With the bypass track attached we now only have 170-feet of track remaining to complete the passenger line project.
An incredible milestone happened today with the help of Scott, John T., Tyler, Norm, Gene, Wes, and “Bob2”. The crew spent the day attaching the last 75-feet of the passenger line bypass to the railroad. This now allows trains to travel from the east loop across the new gate crossing towards the west end of the railroad. With the bypass track attached we now only have 170-feet of track remaining to complete the passenger line project.
Here is a quick video Scott took showing the new route which includes passing over the railroads first diamond and heading towards the new 60-foot gate crossing towards the 30-foot man crossing all the way to the current station loading area.
Mark Your Calendar
The big push is on to complete the passenger line project by August 21st which is the weekend before our annual Summer Nights Club Fun Day. Mark the calendar for Saturday, August 7th at 8:30 for our next workday and let’s put a dent in the remaining 200-feet of track.
"Bring A Friend" workday recap for Saturday, July 24, 2021
Our “Bring A Friend” workday on Saturday, July 24th was very productive. The crew which consisted of Ben, “Bob”, Gene, Norm, Calvin, Wes, Scott, David E, and special guests Eric and Bradley. The crew worked on connecting the east end to the gate crossing extending the passenger line nearly 200-feet plus added an additional 40-feet on the west side of the new man crossing allowing the crew to set the switch for the station bypass track. This leaves only 75-feet of track to finish the passenger line station bypass track and an additional 125-feet to complete the passenger line.
Our “Bring A Friend” workday on Saturday, July 24th was very productive. The first part of the crew arrived at about 6:45 a.m. with the rest arriving at our normal time of around 8:30 a.m. Check out the pictures below to see who the early risers where. A little hint. Two of them have four legs. The crew consisted of Ben, “Bob”, Gene, Norm, Calvin, Wes, Scott, David E, and special guests Eric and Bradley. The crew worked on connecting the east end of the new passenger line to the new gate crossing extending the passenger line nearly 200-feet then the crew added an additional 40-feet on the west side of the new man crossing. This allowed them to figure out the switch placement for the bypass. Once the switch is in place, we will have 75-feet of track to finish on the bypass and an additional 125-feet to connect the mainline at the station completing the passenger line project.
From the pictures you can see the crew also rented an excavator to help with the digging trenches to improve drainage in a couple of areas around the property. The crew installed drainage on the far west side of the yard heading towards the station and with pipe donated by our friend Bill Cross drainage was also installed in the unloading head out into the east loop area of the property.
Wes and Norm went back on Sunday to do some extra excavating. They focused on digging the two foundation areas for the shop containers and took care of a drainage issue around the pump station by rerouting the excess water that runs out of the pump so it will go down the hill and not into the driveway. This will help dry out the area so our next member container can be delivered.
The next scheduled workday will be on Saturday, August 7th with the focus being connecting the passenger line bypass and work on installing the deck boards for the man crossing. Be on the lookout for additional information as we get closer.
Reminder: "Bring A Friend" workday is scheduled for Saturday, July 24th at 8:30 a.m.
The big push continues to complete the last 225-feet of the passenger line project with our next scheduled workday on Saturday, July 24th. We are calling it “bring a friend” workday to share with others what we are doing, and a few extra hands can go a long way to completing this project ahead of our mid-September goal. We are planning on connecting the bypass track and set forms heading towards the station.
The big push continues to complete the last 225-feet of the passenger line project with our next scheduled workday on Saturday, July 24th. We are calling it “Bring A Friend” workday to share with others what we are doing, and a few extra hands can go a long way to completing this project ahead of our mid-September goal. We are planning on connecting the bypass track and set forms heading towards the station.
If you are reading this and are not a member but would like to come out and help, please do not hesitate to join us. For more information about our workday please feel free to contact Robby or Norm for more details.
Make sure to bring battery powered tools, 5/16 socket for drill, knee pads, water, lunch, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor.
Be prepared to be on the ground and on your knees
2021 Project Recap
"Bring A Friend" workday is scheduled for Saturday, July 24th at 8:30 a.m.
The big push continues to complete the last 225-feet of the passenger line project with our next scheduled workday on Saturday, July 24th. We are calling it “bring a friend” workday to share with others what we are doing, and a few extra hands can go a long way to completing this project ahead of our mid-September goal. We are planning on connecting the bypass track and set forms heading towards the station.
The big push continues to complete the last 225-feet of the passenger line project with our next scheduled workday on Saturday, July 24th. We are calling it “Bring A Friend” workday to share with others what we are doing, and a few extra hands can go a long way to completing this project ahead of our mid-September goal. We are planning on connecting the bypass track and set forms heading towards the station.
If you are reading this and are not a member but would like to come out and help, please do not hesitate to join us. For more information about our workday please feel free to contact Robby or Norm for more details.
Make sure to bring battery powered tools, knee pads, water, lunch, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor.
2021 Project Recap
Workday recap for Saturday, July 10, 2021 (before the rain)
Another productive day was had this past Saturday, at least before it started raining around 2 p.m. The crew consisted of Norm, Ben, a healthier “Bob”, Calvin, Wes, David E., Scott, and Bob C. They split up and took care of a few things including the 50-foot section of track that needs to be finished to connect the east loop with the gate crossing. Wes took care of cutting most of the grass while Bob C. spent time with the club steamer making sure she was feeling good. Scott also took time to clean the rust of the gate crossing rail and treated it with a product that should keep it looking good for a while.
Another productive day was on Saturday, at least before it started raining around 2 p.m. The crew consisted of Norm, Ben, a healthier “Bob”, Calvin, Wes, David E., Scott, and Bob C. They split up and took care of a few things including working on a nearly 50-foot span to connect the east look with the gate crossing. Wes took care of cutting most of the grass while Bob C. spent time with the club steamer making sure she was feeling well. Scott also took time to clean the rust of the gate crossing rail and treated it with a product that should keep it looking good for a while.
The crew was also able to checkout some of the project on the “Grandma Line” that will allow train travel through the woods instead of the year in the future.
Our next official workday is Saturday, July 24th when we hope to finish attaching the east loop and begin laying forms to the bypass track and passenger line heading west towards the station.
Don't forget about our big workday scheduled for Saturday, July 10th at 8:30 a.m.
Don’t forget this Saturday, July 10th we have a big workday planned. We will be preparing the railroad for a private event and continue to work on the passenger line project.
Don’t forget this Saturday, July 10th we have a big workday planned. We will be preparing the railroad for a private event and continue to work on the passenger line project.
Work on the passenger line will be focused on connecting the east loop with the new grade crossing and then shift the remaining efforts on the other side of the man crossing to set forms for the next set of track panels to be installed during a future workday.
Make sure you bring tools, water, lunch, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor.
Big push to complete the passenger line project
It is amazing how much we have completed over the past year on the passenger line project. On July 25, 2020, we started the project with the installation of the bypass switch. By the end of August 2020 work was in full swing on the east side of the railroad with work on the bypass from the outer loop and installation of a switch and panels from the inner loop heading towards the railroads first diamond.
As we move into September of 2020, we picked up momentum with the installation of the diamond work progressed fast as we moved our efforts beyond the diamond and started laying track that would represent the passenger line. Once it was all said and done, we had laid nearly 200 feet of track and well on our way to the grade crossing that would later be installed in 2021.
It is amazing how much we have completed over the past year on the passenger line project. On July 25, 2020, we started the project with the installation of the bypass switch.
By the end of August work was in full swing on the east side of the railroad with work on the bypass from the outer loop and installation of a switch and panels from the inner loop heading towards the railroads first diamond.
As we move into September of 2020, we picked up momentum with the installation of the diamond work progressed fast as we moved our efforts beyond the diamond and started laying track that would represent the passenger line. Once it was all said and done, we had laid nearly 200 feet of track and well on our way to the grade crossing that would later be installed in 2021.
So, if you made it to the end of this timeline you might be asking what is next. As of July 2nd, we are 90 days away from the planned re-opening of the railroad with our first public run day since 2019. We are also about 250 feet away from completing the track work to complete the passenger line. We have five official workdays planned between now and October 2nd creating a tight schedule to complete everything. As you plan your next few months please consider coming out and helping us push forward to complete this project. Every set of hands will get us closer to completing this project ahead of our October reopening.
If you have any questions or would like to organize a weekday or weekend workday outside of what is already scheduled please contact Norm or Robby. For those that are reading this and are not part of our club and are interested in volunteering and learning more about our organization please feel free to come out during one of our workdays. If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact Robby for more details.
Hope to see you around the railroad soon.
Workday scheduled for Saturday, July 10th at 8:30 a.m.
We have a big day planned for Saturday, July 10th as we prepare the railroad for a small group of visitors on the 17th and continue to work on the passenger line.
Work on the passenger line will be focused on connecting the east loop with the new grade crossing and then shift the remaining efforts on the other side of the man crossing to set forms for the next set of track panels to be installed during a future workday.
Make sure you bring tools, water, lunch, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor.
We have a big day planned for Saturday, July 10th as we prepare the railroad for a small group of visitors on the 17th and continue to work on the passenger line.
Work on the passenger line will be focused on connecting the east loop with the new grade crossing and then shift the remaining efforts on the other side of the man crossing to set forms for the next set of track panels to be installed during a future workday.
Make sure you bring tools, water, lunch, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor.
Passenger Line Highlights
Passenger Line workday recap for Saturday, June 19, 2021
What a great turn out we had today including the rain. The morning started earlier than normal as the crew started arriving before 8 a.m. and went right to work to connect the last fifty feet of track at the man crossing. Scott and David E. spent time on address future drainage needs closer to the station area by digging a trench for a drainage pipe.
What a great turn out we had today including the rain. The morning started earlier than normal as the crew started arriving before 8 a.m. and went right to work to connect the last fifty feet of track at the man crossing. Scott and David E. spent time on address future drainage needs closer to the station area by digging a trench for a drainage pipe. Just as the last bit of ballast was spread it began to sprinkle. The crew cleaned up and had lunch and decided to stop for the day. This leaves us just fifty feet short of connecting the east loop to the gate crossing which leaves us about 200-feet to complete the passenger line. The crew today consisted of Wes, Gene, “Bob2”, Norm, Rick, Peter, Robby, David E., Scott and special guest Chris P. and his family. The crew also decided how the decking for the man crossing will look and plan to get that portion installed in the coming weeks as well.
While our next official workday is not until Saturday, July 10th we are talking about a mini workday at the site to finish connecting the east loop to the grade crossing before then. Be on the lookout for a mini-workday announcement in the next week or so.
Workday scheduled for Saturday, June 19th at 8:30 a.m.
As you have seen from many of the most recent posts progress on the passenger line is progressing. We are just one workday away from connecting the east loop with the passenger line all the way to the man gate (restroom building area) leaving use just about 250-feet of track to complete the passenger line project.
Let us make Saturday, June 19th another productive workday. Make sure you bring tools, water, lunch, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor.
As you have seen from many of the most recent posts progress on the passenger line is progressing. We are just one workday away from connecting the east loop with the passenger line all the way to the man gate (restroom building area) leaving use just about 250-feet of track to complete the passenger line project.
Let us make Saturday, June 19th another productive workday. Make sure you bring tools, water, lunch, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor.
Impromptu Workday recap for Saturday, June 12th - Transition from "Big Dig" to passenger line
What a difference just a couple of weeks make. We now have a new 60-foot gate grade crossing at the main entrance to the property which is part of the new passenger line. The crew, which consisted of Wes, Norm, Gene, “Bob"2”, Scott, Robby, and Calvin, spent the day working on finishing the grade crossing grading and packed in about 120-feet of crusher run in the forms between the gate crossing and the man crossing. The crew also installed about 70-feet of track between the crossings.
What a difference just a couple of weeks make. We now have a new 60-foot gate grade crossing at the main entrance to the property which is part of the new passenger line. The crew, which consisted of Wes, Norm, Gene, “Bob"2”, Scott, Robby, and Calvin, spent the day working on finishing the grade crossing grading and packed in about 120-feet of crusher run in the forms between the gate crossing and the man crossing. The crew also installed about 70-feet of track between the crossings.
During all the work we did have a small incident between “Bob2”, a shovel, and a rake. While the rake only had minor bruises the shovel on the other hand did not fare as well. Medical attention was requested but not sure what the final diagnosis will be for the shovel.
Meanwhile, Wes went crazy and tackled grass cutting, weed eating the fence, and more. Calvin also marked the first official car across the gate crossing. Our next official workday will be this Saturday, June 19th at 8:30 a.m. The focus of the day will be to finish laying track to the man crossing and connect the east loop to the gate crossing. Should be a great day with some real progress. We look forward to seeing everyone. Make sure you bring plenty of water, sunscreen, lunch, and a good sense of humor.
What a difference a year makes. Look at what we did in June of 2020
In June of 2020, the club was working full steam ahead on extending our grey container another 20 feet. The project consisted of finishing the ash pit line and adding two tracks to the back of the container. The project consisted of finishing the ash pit line, building a retaining wall, adding a 20-foot container, and lots of track work. Check out some pictures from our project from June 2020.
As we look forward to June 2021 the “Big Dig” passenger line project is well underway. The plan is to get it all in by the end of summer weather and time permitting. Our next official big workday is scheduled for Saturday, June 19th at 8:30 a.m.
In June of 2020, the club was working full steam ahead on extending our grey container another 20 feet. The project consisted of finishing the ash pit line and adding two tracks to the back of the container. The project consisted of finishing the ash pit line, building a retaining wall, adding a 20-foot container, and lots of track work. Check out some pictures from our project from June 2020.
As we look forward to June 2021 the “Big Dig” passenger line project is well underway. The plan is to get it all in by the end of summer weather and time permitting. Our next official big workday is scheduled for Saturday, June 19th at 8:30 a.m.
Coming up on the calendar
Are you looking for something to do this summer? We are looking for volunteers to help us finish a few things.
North Georgia Live Steamers is looking for some volunteers this summer. As we work on reopening this fall as the area and the world move forward from the pandemic, we have been busy on a few projects. We are in the home stretch of a major railroad project and could use some extra hands, machinery, and encouragement to complete this project by the end of the summer.
Over the past two years we have been working on expanding the railroad so we can handle more traffic, riders, and just make the overall experience that much better. Over many Saturdays this summer a crew will be at the site working on the last 300-feet of track and could use some extra hands.
North Georgia Live Steamers is looking for some volunteers this summer. As we work on reopening this fall as the area and the world move forward from the pandemic, we have been busy on a few projects. We are in the home stretch of a major railroad project and could use some extra hands, machinery, and encouragement to complete this project by the end of the summer.
Over the past two years we have been working on expanding the railroad so we can handle more traffic, riders, and just make the overall experience that much better. Over many Saturdays this summer a crew will be at the site working on the last 300-feet of track and could use some extra hands.
If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about the project, please reach out to Robby our Club Secretary for more details on how you can get involved. No experience necessary just a willingness to get involved. If you are unable to volunteer and would like to make a donation to help us complete the project your consideration would be appreciated.
Things to bring on a workday:
Plenty of water
A lunch
Cordless drills
Good sense of humor
Sun Screen
"Big Dig" Workday Recap For Saturday, May 29, 2021
The “Big Dig” continued on the passenger line project as a small group went to the site to pull the form boards on the grade crossing and set forms for track laying to begin between the new main gate crossing and the man crossing. I’m being told that Scott performed miracles with the wire wheel and grinder to clean the concrete off the rails. Be on the look out for a workday to lay track in the coming days and weeks.
The “Big Dig” continued on the passenger line project as a small group went to the site to pull the form boards on the grade crossing and set forms for track laying to begin between the new main gate crossing and the man crossing. I’m being told that Scott performed miracles with the wire wheel and grinder to clean the concrete off the rails.
Be on the look out for a workday to lay track in the coming days and weeks.
The "Big Pour" workday recap for Monday, May 24, 2021
Wow what a hot day but we did get the new grade crossing poured. The crew consisted of Wes, Gene, Norm, Scott, Robby, Ben, “Bob”, and Joe. In typically fashion for us the concrete truck was delayed several hours which pushed us into the hottest part of the day. Progress was slow but the team pushed through it. As you might imagine the concrete will not be ready to drive on for a week or so. We had a little extra concrete which gave Joe and Norm the opportunity to use it near the west end of the yard that has a drain that keeps clogging with dirt. Now the concreate should help reduce the clogging.
Wow what a hot day but we did get the new grade crossing poured. The crew consisted of Wes, Gene, Norm, Scott, Robby, Ben, “Bob”, and Joe. In typically fashion for us the concrete truck was delayed several hours which pushed us into the hottest part of the day. Progress was slow but the team pushed through it. As you might imagine the concrete will not be ready to drive on for a week or so. We had a little extra concrete which gave Joe and Norm the opportunity to use it near the west end of the yard that has a drain that keeps clogging with dirt. Now the concreate should help reduce the clogging.
Below is what we have officially on the calendar next but as always subject to change. Speaking of up next on the calendar our next club meeting will be on Saturday, June 5th. As has become customary over the past couple of years this is also a club fun day. We could use some extra hands between now and then to do a once over on the railroad and the grass also needs to be cut.
Upcoming Events
"Big Dig" workday recap for Saturday, May 22nd
Another big day working on the passenger line project. The day consisted of grading nearly 200’, setting the man crossing, and adding more conduit under the new 60’ gate crossing. The crew, which consisted of Gene, “Bob2”, Norm, Calvin, Elijah, David E., Wes, Robby, Tyler, James, and Jaxon also spent time saying goodbye to James and Jaxon as the family moves out of the area onto a new adventure. We wish them the best and hope to see the family around a railroad in the future. The crew also visited with James and Jaxon as they prepare to move out of the area onto a new adventure and hope to see them around the hobby one day in the near future.
Check out these pictures from the day’s activities. Don’t forget if you are available on Monday, May 24th the 60’ gate crossing will get nearly 7 yards of concrete and could use all of the extra hands as possible. The plan is to arrive around 8:30 a.m. with the concrete truck arriving in the 9 o’clock hour. If all goes well, we should be done around lunch time.
Another big day working on the passenger line project. The day consisted of grading nearly 200’, setting the man crossing, and adding more conduit under the new 60’ gate crossing. The crew, which consisted of Gene, “Bob2”, Norm, Calvin, Elijah, David E., Wes, Robby, Tyler, James, and Jaxon also spent time saying goodbye to James and Jaxon as the family moves out of the area onto a new adventure. We wish them the best and hope to see the family around a railroad in the future. The crew also visited with James and Jaxon as they prepare to move out of the area onto a new adventure and hope to see them around the hobby one day in the near future.
Check out these pictures from the day’s activities. Don’t forget if you are available on Monday, May 24th the 60’ gate crossing will get nearly 7 yards of concrete and could use all of the extra hands as possible. The plan is to arrive around 8:30 a.m. with the concrete truck arriving in the 9 o’clock hour. If all goes well, we should be done around lunch time.
The "Big Dig" continues this Saturday, May 22nd @ 8:30 a.m.
The “Big Dig” continues this Saturday, May 22nd as we continue to dig and set the passenger line in place. We will have “Bob2” onsite helping with grading the passenger line west of the new grade crossing. The plan for the day is to set the man crossing by the restroom area and start setting forms heading towards the new grade crossing. We will also be doing a final check on the grade crossing making sure everything is ready for the concrete to be poured on Monday, May 24th.
The “Big Dig” continues this Saturday, May 22nd as we continue to dig and set the passenger line in place. We will have “Bob2” onsite helping with grading the passenger line west of the new grade crossing. The plan for the day is to set the man crossing by the restroom area and start setting forms heading towards the new grade crossing. We will also be doing a final check on the grade crossing making sure everything is ready for the concrete to be poured on Monday, May 24th.
The plan for next weekend, Saturday, May 22nd, is to continue to dig out the area west of the grade crossing, start laying track, set the man crossing, and finish up any last minute details for the concrete pour on Monday, May 24th. A busy weekend planned for sure and looking forward to seeing everyone. Make sure you bring tools, lunch, sunscreen, plenty of water, and a good sense of humor.
The "Big Dig" continues with the latest workday recap from May 15, 2021
We had a small crew on hand today to take care of a few preparation items for next weekend’s work and concrete pour on Monday, May 24th. The crew, which consisted of Elijah, Norm, Scott, Ben, and “Bob”, took a divide an concur approach to the day working on the unofficial driveway entrance from the street, spread and leveled gravel for the next member container, and dug out 160’ west of the new grade crossing towards to man crossing.
We had a small crew on hand today to take care of a few preparation items for next weekend’s work and concrete pour on Monday, May 24th. The crew, which consisted of Elijah, Norm, Scott, Ben, and “Bob”, took a divide an concur approach to the day working on the unofficial driveway entrance from the street, spread and leveled gravel for the next member container, and dug out 160’ west of the new grade crossing towards to man crossing.
The plan for next weekend, Saturday, May 22nd, is to continue to dig out the area west of the grade crossing, start laying track, set the man crossing, and finish up any last minute details for the concrete pour on Monday, May 24th. A busy weekend planned for sure and looking forward to seeing everyone. Make sure you bring tools, lunch, sunscreen, plenty of water, and a good sense of humor.
