That is a wrap on the 2021 train ride season
A big thank you to everyone who came out and visited with us on our last ride day of the 2021 season. The day was full of so many special visitors including a large group from the Georgia Garden Railroad Society. A special thanks to each of the North Georgia Live Steamers members who volunteered and ran trains throughout the day. We look forward to seeing everyone next year as the railroad comes alive again in the spring of 2022. In the meantime, don’t forget to visit our website and social media pages for the latest on what’s going on during the offseason.
A big thank you to everyone who came out and visited with us on our last ride day of the 2021 season. The day was full of so many special visitors including a large group from the Georgia Garden Railroad Society. A special thanks to each of the North Georgia Live Steamers members who volunteered and ran trains throughout the day. We look forward to seeing everyone next year as the railroad comes alive again in the spring of 2022. In the meantime, don’t forget to visit our website and social media pages for the latest on what’s going on during the offseason.
Mark you calendar for our 2022 Train Ride Dates
Come ride trains on Saturday, November 20th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive one final time for the 2021 season on Saturday, November 20th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Over the past two years the members and volunteers of North Georgia Live Steamers have been hard at work making changes to the railroad including the addition of nearly 1,000-feet of track to the railroad adding to the overall experience. Get your friends and family together and come out an enjoy riding trains on Saturday, November 20th from 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive one final time for the 2021 season on Saturday, November 20th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Over the past two years the members and volunteers of North Georgia Live Steamers have been hard at work making changes to the railroad including the addition of nearly 1,000-feet of track to the railroad adding to the overall experience. Get your friends and family together and come out an enjoy riding trains on Saturday, November 20th from 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad. Must be at least 18 months old or older. Sorry expectant mothers are not allowed to ride on the railroad. Cash Only. We also do NOT accept debit/credit cards.
For more information about Train Rides click here.
Shop container delivery and placement workday on Friday, November 19th
The day has finally come to take delivery and place containers that will become part of our shop and a member container. We will be placing three 40’ containers side by side and then place a 40’ high cube next to the member container area on the railroad. Bring tools, lunch, water, and a good sense of humor we are probably going to need all we can get as thing come together.
The day has finally come to take delivery and place containers that will become part of our shop and a member container. We will be placing three 40’ containers side by side and then place a 40’ high cube next to the member container area on the railroad. Bring tools, lunch, water, and a good sense of humor we are probably going to need all we can get as thing come together.
Impromptu workday recap for Monday, November 8th
On Monday, November 8th a small crew went to the site to complete the groundwork for the new club workshop containers and next member container. The crew, which consisted of Norm, Ben, “Bob”, Robby, Wes, and our favorite delivery guy Bill C., from Sheppard Trucking, who brought us about 18-tons of crusher run that was placed in between the forms where the shop containers are going. Rick also stopped by to jump into the story telling while Ben and “Bob” did a lot of the work. Next step is to take delivery and place the containers which is scheduled for Friday, November 19th. If you are looking for something to do on that Friday, come out and join in on the fun.
On Monday, November 8th a small crew went to the site to complete the groundwork for the new club workshop containers and next member container. The crew, which consisted of Norm, Ben, “Bob”, Robby, Wes, and our favorite delivery guy Bill C., from Sheppard Trucking, who brought us about 18-tons of crusher run that was placed in between the forms where the shop containers are going. Rick also stopped by to jump into the story telling while Ben and “Bob” did a lot of the work. Next step is to take delivery and place the containers which is scheduled for Friday, November 19th. If you are looking for something to do on that Friday, come out and join in on the fun.
The crew also pulled out a signal poll and trimmed it down to size in preparation for a restored signal head that Dave L. recently completed will be mounted on this poll. Looking forward to seeing more railroad structures around the railroad in the future.
Come ride trains on Saturday, November 20th from 1 P.M. to 4:30 P.M.
The railroad comes alive one final time for the 2021 season on Saturday, November 20th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Over the past two years the members and volunteers of North Georgia Live Steamers have been hard at work making changes to the railroad including the addition of nearly 1,000-feet of track to the railroad adding to the overall experience. Get your friends and family together and come out an enjoy riding trains on Saturday, November 20th from 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive one final time for the 2021 season on Saturday, November 20th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Over the past two years the members and volunteers of North Georgia Live Steamers have been hard at work making changes to the railroad including the addition of nearly 1,000-feet of track to the railroad adding to the overall experience. Get your friends and family together and come out an enjoy riding trains on Saturday, November 20th from 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad. Must be at least 18 months old or older. Sorry expectant mothers are not allowed to ride on the railroad. Cash Only. We also do NOT accept debit/credit cards.
For more information about Train Rides click here.
Railroad located at: 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway Northeast, Conyers, GA, 30013
1st Fall Meet at the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad is now history
Our first fall meet is in the books. A big thanks to everyone who attended and while we don’t have a lot of pictures from the weekend here is quick video of just some of the action on Saturday. For those that are planners our 2022 Fall Meet dates have already been set so mark your calendar for Thursday, October 20th through Sunday, October 23rd. Click here for more details.
Our first fall meet is in the books. A big thanks to everyone who attended and while we don’t have a lot of pictures from the weekend here is quick video of just some of the action on Saturday. For those that are planners our 2022 Fall Meet dates have already been set so mark your calendar for Thursday, October 20th through Sunday, October 23rd. Click here for more details.
If you attended the sites and have some pictures you’d like to share please forward to newsletter@northgeorgialivesteamers.org
Video Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1cZDs1ilZQ
Video recorded by Scott Moore
Prep day for 1st ever Fall meet on Saturday, October 16th
We are just days away from our first ever fall meet. We will have a workday on Saturday, October 16th to cut grass, perform track maintenance, and more. Make sure you bring tools, lunch, water, and a good sense of humor.
We are just days away from our first ever fall meet. We will have a workday on Saturday, October 16th to cut grass, perform track maintenance, and more. Make sure you bring tools, lunch, water, and a good sense of humor.
For more information regarding our fall meet click the button below.
Thank you for coming out and making the railroad come alive - Saturday, October 2, 2021
What an incredible day at the Conyers & Hightower Trail railroad with so many visitors after a nearly two year absence of running trains for everyone to enjoy. Over the past two years club members and volunteers worked on reconfiguring the railroad to provide such an incredible experience yesterday. The members of North Georgia Live Steamers and the many volunteers who helped make day possible we want to say thank you.
What an incredible day at the railroad with so many visitors after a nearly two year absence of running trains for everyone to enjoy. Over the past two years club members and volunteers worked on reconfiguring the railroad to provide such an incredible experience yesterday. The members of North Georgia Live Steamers and the many volunteers who helped make day possible we want to say thank you. For those interested in learning more about our group or are interested in joining visit our website at https://northgeorgialivesteamers.org/membership.
We look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad on November 20, 2021 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. weather permitting.
Train Ride countdown has begun. Just 4 more days until the railroad comes alive.
Just four more days until the railroad comes alive with steam engines, diesel locomotives, and lots of smiling faces. Over the past two years the volunteers have worked almost around the clock to make improvements and adjustments to the railroad. In fact, since May 2020 the North Georgia Live Steamers volunteers have worked 56 out of the last 70 weekend
Countdown To Train Rides
Just four more days until the railroad comes alive with steam engines, diesel locomotives, and lots of smiling faces. Over the past two years the volunteers have worked almost around the clock to make improvements and adjustments to the railroad. In fact, since May 2020 the North Georgia Live Steamers volunteers have worked 56 out of the last 70 weekends.
You, your friends, and family are invited to come rides trains as the railroad on Saturday, October 2nd from 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. Cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad. Must be at least 18 months old or older. Sorry expectant mothers are not allowed to ride on the railroad. Cash Only. We also do NOT accept debit/credit cards.
For more information about Train Rides click here.
Final clean up recap - Saturday, September 25, 2021
It was grass cutting day and final clean up around the railroad as we prepare to re-open the railroad for train rides after almost two years. The crew consisted of Gene, Robby, Wes, Norm, Dave L., and John T. The crew also repaired, leveled, and ballasted around the railroad. John and Robby also went around moving track panels out of the right of way area and picked up other construction items from all the work that has been done over the past two years.
It was grass cutting day and final clean up around the railroad as we prepare to re-open the railroad for train rides after almost two years. The crew consisted of Gene, Robby, Wes, Norm, Dave L., and John T. The crew also repaired, leveled, and ballasted around the railroad. John and Robby also went around moving track panels out of the right of way area and picked up other construction items from all the work that has been done over the past two years. The crew also looked at and debated the “Grandma” line project to try and figure out placement of switch and radius of curves needed. Bob C. conducted an engineer session on the club steamer with Dale certifying yet another engineer for the club steamers.
Now the countdown begins for Saturday, October 2nd. Please arrive as early as possible as we have a lot to setup and review with everyone since the railroad operates a little different than it did when we ran two years ago. An engineer meeting is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 2nd to review operating procedures. Make sure you bring two-way radios, and we have new whistles for club members.
Boiler Inspection Day Recap for Saturday, September 18, 2021
It is the one day a year that so of many our steam engines come together for one important purpose. The annual physical I mean boiler test. The steam engines go through a hydro test where the boiler is filled all the way and then we pump more in to make sure the tubes inside the boiler are functioning properly. While we pump more water in, we also do visual inspections for any water coming out of the boiler in areas that aren’t normal. After its all said and done the steam engines are fired up and operated mainly for fun.
It is the one day a year that so many of our steam engines come together for one important purpose. The annual physical I mean boiler test. The steam engines go through a hydro test where the boiler is filled all the way and then we pump more in to make sure the tubes inside the boiler are functioning properly. While we pump more water in, we also do visual inspections for any water coming out of the boiler in areas that aren’t normal. After its all said and done the steam engines are fired up and operated mainly for fun.
Other activities going on the railroad includes Scott making some adjustments of the existing signal system at the main crossing ahead of our first public run day in two years. Otherwise, the group hung out and swapped stories.
Come ride trains on Saturday, October 2nd from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
It has been two years since the railroad has come alive for train rides and during this time the members of North Georgia Live Steamers have been hard at work around the railroad which includes adding nearly 1,000-feet of track to the railroad. You, your friends, and family are invited to come rides trains as the railroad comes alive again on Saturday, October 2nd from 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
It has been two years since the railroad has come alive for train rides and during this time the members of North Georgia Live Steamers have been hard at work around the railroad which includes adding nearly 1,000-feet of track to the railroad. You, your friends, and family are invited to come rides trains as the railroad comes alive again on Saturday, October 2nd from 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad. Must be at least 18 months old or older. Sorry expectant mothers are not allowed to ride on the railroad. Cash Only. We also do NOT accept debit/credit cards.
For more information about Train Rides click here.
Another busy workday recap for Saturday, September 11, 2021
Another busy workday around the railroad as we get another weekend closer to re-opening the railroad after nearly two years. Today’s work consisted of installing the fencing at the station, installing a drainpipe in the drive way, installing new insulators for signal system, gauge 1 guys worked on the track, and preparing the replacement truck for the sulky to round out just a few things done today.
Another busy workday around the railroad as we get another weekend closer to re-opening the railroad after nearly two years. Today’s work consisted of installing the fencing at the station, installing a drainpipe in the drive way, installing new insulators for signal system, gauge 1 guys worked on the track, and preparing the replacement truck for the sulky to round out just a few things done today. A few members of the crew also spent time identifying what is needed to start work on the “Grandma” line which includes build a curved switch. The crew consisted of Wes, John, Scott, Norm, Ben, Rick, “Bob”, Dave E., Tyler, Calvin, Carl, and others.
The crew installed more than 120’ of fencing to help mark off the new station loading area just in time for the railroad to re-open on October 2nd.
A new drain was installed today to help drain off excess rainwater from the loading area out towards the east loop. A new catch basis is also in the works so be on the lookout for the cones on the east side of the driveway.
Last week the truck under the sulky finally wore out and a new sulky arrive today with brakes and getting a paint job before getting installed under the sulking in the coming days.
The passenger line is now complete - Workday recap for Saturday, September 4, 2021
What an incredible day. After 42 workdays over 14 months of work the passenger line is now complete. Today’s crew consisted of Wes, Gene, “Bob2”, Scott, Norm, David E., and Robby installed the last 55’ of track.
What an incredible day. After 42 workdays over 14 months of work the passenger line is now complete. Today’s crew consisted of Wes, Gene, “Bob2”, Scott, Norm, David E., and Robby installed the last 55’ of track. They also cleaned up some areas with additional gravel and fill to reduce any drainage issues in the area. Next on the list of to-do’s includes grade crossing lights at the pedestrian crossing along with a switch motor for the station bypass track.
Scott was able to capture the last buck of 57 being dumped on the passenger line project as the crew put the finishing touches on the project. Not sure why Norm is scratching his head other than maybe thinking about what the next project will be.
David E. and Robby took the first ride on the completed passenger line all the way through the new station area. They looked like two kids in a candy store. Just saying.
We did run into an issue with the club diesel towards the end of the day. Let’s just say that the engine is fine but the truck under the sulky isn’t. One of the axles has warn to a point it came out of the side frame. Norm took the truck and is going to get it fixed until them just know the club diesel is not available until the sulky is fixed.
Workday recap for Thursday, September 2, 2021 - Only 6 more panels to complete the passenger line project
We had a rare workday during the week today as a small crew went out and finished ballasting, leveling, fixing drainage, and setting forms so the final 6 panels will go in easy during our next workday. The crew consisted of Ben, “Bob”, Peter, Dave E., Norm, Wes, and Robby. The crew focused on a few different areas throughout the day starting with finishing ballasting from the end of the passenger station area and worked towards the pedestrian crossing.
We had a rare workday during the week today as a small crew went out and finished ballasting, leveling, fixing drainage, and setting forms so the final 6 panels will go in easy during our next workday. The crew consisted of Ben, “Bob”, Peter, Dave E., Norm, Wes, and Robby. The crew focused on a few different areas throughout the day starting with finishing ballasting from the end of the passenger station area and worked towards the pedestrian crossing. They also worked on addressing some major drainage areas by the bridges as the most recent rain had washed out some area next to the bypass track again. Additional gravel was spread in other areas to help with drainage between the passenger line and the bypass track along with providing some better footing when people get on an off a train in the station area.
All in all, a very productive day which means that our next workday will complete the passenger line project and perform some track work on the bypass track.
On another note don’t forget that we have our annual boiler inspection and railroad safety check on Saturday, September 18th. Be on the look out for additional details. The railroad safety check is intended to change all railroad equipment and identify any track work that needs to be completed before our planned re-open on Saturday, October 2nd.
Do You Shop at Kroger's? You Could Be Raising Money For North Georgia Live Steamers
If you shop at Kroger's, your everyday purchases could turn donations to the North Georgia Live Steamers. All you do is register and use your Kroger card every time you shop at Kroger's.
If you shop at Kroger's, your everyday purchases could turn donations to the North Georgia Live Steamers. All you do is register and use your Kroger card every time you shop at Kroger's.
How do you register your card? Simply click on the link below and login to your account. Under the Community Rewards program you will find a button that says, "re-Enroll Now". Type in North Georgia Live Steamers and you are in business. Make sure you tell all your friends about this great opportunity.
Here is the link to the reward program: Kroger Community Rewards program.
Remember spread the word to your friends and family and make sure they register North Georgia Live Steamers as a Kroger Community Reward recipient. If you have a hard time getting your Kroger Plus card associated with North Georgia Live Steamers you may also use this reference number which will also pull up North Georgia Live Steamers on the Kroger site. Our Kroger Community reference number is 45942.
If you have any questions regarding how the program works please visit Kroger Community Rewards for additional information.
Checkout the latest steam engine to hit the rails during our club fun day on Saturday, August 28, 2021
Well in typical fashion our “Summer Nights” club fun run was more like a “Summer Daytime” club fun day. The day saw many familiar faces, trains, and a new Consolidation making its debut around the railroad. Here is a video of Gene and Joan taking the locomotive out on the railroad giving it a good workout. A few special engineers also got the opportunity to be an engineer and took it for a few laps around the railroad.
Well in typical fashion our “Summer Nights” club fun run was more like a “Summer Daytime” club fun day. The day saw many familiar faces, trains, and a new Consolidation making its debut around the railroad. Here is a video of Gene and Joan taking the locomotive out on the railroad giving it a good workout. A few members also got to be the engineer and took it for a few laps around the railroad.
Passenger Line project workday recap for Saturday, August 21, 2021
This past Saturday, August 21st was another product workday. The crew which consisted of Rick, Ben, “Bob”, Gene, Scott, Norm, Tyler, and Robby where able to set forms for the remaining 170’ of track, crusher run for about 130’ feet and about 90’ of track. With the progress the crew made we are so very close to completing the passenger line project just in time for our re-opening plans for our first public run day in two years.
This past Saturday, August 21st was another product workday. The crew which consisted of Rick, Ben, “Bob”, Gene, Scott, Norm, Peter, Tyler, and Robby where able to set forms for the remaining 170’ of track, crusher run for about 130’ feet and about 90’ of track. With the progress the crew made we are so very close to completing the passenger line project just in time for our re-opening plans for our first public run day in two years.
Meanwhile, Scott continued to work on the new drain coming out the yard and filled in some washout we had with all the recent rains near the bridges.
With all that has been done one more workday with a good size crew would complete the passenger line project. Our next scheduled workday will be on Saturday, September 11th but one is being discussed for Saturday, September 4th so be on the lookout. Speaking of scheduled events our annual “Summer Night Run” for club members and invited guests will be on Saturday, August 28th.
Workday scheduled for this Saturday, August 21st - "The Final Countdown"
We are in the final few workdays to complete the passenger line project. At this point we have installed more than 700’ of track and all we lack to finish is 170’. We invite you to bring friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and anyone you can find looking for something to do this Saturday, August 21st at 8:30 a.m. to help with installing. At this point the grading has been done which leaves putting forms then we are off to installing track. Make sure you bring water, lunch, cordless drills, knee pads, and a good sense of humor.
We are in the final few workdays to complete the passenger line project. At this point we have installed more than 700’ of track and all we lack to finish is 170’. We invite you to bring friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and anyone you can find looking for something to do this Saturday, August 21st at 8:30 a.m. to help with installing. At this point the grading has been done which leaves putting forms then we are off to installing track. Make sure you bring water, lunch, cordless drills, knee pads, and a good sense of humor.
Impromptu Workday recap for Saturday, August 14, 2021
On Saturday, August 14th we began the last 170’ of preparation work needed to complete the passenger line project. Gene, “Bob2”, Norm, and Robby came out to do grading work ahead of our next official workday which is on Saturday, August 21st. Dave E. was out, and he continued to work on making sure the new drain that was installed has a place to drain into the “dry pond” area under the bridges on the west end of the railroad. Dave and Dale also spent a little time looking at Dave’s locomotive in preparation of our annual club fun night event on August 28th.
On Saturday, August 14th we began the last 170’ of preparation work needed to complete the passenger line project. Gene, “Bob2”, Norm, and Robby came out to do grading work ahead of our next official workday which is on Saturday, August 21st. Dave E. was out, and he continued to work on making sure the new drain coming out of the yard had a good way to drain into the “dry pond” area under the bridges on the west end of the railroad. Dave E. and Dale also spent a little time working on Dave’s locomotive in preparation of our annual club fun night event which is scheduled for Saturday, August 28th.
Mark your calendars as we make a big push to complete the passenger line on Saturday, August 21st. Make sure you bring plenty of water, tools, a lunch, knee pads, and a great sense of humor. The weather is supposed to be a little cooler which should allow us to make some good progress.
