Get involved in the "Grandma Line" project this winter
Are you looking for a winter project around the railroad you can get involved in? The “Grandma Line” project team is looking for volunteers to come out and help make some major progress on the long talked about “Grandma Line.” If you are interested in help please contact John T. for more information regarding the workday schedule. The crew will need help with everything from building track panels, switches, moving dirt, and building a retaining wall. Opportunities for everyone to get involved.
This is just one of several projects going on around the railroad this winter so don’t hesitate to get involved.
Are you looking for a winter project around the railroad you can get involved in? The “Grandma Line” project team is looking for volunteers to come out and help make some major progress on the long talked about “Grandma Line.” If you are interested in help please contact John T. for more information regarding the workday schedule. The crew will need help with everything from building track panels, switches, moving dirt, and building a retaining wall. Opportunities for everyone to get involved.
This is just one of several projects going on around the railroad this winter so don’t hesitate to get involved.
The Board of Directors want to thank our members, volunteers, and visitors for making our 2023 season a success.
The Board of Directors want to thank our members, volunteers, and visitors for making our 2023 season a success. Without each one of you our not-for-profit educational organization would not be possible. Our all-volunteer team work hard year-round on projects including performing maintenance on both our steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, track work, and other railroad related projects. Our NGLS members also work on personal trains, scale structures, and more which are used during our train ride events and without those items the railroad would not operate. If you or someone you know are interested in becoming a member, please visit our website for more information.
The money raised during our train ride day event goes right back into the railroad which then helps us fund projects such as performing maintenance, building structures, and expanding the railroad. If you are interested in donating to North Georgia Live Steamers, please visit our donation page for more information about our not-for-profit organization. We look forward to seeing you during our 2024 season. Our schedule for the 2024 season will be announced in January. Again, thank you for coming out and supporting the railroad.
The Board of Directors want to thank our members, volunteers, and visitors for making our 2023 season a success. Without each one of you our not-for-profit educational organization would not be possible. Our all-volunteer team work hard year-round on projects including performing maintenance on both our steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, track work, and other railroad related projects. Our NGLS members also work on personal trains, scale structures, and more which are used during our train ride events and without those items the railroad would not operate. If you or someone you know are interested in becoming a member, please visit our website for more information.
The money raised during our train ride days goes right back into the railroad which then helps us fund projects such as performing maintenance, building structures, expanding the railroad, and more. If you are interested in donating to North Georgia Live Steamers, please visit our donation page for more information about our not-for-profit organization. We look forward to seeing you during our 2024 season. Our schedule for the 2024 season will be announced in January. Again, thank you for coming out and supporting the railroad.
Come ride trains on Saturday, November 4th from 1 P.M. to 4:30 P.M.
The railroad comes alive one last time on Saturday, November 4th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
The railroad comes alive one last time on Saturday, November 4th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
Public Run Day Recap for Saturday, October 7, 2023
What an incredible day we had this past Saturday. The day started out with beautiful weather and friends from Georgia Garden Railway Society (GGRS) stopping by before all the festivities began. We had three steam engines and a two diesels running the rails providing a lot of variety for everyone to ride.
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for our last run day on Saturday, November 4th from 1 to 4:30 p.m. - Train Ride Info.
What an incredible day we had this past Saturday. The day started out with beautiful weather and friends from Georgia Garden Railway Society (GGRS) stopping by before all the festivities began. We had three steam engines and a two diesels running the rails providing a lot of variety for everyone to ride.
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for our last run day on Saturday, November 4th from 1 to 4:30 p.m. - Train Ride Info.
Did you know that the railroad was built by an all-volunteer group using donations and income earned during events like our run days. North Georgia Live Steamers is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization which means donation are tax deductible. Your donation will help keep the railroad alive and support current and future projects. You can make a donation by mail to: North Georgia Live Steamers, P.O. Box 1809, Conyers, GA 30012 or online by click the donate button below. Thank you for your consideration.
Video provided by Mike Driskell
Videos provided by Dan Long
Come ride trains this Saturday, October 7th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive again this Saturday, October 7th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The volunteers have been hard at work making improvements to the railroad and working on a few rail cars along. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
The railroad comes alive again this Saturday, October 7th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The volunteers have been hard at work making improvements to the railroad and working on a few rail cars along. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
Come ride trains on Saturday, October 7th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive again on Saturday, October 7th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The volunteers have been hard at work over the summer months making improvements to the railroad and working on a few rail cars as well. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
The railroad comes alive again on Saturday, October 7th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The volunteers have been hard at work over the summer months making improvements to the railroad and working on a few rail cars as well. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
We invite you to take a virtual ride on our railroad and then come out and ride with us this fall.
During our hot summer night event on August 26, 2023, we took a video to show off our railroad from start to finish. The railroad comes alive again this fall for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendar and come out on Saturday, October 7th and Saturday, November 4th from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad. Cash Only. For more information about our train ride events visit https://northgeorgialivesteamers.org/trainrideinfo
During our hot summer night event on August 26, 2023, we took a video to show off our railroad from start to finish. The railroad comes alive again this fall for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendar and come out on Saturday, October 7th and Saturday, November 4th from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad. Cash Only. For more information about our train ride events visit https://northgeorgialivesteamers.org/trainrideinfo
Come ride trains on Saturday, October 7th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive again on Saturday, October 7th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The volunteers have been hard at work over the summer months making improvements to the railroad and working on a few rail cars as well. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
The railroad comes alive again on Saturday, October 7th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The volunteers have been hard at work over the summer months making improvements to the railroad and working on a few rail cars as well. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
Work on the Grandma Line resumed this past Saturday, September 9th
Work has begun again on what we call the Grandma Line. For those that are not familiar with this project the Grandma Line will eventually allows us to shift part of the mainline through the woods and away from the yard as trains travel West to East on the inner loop near the yard. When complete it will also allow trains traveling East to West to stay out of the yard as well.
This project started as a conversation a few years ago and John T. has taken the conversation and made it a personal project to work on during his many weekend trips to the railroad when we don’t normally have an official workday scheduled. This past Saturday was no different as he and Wes worked on moving the old retaining wall so the Grandma Line can be installed where the current retaining wall is today in the future. John and Wes spent the day pulling some of the rotten ties out, salvaging what they could and adding five new ties that John donated. Here are a few pictures from today’s work. If you would like to help John with this project or help by donating replacement railroad ties for the retaining wall let us know. At this time John is estimating another 25 - 30 ties needed.
Work has begun again on what we call the Grandma Line. For those that are not familiar with this project the Grandma Line will eventually allows us to shift part of the mainline through the woods and away from the yard as trains travel West to East on the inner loop near the yard. When complete it will also allow trains traveling East to West to stay out of the yard as well.
This project started as a conversation a few years ago and John T. has taken the conversation and made it a personal project to work on during his many weekend trips to the railroad when we don’t normally have an official workday scheduled. This past Saturday was no different as he and Wes worked on moving the old retaining wall so the Grandma Line can be installed where the current retaining wall is today in the future. John and Wes spent the day pulling some of the rotten ties out, salvaging what they could and adding five new ties that John donated. Here are a few pictures from today’s work. If you would like to help John with this project or help by donating replacement railroad ties for the retaining wall let us know. At this time John is estimating another 25 - 30 ties needed.
Correction: Boiler Inspection and Workday on Saturday, September 16th at 8:30 a.m.
Our next workday and annual boiler inspection will be on Saturday, September 16th at 8:30 a.m. This is one of only two workdays scheduled before our next public run day, which is on Saturday, October 7th. We will need help with track maintenance, property maintenance (grass cutting), railroad equipment maintenance, and more. We need to make sure all club equipment is operational before our next public run day. If you plan on having a boiler inspection, please arrive by 8:30 a.m. so the inspector doesn’t have to wait to long for us to get things unloaded and ready.
Our next workday and annual boiler inspection will be on Saturday, September 16th at 8:30 a.m. This is one of only two workdays scheduled before our next public run day, which is on Saturday, October 7th. We will need help with track maintenance, property maintenance (grass cutting), railroad equipment maintenance, and more. We need to make sure all club equipment is operational before our next public run day. If you plan on having a boiler inspection, please arrive by 8:30 a.m. so the inspector doesn’t have to wait to long for us to get things unloaded and ready.
Mark your calendar for our Fall Train Ride events on Saturday, October 7th and November 4th
Back to school is in full swing and as the fall activities get underway don’t forget to come out to the railroad on Saturday, October 7th or Saturday, November 4th and ride the railroad from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This fall brings an exciting new steam locomotive to the railroad giving you more reasons to come out and spend the afternoon with us. Don’t forget to bring family and friends with you. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
Back to school is in full swing and as the fall activities get underway don’t forget to come out to the railroad on Saturday, October 7th or Saturday, November 4th and ride the railroad from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This fall brings an exciting new steam locomotive to the railroad giving you more reasons to come out and spend the afternoon with us. Don’t forget to bring family and friends with you. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
Canceled - Workday scheduled for Saturday, August 19, 2023
The workday scheduled for Saturday August 19th has been canceled. However, members are still encouraged to go out and take on a special project that you’ve been wanting to do. Our next regularly scheduled will be Saturday, September 16th at 8:30 a.m.
The workday scheduled for Saturday August 19th has been canceled. However, members are still encouraged to go out and take on a special project that you’ve been wanting to do. Our next regularly scheduled will be Saturday, September 16th at 8:30 a.m.
Support through Give with Microsoft Bing
North Georgia Live Steamers is a non-profit educational organization, and our all-volunteer staff rely on our public run day events and donations from individuals like you to make it all happen. We recently partnered up with Microsoft Rewards which lets you support North Georgia Live Steamers through its Give with Bing program. After signing up and selecting our organization, you can earn rewards points just for searching the web with Bing. Microsoft then turns those points into cash donations to us.
The program is free--you just need to sign up with a Microsoft account.
North Georgia Live Steamers is a non-profit educational organization, and our all-volunteer staff rely on our public run day events and donations from individuals like you to make it all happen. We recently partnered up with Microsoft Rewards which lets you support North Georgia Live Steamers through its Give with Bing program. After signing up and selecting our organization, you can earn rewards points just for searching the web with Bing. Microsoft then turns those points into cash donations to us.
The program is free--you just need to sign up with a Microsoft account.
Bridge Rebuilt Recap for Saturday, July 15, 2023
What an incredibly productive and hot day. We had a large turnout including three new volunteers who showed up to help us rebuild one of our bridges. We started off strong but ran into a small bump along with way. The team went into action to identify a solution, and everyone sprang into action. By the time we broke for lunch the bridge was about 90% complete and shortly after lunch was complete. Efforts will be made to identify if any of our other bridges need work and will address those overtime.
What an incredibly productive and hot day. We had a large turnout including three new volunteers who showed up to help us rebuild one of our bridges. We started off strong but ran into a small bump along with way. The team went into action to identify a solution, and everyone sprang into action. By the time we broke for lunch the bridge was about 90% complete and shortly after lunch was complete. Efforts will be made to identify if any of our other bridges need work and will address those overtime.
Saturday is the big day to come out and volunteer to rebuild a bridge starting at 8:30 a.m.
Our big volunteer day is this Saturday starting at 8:30 a.m. as we work on rebuilding one of our four bridges that has a long history with NGLS. Help us preserve this bridge and put the railroad back in operation quickly. All of our bridges were installed more than 30 years ago when the railroad was in a different location but has been operating in our current home for more than 10 years. The plan is to do in place repairs of the bridge pictured in a single day. Most of the prep work has been done which should allow us to get things apart and put back together hopefully by lunch time. The more volunteers we have the quicker we can put things back together and reopen the railroad. If you aren’t sure what you can do the first thing is to simply show up. Make sure you bring plenty of water, a lunch, cordless drills, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor. If you have any questions about volunteering, click on the button below and contact our volunteer coordinator.
Our big volunteer day is this Saturday starting at 8:30 a.m. as we work on rebuilding one of our four bridges that has a long history with NGLS. Help us preserve this bridge and put the railroad back in operation quickly. All of our bridges were installed more than 30 years ago when the railroad was in a different location but has been operating in our current home for more than 10 years. The plan is to do in place repairs of the bridge pictured in a single day. Most of the prep work has been done which should allow us to get things apart and put back together hopefully by lunch time. The more volunteers we have the quicker we can put things back together and reopen the railroad. If you aren’t sure what you can do the first thing is to simply show up. Make sure you bring plenty of water, a lunch, cordless drills, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor. If you have any questions about volunteering, click on the button below and contact our volunteer coordinator.
In other news plans are finally in place to start construction on the shop. Many of you know that we have been delayed on this project for a variety of reasons including the discover that one of the containers was built differently and not usable in the way we had planned. The good news is a plan has been put in place so we can now get started. Phase one of the project will include running power in to container one, which is closest to the street, and water. This will require trenching from the grey container to the shop containers so we can get electricity into the shop. We will also be running a water line to the containers from the water line near the Breezeway. We are finalizing our supply list and equipment availability and then will announce our workday plans.
Reminder: Next Workday scheduled for Saturday, July 15th at 8:30 a.m.
Our next regularly scheduled workday will be on Saturday, July 15th. The day will be focused on performing necessary maintenance on one of our bridges which was originally installed when the railroad was in Duluth more than 30 years ago before being installed at our current location. The repairs will require a near in place rebuild which means the more volunteers we have the quicker we can get the railroad back in operation. We are already picking up supplies for the repair and will be cutting tie material ahead of our workday in order to make the repairs go quicker.
Our next regularly scheduled workday will be on Saturday, July 15th. The day will be focused on performing necessary maintenance on one of our bridges which was originally installed when the railroad was in Duluth more than 30 years ago before being installed at our current location. The repairs will require a near in place rebuild which means the more volunteers we have the quicker we can get the railroad back in operation. We are already picking up supplies for the repair and will be cutting tie material ahead of our workday in order to make the repairs go quicker.
In other news plans are finally in place to start construction on the shop. Many of you know that we have been delayed on this project for a variety of reasons including the discover that one of the containers was built differently and not usable in the way we had planned. The good news is a plan has been put in place so we can now get started. Phase one of the project will include running power in to container one, which is closest to the street, and water. This will require trenching from the grey container to the shop containers so we can get electricity into the shop. We will also be running a water line to the containers from the water line near the Breezeway. We are finalizing our supply list and equipment availability and then will announce our workday plans.
Upcoming workday plans announced and shop project update
Our next regularly scheduled workday will be on Saturday, July 15th with additional workdays to be announced soon. The July 15th workday will be focused on performing necessary maintenance on one of our bridges which was originally installed when the railroad was in Duluth more than 30 years ago. The repairs will require a near in place rebuild which means the more volunteers we have the quicker we can get the railroad back in operation.
Our next regularly scheduled workday will be on Saturday, July 15th with additional workdays to be announced soon. The July 15th workday will be focused on performing necessary maintenance on one of our bridges which was originally installed when the railroad was in Duluth more than 30 years ago before being installed at our current location. The repairs will require a near in place rebuild which means the more volunteers we have the quicker we can get the railroad back in operation. We are already picking up supplies for the repair and will be cutting tie material ahead of our workday in order to make the repairs go quicker.
In other news plans are finally in place to start construction on the shop. Many of you know that we have been delayed on this project for a variety of reasons including the discover that one of the containers was built differently and not usable in the way we had planned. The good news is a plan has been put in place so we can now get started. Phase one of the project will include running power in to container one, which is closest to the street, and water. This will require trenching from the grey container to the shop containers so we can get electricity into the shop. We will also be running a water line to the containers from the water line near the Breezeway. We are finalizing our supply list and equipment availability and then will announce our workday plans.
Father's Day Club Fun Day Recap for Saturday, June 17, 2023
Saturday marked our annual Father’s Day club fun day. We had a great crowd throughout the day with everyone grinning ear to ear as they played with trains. Here are just a few pictures and videos of the day.
The day also marked a big milestone for member container #4 as the track work is now complete going into the container. The bridge and receiver were welded earlier in the week and installed on Friday allowing the last 100’ of track to be installed Friday evening and Saturday. With the completion of container #4 track the crew was able to get the red container track back in service as well. In the coming weeks and months some additional work will take place to complete two additional storage tracks on either side of Member Container #4 which when complete will provide more than 100’ of additional track for visiting trains to park and even recharge. Be on the lookout for a request for help to finish these items so we are ready for our Fall Meet in October.
Saturday marked our annual Father’s Day club fun day. We had a great crowd throughout the day with everyone grinning ear to ear as they played with trains. Here are just a few pictures and videos of the day.
The day also marked a big milestone for member container #4 as the track work is now complete going into the container. The bridge and receiver were welded earlier in the week and installed on Friday allowing the last 100’ of track to be installed Friday evening and Saturday. With the completion of container #4 track the crew was able to get the red container track back in service as well. In the coming weeks and months some additional work will take place to complete two additional storage tracks on either side of Member Container #4 which when complete will provide more than 100’ of additional track for visiting trains to park and even recharge. Be on the lookout for a request for help to finish these items so we are ready for our Fall Meet in October.
The smaller side of the NGLS railroad
Playing with trains is certainly what we do but did you know we operate two different scale railroads? We operate both 1:8 scale and Gauge-1. Here is a great video, from Dave L., showing our Gauge-1 railroad operating with 1:8 scale trains running in the background during our public run day on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Playing with trains is certainly what we do but did you know we operate two different scale railroads? We operate both 1:8 scale and Gauge-1. Here is a great video, from Dave L., showing our Gauge-1 railroad operating with 1:8 scale trains running in the background during our public run day on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about our railroad and how to get involved send us a note. Click here for more information.
Train Ride Day Recap for Saturday, May 20, 2023
What a beautiful day we ended up having. The weather forecast changed by the minute all week but by Saturday the skies cleared, and the trains came out. Our all-volunteer crew showed up early and got the railroad ready for operation. Check out the pictures and videos from both of our railroads in operation.
As the railroad opened one of our long-time volunteers LaVay made it out to help with the station. His stories and tails are always a fan favorite. The railroad ran very well with four trains running strong all day giving many of our passengers an opportunity to ride every train multiple times. Checkout the pictures and videos of the day.
What a beautiful day we ended up having. The weather forecast changed by the minute all week but by Saturday the skies cleared, and the trains came out. Our all-volunteer crew showed up early and got the railroad ready for operation. Check out the pictures and videos from both of our railroads in operation.
As the railroad opened one of our long-time volunteers LaVay made it out to help out with the station. His stories and tails are always a fan favorite. The railroad ran very well with four trains running strong all day giving many of our passengers an opportunity to ride every train multiple times.
If you were a visitor to the railroad and are interested in volunteering or becoming a club member check out our membership page for more information regarding our railroad.
As we transition to summer activities around the railroad don’t forget to put our next two run days on your calendar. We are planning on debuting a new steam engine to the railroad this Fall, and you are not going to want to miss the fun and excitement.