A Look Back at an Incredible 2025
As the steam settles on another great year, we’re proud to look back at everything that made 2025 such a memorable season for North Georgia Live Steamers. This year was a perfect blend of progress, public outreach, and hard work.
As the steam settles on another great year, we’re proud to look back at everything that made 2025 such a memorable season for North Georgia Live Steamers. This year was a perfect blend of progress, public outreach, and hard work.
Big Milestone: The Opening of the Grandma Line
One of the biggest highlights of 2025 was the long-awaited opening of the Grandma Line. This achievement was the result of countless hours of planning, track work, problem-solving, and teamwork. Seeing trains roll over new rail and watching members and visitors enjoy the line made every shovel of dirt and spike driven worthwhile. The Grandma Line now stands as a lasting contribution to our railroad and a testament to what we can accomplish together.
Public Run Days: Sharing the Railroad
Our Public Run Days were another major success this year. These events are at the heart of our mission—sharing live steam railroading with the community. From first-time riders with huge smiles to returning visitors who make it a tradition, Public Run Days in 2025 reminded us why we do what we do. Thanks to the members who ran trains, helped with loading, answered questions, and made everyone feel welcome.
Fall Meet: Trains, Friends, and Traditions
The Fall Meet once again brought together members and guests for days full of steam, diesel, conversation, and camaraderie. Engines ran, projects were shown off, knowledge was shared, and friendships were strengthened. Whether you were on the throttle, behind the scenes, or just soaking it all in, the Fall Meet was a highlight of the year.
Workdays: Building the Railroad
Behind every great run day is a lot of behind-the-scenes effort. Workdays in 2025 kept the railroad running strong—track maintenance, improvements, clean-up, and ongoing projects all benefited from dedicated volunteers. These days weren’t just about work; they were about learning, laughing, and building something together.
Campfire Moments: The Heart of the Club
Some of the best memories weren’t on the rails at all. Evenings spent hanging around the campfire, swapping stories, solving the world’s problems, and enjoying each other’s company are what truly make North Georgia Live Steamers special. These moments remind us that the club is as much about people as it is about trains.
❤️ Thank You to Our Members and guests
None of this would have been possible without the passion, time, and generosity of our members and supporters. Every spike driven, engine fired, burger grilled, and story told helped make 2025 a year to remember.
Here’s to the memories we made—and to even more steam, smiles, and friendship in 2026.
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Closing Out 2025 with Gratitude and Excitement for 2026
As we prepare to close out 2025, the members of North Georgia Live Steamers, our Board of Directors, and our many dedicated volunteers would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who supports our club, our railroad, and the live steam train hobby as a whole.
This past year has once again reminded us that what we enjoy at the railroad is only possible because of the time, effort, and passion contributed by so many people. From maintaining track and equipment, operating trains, planning events, welcoming guests, and supporting the club behind the scenes, every contribution, big or small, plays an important role. The railroad truly is a reflection of the collective commitment and craftsmanship of its members and volunteers.
We would also like to offer a special and heartfelt thank you to the many visitors who joined us in 2025.
As we prepare to close out 2025, the members of North Georgia Live Steamers, our Board of Directors, and our many dedicated volunteers would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who supports our club, our railroad, and the live steam train hobby as a whole.
This past year has once again reminded us that what we enjoy at the railroad is only possible because of the time, effort, and passion contributed by so many people. From maintaining track and equipment, operating trains, planning events, welcoming guests, and supporting the club behind the scenes, every contribution, big or small, plays an important role. The railroad truly is a reflection of the collective commitment and craftsmanship of its members and volunteers.
We would also like to offer a special and heartfelt thank you to the many visitors who joined us in 2025. Your enthusiasm, smiles, questions, and excitement each time you rode the railroad are what make sharing this hobby so rewarding. Seeing families, children, and first-time riders experience live steam for the first time is a reminder of why we do what we do. Your support and participation help keep the railroad active and thriving.
As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited about another year of fun, fellowship, and steam around the railroad. We look forward to continuing to improve and maintain the line, spending time with friends old and new, and welcoming the public during our four train ride events throughout the year. We’re excited to once again share the sights, sounds, and experience of live steam with our community.
Thank you all for being part of North Georgia Live Steamers—your support, dedication, and enthusiasm make this club, railroad, and hobby truly special. We can’t wait to see what the new year brings and to share many more great days at the railroad together. 🚂✨
Reminder: 2026 NGLS Online Voting closes on Friday, January 9th at 6 p.m. and meeting on Saturday, January 10th
Voting for the 2026 board is now open to all FULL Members who are NOT planning on attending the January 10, 2026, meeting (New Date). The nominees for the 2026 board were voted on during our December 6, 2025, meeting, and because some positions only had a single nominee, those individuals automatically are elected to the 2026 board in accordance with our bylaws.
Voting for the 2026 board is now open to all FULL Members who are NOT planning on attending the January 10, 2026, meeting. The nominees for the 2026 board were voted on during our December 6, 2025, meeting, and because some positions only had a single nominee, those individuals automatically are elected to the 2026 board in accordance with our bylaws.
As a reminder, only members who have a FULL membership status are eligible to vote and must have paid dues prior to the vote being taken during our January 10, 2026, meeting.
Dues can be mailed to:
North Georgia Live Steamers
P.O. Box 1809
Conyers, GA 30012
Dues for the 2026 season will also be taken during our January 10th meeting.
Yearly Dues
Full Membership: $75
Associate Membership: $50
Junior Membership: $25
To cast your vote, click the link and complete the online ballot or fill out the form below. (https://tinyurl.com/ngls2026voting). All online votes must be received by 6 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026.
Grandma Line Repairs and Railroad Updates
A small crew was out at the railroad on Saturday, December 27, completing repair work on the Grandma Line switch, along with additional maintenance and planning activities.
We’re happy to report that the Grandma Line switch has been repaired and is fully operational. For anyone attending the annual New Year’s Day Club Fun Run, please be sure to go through the Grandma Line switch slowly the first time to confirm everything is tracking correctly.
A small crew was out at the railroad on Saturday, December 27, completing repair work on the Grandma Line switch, along with additional maintenance and planning activities.
We’re happy to report that the Grandma Line switch has been repaired and is fully operational. For anyone attending the annual New Year’s Day Club Fun Run, please be sure to go through the Grandma Line switch slowly the first time to confirm everything is tracking correctly.
While on site, the crew also noticed several rail joints with larger-than-normal gaps in various areas of the railroad. As a precaution, please take the railroad slowly during your first lap or two to ensure there are no issues.
The largest gap is located coming out of the yard on Track 1 (the old mainline), approximately 30 feet before the bridge.
This issue will be addressed during a future workday; however, please exercise caution when operating on this section in the meantime.
Additionally, a switch template was accidentally left on the railroad near the clubhouse containers on Saturday. It simply needs to be moved off the railroad and placed on the ground, clear of the mainline.
Finally, a reminder that our club meeting has been moved from Saturday, January 3, to Saturday, January 10, at 1:00 p.m. Weather permitting, the meeting will be held at the railroad.
I hope everyone is having a great holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you at the Fun Run.
Correction: Club Fun Day - New Year's Day, January 1, 2026 (Private Event)
New Years Day Club Fun Day Correction
Start the New Year off right and blow of a little left-over steam on Thursday, January 1st at any time. The day is for family, friends, and other invited guests.
Note: Club Fun Days and the Fall Meet are NOTpublic run day events. These days are reserved for our group to enjoy the railroad with friends, family, invited guests, and those in the hobby.
New Years Day Club Fun Day
Start the New Year off right and blow of a little left-over steam on Thursday, January 1st at any time. The day is for family, friends, and other invited guests.
Note: Club Fun Days and the Fall Meet are NOT public run day events. These days are reserved for our group to enjoy the railroad with friends, family, invited guests, and those in the hobby.
Club Fun Day - New Year's Day, January 1, 2026 (Private Event)
New Years Day Club Fun Day
Start the New Year off right and blow of a little left-over steam on Thursday, January 1st at any time. The day is for family, friends, and other invited guests.
Note: Club Fun Days and the Fall Meet are NOT public run day events. These days are reserved for our group to enjoy the railroad with friends, family, invited guests, and those in the hobby.
New Years Day Club Fun Day
Start the New Year off right and blow of a little left-over steam on Thursday, January 1st at any time. The day is for family, friends, and other invited guests.
Note: Club Fun Days and the Fall Meet are NOT public run day events. These days are reserved for our group to enjoy the railroad with friends, family, invited guests, and those in the hobby.
Merry Christmas from North Georgia Live Steamers
The Board of Directors and the members of North Georgia Live Steamers would like to extend our warmest wishes to you and your family this holiday season.
As we reflect on the past year, we are grateful for the friendships, dedication, and shared passion that make our organization such a special community. Your support and enthusiasm help keep the spirit of live steam and railroading alive for generations to come.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas filled with joy, peace, and time well spent with loved ones, and a Happy New Year full of good health, happiness, and exciting journeys ahead. We look forward to seeing you trackside in the coming year.
The Board of Directors and the members of North Georgia Live Steamers would like to extend our warmest wishes to you and your family this holiday season.
As we reflect on the past year, we are grateful for the friendships, dedication, and shared passion that make our organization such a special community. Your support and enthusiasm help keep the spirit of live steam and railroading alive for generations to come.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas filled with joy, peace, and time well spent with loved ones, and a Happy New Year full of good health, happiness, and exciting journeys ahead. We look forward to seeing you trackside in the coming year.
Not Quite Back to the North Pole—Santa’s Helpers Visit the Railroad
It’s hard to believe the holiday season is already wrapping up—Christmas has flown by and New Year’s is right around the corner! 🎄✨
If you’re free on Saturday, December 27, a few of Santa’s helpers who haven’t yet made it back to the North Pole will be spending the day at the railroad. They’ll be soaking in the holiday spirit—and lending a hand with a repair to the Grandma Line switch to get everything ready for New Year’s Day Club Fun Day.
Stop by, enjoy the day, and share stories from your Christmas celebrations with family and friends.
It’s hard to believe the holiday season is already wrapping up—Christmas has flown by and New Year’s is right around the corner! 🎄✨
If you’re free on Saturday, December 27, a few of Santa’s helpers who haven’t yet made it back to the North Pole will be spending the day at the railroad. They’ll be soaking in the holiday spirit—and lending a hand with a repair to the Grandma Line switch to get everything ready for New Year’s Day Club Fun Day.
Stop by, enjoy the day, and share stories from your Christmas celebrations with family and friends.
2026 NGLS Online Voting closes on Friday, January 9th at 6 p.m. and meeting on Saturday, January 10th
Voting for the 2026 board is now open to all FULL Members who are NOT planning on attending the January 10, 2026, meeting (New Date). The nominees for the 2026 board were voted on during our December 6, 2025, meeting, and because some positions only had a single nominee, those individuals automatically are elected to the 2026 board in accordance with our bylaws.
Voting for the 2026 board is now open to all FULL Members who are NOT planning on attending the January 10, 2026, meeting (New Date). The nominees for the 2026 board were voted on during our December 6, 2025, meeting, and because some positions only had a single nominee, those individuals automatically are elected to the 2026 board in accordance with our bylaws.
As a reminder, only members who have a FULL membership status are eligible to vote and must have paid dues prior to the vote being taken during our January 10, 2026, meeting.
Dues can be mailed to:
North Georgia Live Steamers
P.O. Box 1809
Conyers, GA 30012
Dues for the 2026 season will also be taken during our January 10th meeting.
Yearly Dues
Full Membership: $75
Associate Membership: $50
Junior Membership: $25
To cast your vote, click the link and complete the online ballot or fill out the form below. (https://tinyurl.com/ngls2026voting). All online votes must be received by 6 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026.
Merry Christmas from North Georgia Live Steamers
The board of directors and the members of North Georgia Live Steamers want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The board of directors and the members of North Georgia Live Steamers want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
#GivingTuesday - Today
Today is the annual GivingTuesday event and as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the North Georgia Live Steamers relies on the generosity of our members, visitors, friends, and community partners to keep our railroad thriving. Throughout the year, we participate in several fund-raising efforts—our largest being the public ride days we host multiple times annually. We also proudly take part in the annual #GivingTuesday event, held the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
Your donations directly support a wide range of important initiatives.
Today is the annual GivingTuesday event and as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the North Georgia Live Steamers relies on the generosity of our members, visitors, friends, and community partners to keep our railroad thriving. Throughout the year, we participate in several fund-raising efforts—our largest being the public ride days we host multiple times annually. We also proudly take part in the annual #GivingTuesday event, held the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
Your donations directly support a wide range of important initiatives, including:
Our dedicated, all-volunteer crew has made tremendous progress on many ongoing projects, but there is still much work to be done. With your support, we can continue to demonstrate a working miniature railroad to the public and share the rich history of American railroading with future generations.
Maintaining and expanding our track and equipment
Developing and improving our new maintenance facility
Preserving and restoring railroad infrastructure
Enhancing the overall experience for guests of all ages
If you would like to contribute, please use the Donate button on this page or mail your donation to:
North Georgia Live Steamers
P.O. Box 1809
Conyers, Georgia 30012
All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. North Georgia Live Steamers is a not-for-profit, educational organization incorporated in the State of Georgia and recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Your support truly makes a difference. Thank you for helping us preserve, operate, and share this unique piece of living railroad history.
All volunteer crew working on projects around the railroad.
Clubhouse and Workshop Progress Update
With the containers now positioned exactly where we want them, the clubhouse and workshop project is gaining momentum once again—and the progress is really starting to show.
On Saturday, November 22nd, Wes, Norm, and Robby spent the day on-site taking advantage of the warm November weather to knock out several important tasks. Wes and Robby focused on the roof, kicking off the process of making Containers One and Two watertight, while Norm worked on sealing up the end sections. These steps aren’t the finish line, but they’re major strides toward getting the entire structure fully weather-ready.ing workdays!
With the containers now positioned exactly where we want them, the clubhouse and workshop project is gaining momentum once again—and the progress is really starting to show.
On Saturday, November 22nd, Wes, Norm, and Robby spent the day on-site taking advantage of the warm November weather to knock out several important tasks. Wes and Robby focused on the roof, kicking off the process of making Containers One and Two watertight, while Norm worked on sealing up the end sections. These steps aren’t the finish line, but they’re major strides toward getting the entire structure fully weather-ready.
The next step is installing a wide protective strip across the seam between Containers One and Two to help divert water away from the area even more effectively. At the same time, work continues on Container Three as we prepare to install a new personnel door—something we hope to wrap up in the coming weeks.
Once all three containers are sealed and tied together, attention will turn to finishing the roof and start working on the interior. Upcoming tasks include repairing the floor in Container Two, running electrical service through Containers Two and Three, and eventually framing out walls and ceilings. If everything continues at this pace, we’re optimistic that the space will be functional before the summer heat sets in.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support and participate in this project. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements about upcoming workdays!
North Georgia Live Steamers Wishes You a Happy Thanksgiving
s we gather with family and friends to celebrate this season of gratitude, North Georgia Live Steamers would like to extend our warmest Thanksgiving wishes to you and your loved ones. This holiday offers a special opportunity to reflect on the many things we are thankful for—and at the top of that list are the incredible members, volunteers, and supporters who make our organization possible.
As a not-for-profit educational organization, everything we do relies on the dedication, passion, and generosity of people like you. Whether you help maintain the track, operate equipment, support public ride days, assist behind the scenes, or simply share our mission with others, your contributions help keep our railroad alive and thriving.
As we gather with family and friends to celebrate this season of gratitude, North Georgia Live Steamers would like to extend our warmest Thanksgiving wishes to you and your loved ones. This holiday offers a special opportunity to reflect on the many things we are thankful for—and at the top of that list are the incredible members, volunteers, and supporters who make our organization possible.
As a not-for-profit educational organization, everything we do relies on the dedication, passion, and generosity of people like you. Whether you help maintain the track, operate equipment, support public ride days, assist behind the scenes, or simply share our mission with others, your contributions help keep our railroad alive and thriving.
This year, we are especially grateful. Our members and volunteers have collectively contributed hundreds of hours to improving, maintaining, and operating the railroad. Every bolt tightened, every locomotive steamed up, every ride given, and every visitor welcomed is a testament to their commitment. Without this remarkable level of involvement, North Georgia Live Steamers simply would not exist.
From all of us—thank you for your time, your effort, your enthusiasm, and your belief in what we do. Your support ensures that future generations can continue to learn from, experience, and enjoy the wonder of live steam railroading.
We wish you a joyful, safe, and relaxing Thanksgiving holiday.
Thank you for being part of the NGLS family.
#GivingTuesday - December 2, 2025
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the North Georgia Live Steamers relies on the generosity of our members, visitors, friends, and community partners to keep our railroad thriving. Throughout the year, we participate in several fund-raising efforts—our largest being the public ride days we host multiple times annually. We also proudly take part in the annual #GivingTuesday event, held the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
Your donations directly support a wide range of important initiatives.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the North Georgia Live Steamers relies on the generosity of our members, visitors, friends, and community partners to keep our railroad thriving. Throughout the year, we participate in several fund-raising efforts—our largest being the public ride days we host multiple times annually. We also proudly take part in the annual #GivingTuesday event, held the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
Your donations directly support a wide range of important initiatives, including:
Our dedicated, all-volunteer crew has made tremendous progress on many ongoing projects, but there is still much work to be done. With your support, we can continue to demonstrate a working miniature railroad to the public and share the rich history of American railroading with future generations.
Maintaining and expanding our track and equipment
Developing and improving our new maintenance facility
Preserving and restoring railroad infrastructure
Enhancing the overall experience for guests of all ages
How to Donate
If you would like to contribute, please use the Donate button on this page or mail your donation to:
North Georgia Live Steamers
P.O. Box 1809
Conyers, Georgia 30012
All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. North Georgia Live Steamers is a not-for-profit, educational organization incorporated in the State of Georgia and recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Your support truly makes a difference. Thank you for helping us preserve, operate, and share this unique piece of living railroad history.
December Club Meeting
Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 6th for our regularly scheduled Club Meeting starting at 1 p.m.
Date: Saturday, December 6th
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: The Railroad
If we want to turn this into a party, please let Robby know, as we will need help planning it.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 6th for our regularly scheduled Club Meeting starting at 1 p.m.
Date: Saturday, December 6th
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: The Railroad
If we want to turn this into a party, please let Robby know, as we will need help planning it.
Wrapping Up an Incredible 2025 Season
What a truly amazing 2025 season we enjoyed around the railroad! We want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all our members and volunteers whose hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm kept everything running smoothly throughout the year. None of this would be possible without you.
We’d also like to express our appreciation to every visitor who joined us during our public ride days. Your support, smiles, and excitement make all the effort worthwhile.
We’re already looking forward to seeing everyone back around the railroad in 2026. Stay tuned—our official announcement of the 2026 Run Day Season will be coming in January!
What a truly amazing 2025 season we enjoyed around the railroad! We want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all our members and volunteers whose hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm kept everything running smoothly throughout the year. None of this would be possible without you.
We’d also like to express our appreciation to every visitor who joined us during our public ride days. Your support, smiles, and excitement make all the effort worthwhile.
We’re already looking forward to seeing everyone back around the railroad in 2026. Stay tuned—our official announcement of the 2026 Run Day Season will be coming in January!
Fall Progress Update: Big Steps Forward on the Workshop & Clubhouse
As the weather cools and the holiday season approaches, progress around the railroad continues full steam ahead. This past Thursday, a dedicated crew headed out to the site to accomplish two major tasks: flipping Container #2 into its new orientation and installing a concrete footing between Containers #1 and #2. These steps are key milestones as we move toward building out our future workshop and clubhouse space.
As the weather cools and the holiday season approaches, progress around the railroad continues full steam ahead. This past Thursday, a dedicated crew headed out to the site to accomplish two major tasks: flipping Container #2 into its new orientation and installing a concrete footing between Containers #1 and #2. These steps are key milestones as we move toward building out our future workshop and clubhouse space.
A huge thank-you goes out to Gene, Calvin, Wes, Norm, and the team from ECI for their heavy lifting—literally. Their equipment and expertise made it possible to reposition the container safely and get everything set back in place.
With this phase complete, the updated plan is to orient all three containers with their doors facing forward. This will give us three solid back walls to work with as we create a unified interior space. We are currently working to secure a third container, which will allow us to start connecting the structures together and eventually install a roof over the entire footprint.
Looking ahead, our winter goals include sealing the gaps between the containers, cutting out the inner walls, and opening up the interior. Once that stage begins, we’ll be announcing official workshop and clubhouse workdays—so keep an eye out for those updates as we roll into the New Year.
Exciting things are happening, and we’re grateful for everyone who continues to jump in and help move the railroad forward!
REMINDER: Who is interested in a 2026 Printed Calendar
As a reminder we are working on the 2026 schedule and looking to see how many people are interested in purchasing printed calendars like we have had the past several years. As in years past the cost of the calendars depends on how many are ordered.
Please submit your interest in purchasing printed calendars by Sunday, November 9th.
We are working on the 2026 schedule and looking to see how many people are interested in purchasing printed calendars like we have had the past several years. As in years past the cost of the calendars depends on how many are ordered.
Please submit your interest in purchasing printed calendars by Sunday, November 9th.
Who is interested in a 2026 Printed Calendar
We are working on the 2026 schedule and looking to see how many people are interested in purchasing printed calendars like we have had the past several years. As in years past the cost of the calendars depends on how many are ordered.
Please submit your interest in purchasing printed calendars by Sunday, November 9th.
We are working on the 2026 schedule and looking to see how many people are interested in purchasing printed calendars like we have had the past several years. As in years past the cost of the calendars depends on how many are ordered.
Please submit your interest in purchasing printed calendars by Sunday, November 9th.
North Georgia Live Steamers celebrates the 12th Anniversary of our Grand Opening
On Saturday, November 2, 2013, marked the opening of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad and the end of a 15-year absence of a permanent railroad for North Georgia Live Steamers to operate. A lot has changed over the years, but one thing has not, and it is the dedication of every member, volunteer, and visitor that has helped make the railroad possible along the way. A big thank you to the City of Conyers and the Georgia International Horse Park for sharing our vision and love of trains. Check out the video below to see what our first day looked like and don’t forget to check out some of our pictures over the years as well. Don’t forget to share on your favorite social media platform to help promote not just the railroad but the hobby.
For everyone who has ever been to our railroad thank you. We look forward to seeing you around the railroad in the near future.
On Saturday, November 2, 2013, marked the opening of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad and the end of a 15-year absence of a permanent railroad for North Georgia Live Steamers to operate. A lot has changed over the years, but one thing has not, and it is the dedication of every member, volunteer, and visitor that has helped make the railroad possible along the way. A big thank you to the City of Conyers and the Georgia International Horse Park for sharing our vision and love of trains. Check out the pictures and videos below to see what our first day looked like and don’t forget to check out some of our pictures over the years as well. Don’t forget to share on your favorite social media platform to help promote not just the railroad but the hobby.
For everyone who has ever been to our railroad thank you. We look forward to seeing you around the railroad in the near future.