Landscaping work being done in the old tiny town site
Clean up in the old tiny town area continues. Wayne, Wes, and Bill picked up mulch and took it to the site this week. Be on the lookout for additional landscaping work being done around the railroad.
Clean up in the old tiny town area continues. Wayne, Wes, and Bill picked up mulch and took it to the site this week. Be on the lookout for additional landscaping work being done around the railroad.
July 11, 2020 Workday Recap
We had an unplanned workday come up a that the last minute on Saturday, July 11th. Bill reports that while the crew was few in numbers they apparently where “incredibly good looking.”
We had an unplanned workday come up a that the last minute on Saturday, July 11th. Bill reports that while the crew was few in numbers they apparently where “incredibly good looking.” On site today were Wes R., Gene L., Norm W., Wayne L., Dan C., and Bill L.
Here is what took place:
Grass was cut by Wayne and Dan with possibly the finest trimming I have seen performed by the virtuoso of the string trimmer Mr. Wes.
Both Wayne and Dan said Wes's trimming made the mowing go much smoother and faster.
Weeds were sprayed in the yard where there was an outbreak and along the ash pit track which of course was not treated earlier this year mostly because it wasn't there yet.
Several trees were cut down and two loads of dirt mixed with pretty large boulders were pushed over the edge and the area was smoothed and compacted in anticipation of additional truckloads of dirt and rocks which should be arriving Monday.
Here is a short video of Gene and Norm in the woods cleaning up debris over by the containers.
Gene and Bob2 filling in today moving dirt and rock already delivered and making room for more to come.
10 years ago, this month a new railroad begins to take shape
This month 10 years ago construction began on the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. Here are a few pictures from those early days of the railroad.
This month 10 years ago construction began on the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. Here are a few pictures from those early days of the railroad. A big thank you to all who have spent countless hours building and adding to the railroad over the years.
One final spacing test before placing track in the container
One final spacing check of the new track going into the container extension. With spacing confirmed the track was installed into the 20-foot container.
One final spacing check of the new track going into the container extension. With spacing confirmed the track was installed into the 20-foot container.
What a great turnout by club members and guests - Workday and Club Fun Day Recap for Saturday, June 20, 2020
What a great turnout by club members and a few guests. We had groups working on finishing the track for the container project, club steamer was out for training, members running trains, and a whole lot more. Here are a few pictures from the day. If you have pictures or you’d like to share please send them to Robby so he can add them to the gallery.
What a great turnout by club members and a few guests. We had groups working on finishing the track for the container project, club steamer was out for training, members running trains, and a whole lot more. Here are a few pictures from the day. If you have pictures or you’d like to share please send them to Robby so he can add them to the gallery.
Reminder: 1st NGLS Invitational Details - June 19th - 21st
As some of you may remember we are trying to put together a small invitational during the weekend of June 19th - 21st. Here are some details that are being finalized for both NGLS members and invited guests.
The 1st NGLS Invitational is fast approaching, and details are being finalized for next weekend’s event. We will need to treat this like a public run day where we cut the grass, lubricate switches, clean debris off track, and more. Here are some additional details about the event for both NGLS members and invited guests.
Time and date:
When: Friday, June 19 - Sunday, June 21st
Some guests may start arriving around mid-day on Friday and those that are staying overnight probably will leave sometime on Sunday. The expectation is however the majority of those attending will be on Saturday.
Accommodations:
On site we have limited room for self-contained campers, there is a full campsite at the horse park down the road about a mile and there is the Hawthorn Suites directly across the street from the club site.
This link is to the Horse Park and contact info for RV parking: https://www.georgiahorsepark.com/p/getinvolved/parking
Saturday Lunch:
We are still checking into being able to provide a meal on Saturday around noon and will let you know if this is possible as soon as we know.
Visiting Trains:
All trains are welcome but for steam engines an on-site hydro-static test will be REQUIRED. The test will be performed by club with no state official present. There is no cost for the test, it will be performed and documented same as we do for our own equipment and you will get a copy of the inspection certificate which is valid the duration of the meet.
Please let us know if you plan on attending the invitational
Workday Recap for June 13, 2020 - Container Project Continues
We had a good group at the site today even though it was a little hot. The crew worked on a variety of things including cutting grass, Gauge 1 layout, and new track head up to the container and ash pit.
We had a good group at the site today even though it was a little hot. The crew worked on a variety of things including Wayne and Dan cutting grass, Paul and Carl working on the Gauge 1 layout, and the track crew which included Ben, “Bob”, Norm, Gene, Joe, Calvin, Bill, Scott, and Joe worked on the new track head up to the container and ash pit. The crew had to go back and add a drainpipe at the location of the new ash pit switch and adjusted the grade going up to the container which slowed progress today but still made great progress in the end.
Workday scheduled for this Saturday, June 13th at 8:30 a.m. - Final push on container extension project
We are planning a workday for this Saturday, June 13th to complete the track work for the container extension project. A lot of prep work has already been done which should help make things go a little faster. We will begin around 8:30 and hopefully finish up shortly after lunch. Make sure you bring water, lunch, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor. For more details be on the lookout for another email or visit our website for more details as well.
We are planning a workday for this Saturday, June 13th to complete the track work for the container extension project. A lot of prep work has already been done which should help make things go a little faster. We will begin around 8:30 and hopefully finish up shortly after lunch. Make sure you bring water, lunch, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor. For more details be on the lookout for another email or visit our website for more details as well.
1st NGLS Invitational Details - June 19th - 21st
As some of you may remember we are trying to put together a small invitational during the weekend of June 19th - 21st. Here are some details that are being finalized for both NGLS members and invited guests.
The 1st NGLS Invitational is fast approaching, and details are being finalized for next weekend’s event. We will need to treat this like a public run day where we cut the grass, lubricate switches, clean debris off track, and more. Here are some additional details about the event for both NGLS members and invited guests.
Time and date:
When: Friday, June 19 - Sunday, June 21st
Some guests may start arriving around mid-day on Friday and those that are staying overnight probably will leave sometime on Sunday. The expectation is however the majority of those attending will be on Saturday.
Accommodations:
On site we have limited room for self-contained campers, there is a full campsite at the horse park down the road about a mile and there is the Hawthorn Suites directly across the street from the club site.
This link is to the Horse Park and contact info for RV parking: https://www.georgiahorsepark.com/p/getinvolved/parking
Saturday Lunch:
We are still checking into being able to provide a meal on Saturday around noon and will let you know if this is possible as soon as we know.
Visiting Trains:
All trains are welcome but for steam engines an on-site hydro-static test will be REQUIRED. The test will be performed by club with no state official present. There is no cost for the test, it will be performed and documented same as we do for our own equipment and you will get a copy of the inspection certificate which is valid the duration of the meet.
Please let us know if you plan on attending the invitational
June 6, 2020 Workday and Club Fun Day Recap - Crews worked on 20-foot container, track installation, and a whole lot more.
The day brought a lot of activity around the railroad. We had crews working on the 20-foot container project, track installation, club steamer testing, along with a few taking trains out for a couple of test runs on the railroad after a winter fully of repairs and modifications. After taking a lunch break, we also had our regularly scheduled June meeting.
The day brought a lot of activity around the railroad. We had crews working on the 20-foot container project, track installation, club steamer testing, along with a few taking trains out for a couple of test runs on the railroad after a winter fully of repairs and modifications. After taking a lunch break, we also had our regularly scheduled June meeting.
The 20-foot container project is a little closer to being done with Tuesday's delivery
After weeks of work and hours of probably over thinking how to set the container in place Norm met the delivery truck today at the site and set the container within inches of its final spot. Next step is, in no particular order, prep the ends of the container, squeeze them together, and a few other hundred things and then it will be done. Sounds simple enough but in all seriousness, we have a lot to do still but in the home stretch for sure.
After weeks of work and hours of probably over thinking how to set the container in place Norm met the delivery truck today at the site and set the container within inches of its final spot. Next step is, in no particular order, prep the ends of the container, squeeze them together, and a few other hundred things and then it will be done. Sounds simple enough but in all seriousness, we have a lot to do still but in the home stretch for sure.
Reminder: June 6th Club Meeting & Fun Day Question
By now you may have seen that the Georgia International Horse Park will be opening up for events starting Saturday, May 29th with some restrictions. Based on the information we have it may be possible for us to hold our regularly scheduled meeting and club fun day on Saturday, June 6th. We are wanting to see how many people are interested in participating in the June 6th event.
By now you may have seen that the Georgia International Horse Park will be opening up for events starting Saturday, May 29th with some restrictions. Based on the information we have it may be possible for us to hold our regularly scheduled meeting and club fun day on Saturday, June 6th. We are wanting to see how many people are interested in participating in the June 6th event.
Please respond to the survey below by Friday, June 29th
A great example of what people can do in our hobby regardless of the scale. Check out these videos.
Recently we received an email from Larry who shared these videos of his railroad. You have to check out the crane he built. This sure would be nice in 1:8 scale for some of the things we have to lift around the railroad.
Recently we received an email from Larry who shared these videos of his railroad. You have to check out the crane he built. This sure would be nice in 1:8 scale for some of the things we have to lift around the railroad.
For more videos visit his YouTube Channel
June 6th Club Meeting & Fun Day Question
By now you may have seen that the Georgia International Horse Park will be opening up for events starting Saturday, May 29th with some restrictions. Based on the information we have it may be possible for us to hold our regularly scheduled meeting and club fun day on Saturday, June 6th. We are wanting to see how many people are interested in participating in the June 6th event.
By now you may have seen that the Georgia International Horse Park will be opening up for events starting Saturday, May 29th with some restrictions. Based on the information we have it may be possible for us to hold our regularly scheduled meeting and club fun day on Saturday, June 6th. We are wanting to see how many people are interested in participating in the June 6th event.
Please respond to the survey below by Friday, June 29th
Workday Recap for Saturday, May 23, 2020- Work continues on ash pit line and container project
Another great workday at the railroad as we get another day closer to getting the long awaited 20-foot container installed. Today we completed a retaining wall nearly 80-feet in length and prepared the area for a 20-foot container to be installed in the coming days.
Another great workday at the railroad as we get another day closer to getting the long awaited 20-foot container installed. Today we completed a retaining wall nearly 80-feet in length and prepared the area for a 20-foot container to be installed in the coming days. The crew today included Joe, Elijah, Ben, “Bob”, Robby, Norm, Calvin, and Bob C. Wayne also stopped by to drop off a part for the club steamers and visit with everyone before the heat rolled in. Next step is to schedule the container to be delivered and then the next round of fun begins. Be on the lookout for future workday to get the container set and attached.
Georgia International Horse Park Re-Opening Procedures (Covid-19 Update)
The Georgia International Horse Park released the following update to the re-opening of the complex. See details below.
As part of the Georgia International Horse Park commitment of the continued well-being of our guests, team members, clients and participants, and in an ongoing effort to assist the community in preventing the spread of COVID-19, the Horse Park has implemented enhanced protocols and procedures. Please find the reopening procedures attached to this email. The reopening procedures are also listed on the Horse Park’s website for public viewing.
The planning process on identifying a reopening date for the Georgia International Horse Park is one that has been ongoing for several weeks. The City of Conyers City Council, City Officials and Park Management have been in contact with state and local health officials and fellow industry associations for guidance for a safe reopening. It was of utmost importance to have protocols in place for the safety of our team members and all those that visit the Horse Park.
We hope the attached guidelines are helpful to you as you begin to plan for your upcoming events and make plans to visit the Horse Park. We also understand that each show will have guidelines and protocols that are specific to their event for participants and guests. We will be happy to add any additional links or information that you wish on your upcoming event listing on the Horse Park’s website. We will be encouraging participants and guests to visit the online Calendar of Events on our website to view event details and direct links.
Direct Links:
GIHP Reopening Procedures: https://www.georgiahorsepark.com/p/calendar-of-events/covid-19-update
GIHP Online Calendar of Events: https://www.georgiahorsepark.com/p/calendar-of-events
The rebuilding of Pikes Peak has started
For those that have traveled west and visited Pikes Peak you may remember that it closed a couple of years ago with an uncertain future. Good news is the construction on the new Cog Railway has started and a year from now should be up and running. Here is an article that was posted recently which goes into details regarding the construction plans.
For those that have traveled west and visited Pikes Peak you may remember that it closed a couple of years ago with an uncertain future. Good news is the construction on the new Cog Railway has started and a year from now should be up and running. Here is an article that was posted recently which goes into details regarding the construction plans.
Photo courtesy of Colorado.com
Workday Scheduled - Saturday, May 23, 2020 at 8:30 a.m.
We have a workday planned for Saturday, May 23rd starting at 8:30 a.m. The plan is to build a retaining wall for the container and container track. If you are able coming make sure you bring a lunch, water, and a good sense of humor.
We have a workday planned for Saturday, May 23rd starting at 8:30 a.m. The plan is to build a retaining wall for the container and container track. If you are able coming make sure you bring a lunch, water, and a good sense of humor.
May 16, 2020 Workday Recap
We had a last minute workday come up this past Saturday. The workday crew focused on repairing a yard switch, east loop siding, mowed the grass, got the club riding mower running, and mapped out how the 20-foot container is going to be placed. Be on the lookout for a workday to be scheduled soon which will be focused on building a retaining wall and preparing the ground for the container.
We had a last-minute workday come up this past Saturday. This past Saturday’s crew included Elijah, Dan C, Joe, Ben, “Bob”, Gene, Norm, and Robby. The crew focused on repairing a yard switch, east loop siding, mowed the grass, got the club riding mower running, and mapped out how the 20-foot container is going to be placed. One of the highlights of the day was when “Bob” helped move the container a whopping 4 inches in order to better align things for the 20-foot container extension. Be on the lookout for a workday to be scheduled soon which will be focused on building a retaining wall and preparing the ground for the container.
Workday Recap for Saturday, May 9, 2020
It was a big day for the railroad. We completed the ash pit track providing an easy access for our coal fired steam engines to clean out and a second way off the turn table.
It was a big day for the railroad. We completed the ash pit track providing an easy access for our coal fired steam engines to clean out and a second way off the turn table. Working hard today included Wes, Scott, Ben, “Bob”, Elijah, Robby, Norm, Calvin, David E, and more. Dan C. also stopped by to do a little work on his locomotive and went around the railroad a couple of times. The next thing on our radar is to install the new 20-foot storage container, grade crossing, and a few more track panels. Be on the lookout for more details on our next workday.
Speaking of our next workday we are in need of having the grass cut again soon. If you are able to get get to the site with a riding lawnmower the property could use a good haircut.
