2021 North Georgia Live Steamers Calendar (Information Request)
The 2021 calendar is about finished and features seventeen different locomotives that operate on the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. We are not taking orders yet rather we are looking to see who would be interested in purchasing a 2021 calendar. This will help us identify what the final cost estimates will be. Please complete the form so we can gauge the interest.
The 2021 calendar is about finished and features seventeen different locomotives that operate on the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. We are not taking orders yet rather we are looking to see who would be interested in purchasing a 2021 calendar. This will help us identify what the final cost estimates will be. Please complete the form so we can gauge the interest.
Workday scheduled for Saturday, October 24th at 8:30 a.m.
Our next official workday is scheduled for this Saturday, October 24th at 8:30 a.m. The focus of the day is to build track panels, switches, and possibly install a few more panels. Remember to bring water, lunch, bug spray, and good sense of humor.
Our next official workday is scheduled for this Saturday, October 24th at 8:30 a.m. The focus of the day is to build track panels, switches, and possibly install a few more panels. Remember to bring water, lunch, bug spray, and good sense of humor.
Workday Recap for Saturday, October 17, 2020 - Passenger Line and more
Busy week and weekend around the club. A new powered slug was picked up along with more member owned riding cars, and the installation of another 120 feet of track for the passenger line.
We may not be running this year but that has not stopped many of our members in getting ready for 2021. Dan went up to Virginia this week and picked up his locomotive and new powered slug and green riding cars. I think he is up to about 6 or 7 riding cars plus his other rolling stock. Looking forward to seeing the new combination on the rails soon. Dan stopped by the site today to do a little trailer shuffle and will be back to rearrange his big trailer with all the new items. I hope it fits.
Meanwhile this past Saturday marked the 30th workday of the 2020 season. With the help of Ben, “Bob”, Bob C., Gene, Norm, Robby, and Scott the crew installed 120 feet of track putting the passenger line project in reach of the halfway point with about 80 feet to go before it will reach the future grade crossing. Hopefully during our next workday, which is on Saturday, October 24th at 8:30 a.m. we will be able to build the necessary track panels needed to reach the halfway point. Speaking of track panels, we are needing 19 straight panels (some with used rail), two switches for the member container project, and a lot more railroad ties.
Also not pictured below Scott also put the finishing touches on the electrical in the grey container. All we need now is to add a couple of lights in the 20 foot extension and everything will be complete. Thanks Scott for taking this project on.
Are you an Amazon Prime Member? Are you going to shop for deals on October 13th & 14th? Your purchases could help raise money for NGLS.
The big day is almost here for those that have been waiting for Amazon Prime Day on Tuesday, October 13th and Wednesday, October 14th. If you shop on Amazon and if you are planning on taking advantage of prime day your purchase could qualify for a donation to North Georgia Live Steamers (501(c)(3)- Non-Profit Organization).
The big day is almost here for those that have been waiting for Amazon Prime Day on Tuesday, October 13th and Wednesday, October 14th. If you shop on Amazon and if you are planning on taking advantage of prime day your purchase could qualify for a donation to North Georgia Live Steamers (501(c)(3)- Non-Profit Organization).
Now you may be wondering how to setup your Amazon account so a donation can be made to North Georgia Live Steamers. All you do is activate your AmazonSmile portion of your account, which is free to do, and select North Georgia Live Steamers as the charity you are supporting. Instructions have been provided below and don’t forget to setup the Amazon App on your smart device as well.
Instructions
How do you select NGLS when you shop on AmazonSmile? On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) you need to select North Georgia Live Steamers to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. Amazon will then remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.
Smart Device Instructions
AmazonSmile customers can now support us using the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones! Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.
Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into 'Settings'
Tap 'AmazonSmile' and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
Our Club Members Are Volunteers
Each year our club members volunteer hundreds of hours to help promote railroading, the club, and the hobby. In 2020 our members have donated more than 2,000 hours of time. Your support will help us share the love of trains and make more smiles for kids of all ages. If you would rather make a donation directly to North Georgia Live Steamers you can do that by mail or online.
Railroad Supply Engineering Handbook
At some point in the history of Railroad Supply an Engineering Handbook was created. Here is a copy of the handbook for North Georgia Live Steamers member use. Because of the size of the book the book is broken up into three separate links to download and print.
At some point in the history of Railroad Supply an Engineering Handbook was created. Here is a copy of the handbook for North Georgia Live Steamers member use. Because of the size of the book the book is broken up into three separate links to download and print.
Unofficial Workday Summary - Saturday, October 10, 2020
Even though the workday was cancelled because of the storm that blew through overnight a few members still took some time to take care of a few things around the railroad.
Even though the workday was cancelled because of the storm that blew through overnight a few members still took some time to take care of a few things around the railroad. Scott M. stopped by the site and worked on the electrical in the grey container and repaired the lift plug.
Meanwhile offsite Norm and Robby bent rail and then went to the site and built curves and straights panels. At this point we still need 418 ties cut so an additional 22 straight panels can be built.
Club Fun Day Scheduled for Saturday, November 7th
On Saturday, October 3rd during our regularly scheduled meeting the board and members have decided to have another club fun day on Saturday, November 7th. Come at anytime during the day and stay as long as you like. More details to follow.
On Saturday, October 3rd during our regularly scheduled meeting the board and members have decided to have another club fun day on Saturday, November 7th. Come at anytime during the day and stay as long as you like. More details to follow.
A look back at October 1994 when NGLS operated the Duluth & Mount Tabor Railroad
A look back at October 1994 when NGLS operated the Duluth & Mount Tabor Railroad
Check out this video from a run day back in October 1994 at our original railroad location in Duluth.
Here is a look at what's going on around the railroad as of October 1st
Here is a look at what we have on the calendar over the next couple of months. For a more complete look visit our Calendar page on our website.
Workday Recap for Saturday, September 26, 2020
This past Saturday, September 26, 2020, marked the 27th workday for the club this year. As we mark this incredible milestone it is a reminder that our club is made of a great group of individuals who volunteer in so many ways around the railroad and the club. This weekend our members did electrical work, steam engine repairs, cut grass, laid track, spread gravel, operated a Bobcat, taught new members about the hobby, and so much more.
This past Saturday, September 26, 2020, marked the 27th workday for the club this year. As we mark this incredible milestone it is a reminder that our club is made of a great group of individuals who volunteer in so many ways around the railroad and the club. This weekend our members did electrical work, steam engine repairs, cut grass, laid track, spread gravel, operated a Bobcat, taught new members about the hobby, and so much more.
Scott M. took the day to work on adding conduit to the container extension so we will have additional lights in the grey container.
Bob C. came out and worked on additional repairs to the club steamer. For all the steam engine owners you know that the work never ends with a steam engine. Appreciate Bob’s continued efforts to keep this locomotive alive for the next generation of Live Steamers.
The track construction team was hard at work again this weekend with Ben, “Bob”, Norm, Robby, Calvin, Tyler, Gene, Bill, John, and Wes “Master Weedeater”. LaVay was also out with his train around the railroad testing everything out including the new diamond with great success. The track crew was able to lay about 100 feet of track and started preparations for the next 360 feet of track. The crew needs 12 curves and 24 straight panels to be built over the next couple of weeks. Norm took some rail to the show to be bent and plans are underway to cut ties in advance of a “Big Build Track Panel Day” on Saturday, October 10th. If you can go to the site between now and then we need to cut 684 ties cut before the panels can be built. If you are interested in cutting ties please contact Robby or Norm.
Coming Up
Saturday, October 3rd is another busy day around the railroad. Simply put the day is a Club Fun Day which includes the annual boiler inspection, club meeting at 1 p.m., and time playing with trains with others in the club and invited guests. The weather is looking great with great fall temperatures and clear skies.
See you Saturday at the railroad for our regularly scheduled workday starting at 8:30 a.m.
The weather is going to be great for our workday on Saturday. The plan is to continue work on the new passenger line project, track panel construction, grey container items, grass cutting, and more. The fun starts at 8:30 a.m. Don’t forget this is the last Saturday before our Club Fun Day, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd which is also the same day of the annual boiler inspection and October club meeting. So, come out and get things ready so we can enjoy the Club Fun Day.
The weather is going to be great for our workday on Saturday. The plan is to continue work on the new passenger line project, track panel construction, grey container items, grass cutting, and more. The fun starts at 8:30 a.m. Don’t forget this is the last Saturday before our Club Fun Day, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd which is also the same day of the annual boiler inspection and October club meeting. So, come out and get things ready so we can enjoy the Club Fun Day.
Other items on the radar include:
Grey Container Extension- needs electrical work completed
Member container project - a couple of frogs need to be profiled and two switches built
Track panels built for passenger line project. Railroad ties will also need to be cut
General maintenance around the railroad
Don’t forget to bring lunch, water, and a good sense of humor for the day.
Big Day Planned Around Railroad for Saturday, October 3, 2020
The railroad will be extra busy on Saturday, October 3rd so mark the calendar and come out and enjoy all the festivities. The morning will start out with the annual boiler inspection at 8:30 a.m. Any steamer looking to get a hydro test and state inspection should come out and get things checked out. The day will also be our Club Fun Day. Make sure you invite friends, family, and other Live Steamers out for the day to run and play with trains. We will take a brief break in the day for our regularly scheduled October meeting at 1 p.m.
The railroad will be extra busy on Saturday, October 3rd so mark the calendar and come out and enjoy all the festivities. The morning will start out with the annual boiler inspection at 8:30 a.m. Any steamer looking to get a hydro test and state inspection should come out and get things checked out. The day will also be our Club Fun Day. Make sure you invite friends, family, and other Live Steamers out for the day to run and play with trains. We will take a brief break in the day for our regularly scheduled October meeting at 1 p.m.
Come as early as you like and stay as long as you can and enjoy the day around the railroad. Make sure you bring plenty of water, food if you get hungry, supplies for your train, and a good sense of humor to enjoy the day.
Did you know this was on our Members Only section of our website?
Over the past couple of months we’ve been adding additional content on our website related to track construction information, diagrams, and more. If you have suggestions and content that you’d like to add to our Members Only section please forward that Information to Robby.
Over the past couple of months we’ve been adding additional content to our website related to track construction information, diagrams, and more. If you have suggestions or content that you’d like to add to our Members Only section please forward that Information to Robby.
Reminder: NGLS By Law Proposed Revision Feedback
This year the Board has been working on a revision of the By-Laws. We decided to do one big change rather than nickel and dime one small change at a time. A draft of the revisions is included in this link (www.nglsrr.org/s/BY-LAWS-Revision-2020-DRAFT.pdf) for your review. The changes are marked in red. Here is a link to the current By-Laws which are from 2012.
This year the Board has been working on a revision of the By-Laws. We decided to do one big change rather than nickel and dime one small change at a time. A draft of the revisions is included in this link (www.nglsrr.org/s/BY-LAWS-Revision-2020-DRAFT.pdf) for your review. The changes are marked in red. Here is a link to the current By-Laws which are from 2012. If you have any questions, concerns, thoughts, corrections please either fill out the form below or email Bill Leahy at bleahy@mindspring.com
We plan on opening the floor at the October Meeting for any discussion members would like to have. The result of that discussion will lead us to either vote to approve the draft making it the new By- Laws or there may be changes required such that we could vote in December.
Workday Scheduled - Saturday, September 26th at 8:30 a.m.
We have a workday scheduled on Saturday, September 26th at 8:30 a.m. We will be putting the finishing touches on the new diamond and laying more track for the new passenger line. The grass also is in desperate need of cutting but before that can be done the club lawnmower needs to be repaired. If you are able to go over to the site and work on the lawnmower that would be great. The front left tire is loosing air and needs to be repair and an issue has come up with starting the lawnmower as well.
We have a workday scheduled on Saturday, September 26th at 8:30 a.m. We will be putting the finishing touches on the new diamond and laying more track for the new passenger line. The grass also is in desperate need of cutting but before that can be done the club lawnmower needs to be repaired. If you are able to go over to the site and work on the lawnmower that would be great. The front left tire is loosing air and needs to be repair and an issue has come up with starting the lawnmower as well.
Other items on the radar include:
Grey Container Extension- needs electrical work completed
Member container project - a couple of frogs need to be profiled and switches built
Track panels built for passenger line project. Railroad ties will also need to be cut
General maintenance around the railroad in advance of our club fun day in October (replaces our canceled public day)
Don’t forget to bring lunch, water, and a good sense of humor for the day.
Checkout What Else Is On The Calendar
A Diamond recap from our workday on September 12, 2020
The summer heat continues as we do more work around the railroad. We had a small but productive crew on hard. The focus on the day was split between two areas with the first “Bob” and Ben took care of spreading the loads of dirt we recently received which some of it being used for our next shipping container project.
The summer heat continues as we do more work around the railroad. We had a small but productive crew on hard. The focus on the day was split between two areas with the first “Bob” and Ben took care of spreading the loads of dirt we recently received which some of it being used for our next shipping container project. The rest of the crew (Norm, Gene, John, Scott, Dave E., Rick, Robby, and Bill) worked on installing our first diamond and about 100’ of track. While the team got close to finishing what was planned for the day the last 20’ of track work will have to wait until our next workday. Paul also stopped by to do some grass cutting but a lot of tall grass is still needing to be cut.
Diamond Work
Passenger Line Track Work Beyond The Diamond
Work began on the first 100’ of the passenger line outside of the east loop which includes track for the passenger mainline and bypass track. The mainline was attached the first switch on the passenger line with about 20’ of track needing to be finished on the bypass to the same switch.
The next regularly workday is Saturday, September 26, 2020. For the latest go to our calendar page for more details.
Annual Boiler Inspection set for Saturday, October 3, 2020
Our annual boiler inspection day is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd at 8:30 a.m. We have been in contact with the inspector and if we need to do anything different than we normally do we will get that information out everyone.
Also note that Saturday, October 3rd is also our regularly scheduled club meeting at 1 p.m.
Our annual boiler inspection day is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd at 8:30 a.m. We have been in contact with the inspector and if we need to do anything different than we normally do we will get that information out everyone.
Also note that Saturday, October 3rd is also our regularly scheduled club meeting at 1 p.m.
Forest Fires hit Train Mountain
For those that may not have access to social media you may have heard of some of the fires in Oregon. Over the past couple of days fires have gotten close to Train Mountain and from what has been reported the northern part of the property has burned as of the night of the morning of September 9th. The pictures below where copied from various posts on Facebook from a few members and residents of Train Mountain.
For those that may not have access to social media but you may have heard of some of the fires in Oregon. Over the past couple of days fires had been close to Train Mountain and from what has been reported the northern part of the property has burned as of the morning of September 9th. The pictures below where copied from various posts on Facebook from a few members and residents of Train Mountain.
For those that are not familiar with Train Mountain it is in Chiloquin, Oregon on 2,200 acres and represents nearly 40 miles of track. Train Mountain represents the worlds longest miniature railroad.
Workday scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 8:30 a.m.
Our next regularly scheduled workday will be Saturday, September 12th. The plans are to work on the mainline project, track panel construction, cut grass, and other general maintenance.
Our next regularly scheduled workday will be Saturday, September 12th. The plans are to work on the mainline project, track panel construction, cut grass, and other general maintenance. Speaking of the mainline project Norm and Gene have been hard at work on the construction of the railroads first diamond with hopes of it being ready for installation on Saturday. We are also in need of a crew to start building track panels for the passenger line project. If you are interested in leading a team to building panels please contact either Robby or Norm for more details.
Hope to see you around the railroad on Saturday. Things will get started around 8:30 a.m. make sure you bring plenty of water, lunch, and a good sense of humor for the day.
After a more than 20-year absence the "Doe Bridge" makes its return to the railroad fully restored
If my math is correct it has about 22 years since the “Doe Bridge” has looked this good. Over the past year Peter C. has taken this old bridge and made it new again. Every board, bracket, nuts, bolts, and more was inspected repaired or replaced. On Saturday, September 5, 2020 it made the journey back to the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad to be installed and put back in service sometime soon.
If my math is correct it has about 22 years since the “Doe Bridge” has looked this good. Over the past year Peter Craymer has taken this old bridge and made it new again. Every board, bracket, nuts, bolts, and more was inspected repaired or replaced. Now it makes the journey back to the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad to be installed and put back in service sometime soon. The exact location of the bridge on the railroad is still being determined but something tells me the “Grandma” line may be getting this beauty. In looking at the archives this makes one of the last surviving structures to be reused from our original railroad which was call Duluth & Mount Tabor Railways. A big thanks to Peter for taking on this project and giving up space in his carport for this restoration project.
