Don't forget about our big workday scheduled for Saturday, July 10th at 8:30 a.m.
Don’t forget this Saturday, July 10th we have a big workday planned. We will be preparing the railroad for a private event and continue to work on the passenger line project.
Don’t forget this Saturday, July 10th we have a big workday planned. We will be preparing the railroad for a private event and continue to work on the passenger line project.
Work on the passenger line will be focused on connecting the east loop with the new grade crossing and then shift the remaining efforts on the other side of the man crossing to set forms for the next set of track panels to be installed during a future workday.
Make sure you bring tools, water, lunch, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor.
Reminder: Volunteers for Private Event on Saturday, July 17th
We are looking for about 6 or 8 people to help with a small private event on Saturday, July 17th. Oak Park Church Jonesboro approached us a couple of months ago if they could bring about 50 people, made up of adults and kids, to the site as part of their Vacation Bible School week they are having. The plan is for them to arrive around 10:30 or 11 a.m. Our plan is to share with the group information about our group and hobby along with provide train rides using at least the club diesel and anyone interested in providing rides using personal train as well. If you are available to volunteer please fill out the form below.
We also have a scheduled workday on Saturday, July 10th with continued focus on the passenger line project and preparing the railroad for our private event.
We are looking for about 6 or 8 people to help with a small private event on Saturday, July 17th. Oak Park Church Jonesboro approached us a couple of months ago if they could bring about 50 people, made up of adults and kids, to the site as part of their Vacation Bible School week they are having. The plan is for them to arrive around 10:30 or 11 a.m. Our plan is to share with the group information about our group and hobby along with provide train rides using at least the club diesel and anyone interested in providing rides using personal train as well.
We also have a scheduled workday on Saturday, July 10th with continued focus on the passenger line project and preparing the railroad for our private event.
Big push to complete the passenger line project
It is amazing how much we have completed over the past year on the passenger line project. On July 25, 2020, we started the project with the installation of the bypass switch. By the end of August 2020 work was in full swing on the east side of the railroad with work on the bypass from the outer loop and installation of a switch and panels from the inner loop heading towards the railroads first diamond.
As we move into September of 2020, we picked up momentum with the installation of the diamond work progressed fast as we moved our efforts beyond the diamond and started laying track that would represent the passenger line. Once it was all said and done, we had laid nearly 200 feet of track and well on our way to the grade crossing that would later be installed in 2021.
It is amazing how much we have completed over the past year on the passenger line project. On July 25, 2020, we started the project with the installation of the bypass switch.
By the end of August work was in full swing on the east side of the railroad with work on the bypass from the outer loop and installation of a switch and panels from the inner loop heading towards the railroads first diamond.
As we move into September of 2020, we picked up momentum with the installation of the diamond work progressed fast as we moved our efforts beyond the diamond and started laying track that would represent the passenger line. Once it was all said and done, we had laid nearly 200 feet of track and well on our way to the grade crossing that would later be installed in 2021.
So, if you made it to the end of this timeline you might be asking what is next. As of July 2nd, we are 90 days away from the planned re-opening of the railroad with our first public run day since 2019. We are also about 250 feet away from completing the track work to complete the passenger line. We have five official workdays planned between now and October 2nd creating a tight schedule to complete everything. As you plan your next few months please consider coming out and helping us push forward to complete this project. Every set of hands will get us closer to completing this project ahead of our October reopening.
If you have any questions or would like to organize a weekday or weekend workday outside of what is already scheduled please contact Norm or Robby. For those that are reading this and are not part of our club and are interested in volunteering and learning more about our organization please feel free to come out during one of our workdays. If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact Robby for more details.
Hope to see you around the railroad soon.
Workday scheduled for Saturday, July 10th at 8:30 a.m.
We have a big day planned for Saturday, July 10th as we prepare the railroad for a small group of visitors on the 17th and continue to work on the passenger line.
Work on the passenger line will be focused on connecting the east loop with the new grade crossing and then shift the remaining efforts on the other side of the man crossing to set forms for the next set of track panels to be installed during a future workday.
Make sure you bring tools, water, lunch, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor.
We have a big day planned for Saturday, July 10th as we prepare the railroad for a small group of visitors on the 17th and continue to work on the passenger line.
Work on the passenger line will be focused on connecting the east loop with the new grade crossing and then shift the remaining efforts on the other side of the man crossing to set forms for the next set of track panels to be installed during a future workday.
Make sure you bring tools, water, lunch, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor.
Passenger Line Highlights
Volunteers for Private Event on Saturday, July 17th
We are looking for about 6 or 8 people to help with a small private event on Saturday, July 17th. Oak Park Church Jonesboro approached us a couple of months ago if they could bring about 50 people, made up of adults and kids, to the site as part of their Vacation Bible School week they are having. The plan is for them to arrive around 10:30 or 11 a.m. Our plan is to share with the group information about our group and hobby along with provide train rides using at least the club diesel and anyone interested in providing rides using personal train as well. If you are available to volunteer please fill out the form below.
We also have a scheduled workday on Saturday, July 10th with continued focus on the passenger line project and preparing the railroad for our private event.
We are looking for about 6 or 8 people to help with a small private event on Saturday, July 17th. Oak Park Church Jonesboro approached us a couple of months ago if they could bring about 50 people, made up of adults and kids, to the site as part of their Vacation Bible School week they are having. The plan is for them to arrive around 10:30 or 11 a.m. Our plan is to share with the group information about our group and hobby along with provide train rides using at least the club diesel and anyone interested in providing rides using personal train as well.
We also have a scheduled workday on Saturday, July 10th with continued focus on the passenger line project and preparing the railroad for our private event.
Passenger Line workday recap for Saturday, June 19, 2021
What a great turn out we had today including the rain. The morning started earlier than normal as the crew started arriving before 8 a.m. and went right to work to connect the last fifty feet of track at the man crossing. Scott and David E. spent time on address future drainage needs closer to the station area by digging a trench for a drainage pipe.
What a great turn out we had today including the rain. The morning started earlier than normal as the crew started arriving before 8 a.m. and went right to work to connect the last fifty feet of track at the man crossing. Scott and David E. spent time on address future drainage needs closer to the station area by digging a trench for a drainage pipe. Just as the last bit of ballast was spread it began to sprinkle. The crew cleaned up and had lunch and decided to stop for the day. This leaves us just fifty feet short of connecting the east loop to the gate crossing which leaves us about 200-feet to complete the passenger line. The crew today consisted of Wes, Gene, “Bob2”, Norm, Rick, Peter, Robby, David E., Scott and special guest Chris P. and his family. The crew also decided how the decking for the man crossing will look and plan to get that portion installed in the coming weeks as well.
While our next official workday is not until Saturday, July 10th we are talking about a mini workday at the site to finish connecting the east loop to the grade crossing before then. Be on the lookout for a mini-workday announcement in the next week or so.
Workday scheduled for Saturday, June 19th at 8:30 a.m.
As you have seen from many of the most recent posts progress on the passenger line is progressing. We are just one workday away from connecting the east loop with the passenger line all the way to the man gate (restroom building area) leaving use just about 250-feet of track to complete the passenger line project.
Let us make Saturday, June 19th another productive workday. Make sure you bring tools, water, lunch, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor.
As you have seen from many of the most recent posts progress on the passenger line is progressing. We are just one workday away from connecting the east loop with the passenger line all the way to the man gate (restroom building area) leaving use just about 250-feet of track to complete the passenger line project.
Let us make Saturday, June 19th another productive workday. Make sure you bring tools, water, lunch, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor.
Impromptu Workday recap for Saturday, June 12th - Transition from "Big Dig" to passenger line
What a difference just a couple of weeks make. We now have a new 60-foot gate grade crossing at the main entrance to the property which is part of the new passenger line. The crew, which consisted of Wes, Norm, Gene, “Bob"2”, Scott, Robby, and Calvin, spent the day working on finishing the grade crossing grading and packed in about 120-feet of crusher run in the forms between the gate crossing and the man crossing. The crew also installed about 70-feet of track between the crossings.
What a difference just a couple of weeks make. We now have a new 60-foot gate grade crossing at the main entrance to the property which is part of the new passenger line. The crew, which consisted of Wes, Norm, Gene, “Bob"2”, Scott, Robby, and Calvin, spent the day working on finishing the grade crossing grading and packed in about 120-feet of crusher run in the forms between the gate crossing and the man crossing. The crew also installed about 70-feet of track between the crossings.
During all the work we did have a small incident between “Bob2”, a shovel, and a rake. While the rake only had minor bruises the shovel on the other hand did not fare as well. Medical attention was requested but not sure what the final diagnosis will be for the shovel.
Meanwhile, Wes went crazy and tackled grass cutting, weed eating the fence, and more. Calvin also marked the first official car across the gate crossing. Our next official workday will be this Saturday, June 19th at 8:30 a.m. The focus of the day will be to finish laying track to the man crossing and connect the east loop to the gate crossing. Should be a great day with some real progress. We look forward to seeing everyone. Make sure you bring plenty of water, sunscreen, lunch, and a good sense of humor.
What a difference a year makes. Look at what we did in June of 2020
In June of 2020, the club was working full steam ahead on extending our grey container another 20 feet. The project consisted of finishing the ash pit line and adding two tracks to the back of the container. The project consisted of finishing the ash pit line, building a retaining wall, adding a 20-foot container, and lots of track work. Check out some pictures from our project from June 2020.
As we look forward to June 2021 the “Big Dig” passenger line project is well underway. The plan is to get it all in by the end of summer weather and time permitting. Our next official big workday is scheduled for Saturday, June 19th at 8:30 a.m.
In June of 2020, the club was working full steam ahead on extending our grey container another 20 feet. The project consisted of finishing the ash pit line and adding two tracks to the back of the container. The project consisted of finishing the ash pit line, building a retaining wall, adding a 20-foot container, and lots of track work. Check out some pictures from our project from June 2020.
As we look forward to June 2021 the “Big Dig” passenger line project is well underway. The plan is to get it all in by the end of summer weather and time permitting. Our next official big workday is scheduled for Saturday, June 19th at 8:30 a.m.
Coming up on the calendar
Reminder: Club Fun Day and Meeting - Tomorrow - Saturday, June 5, 2021
Our early summer club fun day will be tomorrow. Come out as early as you would like and stay as long as you want. We will take a brief break at 1 p.m. for a quick club meeting and then hit the rails again.
If you know someone who would like to visit the railroad and even bring a train, please have them visit our Club Fun Day page for more information.
Our early summer club fun day will be tomorrow. Come out as early as you would like and stay as long as you want. We will take a brief break at 1 p.m. for a quick club meeting and then hit the rails again.
If you know someone who would like to visit the railroad and even bring a train, please have them visit our Club Fun Day page for more information.
Club Fun Day Schedule
"Big Dig" Workday Recap For Saturday, May 29, 2021
The “Big Dig” continued on the passenger line project as a small group went to the site to pull the form boards on the grade crossing and set forms for track laying to begin between the new main gate crossing and the man crossing. I’m being told that Scott performed miracles with the wire wheel and grinder to clean the concrete off the rails. Be on the look out for a workday to lay track in the coming days and weeks.
The “Big Dig” continued on the passenger line project as a small group went to the site to pull the form boards on the grade crossing and set forms for track laying to begin between the new main gate crossing and the man crossing. I’m being told that Scott performed miracles with the wire wheel and grinder to clean the concrete off the rails.
Be on the look out for a workday to lay track in the coming days and weeks.
NGLS: Club Member Train For Sale
One of club members, John H., has decided to sell his train and refocus his energy on building a CliShay. The train pictured below is what is for sale which includes the locomotive, engineer car, and two flat cars. Additional details are in the video below but here is a quick look at what he has provided.
One of club members, John H., has decided to sell his train and refocus his energy on building a CliShay. The train pictured below is what is for sale which includes the locomotive, engineer car, and two flat cars. Additional details are in the video below but here is a quick look at what he has provided.
Locomotive - $2,800
Engineer Car - $2,500
Red Flat Car (Titan Trains) - $1,500
Yellow Flat Car (Titan Trains) - $1,500
6 x 12 Trailer (see video) - $2,600
If you are interested in buying all or part of John’s train, please contact him directly with the information found in the video or contact Robby for more details.
Reminder: Club Fun Day and Meeting - Saturday, June 5, 2021
Our early summer club fun day will be Saturday, June 5th. Come out as early as you would like and stay as long as you want. We will take a brief break at 1 p.m. for a quick club meeting and then hit the rails again.
If you know someone who would like to visit the railroad and even bring a train, please have them visit our Club Fun Day page for more information.
Our early summer club fun day will be Saturday, June 5th. Come out as early as you would like and stay as long as you want. We will take a brief break at 1 p.m. for a quick club meeting and then hit the rails again.
If you know someone who would like to visit the railroad and even bring a train, please have them visit our Club Fun Day page for more information.
Club Fun Day Schedule
Whoops: The "Big Pour" workday recap for Monday, May 24, 2021
Wow what a hot day but we did get the new grade crossing poured. The crew consisted of Wes, Gene, Norm, Scott, Robby, Ben, “Bob”, and Joe. In typically fashion for us the concrete truck was delayed several hours which pushed us into the hottest part of the day. Progress was slow but the team pushed through it. As you might imagine the concrete will not be ready to drive on for a week or so. We had a little extra concrete which gave Joe and Norm the opportunity to use it near the west end of the yard that has a drain that keeps clogging with dirt. Now the concreate should help reduce the clogging.
Apparently the heat and concrete got to me and our original recap didn’t come across very well.
Wow what a hot day but we did get the new grade crossing poured. The crew consisted of Wes, Gene, Norm, Scott, Robby, Ben, “Bob”, and Joe. In typically fashion for us the concrete truck was delayed several hours which pushed us into the hottest part of the day. Progress was slow but the team pushed through it. As you might imagine the concrete will not be ready to drive on for a week or so. We had a little extra concrete which gave Joe and Norm the opportunity to use it near the west end of the yard that has a drain that keeps clogging with dirt. Now the concreate should help reduce the clogging.
Below is what we have officially on the calendar next but as always subject to change. Speaking of up next on the calendar our next club meeting will be on Saturday, June 5th. As has become customary over the past couple of years this is also a club fun day. We could use some extra hands between now and then to do a once over on the railroad and the grass also needs to be cut.
Upcoming Events
Private event on Saturday, July 17th
On Saturday, July 17th a group of about 50 kids and adults will be visiting the railroad. The group is from Oak Park Church in Jonesboro. The visit will compliment a train themed vacation bible school week they will be having. This is a great opportunity to share the railroad again with a small group as we continue to progress to reopening in the fall. If you are interested in volunteering for the day please let us know by filling out the form below.
On Saturday, July 17th a group of about 50 kids and adults will be visiting the railroad. The group is from Oak Park Church in Jonesboro. The visit will compliment a train themed vacation bible school week they will be having. This is a great opportunity to share the railroad again with a small group as we continue to progress to reopening in the fall. If you are interested in volunteering for the day please let us know by filling out the form below.
"Big Dig" workday recap for Saturday, May 22nd
Another big day working on the passenger line project. The day consisted of grading nearly 200’, setting the man crossing, and adding more conduit under the new 60’ gate crossing. The crew, which consisted of Gene, “Bob2”, Norm, Calvin, Elijah, David E., Wes, Robby, Tyler, James, and Jaxon also spent time saying goodbye to James and Jaxon as the family moves out of the area onto a new adventure. We wish them the best and hope to see the family around a railroad in the future. The crew also visited with James and Jaxon as they prepare to move out of the area onto a new adventure and hope to see them around the hobby one day in the near future.
Check out these pictures from the day’s activities. Don’t forget if you are available on Monday, May 24th the 60’ gate crossing will get nearly 7 yards of concrete and could use all of the extra hands as possible. The plan is to arrive around 8:30 a.m. with the concrete truck arriving in the 9 o’clock hour. If all goes well, we should be done around lunch time.
Another big day working on the passenger line project. The day consisted of grading nearly 200’, setting the man crossing, and adding more conduit under the new 60’ gate crossing. The crew, which consisted of Gene, “Bob2”, Norm, Calvin, Elijah, David E., Wes, Robby, Tyler, James, and Jaxon also spent time saying goodbye to James and Jaxon as the family moves out of the area onto a new adventure. We wish them the best and hope to see the family around a railroad in the future. The crew also visited with James and Jaxon as they prepare to move out of the area onto a new adventure and hope to see them around the hobby one day in the near future.
Check out these pictures from the day’s activities. Don’t forget if you are available on Monday, May 24th the 60’ gate crossing will get nearly 7 yards of concrete and could use all of the extra hands as possible. The plan is to arrive around 8:30 a.m. with the concrete truck arriving in the 9 o’clock hour. If all goes well, we should be done around lunch time.
Looking to the second half of 2021
As we slowly get back to something we call normal we should be looking at items we have on the calendar during the second half of the year. One of the biggest things we have on the calendar is our first ever fall meet which is scheduled for October 21st through October 24th. Please start spreading the word and send them to our website for more details. This event is not part of our normal public run day schedule which means all locomotive types are welcome. Please encourage everyone to register so we can make sure we are prepared for our visitors.
As we slowly get back to something we call normal we should be looking at items we have on the calendar during the second half of the year. One of the biggest things we have on the calendar is our first ever fall meet which is scheduled for October 21st through October 24th. Please start spreading the word and send them to our website for more details. At this point these dates don’t seem to conflict with other fall meets. This event is not part of our normal public run day schedule which means all locomotive types are welcome. Please encourage everyone to register so we can make sure we are prepared for our visitors.
With this being our first meet, we are looking for some members to help organize and making sure everything is set for our visitors. If you go to meets often your experience is essential. If you are interested in helping organize out meet please reach out to Peter or Robby and let us know.
For more details about our 1st ever meet visit our website at https://northgeorgialivesteamers.org/invitational-details
The "Big Dig" continues this Saturday, May 22nd @ 8:30 a.m.
The “Big Dig” continues this Saturday, May 22nd as we continue to dig and set the passenger line in place. We will have “Bob2” onsite helping with grading the passenger line west of the new grade crossing. The plan for the day is to set the man crossing by the restroom area and start setting forms heading towards the new grade crossing. We will also be doing a final check on the grade crossing making sure everything is ready for the concrete to be poured on Monday, May 24th.
The “Big Dig” continues this Saturday, May 22nd as we continue to dig and set the passenger line in place. We will have “Bob2” onsite helping with grading the passenger line west of the new grade crossing. The plan for the day is to set the man crossing by the restroom area and start setting forms heading towards the new grade crossing. We will also be doing a final check on the grade crossing making sure everything is ready for the concrete to be poured on Monday, May 24th.
The plan for next weekend, Saturday, May 22nd, is to continue to dig out the area west of the grade crossing, start laying track, set the man crossing, and finish up any last minute details for the concrete pour on Monday, May 24th. A busy weekend planned for sure and looking forward to seeing everyone. Make sure you bring tools, lunch, sunscreen, plenty of water, and a good sense of humor.
The "Big Dig" continues with the latest workday recap from May 15, 2021
We had a small crew on hand today to take care of a few preparation items for next weekend’s work and concrete pour on Monday, May 24th. The crew, which consisted of Elijah, Norm, Scott, Ben, and “Bob”, took a divide an concur approach to the day working on the unofficial driveway entrance from the street, spread and leveled gravel for the next member container, and dug out 160’ west of the new grade crossing towards to man crossing.
We had a small crew on hand today to take care of a few preparation items for next weekend’s work and concrete pour on Monday, May 24th. The crew, which consisted of Elijah, Norm, Scott, Ben, and “Bob”, took a divide an concur approach to the day working on the unofficial driveway entrance from the street, spread and leveled gravel for the next member container, and dug out 160’ west of the new grade crossing towards to man crossing.
The plan for next weekend, Saturday, May 22nd, is to continue to dig out the area west of the grade crossing, start laying track, set the man crossing, and finish up any last minute details for the concrete pour on Monday, May 24th. A busy weekend planned for sure and looking forward to seeing everyone. Make sure you bring tools, lunch, sunscreen, plenty of water, and a good sense of humor.
The "Big Dig" workday planned on Saturday, May 15th at 8:30 a.m. (assuming enough gas is available)
A note from Norm regarding the "Big Dig” passenger line project.
What an interesting situation we have with the Colonial pipeline. Saw gas lines today and lots of places out of gas. Hopefully this will subside soon.
The current situation surrounding the pouring of concrete in the main gate grade crossing. Our window has now changed due to the overwhelming amount of concrete that must be in use. Our new date for the concrete pour is Monday, May 24th at 10AM. That means that we have a number of days before that will happen. Was wondering if anyone would have gas to come to the site. We still have some grading work to do at the member container and Ben and “Bob” are available to do digging on the west side for the new passenger line. We could place forms and some crusher for the new line. Let Norm know if you are availability.
A note from Norm regarding the "Big Dig” passenger line project.
What an interesting situation we have with the Colonial pipeline. Saw gas lines today and lots of places out of gas. Hopefully this will subside soon.
The current situation surrounding the pouring of concrete in the main gate grade crossing. Our window has now changed due to the overwhelming amount of concrete that must be in use. Our new date for the concrete pour is Monday, May 24th at 10AM. That means that we have a number of days before that will happen. Was wondering if anyone would have gas to come to the site. We still have some grading work to do at the member container and Ben and “Bob” are available to do digging on the west side for the new passenger line. We could place forms and some crusher for the new line. Let Norm know if you are availability.