1st Ever North Georgia Live Steamers Fall Meet - October 21st - 24th
The 1st EVER NGLS Fall Meet will be held Thursday, October 21st through Sunday October 24th. And you can be part of it! Additional details about the event will follow but for now here is what we have so far.
Time and date:
When: Thursday, October 21 - Sunday, October 24, 2021
Railroad Gauge(s): 7 1/2 & Gauge 1
Accommodations:
We have limited room for RV’s and trailers onsite however overflow space will be available at the RV parking area located at the Georgia International Horse Park facility which is about a mile down the road. For those wishing to stay in a hotel the Hawthorn Suites is directly across the street from the site. Other hotels are available in the area about 3 to 5 miles away.
Visiting Trains:
All locomotive types are welcome, but steam engines are required to have a hydro-static test. The test can be completed at the railroad with help from a NGLS member.
We are less than a month away from our first ever meet. Make sure you spread the word and let us know if you are coming to the meet.
Time and date:
When: Thursday, October 21 - Sunday, October 24, 2021
Railroad Gauge(s): 7 1/2 & Gauge 1
Accommodations:
We have limited room for RV’s and trailers onsite however overflow space will be available at the RV parking area located at the Georgia International Horse Park facility which is about a mile down the road. For those wishing to stay in a hotel the Hawthorn Suites is directly across the street from the site. Other hotels are available in the area about 3 to 5 miles away.
Visiting Trains:
All locomotive types are welcome, but steam engines are required to have a hydro-static test. The test can be completed at the railroad with help from a NGLS member.
This is NOT a public run day event
Railroad Layout
Thank you for coming out and making the railroad come alive - Saturday, October 2, 2021
What an incredible day at the Conyers & Hightower Trail railroad with so many visitors after a nearly two year absence of running trains for everyone to enjoy. Over the past two years club members and volunteers worked on reconfiguring the railroad to provide such an incredible experience yesterday. The members of North Georgia Live Steamers and the many volunteers who helped make day possible we want to say thank you.
What an incredible day at the railroad with so many visitors after a nearly two year absence of running trains for everyone to enjoy. Over the past two years club members and volunteers worked on reconfiguring the railroad to provide such an incredible experience yesterday. The members of North Georgia Live Steamers and the many volunteers who helped make day possible we want to say thank you. For those interested in learning more about our group or are interested in joining visit our website at https://northgeorgialivesteamers.org/membership.
We look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad on November 20, 2021 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. weather permitting.
Train Ride countdown has begun. Just 4 more days until the railroad comes alive.
Just four more days until the railroad comes alive with steam engines, diesel locomotives, and lots of smiling faces. Over the past two years the volunteers have worked almost around the clock to make improvements and adjustments to the railroad. In fact, since May 2020 the North Georgia Live Steamers volunteers have worked 56 out of the last 70 weekend
Countdown To Train Rides
Just four more days until the railroad comes alive with steam engines, diesel locomotives, and lots of smiling faces. Over the past two years the volunteers have worked almost around the clock to make improvements and adjustments to the railroad. In fact, since May 2020 the North Georgia Live Steamers volunteers have worked 56 out of the last 70 weekends.
You, your friends, and family are invited to come rides trains as the railroad on Saturday, October 2nd from 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. Cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad. Must be at least 18 months old or older. Sorry expectant mothers are not allowed to ride on the railroad. Cash Only. We also do NOT accept debit/credit cards.
For more information about Train Rides click here.
Georgia Connector Magazine promotes NGLS Train Ride Dates
You never know where you’ll stumble across someone talking about North Georgia Live Steamers. Bob C. was out and about recently and picked up the Georgia Connector magazine, probably because of the nice-looking steam engine on the front cover, and as he was thumbed through the magazine noticed something familiar on page 15.
You never know where you’ll stumble across someone talking about North Georgia Live Steamers. Bob C. was out and about recently and picked up the Georgia Connector magazine, probably because of the nice-looking steam engine on the front cover, and as he was thumbed through the magazine noticed something familiar on page 15. Not only did he recognize a familiar steam engine but the engineer as well. It was Jonah C. operating during one of our public run days. The picture was featured in an area called Ride the Rails which was promoting dates people could go ride or watch trains in Georgia and North Georgia Live Steamers was listed.
Here is a link to the full copy of the magazine if you would like to check it out.
Reminder: October 2nd - Public Run Day Volunteer Signup
Based on the number of members who have responded back to an earlier survey we are moving forward with our October 2nd Public Run Day. We are now looking to see where you are interested in volunteering for during the run day event. Please click the link or fill out the form below.
Note: We are asking all volunteers to arrive between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 2nd to make sure we have enough time to setup and go through final operation review meeting at 11:30 a.m.
Based on the number of members who have responded back to an earlier survey we are moving forward with our October 2nd Public Run Day. We are now looking to see where you are interested in volunteering for during the run day event. Please click the link or fill out the form below.
Charlotte has agreed to coordinate our concession efforts for the public run day. Be on the look out for a call or email from her regarding what items we are looking for. One adjustment to the concessions this time around will be all must be pre-packaged and not home made.
Run Day Setup
We are asking all volunteers to arrive between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 2nd to make sure we have enough time to setup and go through final operation review meeting at 11:30 a.m.
Next Club Meeting Update
Our next regularly scheduled club meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 2nd. Because this is our first public run day in two years the board has decided to reschedule our next club meeting to another date. Stay tuned for an update.
1st Ever North Georgia Live Steamers Fall Meet - October 21st - 24th
The 1st EVER NGLS Fall Meet will be held Thursday, October 21st through Sunday October 24th. And you can be part of it! Additional details about the event will follow but for now here is what we have so far.
Time and date:
When: Thursday, October 21 - Sunday, October 24, 2021
Railroad Gauge(s): 7 1/2 & Gauge 1
Accommodations:
We have limited room for RV’s and trailers onsite however overflow space will be available at the RV parking area located at the Georgia International Horse Park facility which is about a mile down the road. For those wishing to stay in a hotel the Hawthorn Suites is directly across the street from the site. Other hotels are available in the area about 3 to 5 miles away.
Visiting Trains:
All locomotive types are welcome, but steam engines are required to have a hydro-static test. The test can be completed at the railroad with help from a NGLS member.
We are less than a month away from our first ever meet. Make sure you spread the word and let us know if you are coming to the meet.
Time and date:
When: Thursday, October 21 - Sunday, October 24, 2021
Railroad Gauge(s): 7 1/2 & Gauge 1
Accommodations:
We have limited room for RV’s and trailers onsite however overflow space will be available at the RV parking area located at the Georgia International Horse Park facility which is about a mile down the road. For those wishing to stay in a hotel the Hawthorn Suites is directly across the street from the site. Other hotels are available in the area about 3 to 5 miles away.
Visiting Trains:
All locomotive types are welcome, but steam engines are required to have a hydro-static test. The test can be completed at the railroad with help from a NGLS member.
This is NOT a public run day event
Railroad Layout
Final clean up recap - Saturday, September 25, 2021
It was grass cutting day and final clean up around the railroad as we prepare to re-open the railroad for train rides after almost two years. The crew consisted of Gene, Robby, Wes, Norm, Dave L., and John T. The crew also repaired, leveled, and ballasted around the railroad. John and Robby also went around moving track panels out of the right of way area and picked up other construction items from all the work that has been done over the past two years.
It was grass cutting day and final clean up around the railroad as we prepare to re-open the railroad for train rides after almost two years. The crew consisted of Gene, Robby, Wes, Norm, Dave L., and John T. The crew also repaired, leveled, and ballasted around the railroad. John and Robby also went around moving track panels out of the right of way area and picked up other construction items from all the work that has been done over the past two years. The crew also looked at and debated the “Grandma” line project to try and figure out placement of switch and radius of curves needed. Bob C. conducted an engineer session on the club steamer with Dale certifying yet another engineer for the club steamers.
Now the countdown begins for Saturday, October 2nd. Please arrive as early as possible as we have a lot to setup and review with everyone since the railroad operates a little different than it did when we ran two years ago. An engineer meeting is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 2nd to review operating procedures. Make sure you bring two-way radios, and we have new whistles for club members.
Lawn Mowers, Weed Eaters, Leaf Blowers and more are requested on Saturday, September 25th at 8:30 a.m.
We are just about two weeks from our first public run day in nearly two years. The grass is getting tall and could use as many people as possible to knock out grass cutting this Saturday, September 25th at 8:30 a.m. If you have a Riding Lawn Mower, Gas or Battery powered weed eater, or a Gas or Battery powered leaf blower then you are just what we are looking for to help finish cleaning up the site. The more can help the quicker we can cut out. Hope to see you around the railroad on Saturday. Don’t forget to bring bug spray, safety goggles, water, lawn equipment, and a good sense of humor.
We are just about two weeks from our first public run day in nearly two years. The grass is getting tall and could use as many people as possible to knock out grass cutting this Saturday, September 25th at 8:30 a.m. If you have a Riding Lawn Mower, Gas or Battery powered weed eater, or a Gas or Battery powered leaf blower then you are just what we are looking for to help finish cleaning up the site. The more can help the quicker we can cut out. If you are not able to come out on Saturday but would like to come between now and Saturday please let someone on the board know. Otherwise hope to see you around the railroad on Saturday. Don’t forget to bring bug spray, safety goggles, water, lawn equipment, and a good sense of humor.
Reminder: October 2nd - Public Run Day Volunteer Signup
Based on the number of members who have responded back to an earlier survey we are moving forward with our October 2nd Public Run Day. We are now looking to see where you are interested in volunteering for during the run day event. Please click the link or fill out the form below.
Note: We are asking all volunteers to arrive between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 2nd to make sure we have enough time to setup and go through final operation review meeting at 11:30 a.m.
Based on the number of members who have responded back to an earlier survey we are moving forward with our October 2nd Public Run Day. We are now looking to see where you are interested in volunteering for during the run day event. Please click the link or fill out the form below.
Charlotte has agreed to coordinate our concession efforts for the public run day. Be on the look out for a call or email from her regarding what items we are looking for. One adjustment to the concessions this time around will be all must be pre-packaged and not home made.
Run Day Setup
We are asking all volunteers to arrive between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 2nd to make sure we have enough time to setup and go through final operation review meeting at 11:30 a.m.
Next Club Meeting Update
Our next regularly scheduled club meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 2nd. Because this is our first public run day in two years the board has decided to reschedule our next club meeting to another date. Stay tuned for an update.
Boiler Inspection Day Recap for Saturday, September 18, 2021
It is the one day a year that so of many our steam engines come together for one important purpose. The annual physical I mean boiler test. The steam engines go through a hydro test where the boiler is filled all the way and then we pump more in to make sure the tubes inside the boiler are functioning properly. While we pump more water in, we also do visual inspections for any water coming out of the boiler in areas that aren’t normal. After its all said and done the steam engines are fired up and operated mainly for fun.
It is the one day a year that so many of our steam engines come together for one important purpose. The annual physical I mean boiler test. The steam engines go through a hydro test where the boiler is filled all the way and then we pump more in to make sure the tubes inside the boiler are functioning properly. While we pump more water in, we also do visual inspections for any water coming out of the boiler in areas that aren’t normal. After its all said and done the steam engines are fired up and operated mainly for fun.
Other activities going on the railroad includes Scott making some adjustments of the existing signal system at the main crossing ahead of our first public run day in two years. Otherwise, the group hung out and swapped stories.
October 2nd - Public Run Day Volunteer Signup
Based on the number of members who have responded back to an earlier survey we are moving forward with our October 2nd Public Run Day. We are now looking to see where you are interested in volunteering for during the run day event. Please click the link or fill out the form below.
Note: We are asking all volunteers to arrive between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 2nd to make sure we have enough time to setup and go through final operation review meeting at 11:30 a.m.
Based on the number of members who have responded back to an earlier survey we are moving forward with our October 2nd Public Run Day. We are now looking to see where you are interested in volunteering for during the run day event. Please click the link or fill out the form below.
Charlotte has agreed to coordinate our concession efforts for the public run day. Be on the look out for a call or email from her regarding what items we are looking for. One adjustment to the concessions this time around will be all must be pre-packaged and not home made.
Run Day Setup
We are asking all volunteers to arrive between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 2nd to make sure we have enough time to setup and go through final operation review meeting at 11:30 a.m.
Next Club Meeting Update
Our next regularly scheduled club meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 2nd. Because this is our first public run day in two years the board has decided to reschedule our next club meeting to another date. Stay tuned for an update.
Club diesel and two riding cars back in service after repairs completed
As of Tuesday, September 14th the club diesel sulky is now back in service after the replacement of the truck and brakes were completed by Norm, Wes, and Robby. Norm also brought back to the site two of the club riding cars where he rebuilt three trucks. Wes and Robby took the equipment around the railroad a couple of times to test everything out with success. Norm reports he will be ordering parts to rebuild the remaining riding car trucks over the next couple of months.
As of Tuesday, September 14th the club diesel sulky is now back in service after the replacement of the truck and brakes were completed by Norm, Wes, and Robby. Norm also brought back to the site two of the club riding cars where he rebuilt three trucks. Wes and Robby took the equipment around the railroad a couple of times to test everything out with success. Norm also reports he will be ordering parts to rebuild the remaining riding car trucks over the next couple of months.
Pictured is the truck broken on Saturday, September 4, 2021.
New Titan Trains Bettendorf Trucks with brakes being painted on Saturday, September 11, 2021
Reminder: Annual Boiler Inspection & Railroad Safety Check Day is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th at 8:30 a.m.
It’s that time of year again when our steam engines go through an annual inspection. The inspection is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th at 8:30 a.m. Please click the link below and let us know if you are planning on having your steam engine inspected?
The day is also our reopening safety check day. The plan is to give everyone a chance to brush off the dust on all our equipment and make sure we are ready for our first public run day in nearly two years. All members are encouraged to come out to the railroad and refresh our memory on how we operate during a run day especially since we have the new passenger line.
It’s that time of year again when our steam engines go through an annual inspection. The inspection is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th at 8:30 a.m. Please click the link below and let us know if you are planning on having your steam engine inspected?
https://us9.list-manage.com/survey?u=22f5b9585e7729d6e90c345de&id=d51b613118&e=*|UNIQID|*
Railroad Safety Check Day
The day is also our reopening safety check day. The plan is to give everyone a chance to brush off the dust on all our equipment and make sure we are ready for our first public run day in nearly two years. All members are encouraged to come out to the railroad and refresh our memory on how we operate during a run day especially since we have the new passenger line.
The following items will need to be reviewed:
Club Engines (Diesel / Steam Engine)
Riding Cars
Railroad (Track, Switches, Signals, etc.)
Run Day Supplies (Tents, signs, etc.)
Look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad on Saturday, September 18th.
Next Club Meeting Update
Our next regularly scheduled club meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 2nd. Because this is our first public run day in two years the board has decided to reschedule our next club meeting to another date. Stay tuned for an update.
Another busy workday recap for Saturday, September 11, 2021
Another busy workday around the railroad as we get another weekend closer to re-opening the railroad after nearly two years. Today’s work consisted of installing the fencing at the station, installing a drainpipe in the drive way, installing new insulators for signal system, gauge 1 guys worked on the track, and preparing the replacement truck for the sulky to round out just a few things done today.
Another busy workday around the railroad as we get another weekend closer to re-opening the railroad after nearly two years. Today’s work consisted of installing the fencing at the station, installing a drainpipe in the drive way, installing new insulators for signal system, gauge 1 guys worked on the track, and preparing the replacement truck for the sulky to round out just a few things done today. A few members of the crew also spent time identifying what is needed to start work on the “Grandma” line which includes build a curved switch. The crew consisted of Wes, John, Scott, Norm, Ben, Rick, “Bob”, Dave E., Tyler, Calvin, Carl, and others.
The crew installed more than 120’ of fencing to help mark off the new station loading area just in time for the railroad to re-open on October 2nd.
A new drain was installed today to help drain off excess rainwater from the loading area out towards the east loop. A new catch basis is also in the works so be on the lookout for the cones on the east side of the driveway.
Last week the truck under the sulky finally wore out and a new sulky arrive today with brakes and getting a paint job before getting installed under the sulking in the coming days.
Who's interested in learning how to operate the club steamer? Classes are starting soon.
Beginning on Saturday, September 25th Bob Cummings will be conducting classes on learning how to operate the club steamer. The objective of the classes will be to train members to operate the club steamer and pull passengers. The Board of Directors has limited the use of the club steamer to club events. Space is limited two or three candidates, so call me and reserve a spot.
Beginning on Saturday, September 25th Bob Cummings will be conducting classes on learning how to operate the club steamer. Here is a note from Bob regarding the classes:
The objective of the classes will be to train members to operate the club steamer and pull passengers. The Board of Directors has limited the use of the club steamer to club events. Space is limited two or three candidates, so call me and reserve a spot. A second series of classes will be held if interest warrants. I expect the classes will last two or three Saturdays. I expect to have three types of students: Members with steam engine experience who need to get checked out on the club steamer. Members with non-steam experience but experience pulling public trains. And members who have no experience running a steam engine and no experience pulling public trains. All are welcome.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Bob Cummings
Annual Boiler Inspection is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th at 8:30 a.m.
It’s that time of year again when our steam engines go through an annual inspection. The inspection is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th at 8:30 a.m.
It’s that time of year again when our steam engines go through an annual inspection. The inspection is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th at 8:30 a.m. Please click the link below and let us know if you are planning on having your steam engine inspected?
https://us9.list-manage.com/survey?u=22f5b9585e7729d6e90c345de&id=d51b613118&e=*|UNIQID|*
For our non-steam engine members Saturday, September 18th is also our reopening safety check day. The plan is to give everyone a chance to brush off the dust on all our equipment and make sure we are ready for our first public run day in nearly two years. All members are encouraged to come out to the railroad and refresh our memory on how we operate during a run day especially since we have the new passenger line.
The following items will need to be reviewed:
Club Engines (Diesel / Steam Engine)
Riding Cars
Railroad (Track, Switches, Signals, etc.)
Run Day Supplies (Tents, signs, etc.)
Look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad on Saturday, September 18th.
The Pre-Pre Public Run Day Workday Scheduled for Saturday, September 11th at 8:30 a.m.
Now that the passenger line is complete we shift our attention to checking the rest of the railroad for any needed maintenance around the railroad and the property.
Now that the passenger line is complete we shift our attention to checking the rest of the railroad for any needed maintenance around the railroad and the property. Here is a list of items that we will need to work on:
Track inspection and repair (not just marking but repairing) - check for gaps in rail, rail joiners, check and oil switches for operation, make sure all frog guards are free of debris, check track alignment
Ant & Wasp check - treat for ants and make sure any wasp nests in common areas are removed.
Property Clean up - clean up sticks, rocks, grass cutting, fence repair, and clean up anything that makes the property not look as good as it should.
Breeseway - Clean up sticks, gutters, and other items around this area
Gauge 1 clean up - grass cutting inside the circle area
Construction material - All construction material should be picked up and put in its proper place
Install fencing near new passenger station area
As a reminder our Annual Boiler inspection is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th at 8:30 a.m. Please click the link below and let us know if you are planning on having your steam engine inspected?
https://us9.list-manage.com/survey?u=22f5b9585e7729d6e90c345de&id=d51b613118&e=*|UNIQID|*
The passenger line is now complete - Workday recap for Saturday, September 4, 2021
What an incredible day. After 42 workdays over 14 months of work the passenger line is now complete. Today’s crew consisted of Wes, Gene, “Bob2”, Scott, Norm, David E., and Robby installed the last 55’ of track.
What an incredible day. After 42 workdays over 14 months of work the passenger line is now complete. Today’s crew consisted of Wes, Gene, “Bob2”, Scott, Norm, David E., and Robby installed the last 55’ of track. They also cleaned up some areas with additional gravel and fill to reduce any drainage issues in the area. Next on the list of to-do’s includes grade crossing lights at the pedestrian crossing along with a switch motor for the station bypass track.
Scott was able to capture the last buck of 57 being dumped on the passenger line project as the crew put the finishing touches on the project. Not sure why Norm is scratching his head other than maybe thinking about what the next project will be.
David E. and Robby took the first ride on the completed passenger line all the way through the new station area. They looked like two kids in a candy store. Just saying.
We did run into an issue with the club diesel towards the end of the day. Let’s just say that the engine is fine but the truck under the sulky isn’t. One of the axles has warn to a point it came out of the side frame. Norm took the truck and is going to get it fixed until them just know the club diesel is not available until the sulky is fixed.
Workday recap for Thursday, September 2, 2021 - Only 6 more panels to complete the passenger line project
We had a rare workday during the week today as a small crew went out and finished ballasting, leveling, fixing drainage, and setting forms so the final 6 panels will go in easy during our next workday. The crew consisted of Ben, “Bob”, Peter, Dave E., Norm, Wes, and Robby. The crew focused on a few different areas throughout the day starting with finishing ballasting from the end of the passenger station area and worked towards the pedestrian crossing.
We had a rare workday during the week today as a small crew went out and finished ballasting, leveling, fixing drainage, and setting forms so the final 6 panels will go in easy during our next workday. The crew consisted of Ben, “Bob”, Peter, Dave E., Norm, Wes, and Robby. The crew focused on a few different areas throughout the day starting with finishing ballasting from the end of the passenger station area and worked towards the pedestrian crossing. They also worked on addressing some major drainage areas by the bridges as the most recent rain had washed out some area next to the bypass track again. Additional gravel was spread in other areas to help with drainage between the passenger line and the bypass track along with providing some better footing when people get on an off a train in the station area.
All in all, a very productive day which means that our next workday will complete the passenger line project and perform some track work on the bypass track.
On another note don’t forget that we have our annual boiler inspection and railroad safety check on Saturday, September 18th. Be on the look out for additional details. The railroad safety check is intended to change all railroad equipment and identify any track work that needs to be completed before our planned re-open on Saturday, October 2nd.
NGLS: Urgent Feedback Requested Regarding October 2nd Public Run Day
Many of you may have already seen the email that came out recently regarding needing your feedback regarding whether or not we should have the public run day. We are also needing to find out who is available to work the October 2nd event so we can see if we have enough volunteers to run the event including trains.
Many of you may have already seen the email that came out recently regarding needing your feedback regarding our public run day scheduled for Saturday, October 2nd. We need to know Yes or No to the day and if Yes who is available to volunteer during the run day. Please fill out the form below so we can make the appropriate decision.
Please only fill out the form if you have NOT already done so.