Debris and other updates
What a crazy weather year we have had. The most recent hurricane that came through our region last week just seems to be icing on the cake for many. After the hurricane passed Wayne went to check on the railroad and found everything to be in good shape and at that point the river was high but was not at risk of creating any issues with the railroad.
What a crazy weather year we have had. The most recent hurricane that came through our region last week just seems to be icing on the cake for many. After the hurricane passed Wayne L. went to check on the railroad and found everything to be in good shape and at that point the river was high but was not at risk of creating any issues with the railroad. On Saturday Wes was out to the railroad and took some pictures of the water level and things continue to look ok with the Yellow River not reaching the railroad. By Sunday many of you read the email about John Tuten and how he got hit pretty hard by the hurricane with trees actually hitting his house. He has struggled to find local help but after last night’s email several members volunteered to go out Monday and help remove what every they could to help John and his family. This morning Wes and Scott meet at the railroad and loaded up and headed to South Carolina but before they left Scott sent pictures and information on what he found around the west end of the railroad. Robby checked on Calvin and Vivian who are in the Augusta area just west of John and they are doing well. They lost power but everything else was in good shape.
Back to Scott’s report he reports the west end of the railroad had no visible track damage which is great news. He reports that a lot of leaves and little twigs on the track. He did move a couple of larger limbs that had fall out of the way. However, he did find two large limbs that will need to be taken care of near the bridge coming out of the woods on the inner loop track as you are heading towards what we call the water line. This is in the same area that a tree was removed after our last big storm a few months ago. He did find one major safety issue with a limb that is about 30 feet up in the air dangling that we need to figure out how to get down ahead of our public run day if possible. If anyone has availability on Friday Robby plans to be at the site sometime around 2 p.m. to clean up around the railroad and perform some regular track maintenance on the east loop and two switches on the west end of the yard.
If the storm wasn’t enough, you probably heard about the chemical fire at the BioLab facility in Conyers along I-20 requiring many to shelter in place while the fire is put out and the air quality improves. At this point we do not believe this will impact our public run day on Saturday, but we continue to monitor the situation.
Assuming things continue to improve we also have our club meeting on Saturday at 11 a.m.
Email Issue Update
It has come to our attention that many of you may not have received last Friday’s email from Robby personal email talking about last Saturday’s workday plans and other activity around the railroad. For those that did not receive the email here is a portion of what was sent
It has come to our attention that many of you may not have received last Friday’s email from Robby personal email talking about last Saturday’s workday plans and other activity around the railroad. For those that did not receive the email here is a portion of what was sent.
…The day will be focused on making sure the railroad is ready for our run day in two weeks and to finish painting the inside wall and ceiling of the clubhouse / workshop container. I'm not sure how the grass is but any help to weedeat and possibly cut the grass would also be helpful.
Also don't forget to spread the word about our fall meet.
https://northgeorgialivesteamers.org/fallmeet
If you have any questions or comments, please let us know.
Hot Summer Club Fun Run Recap - August 24, 2024
Our annual Hot Summer Nights Club Fun Run, more like morning and afternoon, was an incredible day for our members and visitors. The weather was unusually gorgeous for an August summer day and only got better into the evening. We had members and visitors come and go throughout the day enjoying fellowship, lunch, and of course riding trains.
Our annual Hot Summer Nights Club Fun Run, more like morning and afternoon, was an incredible day for our members and visitors. The weather was unusually gorgeous for an August summer day and only got better into the evening. We had members and visitors come and go throughout the day enjoying fellowship, lunch, and of course riding trains. However, earlier in the week Wes got the property ready for our enjoyment by cutting grass and Saturday morning Dave L. came out and finished clearing the railroad of any debris with his leaf blower and maybe a little game of pick-up sticks all to make sure the railroad was ready for our enjoyment. With the property and railroad ready Dave did some test running with his electric switch and answered some questions from John about his electric locomotive. Whatever Dave said must have worked because John was out running his locomotive a short time later with a grin on his face just like a kid in the candy store. John also acquired a new to him engineer and flat car making his train nearly complete.
Speaking of working on things Wes brought out his latest electric outline Porter project and ran it around the railroad on Saturday. He continues to make adjustments and is really close to making his latest project fully operational in the near future. Great looking locomotive with many years of fun in its future. Peter also stopped by and steamed up just so he could get dirty enough to make sure everything is running correctly ahead of the fall run schedule. Let’s just say Robby was a little jealous he didn’t bring his locomotive to compete with Peter on who would end the day the dirtiest. We also had one of our younger members Grady come by with his grandfather and was taught how to run the club diesel for the first time. Let’s just say the smile on his face throughout the day was wide and will surely be a memory for the ages.
As the afternoon turned to evening many went home leaving just Wes and Dave to play trains until almost 9 p.m. before tucking their trains in for the night and going home as well. We could not have picked a better weather day and looking forward to many more club fun days and our fall meet in October.
Almost a full workday recap for Saturday, August 3rd
We had a small crew working around the railroad on Saturday with a failed attempt to cut the grass. Let’s just say that grass won over the two riding lawn mowers as the deck belts broke on both of them. After the failed attempt to cut grass, the crew shifted gears and made about a dozen straight panels that will be used for the grandma line.
We had a small crew working around the railroad on Saturday with Wes and Robby trying to cut the grass. Let’s just say that grass won over the two riding lawn mowers as the deck belts broke on both of them. Wes plans on making a second attempt at cutting the grass on Sunday after installing a new belt in his riding lawn mower. A new belt for the club riding lawn mower is on order and should be useable again in about two weeks. After the failed attempt to cut grass Robby and Tyler shifted gears and made about a dozen straight panels that will be used for the grandma line. We did take a break for lunch and our August club meeting.
Don’t forget to check out our calendar for what is coming up including club fun days, meets, and more in the coming weeks and months.
Happy Mother’s Day
A big thank you to all of the moms on Mother’s Day. Thank you for all you do in supporting us in everything we do.
A big thank you to all of the moms on Mother’s Day. Thank you for all you do in supporting us in everything we do.
Prep Day for our second run day will be on Saturday, May 11th
The second public run day of the season is just around the corner. Come out on Saturday, May 11th and let’s prepare the property and the railroad for our visitors. Workday will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the focus making sure the railroad is ready to go along with cutting grass and checking all equipment. Make sure you bring leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and other lawn tools. Don’t forget other tools you may need to perform work on other items around the railroad.
The second public run day of the season is just around the corner. Come out on Saturday, May 11th and let’s prepare the property and the railroad for our visitors. Workday will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the focus making sure the railroad is ready to go along with cutting grass and checking all equipment. Make sure you bring leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and other lawn tools. Don’t forget other tools you may need to perform work on other items around the railroad.
Are you available to volunteer for our May 18th Public Run Day Event?
We are looking to see who is planning on visiting other railroads this spring. We are hoping to have a good showing at other locations and to help promote our Fall meet. Please fill out the form below and let us know.
Our second public run day of the season is on Saturday, May 18th. Please let us know if you are available to volunteer that day. Fill out the form below or click the button.
This Saturday, March 2nd is our 2nd Almost Monthly Club Fun Day of 2024.
Our 2nd Almost Monthly Club Fun Day will be this Saturday, March 2nd. The day is intended for club members, guests, and those who are in the hobby to come out and enjoy a day of running trains. Come when you want and stay as long as you want. If you plan on coming out, please let us know by clicking here.
Some changes to the railroad have taken place since the last time we have operated on the railroad. If you are the first one on the railroad, make sure you take it slow and verify all switches are aligned correctly. Pay close attention to the area heading down towards the Nicol’s bridge after you leave the station area as this area had some major work done last weekend, and a new switch has been installed on the inner loop on the west end as you approach the water line track.
Our 2nd Almost Monthly Club Fun Day will be this Saturday, March 2nd. The day is intended for club members, guests, and those who are in the hobby to come out and enjoy a day of running trains. Come when you want and stay as long as you want. If you plan on coming out, please let us know by clicking here.
Some changes to the railroad have taken place since the last time we have operated on the railroad. If you are the first one on the railroad, make sure you take it slow and verify all switches are aligned correctly. Pay close attention to the area heading down towards the Nicol’s bridge after you leave the station area as this area had some major work done last weekend, and a new switch has been installed on the inner loop on the west end as you approach the water line track.
AJC lists NGLS as one of six family friendly train trips in and around Georgia
A big shout out to LaVay for finding a February 20th article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution online edition which lists NGLS as one of six family friend train trips in and around Georgia. Check out the full article by visiting AJC online - Six family friendly train trips in and around Georgia (ajc.com).
A big shout out to LaVay for finding a February 20th article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution online edition which lists NGLS as one of six family friend train trips in and around Georgia. Check out the full article by visiting AJC online - Six family friendly train trips in and around Georgia (ajc.com).
NGLS Club Steamer Maintenance Update
As many of you know the club steamer needed a couple of repairs after her travels back from the Trains, Trains, Trains event last month. Bob reports that the repairs are complete but would like an additional review of how the lubricator is working. He spent time priming it but felt some additional inspection would be helpful to insure it is 100% operational. Bob is going to be unavailable for the next couple of months so if we could get a few steam guys to step in and help Bob with verifying everything is operational before our first public run day event that would be great.
Until this verification is complete, please do not use the club steamer until then.
As many of you know the club steamer needed a couple of repairs after her travels back from the Trains, Trains, Trains event last month. Bob reports that the repairs are complete but would like an additional review of how the lubricator is working. He spent time priming it but felt some additional inspection would be helpful to insure it is 100% operational. Bob is going to be unavailable for the next couple of months so if we could get a few steam guys to step in and help Bob with verifying everything is operational before our first public run day event that would be great.
Until this verification is complete, please do not use the club steamer until then.
Club Meeting Location Change - Moving to Hawthorn Suites across from railroad
Our January meeting is this Saturday, January 6th at 1 p.m. The meeting location will move across the street to Hawthorn Suites which is at 1659 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30013. If you are unable to make the meeting and are a FULL member you can vote for the 2024 Board online by visiting https://tinyurl.com/ngls2024voting. Please note that you must be a current FULL member and have paid your 2024 dues prior to the start of the Saturday, January 6th meeting.
Our January meeting is this Saturday, January 6th at 1 p.m. The meeting location will move across the street to Hawthorn Suites which is at 1659 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30013. If you are unable to make the meeting and are a FULL member you can vote for the 2024 Board online by visiting https://tinyurl.com/ngls2024voting. Please note that you must be a current FULL member and have paid your 2024 dues prior to the start of the Saturday, January 6th meeting.
For Sale - Sandy Creek 523 Switcher $2,000.00
Here is a great opportunity to purchase a completely rebuilt electric switcher. The story begins 40+ years ago when the switcher was built by Paul Demianchik in about 1979. The cab was custom built for him by Bill Koster’s Miniature Railroad Supply. The motor and controller also came from Bill. The drive train came from Railroad Supply Corp. The exact origin of the chassis is unknown. To read more on the history of this great locomotive and see additional pictures click the link below.
http://www.davelevy.net/sandy-creek-523-switcher/
The video below shows the locomotive operating after the restoration completion.
$2,000
If interested contact Dave Levy (dave@davelevy.com) for more information. This locomotive is located at North Georgia Live Steamers in Conyers, GA.
Here is a great opportunity to purchase a completely rebuilt electric switcher. The story begins 40+ years ago when the switcher was built by Paul Demianchik in about 1979. The cab was custom built for him by Bill Koster’s Miniature Railroad Supply. The motor and controller also came from Bill. The drive train came from Railroad Supply Corp. The exact origin of the chassis is unknown. To read more on the history of this great locomotive and see additional pictures click the link below.
http://www.davelevy.net/sandy-creek-523-switcher/
The video below shows the locomotive operating after the restoration completion.
$2,000
If interested contact Dave Levy (dave@davelevy.com) for more information. This locomotive is located at North Georgia Live Steamers in Conyers, GA.
Club Meeting and Christmas Party this Saturday, December 9th
As a reminder the annual December Club Meeting and Christmas Party has been rescheduled for this Saturday, December 9th. Please continue to work with Joan on coordinating food and other activities for the Christmas Party.
The plan is still start arriving around 11 a.m. with food at noon and club meeting at 1 p.m. Don’t forget party activities include White Elephant Raffle. So, make sure you bring a white elephant gift and money to buy some raffle tickets to play.
For those not able to attend the meeting and would still like to submit nominations for the 2024 board please do so no later than Friday, December 8th using the link below. If you have already submitted your nominations online you do not need to do it again.
As a reminder the annual December Club Meeting and Christmas Party has been rescheduled for this Saturday, December 9th. Please continue to work with Joan on coordinating food and other activities for the Christmas Party.
The plan is still start arriving around 11 a.m. with food at noon and club meeting at 1 p.m. Don’t forget party activities include White Elephant Raffle. So, make sure you bring a white elephant gift and money to buy some raffle tickets to play.
For those not able to attend the meeting and would still like to submit nominations for the 2024 board please do so no later than Friday, December 8th using the link below. If you have already submitted your nominations online you do not need to do it again.
Train For Sale
A great locomotive and a couple of cars have come up for sale within our group. John H. has put his equipment up for sale as he prepares to bring to life another steam engine. Details included below.
For more information contact John H.
A great locomotive and a couple of cars have come up for sale within our group. John H. has put his equipment up for sale as he prepares to bring to life another steam engine. Details included below.
For more information contact John H.
$8,795 Complete Train and Mini-Camper
$2,200 Engine with extra cab, including Batteries
$1,000 Engineer Car with matching folding seats
$1,800 Passenger/conductor car with folding seat
NOTE: Mini-Camper not sold separately.
Public Run Day Recap for Saturday, October 7, 2023 (Members Recap)
What an incredible day we had this past Saturday. The day started out with beautiful weather and friends from Georgia Garden Railway Society (GGRS) stopping by not only to spend some time with us but to feed us lunch before our big day. We received some great pictures from our Gauge-1 setup from Dan Long, who visited with his family and shared some great photos of there stay. He shared on Facebook the following “We went to North Georgia Live Steamers today and Ezra had a blast. He asked if he could help and Mark showed him how to run an actual steam engine.” Moments like this is what allows the hobby to live on.
We had posts like this all over social media yesterday and the smiles are not possible without each of our members who came out to make the day such a success. For those wondering about the numbers we gave 722 rides plus about 50 rides for GGRS. Based on historical numbers Saturday was our largest public run day to date for our railroad.
In just a couple of weeks our Fall Meet will take place and we need to hear from you regarding your plans for the meet. This will also help us with making sure we have enough food for Saturday’s lunch. Please use the link below to let us know - https://tinyurl.com/2023fallmeetmembers
What an incredible day we had this past Saturday. The day started out with beautiful weather and friends from Georgia Garden Railway Society (GGRS) stopping by not only to spend some time with us but to feed us lunch before our big day. We received some great pictures from our Gauge-1 setup from Dan Long, who visited with his family and shared some great photos of there stay. He shared on Facebook the following “We went to North Georgia Live Steamers today and Ezra had a blast. He asked if he could help and Mark showed him how to run an actual steam engine.” Moments like this is what allows the hobby to live on.
We had posts like this all over social media yesterday and the smiles are not possible without each of our members who came out to make the day such a success. For those wondering about the numbers we gave 722 rides plus about 50 rides for GGRS. Based on historical numbers Saturday was our largest public run day to date for our railroad.
In just a couple of weeks our Fall Meet will take place and we need to hear from you regarding your plans for the meet. This will also help us with making sure we have enough food for Saturday’s lunch. Please use the link below to let us know - https://tinyurl.com/2023fallmeetmembers
Video provided by Mike Dreskell
Videos from Dan Long and family
Come prepare the railroad this Saturday, September 30th starting at 8:30 a.m. as we prepare for our next run day
Come out and help prepare the property for our next public run day. Workday is this Saturday, September 30th starting at 8:30 a.m. The focus of the day will be to prepare the railroad and equipment for our next run day. The grass will need to be cut, fence line will need weed eating and more. Make sure you bring proper tools to do both yard work and railroad maintenance. Make sure you walk the railroad and look for any gaps in the railroad that need to be repaired and make sure you take care of it. Make sure the switches are also oiled so they work properly during our run day. Make sure you bring lunch, drinks, and a good sense of humor for the day.
Come out and help prepare the property for our next public run day. Workday is this Saturday, September 30th starting at 8:30 a.m. The focus of the day will be to prepare the railroad and equipment for our next run day. The grass will need to be cut, fence line will need weed eating and more. Make sure you bring proper tools to do both yard work and railroad maintenance. Make sure you walk the railroad and look for any gaps in the railroad that need to be repaired and make sure you take care of it. Make sure the switches are also oiled so they work properly during our run day. Make sure you bring lunch, drinks, and a good sense of humor for the day.
Come prepare the railroad on Saturday, September 30th as we prepare for our next run day
The third public run day of the season is just around the corner. Come out on Saturday, September 30th and let’s prepare the property and the railroad for our visitors. Workday will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the focus making sure the railroad and equipment are ready to operate. The grass will need to be cut, the switches will need to be oiled, and debris cleared from the track. Please make sure you walk the railroad and look for any repairs that are needed and make them. Don’t forget to bring the necessary tools you’ll need for the workday.
The third public run day of the season is just around the corner. Come out on Saturday, September 30th and let’s prepare the property and the railroad for our visitors. Workday will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the focus making sure the railroad and equipment are ready to operate. The grass will need to be cut, the switches will need to be oiled, and debris cleared from the track. Please make sure you walk the railroad and look for any repairs that are needed and make them. Don’t forget to bring the necessary tools you’ll need for the workday.
Wasps and tree down discovery ahead of our Saturday, September 16th workday
Thursday morning while Wes was at the site monitoring weed spraying and taking care of wasp’s nest, he discovered a tree that had fallen behind our red container where some of our rail is stored. He said that the switch templates didn’t get damaged, and the pile of rail seemed to cushion the fall of the tree. No real damaged just a little cleanup.
Speaking of clean up don’t forget our annual boiler inspection and workday is this Saturday, September 16th starting at 8:30 a.m. We are just three weeks away from our first fall run day which is scheduled for Saturday, October 7th. The weather on Saturday is going to be great with highs only reaching about 75. A big difference from our summer highs which prevented most of us from getting out to the railroad. Come and catchup with the crew and help make the railroad a beautiful place for us and our fall visitors.
Here is a short list of items you can help with this Saturday:
Thursday morning while Wes was at the site monitoring weed spraying and taking care of wasp’s nest, he discovered a tree that had fallen behind our red container where some of our rail is stored. He said that the switch templates didn’t get damaged, and the pile of rail seemed to cushion the fall of the tree. No real damaged just a little cleanup.
Speaking of clean up don’t forget our annual boiler inspection and workday is this Saturday, September 16th starting at 8:30 a.m. We are just three weeks away from our first fall run day which is scheduled for Saturday, October 7th. The weather on Saturday is going to be great with highs only reaching about 75. A big difference from our summer highs which prevented most of us from getting out to the railroad. Come and catchup with the crew and help make the railroad a beautiful place for us and our fall visitors.
Here is a short list of items you can help with this Saturday:
Check to make sure Club Diesel is in working order including train brakes
Check to make sure Club Steamer is in working order including train brakes.
Check to make sure brakes on riding cars are working.
Exercise and lubricate all mainline switches. Make sure the points clear the cut out when position changed.
Clear debris off railroad. Bring a leaf blower
Check to make sure rail joiners are properly positioned at each joint and make sure gap at joints are not larger than they should be. Be prepared to repair. Bring battery tools and kneepads.
Clean out and organize the grey container.
Apply ballast in areas that need a little attention. This means you can play with trains and fill buckets with ballast and dump and spread around the railroad.
Bring lots of bad jokes and a good sense of humor.
Don’t forget to bring a lunch and plenty to drink.
Let’s enjoy the day and prepare for a great fall of playing with trains.
GHIP marquee repaired and new NGLS sign
Some of you may not know but a couple of months ago someone ran into the Georgia International Horse Park marquee at the intersection of HWY 138 and Centennial Olympic Parkway. The marquee also housed signs promoting what could be found within the horse park complex including NGLS. Yesterday the final repairs were completed, and we now have a new sign. A big thank you to the horse park and those involved in the repairs.
Some of you may not know but a couple of months ago someone ran into the Georgia International Horse Park marquee at the intersection of HWY 138 and Centennial Olympic Parkway. The marquee also housed signs promoting what could be found within the horse park complex including NGLS. Yesterday the final repairs were completed, and we now have a new sign. A big thank you to the horse park and those involved in the repairs.
New NGLS T-Shirts have been ordered and will be available Saturday, September 16th (Members Only)
The new NGLS t-shirts have been ordered and will be available for pickup during our annual boiler inspection on Saturday, September 16th. For our NGLS members t-shirt price is $12 per shirt. All payments should be given to Norm at the time of picking up t-shirts. A follow up email will be sent to everyone to show what you ordered and balance due.
The new NGLS t-shirts have been ordered and will be available for pickup during our annual boiler inspection on Saturday, September 16th. For our NGLS members t-shirt price is $12 per shirt. All payments should be given to Norm at the time of picking up t-shirts. A follow up email will be sent to everyone to show what you ordered and balance due.