September Kicks Off a Busy Season at the Railroad
It’s hard to believe we’re already in September! This time of year always brings an extra level of excitement to our railroad and our hobby. Fall is when things really ramp up—our Fall Meet, Public Run Days, and several important projects are all on the calendar.
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at one (or many!) of our upcoming events. To make it all possible, we’ve scheduled a few work days to get the railroad in top shape and to finish up some ongoing projects.
It’s hard to believe we’re already in September! This time of year always brings an extra level of excitement to our railroad and our hobby. Fall is when things really ramp up—our Fall Meet, Public Run Days, and several important projects are all on the calendar.
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at one (or many!) of our upcoming events. To make it all possible, we’ve scheduled a few work days to get the railroad in top shape and to finish up some ongoing projects. Here’s what’s happening over the next few weeks:
Annual Boiler Inspection - The annual inspection takes place on Saturday, September 13th.
Clubhouse & Workshop Project - The roadbed for the shop track coming off the mainline needs some work, along with putting in a cinderblock wall, which has already been started. We will have a bobcat onsite to help bring in any additional material, but a lot of the dirt and roadbed work is in place, just needs to be finished before we install track panels. A right-hand switch needs to be built along with a few panels and a track receiver that will be mounted to the cinderblock wall. The plan is to work on this on Saturday, September 20th.
East Loop Drain Repair - The major repair of the east loop drain is in place, but needs some finishing work and clean up around the area to complete this project now that the concrete has had time to set and see how the runoff water is flowing through the new drains. The plan is to work on this on Saturday, September 20th.
Track Maintenance & More- We need to go around the railroad and make sure the track is in good running order for our run day, and make any necessary repairs. For those who have not been to the railroad in a few months, the “Grandma Line” is officially open and will be used during our next run day, so make sure you check it out. Work on the track is planned for both Saturday, September 20th, and Saturday, September 27th.
Storage Siding with Recharging Hook Up Track - We need to lay between 4 and 5 track panels using used rail to complete this project. This will be helpful for any of our Fall Meet visitors who need a place to plug in and recharge any element of their train. We will need some track panels built or rebuilt and installed. Work on this is planned for both Saturday, September 20th, and Saturday, September 27th.
Don’t forget that our Fall Meet is also just around the corner. In less than 40 days, the Fall meet will take place, so don’t forget to invite everyone you know in the hobby to come out and enjoy the railroad with us. The dates for this year’s meet are Thursday, October 16th through Sunday, October 19th.
East Loop Repair and More Continued on Wednesday and Thursday
Even with storm clouds rolling in on Wednesday, Wes and Ken pressed forward on the much-anticipated East Loop repair. Their determination was evident as they worked through the drizzle, making steady progress on the critical section of track that has been a focal point of recent projects.
Even with storm clouds rolling in on Wednesday, Wes and Ken pressed forward on the much-anticipated East Loop repair. Their determination was evident as they worked through the drizzle, making steady progress on the critical section of track that has been a focal point of recent projects.
In addition to tackling the East Loop, the pair also spent time repairing the electrical conduit between the Hightower Trail tower and the red container. This task required uncovering and assessing existing lines, then making the necessary repairs to ensure reliable power for future operations. While it might not be as visible as the concrete work or track installation, this behind-the-scenes effort is essential to keeping everything running smoothly.
Needless to say, Wes and Ken have been more than busy all week—balancing heavy construction with careful technical repairs. Their persistence and teamwork have kept the project moving forward despite the challenges that come with unpredictable summer weather.
A big thank you goes out to the team for everything they’ve accomplished so far. Each completed step brings us closer to seeing the East Loop restoration finished, and the excitement is building as we look ahead to the final product taking shape soon.
East Loop Drain Repair Workday Recap for Saturday, August 16th
Work has begun to repair the East Loop drain. This past Saturday, Wes, Ken, and the team brought in the big guns to repair the east loop drain once and for all. The goal is to have the drain repaired before the Club Fun Hot Summer Nights event on Saturday, August 23rd.
This past Saturday, the crew dug out the path for the culverts to be installed, with forms going in on Sunday and concrete being poured on Tuesday, August 19th. The goal is to have the track panels back in place by Friday. For that to happen, Wes, Ken, and the crew are asking for help from anyone available. Please reach out to Wes to let him know when you are available so he can align it with planned work.
Work has begun to repair the East Loop drain. This past Saturday, Wes, Ken, “Bob’s” distant cousin, and the team brought in the big guns to repair the east loop drain once and for all. The goal is to have the drain repaired before the Club Fun Hot Summer Nights event on Saturday, August 23rd.
This past Saturday, the crew dug out the path for the culverts to be installed, with forms going in on Sunday and concrete being poured on Tuesday, August 19th. The goal is to have the track panels back in place by Friday. For that to happen, Wes, Ken, and the crew are asking for help from anyone available. Please reach out to Wes to let him know when you are available so he can align it with planned work.
Club Meeting Time Change to 10 a.m. for Saturday, August 2nd
Our next club meeting will be this Saturday, August 2nd at 10 a.m. This represents a time change. We are also planning on a small workday to finish installing a retaining wall for the Grandma Line. Work on the retaining wall will start at 8:30 a.m. and continue after the meeting is over.
See everyone around the railroad.
Our next club meeting will be this Saturday, August 2nd at 10 a.m. This represents a time change.
We are also planning on a small workday to finish installing a retaining wall for the Grandma Line. Work on the retaining wall will start at 8:30 a.m. and continue after the meeting is over.
See everyone around the railroad.
Public Run Day Volunteer Survey
Our first public run day is just around the corner. We need to know who will be available to volunteer for the event. Please respond by Monday, March 31st.
If the form below does not work please use the following link: https://tinyurl.com/rundayapril52025
Our first public run day is just around the corner. We need to know who will be available to volunteer for the event. Please respond by Monday, March 31st.
If the form below does not work please use the following link: https://tinyurl.com/rundayapril52025
Workday Recap for Saturday, March 21st
We had a great turnout for our workday on Saturday. The crew took a divide and conquered approach by working on multiple projects at the same time. We had a track crew working on the Grandma Line installing a new switch off the mainline on the west end of the project. We had another group work on electrical throughout the property and so much more going on throughout the day.
We had a great turnout for our workday on Saturday. The crew took a divide and conquered approach by working on multiple projects at the same time. We had a track crew working on the Grandma Line installing a new switch off the mainline on the west end of the project. This means the Grandma Line is only 90 feet away from completion. We had another group work on electrical throughout the property and so much more going on throughout the day.
We are now just days away from the opening of the 2025 season and without our members and volunteers none of this would be possible. A thank you to everyone. As we look ahead to April we are planning on working on the clubhouse and workshop project with a focus on sealing the containers together and cutting out the inner walls before the summer heat arrives. Dates for this project will be announced soon.
Come ride trains on Saturday, April 5th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive again on Saturday, April 5th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
The railroad comes alive again on Saturday, April 5th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The volunteers have been hard at work making improvements to the railroad and are ready to bring the railroad back to life. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
Major Repair workday planned for this Saturday, February 22nd starting at 8:30 a.m.
Our regularly scheduled workday is this Saturday, February 22nd, with a focus on performing major track repair on the east loop of the railroad. We need to repair about 100 feet of track, which has large gaps between sections that limit the ability to use the railroad. The day will start a little cold but will warm up, especially since we will be working in the sun. Make sure you bring lunch, tools, and a good sense of humor.
Please note that this track work needs to be done before our next Club Fun Day, which is Saturday, March 1st. If we have a large enough crew, we may have a couple of people split off and work on finishing building the curve switch for the “Grandma Line” project, and if we get really lucky, maybe even install the switch. That is a big maybe.
Our regularly scheduled workday is this Saturday, February 22nd, with a focus on performing major track repair on the east loop of the railroad. We need to repair about 100 feet of track, which has large gaps between sections that limit the ability to use the railroad. The day will start a little cold but will warm up, especially since we will be working in the sun. Make sure you bring lunch, tools, and a good sense of humor.
Please note that this track work needs to be done before our next Club Fun Day, which is Saturday, March 1st. If we have a large enough crew, we may have a couple of people split off and work on finishing building the curve switch for the “Grandma Line” project, and if we get really lucky, maybe even install the switch. That is a big maybe.
Workday inside insulated and heated container planned for this weekend
A workday is planned on the Clubhouse and Workshop project this Saturday, January 25th starting at 8:30 a.m. The heat is running, and container is warmer than you might think inside. The plan is to work on electrical and finish painting the last bit of walls and ceiling in container one. Over the next several workdays we will begin getting container 1 and 2 ready for fastening them together and removing the interior wall. In case you haven’t already respond to the clubhouse workday survey that was sent out a few weeks ago please do so we can make plans. The official push on the project starts February 1st with the hope of having the first two containers attached and opened up before our first run day in April.
A workday is planned on the Clubhouse and Workshop project this Saturday, January 25th starting at 8:30 a.m. The heat is running, and container is warmer than you might think inside. The plan is to work on electrical and finish painting the last bit of walls and ceiling in container one. Over the next several workdays we will begin getting container 1 and 2 ready for fastening them together and removing the interior wall. In case you haven’t already respond to the clubhouse workday survey that was sent out a few weeks ago please do so we can make plans. The official push on the project starts February 1st with the hope of having the first two containers attached and opened up before our first run day in April.
Club Meeting this Saturday, January 4th at 1:00 p.m. at Hawthorne Suites
Our first club meeting of 2025 will be this Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Hawthorne Suites (1659 Centennial Olympic Pkwy, Conyers, GA, 30013) across the street from the railroad. We will also be holding elections for the 2025 board. All Full Members wishing to vote must pay 2025 dues before votes are taken at the meeting.
Our first club meeting of 2025 will be this Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Hawthorne Suites (1659 Centennial Olympic Pkwy, Conyers, GA, 30013) across the street from the railroad. We will also be holding elections for the 2025 board. All Full Members wishing to vote must pay 2025 dues before votes are taken at the meeting.
Yearly Dues
Full Membership: $75
Associate Membership: $50
Junior Membership: $25
To cast your vote, click the link and complete the online ballot. (https://tinyurl.com/ngls2025voting). All online votes must be received by 6 p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025.
2025 Nominees
President: Robby Mossman
Vice President: Peter Craymer
Secretary: Dave Levy
Board Member Nominees (Pick 3)
Calvin Abernathy, Scott Moore, Wes Rogers, George Seal, John Tuten
Final workday of the year on the Grandma Line is this Saturday, December 14th
The final workday of the year is this Saturday, December 14th starting at 8:30 a.m. The day will be focus on the “Grandma Line” with plans to install and set more track panels and continue working on building the final switch needed for the project.
The final workday of the year is this Saturday, December 14th starting at 8:30 a.m. The day will be focus on the “Grandma Line” with plans to install and set more track panels and continue working on building the final switch needed for the project.
Correction: Submit your 2025 Board Nominees for those not able to attend our December 7th meeting
It is that time of year again to submit nominations for the 2024 board. All nominees must currently be a Full Member. For those able to attend the Saturday, December 7th nominations will be taken electronical until Friday, December 6th at 8 p.m. Nominees will also be taken during our regularly scheduled December 2nd club meeting at 1 p.m. for those submitting nominees in-person. Please review our bylaws to understand what the requirements are for nominees for the various positions. Nominees will be approved at the close of the nomination process on Saturday, December 7, 2024, with voting to take place on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 1 p.m. during our regularly scheduled meeting. Remember that anyone being nominated must be a Full Member and in good standing with the club at the time of nomination and voting. All voting members must be Full Members prior to vote being taken on Saturday, January 4, 2025, with dues paid for the 2025 year.
All nominees submitted electronically will be contact ahead of our December 7th meeting to insure they are wanting to be nominated.
It is that time of year again to submit nominations for the 2024 board. All nominees must currently be a Full Member. For those able to attend the Saturday, December 7th nominations will be taken electronical until Friday, December 6th at 8 p.m. Nominees will also be taken during our regularly scheduled December 2nd club meeting at 1 p.m. for those submitting nominees in-person. Please review our bylaws to understand what the requirements are for nominees for the various positions. Nominees will be approved at the close of the nomination process on Saturday, December 7, 2024, with voting to take place on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 1 p.m. during our regularly scheduled meeting. Remember that anyone being nominated must be a Full Member and in good standing with the club at the time of nomination and voting. All voting members must be Full Members prior to vote being taken on Saturday, January 4, 2025, with dues paid for the 2025 year.
All nominees submitted electronically will be contact ahead of our December 7th meeting to insure they are wanting to be nominated.
To submit a nominee please Click or use the form below to submit your nominees electronically.
Update: December Club Meeting & Christmas Party
Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 7th for our regularly scheduled Club Meeting and Christmas Party. Our plans have been finalized, and we will be meeting at The Whistle Post Tavern in Olde Town Conyers. Based on availability of the facility we plan on gathering at 12:30 p.m., to get ahead of the crowd that will start coming into Olde Town Conyers for the Christmas Parade around 2 p.m. We will order lunch and while we are waiting on lunch to be served, we will conduct our club meeting and take 2025 board nominations. As a reminder everyone is responsible for paying for their own meal, drinks, and tip. Once we eat, we will then pick the festivities backup with our White Elephant Raffle Ticket event and social. For those that haven’t done this with us in the past the idea is you bring a wrapped white elephant gift buy a bunch of raffle tickets and when your number is called you get to pick or take a white elephant gift. The cost of the raffle tickets is $1 for those participating and don’t forget the more you buy the more chances you have to unwrap a white elephant gift.
Date: Saturday, December 7th
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Address: 935 Railroad Street, Conyers, GA 30012
Menu: Whistle Post Tavern Menu(as a reminder everyone is responsible for paying for their own meal, drinks, and tip)
Please RSVP by Monday, December 2nd
Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 7th for our regularly scheduled Club Meeting and Christmas Party. Our plans have been finalized, and we will be meeting at The Whistle Post Tavern in Olde Town Conyers. Based on availability of the facility we plan on gathering at 12:30 p.m., to get ahead of the crowd that will start coming into Olde Town Conyers for the Christmas Parade around 2 p.m. We will order lunch and while we are waiting on lunch to be served, we will conduct our club meeting and take 2025 board nominations. As a reminder everyone is responsible for paying for their own meal, drinks, and tip. Once we eat, we will then pick the festivities backup with our White Elephant Raffle Ticket event and social. For those that haven’t done this with us in the past the idea is you bring a wrapped white elephant gift buy a bunch of raffle tickets and when your number is called you get to pick or take a white elephant gift. The cost of the raffle tickets is $1 for those participating and don’t forget the more you buy the more chances you have to unwrap a white elephant gift.
Date: Saturday, December 7th
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Address: 935 Railroad Street, Conyers, GA 30012
Menu: Whistle Post Tavern Menu (as a reminder everyone is responsible for paying for their own meal, drinks, and tip)
Please RSVP by Monday, December 2nd
Update: December Club Meeting & Christmas Party
Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 7th for our regularly scheduled Club Meeting and Christmas Party. Our plans have been finalized, and we will be meeting at The Whistle Post Tavern in Olde Town Conyers. Based on availability of the facility we plan on gathering at 12:30 p.m., to get ahead of the crowd that will start coming into Olde Town Conyers for the Christmas Parade around 2 p.m. We will order lunch and while we are waiting on lunch to be served, we will conduct our club meeting and take 2025 board nominations. As a reminder everyone is responsible for paying for their own meal, drinks, and tip. Once we eat, we will then pick the festivities backup with our White Elephant Raffle Ticket event and social. For those that haven’t done this with us in the past the idea is you bring a wrapped white elephant gift buy a bunch of raffle tickets and when your number is called you get to pick or take a white elephant gift. The cost of the raffle tickets is $1 for those participating and don’t forget the more you buy the more chances you have to unwrap a white elephant gift.
Date: Saturday, December 7th
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Address: 935 Railroad Street, Conyers, GA 30012
Menu: Whistle Post Tavern Menu(as a reminder everyone is responsible for paying for their own meal, drinks, and tip)
Please RSVP by Monday, December 2nd
Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 7th for our regularly scheduled Club Meeting and Christmas Party. Our plans have been finalized, and we will be meeting at The Whistle Post Tavern in Olde Town Conyers. Based on availability of the facility we plan on gathering at 12:30 p.m., to get ahead of the crowd that will start coming into Olde Town Conyers for the Christmas Parade around 2 p.m. We will order lunch and while we are waiting on lunch to be served, we will conduct our club meeting and take 2025 board nominations. As a reminder everyone is responsible for paying for their own meal, drinks, and tip. Once we eat, we will then pick the festivities backup with our White Elephant Raffle Ticket event and social. For those that haven’t done this with us in the past the idea is you bring a wrapped white elephant gift buy a bunch of raffle tickets and when your number is called you get to pick or take a white elephant gift. The cost of the raffle tickets is $1 for those participating and don’t forget the more you buy the more chances you have to unwrap a white elephant gift.
Date: Saturday, December 7th
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Address: 935 Railroad Street, Conyers, GA 30012
Menu: Whistle Post Tavern Menu (as a reminder everyone is responsible for paying for their own meal, drinks, and tip)
Please RSVP by Monday, December 2nd
Looking for a new or replacement NGLS Name Badge?
We are doing another run of NGLS name badges and know that we have several new members who need name badges as well as a few existing members who are looking for a replacement badge. For our new members the name badge is provides by the club while existing members who received one when you joined a replacement fee will be charged for a replacement badge. The actual cost of the replacement badge will be provided prior to order.
For all our new or existing members that need a name badge please fill out the form below so we can make sure we don’t miss you. Please fill out the badge request by Wednesday, November 20th
Click here (https://tinyurl.com/nglsrrnamebadge) or fill out the form below.
We are doing another run of NGLS name badges and know that we have several new members who need name badges as well as a few existing members who are looking for a replacement badge. For our new members the name badge is provides by the club while existing members who received one when you joined a replacement fee will be charged for a replacement badge. The actual cost of the replacement badge will be provided prior to order.
Here is a partial list of new members who have not received a name badge. If you don’t see you name on the list please submit below.
Nat Emerson, Kenneth Freidank, Russ Sapp, Bryan Wyatt, Brooke Wyatt, Darryl Powell
For all our new or existing members that need a name badge please fill out the form below so we can make sure we don’t miss you. Please fill out the badge request by Wednesday, November 20th
Click here (https://tinyurl.com/nglsrrnamebadge) or fill out the form below.
Final Reminder: Who is interested in a 2025 Printed Calendar
Final Remidner
We are working on the 2025 schedule and looking to see how many people are interested in purchasing printed calendars like we have had the past several years. As in years past the cost of the calendars depends on how many are ordered.
Please submit your interest in purchasing printed calendars by Monday, November 11th.
We are working on the 2025 schedule and looking to see how many people are interested in purchasing printed calendars like we have had the past several years. As in years past the cost of the calendars depends on how many are ordered.
Please submit your interest in purchasing printed calendars by Monday, November 11th.
Close out the 2024 Season Strong this Saturday, November 9th
As everyone is aware our final public run day of the year is this Saturday. We are expecting a strong showing of trains, members, and visitors with the weather looking great for Saturday. As with each of our events we can’t do it without each one of you and appreciate all everyone does all year long. If all goes well, we are expecting 6 steam engines, 1 steam outline, and three diesel locomotives to fill the railroad with trains and smiles. For those trying to figure out what the six steam engines will be on Saturday all I can say one of them is a big surprise. We will also see more than 20 riding cars available for use which we believe is the most we’ve ever had for a public run day event. With the possibility of so many trains and riding cars we should be able to keep the lines moving throughout the day. Please arrive as early as possible so we can get things setup and the railroad cleared from any debris that may be on the railroad.
Again, thank you to everyone who is able to help out this Saturday and looking forward to closing out the public run day season.
December Meeting & Christmas Party
We have a couple of members who are working on plans for our December Club Meeting and Christmas Party. They have asked for some input from members. As a reminder the meeting and party will be on Saturday, December 7th. Please complete the information below.
We have a couple of members who are working on plans for our December Club Meeting and Christmas Party. They have asked for some input from members. As a reminder the meeting and party will be on Saturday, December 7th. Please complete the information below.
Who is interested in a 2025 Printed Calendar
We are working on the 2025 schedule and looking to see how many people are interested in purchasing printed calendars like we have had the past several years. As in years past the cost of the calendars depends on how many are ordered.
Please submit your interest in purchasing printed calendars by Saturday, November 9th.
We are working on the 2025 schedule and looking to see how many people are interested in purchasing printed calendars like we have had the past several years. As in years past the cost of the calendars depends on how many are ordered.
Please submit your interest in purchasing printed calendars by Saturday, November 9th.
Our 4th Annual Fall meet is a wrap. Thank you to everyone who came and made it a success.
The 2024 Fall meet is in the books and what an exciting weekend the railroad experienced. A big thank you to our onsite coordinator, Wes for making sure everything happened as it needed including overnight security, we could not have done it without all he did throughout the weekend. Another big thank you goes out to Norm and Susan for making sure everyone got fed on Saturday cooking up hamburgers, hot dogs, and more. We had several bring desserts and by the time lunch was over everyone said they ate way too much.
The 2024 Fall meet is in the books and what an exciting weekend the railroad experienced. A big thank you to our onsite coordinator, Wes for making sure everything happened as it needed including overnight security, we could not have done it without all he did throughout the weekend. Another big thank you goes out to Norm and Susan for making sure everyone got fed on Saturday cooking up hamburgers, hot dogs, and more. We had several bring desserts and by the time lunch was over everyone said they ate way too much. Thank you to Joan, Sherry, and others for taking care of the waiver table and even setting up a small merchandise table for those interested in purchasing t-shirts and more. To our many visitors we hope you had a great time and look forward to seeing you next year. Our visitors came from Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, and more.
As we reached the peak of the meet on Saturday, we had nearly 10 trains operating on the railroad at once which included 7 steam engines and 3 diesels locomotive with a variety of freight and passenger cars rolling around the railroad.
Countdown To Fall Meet 2025
Mark your calendar for the 2025 Fall Meet scheduled for Thursday, October 16th through Sunday, October 19th.
Thank you to Robby, Tyler, Scott, and others for the pictures.