Storm Cleanup Continues and more
At this point, the outer loop and Grandma Line are operational, but we encourage steam engines to go through the area slowly the first couple of times to make sure everything is smooth. The yard still needs additional cleanup and repair work before all repairs are completed and the railroad is back to full operation.
Last weekend, a crew consisting of Wes, John, Gene, Robby, and Norm went out to the site and repaired the Grandma Line and built and installed 24 feet of framing for the ceiling in container two of the clubhouse and workshop project.
At this point, the outer loop and Grandma Line are operational, but we encourage steam engines to go through the area slowly the first couple of times to make sure everything is smooth. The yard still needs additional cleanup and repair work before all repairs are completed and the railroad is back to full operation.
The club goats are still on vacation, and we need others to help with lawn mowers, weed eaters, and just a lot of encouragement as the grass in some areas is nearly 3 feet tall. If you can come out to the railroad and help, please let us know. We worked on the club lawnmower on Saturday, but it needs a new belt as the current one keeps coming off. As soon as it is repaired, we will let everyone know when it can be used to help with grass cutting.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered last weekend. We look forward to seeing even more members out at the next workday!
Also note that this Saturday, August 1st at 1 p.m. is our next club meeting.
Storm Cleanup Efforts Continue, and progress on the clubhouse
Another productive workday is in the books! On Saturday, July 11th, an outstanding crew consisting of John, Wes, Daryl, Grady, David E., and Robby continued the ongoing storm cleanup and railroad restoration efforts. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, the railroad is now approximately 90% operational.
The crew split the day between outdoor railroad repairs and indoor construction projects. The morning was spent outside tackling storm-related damage and focusing on track repairs throughout the property. We are excited to report that repairs to the Outer Loop in the woods have been completed, allowing trains to once again travel through this scenic section of the railroad. Additional work is still needed to rebuild one of the switches in the area, but tremendous progress has been made.
Another productive workday is in the books! On Saturday, July 11th, an outstanding crew consisting of John, Wes, Daryl, Grady, David E., and Robby continued the ongoing storm cleanup and railroad restoration efforts. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, the railroad is now approximately 90% operational.
The crew split the day between outdoor railroad repairs and indoor construction projects. The morning was spent outside tackling storm-related damage and focusing on track repairs throughout the property. We are excited to report that repairs to the Outer Loop in the woods have been completed, allowing trains to once again travel through this scenic section of the railroad. Additional work is still needed to rebuild one of the switches in the area, but tremendous progress has been made.
The Grandma Line remains closed and still requires approximately 40 feet of track reconstruction, along with repairs to four or five additional areas within the yard before the entire railroad can be fully returned to service.
After lunch, with the Georgia summer heat continuing to rise, John, Wes, David E., and Robby moved indoors to the comfort of the future clubhouse and workshop containers. The team continued making progress on Container Two, successfully installing another eight feet of ceiling, bringing us one step closer to completing this exciting project for the club.
The crew accomplished an incredible amount in just one day, once again demonstrating what can be achieved when we come together with a common goal. Every tie replaced, rail aligned, and board installed moves us closer to a full operation.
📅 Our next workday is scheduled for Saturday, July 25th beginning at 8:30 a.m. The morning efforts will focus on completing repairs to the Grandma Line, addressing the remaining yard repairs, and continuing the cleanup of storm debris throughout the property.
We also need additional help cleaning up leaves, sticks, and other debris in the yard. This cleanup effort is critical to ensuring we have a complete and accurate list of all remaining repair locations in the yard. As more debris is removed, additional areas requiring attention continue to be identified.
In the afternoon, volunteers will return to the clubhouse and workshop project to continue the ceiling installation in Container Two.
If you are available during the week and would like to help, please let us know! Coordinate with Wes, and he can provide guidance on cleanup efforts. We also need the grass cut again as the goats are remaining on a summer vacation.
There are also several additional projects we are working towards in the coming weeks and months. Plans include sealing Container Three to Container Two, followed by pressure washing the roof and applying a roof sealant. This work will not only help protect the containers but will also help keep them cooler during the Georgia summer heat.
All of these efforts are important steps as we prepare for the next major phase of the clubhouse and workshop project—the installation of the building structure around the containers. This phase will require a larger volunteer crew and, hopefully, some cooler weather. More details on this exciting project will be shared as plans continue to develop.
As always, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to get involved, regardless of skill level. Whether you enjoy track work, cleanup projects, construction activities, or simply lending a helping hand, we can use your assistance.
Bring plenty of water, your favorite tools, lunch, and, of course, a great sense of humor!
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who has contributed their time, equipment, and effort during these recovery efforts. Your support continues to make a tremendous difference, and we couldn't do it without our amazing volunteers.
Railroad Cleanup Update – Friday, July 3
What a difference another workday makes! Friday marked a major milestone in our storm recovery efforts as the final large tree was removed from the railroad. While seeing the last of the major tree damage cleared is a tremendous accomplishment, it also revealed the extent of the remaining repairs that will be needed before trains can safely return to operation. With the debris gone, we now have a much clearer picture of the work ahead, including track repairs, grading, and other infrastructure that was hidden beneath the fallen trees.
What a difference another workday makes! Friday marked a major milestone in our storm recovery efforts as the final large tree was removed from the railroad. While seeing the last of the major tree damage cleared is a tremendous accomplishment, it also revealed the extent of the remaining repairs that will be needed before trains can safely return to operation. With the debris gone, we now have a much clearer picture of the work ahead, including track repairs, grading, and other infrastructure that was hidden beneath the fallen trees.
Every day brings us one step closer, and we couldn't have reached this point without the incredible dedication of our volunteers. Thank you to everyone who has donated their time, equipment, and hard work over the past several weeks.
Friday also brought exciting progress beyond the cleanup. Container #3 was successfully moved into place, completing another important step in our future clubhouse and workshop project. Seeing the three containers in their final positions is an exciting milestone and a reminder that while we're rebuilding from the storm, we're also continuing to invest in the future of the railroad.
With the Independence Day weekend upon us, work will pause briefly before we resume tackling the remaining repairs and begin preparing for construction around the containers.
Our next workday is Saturday, July 11, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The focus will shift from cleanup to rebuilding as we begin repairs to the railroad. Depending on the size of our volunteer crew, we'll also continue organizing and working inside the containers to move the clubhouse and workshop project forward.
If you can join us, please bring plenty of water, your favorite tools, a lunch, and, most importantly, a great sense of humor. There's still plenty of work ahead before we can welcome everyone back to the railroad, but with every volunteer and every hour of work, we're getting closer.
Thank you to everyone who continues to lend a hand. We look forward to seeing everyone on July 11 as we begin the next chapter in restoring and improving our railroad together.
🚂 Storm Cleanup & Shop Project Update – July 2, 2026 🌳
On Wednesday, July 1st, more progress was made clearing storm damage throughout the railroad. By getting an early start each morning before the summer heat sets in, our volunteers have been able to accomplish a tremendous amount in just a few hours. Those cooler morning temperatures have made it much easier to tackle the physically demanding work, and the difference is becoming more noticeable every day.
The cleanup has continued with additional trees, limbs, and storm debris being removed, and the property is beginning to recover from the damage left behind by the recent storms. We still have a few large trees that will require professional removal, and we're continuing to work through those plans with a tree service. We expect to have more information after the July 4th holiday weekend.
The momentum continues! On Wednesday, July 1st, more progress was made clearing storm damage throughout the railroad. By getting an early start each morning before the summer heat sets in, our volunteers have been able to accomplish a tremendous amount in just a few hours. Those cooler morning temperatures have made it much easier to tackle the physically demanding work, and the difference is becoming more noticeable every day.
The cleanup has continued with additional trees, limbs, and storm debris being removed, and the property is beginning to recover from the damage left behind by the recent storms. We still have a few large trees that will require professional removal, and we're continuing to work through those plans with a tree service. We expect to have more information after the July 4th holiday weekend.
Friday will be another busy and exciting day at the railroad. While we'll continue removing storm debris where possible, our focus will also shift to an important milestone for the future of North Georgia Live Steamers. The third shop container is scheduled to be moved into its permanent location, and we are also expecting delivery of the building materials that will become the workshop structure built around the containers. It's another major step toward creating a permanent maintenance and workshop facility for the club.
If you're available first thing Friday morning, we'd love to have a few extra volunteers on hand to help with the container placement, building material delivery, and any remaining cleanup efforts. The more hands we have, the smoother the day will go.
After everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing Independence Day weekend, we'll be turning our attention to rebuilding the railroad. Current plans are to begin track repairs in the yard area, then move to the Grandma Line, before tackling repairs on the Outer Loop. While there is still plenty of work ahead, we're making steady progress and moving closer to getting trains back on the rails.
Thank you to Wes, Dave E., and every volunteer who has donated their time, equipment, and hard work over the past week. Your dedication is making an incredible difference—not only in recovering from the storm but also in building the future of North Georgia Live Steamers.
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July, and we'll see everyone back at the railroad soon! 🇺🇸🚂
🚂 Storm Cleanup Update – More Great Progress! 🌳
The cleanup efforts at the railroad continue to make outstanding progress! Today, Wes and Dave E. spent the day on the property tackling the storm damage, and they made a huge dent in the cleanup efforts. Thanks to their hard work, even more fallen trees, branches, and debris have been cleared, and the railroad is looking noticeably better.
The cleanup efforts at the railroad continue to make outstanding progress! Today, Wes and Dave E. spent the day on the property tackling the storm damage, and they made a huge dent in the cleanup efforts. Thanks to their hard work, even more fallen trees, branches, and debris have been cleared, and the railroad is looking noticeably better.
One of the biggest accomplishments from today was removing the large brush pile that volunteers created during Saturday's cleanup. That pile has now been completely disposed of, opening up the area around the steaming bays and making the property look much cleaner.
While we've accomplished a tremendous amount with volunteer effort, there are still a couple of large trees that require professional removal. We're continuing to work with a tree service to address those areas, but we don't expect to have additional details until after the July 4th holiday weekend.
There is still plenty of work ahead. Once the remaining trees have been removed, volunteers will be needed to move debris, clear additional brush, repair sections of the damaged mainline through the woods, and continue restoring the railroad.
In addition to the cleanup efforts, we'll also be making progress on our new shop this Friday morning. The third shipping container is scheduled to be moved into its permanent location. If you're available first thing Friday morning, we'd love to have a few extra hands on site to help guide the placement, prepare the area, and assist wherever needed. Even an hour of your time can make a big difference as we continue moving this exciting project forward.
If you're available to lend a hand with either the cleanup or the container move, please reach out to Wes to coordinate. Whether you can help for an hour or an entire day, every volunteer makes a meaningful difference.
A huge thank you to Wes, Dave E., and everyone who has already pitched in. Your dedication is helping restore the railroad while also building for its future. Together, we'll get the railroad back in shape—one workday at a time! 🚂💪
🌳Storm Cleanup Workday Update🌳
🚂 North Georgia Live Steamers Workday Update 🌳
A small but hardworking crew came out this morning to assess the downed tree situation on the railroad. While we're still reviewing quotes from professional tree removal services, the crew wanted to get a head start on cleanup and make some visible progress.
Today's volunteers cut up a significant amount of branches and created a large pile of debris that will need to be removed. They also cleared and disposed of numerous branches, logs, and other storm debris, making a noticeable improvement around the property.
We've also identified a couple of trees that will require professional removal, and we'll keep everyone updated as those plans move forward.
Wes will be coordinating additional cleanup efforts throughout the week. If you're available to help, please reach out to him directly to coordinate a time. Every helping hand makes a difference!
A huge thank you to everyone who came out today. Your time and effort are helping get the railroad back in shape, one workday at a time! 🚂💪
A small but hardworking crew came out on Saturday to assess the downed trees situation on the railroad. While we're still reviewing quotes from professional tree removal services, the crew wanted to get a head start on cleanup and make some visible progress.
Today's volunteers cut up a significant amount of branches and created a large pile of debris that will need to be moved. They also cleared and disposed of numerous branches, logs, and other storm debris, making a noticeable improvement around the property.
We've also identified a couple of trees that will require professional removal, and we'll keep everyone updated as those plans move forward.
Wes will be coordinating additional cleanup efforts throughout the week. If you're available to help, please reach out to him directly to coordinate a time. Every helping hand makes a difference!
A huge thank you to everyone who came out today. Your time and effort are helping get the railroad back in shape, one workday at a time! 🚂💪
Workshop and Clubhouse Workday Recap for Saturday, May 30th
The weather cooperated perfectly on Saturday, allowing another productive work session at the railroad. Crew members Wes, John, Norm, Darryl, and Robby continued making steady progress on Container #2, focusing on finishing work that included fishing, floor repairs, framing, and installation of the back wall.
The weather cooperated perfectly on Saturday, allowing another productive work session at the railroad. Crew members Wes, John, Norm, Darryl, and Robby continued making steady progress on Container #2, focusing on finishing work that included fishing, floor repairs, framing, and installation of the back wall.
With each workday, the transformation of Container #2 becomes more apparent. The completion of the back wall and continued interior improvements represent important milestones as the project moves from structural work toward the finish phase. The team's efforts are helping build momentum, and the goal over the next several work sessions is to accelerate the finish work inside Container #2 so it can be put into service as soon as possible.
At the same time, planning continues for the relocation of Container #3. The objective is to have Container #3 moved into position over the coming weeks, allowing the next phase of improvements to begin and ensuring that progress on the overall project continues without interruption.
To keep this momentum going, we could use additional volunteers on upcoming workdays. If you are available, please consider coming out and lending a hand. There are also several tasks that can be tackled outside of scheduled work sessions by small groups. Current needs include installing rebar in the cinder block ramp leading to the container, mixing and pouring concrete into the blocks, continuing finish work inside Container #2, and a variety of other project tasks like track repair.
If you have a few hours available and would like to organize a crew between planned workdays, your help can make a significant difference. Contact Robby with any questions. Every completed task brings us one step closer to finishing Container #2, moving Container #3 into place, and advancing the long-term goals of the railroad.
Our next workday is planned for June 13th with a focus on completing the end wall and building and installing ceiling frames for the container. Don’t forget that our June 13th workday is also a planned club meeting at 1 p.m.
Momentum is Building – Impromptu Workday Pushes Clubhouse Project Forward
The momentum behind the clubhouse and workshop project is really starting to build — and this past Saturday proved it.
In an impromptu work session, Wes and Norm came out and made tremendous progress preparing the next section of the container for repairs. Thanks to their hard work, we are now in a position for the repair work to take place sometime this week or during our next official workday on Saturday, May 30th.
The momentum behind the clubhouse and workshop project is really starting to build — and this past Saturday proved it.
In an impromptu work session, Wes and Norm came out and made tremendous progress preparing the next section of the container for repairs. Thanks to their hard work, we are now in position for the repair work to take place sometime this week or during our next official workday on Saturday, May 30th.
The push to finish our clubhouse and workshop is officially underway, and every workday gets us one step closer to crossing the finish line. This is one of the biggest upgrades in our club’s history, and it’s exciting to see more members stepping up and helping move the project forward.
Our next workday will be:
Saturday, May 30th
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The main focus for this workday will be building and insulating the ceiling and end wall of the container. This is a major step forward in transforming the container into a functional clubhouse and workshop space. We’ll be framing, installing insulation, organizing materials, and continuing prep work for the next phases of construction. There will be plenty of opportunities for members of all skill levels to jump in and help.
We’re continuing our every-other-weekend workdays to give everyone plenty of opportunities to lend a hand, learn something new, and be part of the team bringing this vision to life.
Whether you can help with repairs, construction, organizing materials, cleanup, or simply bringing positive energy, every bit of help matters. The progress we’re making now is setting the stage for a fully finished clubhouse and workshop by our October Fall Meet… and yes, we’re still aiming to make that happen this year 😉
Come out, get involved, make memories, and help build something our entire club will enjoy for years to come.
Let’s keep the momentum rolling — together.
Prepping the railroad for our first public run day recap.
What a day at the railroad! Saturday, March 21st turned into one of those unforgettable “you‑had‑to‑be‑there” kind of days as a great crew of members rolled in to help get everything ready for our first public run day of the 2026 season.
From the moment the sun came up, the place was buzzing. Laughter, tools clinking, locomotives being checked over, and that unmistakable feeling that the season is finally waking up again. Our volunteers jumped right in—tuning equipment, inspecting track, cleaning, tightening, adjusting—doing all the behind‑the‑scenes magic that makes our railroad shine when the public arrives.
And that wasn’t all.
What a day at the railroad! Saturday, March 21st turned into one of those unforgettable “you‑had‑to‑be‑there” kind of days as a great crew of members rolled in to help get everything ready for our first public run day of the 2026 season.
From the moment the sun came up, the place was buzzing. Laughter, tools clinking, locomotives being checked over, and that unmistakable feeling that the season is finally waking up again. Our volunteers jumped right in—tuning equipment, inspecting track, cleaning, tightening, adjusting—doing all the behind‑the‑scenes magic that makes our railroad shine when the public arrives.
And that wasn’t all. A big part of the day’s excitement centered around the clubhouse and workshop building, where the crew tackled the ramp project. Boards were cut, measurements were made (and double‑checked!), and the whole thing started coming together beautifully. It’s amazing what a determined group can accomplish when everyone’s working with purpose and having fun doing it.
If you weren’t there, you truly missed out on a fantastic day of teamwork, progress, and good old‑fashioned railroad camaraderie. The energy was high, the momentum was strong, and the 2026 season is already shaping up to be something special.
A huge thank‑you to everyone who came out and put in the work. We’re rolling full steam ahead—and we can’t wait to share the results with everyone on our first public run day!
2026 Workday Recaps for January and beyond
Despite the cold weather over the past few weeks, progress continues across the railroad thanks to our dedicated Routen Tuten Workday leader. While most of us have been bundled up, work on the ramp track leading to the future shop has been moving full steam ahead.
Some refinements to the original design have been made, and John is once again doing what he does best. The updated plan narrows the ramp and adds a 20-foot level section near the top, creating a stable platform to improve safety and reduce loose rock and debris. Over the past several weekends, this new design has steadily taken shape as existing blocks were carefully removed and repositioned into their new layout.
To keep this momentum going, the next phase of work will involve relocating a switch and constructing a new switch off the passenger line to support the shop ramp. Be on the lookout for an upcoming workday announcement as we prepare for this important step. As always, thank you to everyone who continues to contribute their time, effort, and expertise.
Despite the cold weather over the past few weeks, progress continues across the railroad thanks to our dedicated Routen Tuten Workday leader. While most of us have been bundled up, work on the ramp track leading to the future shop has been moving full steam ahead.
Some refinements to the original design have been made, and John is once again doing what he does best. The updated plan narrows the ramp and adds a 20-foot level section near the top, creating a stable platform to improve safety and reduce loose rock and debris. Over the past several weekends, this new design has steadily taken shape as existing blocks were carefully removed and repositioned into their new layout.
To keep this momentum going, the next phase of work will involve relocating a switch and constructing a new switch off the passenger line to support the shop ramp. Be on the lookout for an upcoming workday announcement as we prepare for this important step. As always, thank you to everyone who continues to contribute their time, effort, and expertise.
January 5, 2026 Workday
February 7, 2026 Workday
Grandma Line Repairs and Railroad Updates
A small crew was out at the railroad on Saturday, December 27, completing repair work on the Grandma Line switch, along with additional maintenance and planning activities.
We’re happy to report that the Grandma Line switch has been repaired and is fully operational. For anyone attending the annual New Year’s Day Club Fun Run, please be sure to go through the Grandma Line switch slowly the first time to confirm everything is tracking correctly.
A small crew was out at the railroad on Saturday, December 27, completing repair work on the Grandma Line switch, along with additional maintenance and planning activities.
We’re happy to report that the Grandma Line switch has been repaired and is fully operational. For anyone attending the annual New Year’s Day Club Fun Run, please be sure to go through the Grandma Line switch slowly the first time to confirm everything is tracking correctly.
While on site, the crew also noticed several rail joints with larger-than-normal gaps in various areas of the railroad. As a precaution, please take the railroad slowly during your first lap or two to ensure there are no issues.
The largest gap is located coming out of the yard on Track 1 (the old mainline), approximately 30 feet before the bridge.
This issue will be addressed during a future workday; however, please exercise caution when operating on this section in the meantime.
Additionally, a switch template was accidentally left on the railroad near the clubhouse containers on Saturday. It simply needs to be moved off the railroad and placed on the ground, clear of the mainline.
Finally, a reminder that our club meeting has been moved from Saturday, January 3, to Saturday, January 10, at 1:00 p.m. Weather permitting, the meeting will be held at the railroad.
I hope everyone is having a great holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you at the Fun Run.
🌲 A Huge Thanks — and a Call for Helping Hands!
A big shout-out to Wes for tackling a long-standing project: pruning that pesky pine tree near the Breezeway! The area already looks cleaner and safer — no more constant shower of pine needles and falling branches. Thanks, Wes, for stepping up and getting it done!
Speaking of big jobs, Wes and the crew are asking for a little extra help this Thursday, November 13th at 12:45 p.m. We’ll be rotating Shop Container #2 and pouring a small footer between Containers #1 and #2.
We have access to some heavy equipment for a short window, so timing is critical — the more hands we have, the smoother (and faster) everything will go.
If you can lend a hand, come on out! Every bit of help makes a difference and keeps the momentum going strong.
A big shout-out to Wes for tackling a long-standing project: pruning that pesky pine tree near the Breezeway! The area already looks cleaner and safer — no more constant shower of pine needles and falling branches. Thanks, Wes, for stepping up and getting it done!
Speaking of big jobs, Wes and the crew are asking for a little extra help this Thursday, November 13th at 12:45 p.m. We’ll be rotating Shop Container #2 and pouring a small footer between Containers #1 and #2.
We have access to some heavy equipment for a short window, so timing is critical — the more hands we have, the smoother (and faster) everything will go.
If you can lend a hand, come on out! Every bit of help makes a difference and keeps the momentum going strong.
East Loop Drain Update – Concrete, Conduit & Culverts - August 19, 2025
Progress continues on the East Loop Drain project, even with a few delays and adjustments along the way. The day started with forms in place, but—no surprise—concrete was running late. While waiting, Ken and Wes used the time to excavate the conduit from the high tower to the red container.
Progress continues on the East Loop Drain project, even with a few delays and adjustments along the way. The day started with forms in place, but—no surprise—concrete was running late. While waiting, Ken and Wes used the time to excavate the conduit from the high tower to the red container. Both ends are now uncovered, and about half the length is exposed. This will make it much easier to prepare for laying a new, larger conduit without risking damage to the existing wire.
Once the concrete arrived, they got to pouring. The mix was a little wetter than ideal, so they had to do it in multiple stages with breaks in between. Norm stopped by and pointed out that the ramp head wall wasn’t square, so that got corrected before we filled the blocks.
Meanwhile, Ken gave the green light on the culvert. We pulled the form—just in time, as the culverts were capped and, as the day came to an end, the skies opened up with heavy rain.
All in all, it was a busy day with plenty of opportunities for folks to jump in and lend a hand. We’re pushing hard to be ready for Saturday.
Stay tuned for the next round of progress! To help contact Wes, and he can update you on what is next, including reattaching track panels.
🚧East Loop Drain Repair Update for Sunday, August 17th🚂
Progress continues on the East Loop Drain repair as Ken, Wes, and “Bob’s” distant cousin keep things moving forward. In addition to tackling the drain, the crew has been busy with other improvements around the railroad—including building a new ramp for the siding that will service the shop.
The drain project remains the top priority, with Tuesday, August 19th marked as the big concrete day. If all goes according to plan, track panels will also be installed.
Wes is coordinating the work onsite and reports that extra hands are needed this week to help keep everything on schedule. If you’re available, please reach out to him directly. The goal is to have the railroad ready to roll in time for this Saturday’s Hot Summer Nights Club Fun Run.
Progress continues on the East Loop Drain repair as Ken, Wes, and “Bob’s” distant cousin keep things moving forward. In addition to tackling the drain, the crew has been busy with other improvements around the railroad—including building a new ramp for the siding that will service the shop.
The drain project remains the top priority, with Tuesday, August 19th marked as the big concrete day. If all goes according to plan, track panels will also be installed.
Wes is coordinating the work onsite and reports that extra hands are needed this week to help keep everything on schedule. If you’re available, please reach out to him directly. The goal is to have the railroad ready to roll in time for this Saturday’s Hot Summer Nights Club Fun Run.
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.
Grandma Line is now complete - July 26, 2025
After years of dedication by John Tuten and others, the infamous “Grandma Line” is now complete. The 250-foot project involves shifting the mainline traffic from running alongside the yard to moving through the woods. Today’s crew consisted of John, Wes, Calvin, Gene, Brandon, Kenneth, Brooke, Norm, Robby, and Scott.
This project could not have happened without the help of so many other club members through the years. Thank you to everyone involved.
After years of dedication by John Tuten and others, the infamous “Grandma Line” is now complete. The 250-foot project involves shifting the mainline traffic from running alongside the yard to moving through the woods. Today’s crew consisted of John, Wes, Calvin, Gene, Brandon, Kenneth, Brooke, Norm, Robby, and Scott.
This project would not have been possible without the help of many other club members over the years. Thank you to everyone involved.
We have a few other items to complete, such as making an adjustment to a switch and finishing the installation of a retaining wall, which is about halfway done. If all goes well, these items should be completed during our next workday, which is scheduled for Saturday, August 2, 2025.
Here is a look back at some of the most recent posts on this project.
Work Day and Grandma Line Update for July 12, 2025
The dog days of summer are certainly in full swing but working in the shade made the day productive for the crew this past Saturday. The morning started early with getting the club riding lawnmower up and running with a new battery with Robby getting things started on the west end of the railroad plowing through grass that was about two feet tall or taller in some places. Darryl took over and spent the rest of the day tackling the east end of the railroad having to cut some areas twice because things were so tall.
The rest of the day consisted of John T., Rick, “Bob Jr.”, Dave E., Robby, and Norm working on the Grandma Line. The crew got a lot done but fell 4 panels shorts of completing the project. The crew will be back out on Saturday, July 26th to finish the project and perform test runs on the new line. We invite everyone to come out for the big photo opportunity for this project as many of you know it has been a project of passion for John for several years and we want to celebrate the moment.
The dog days of summer are certainly in full swing but working in the shade made the day productive for the crew this past Saturday. The morning started early with getting the club riding lawnmower up and running with a new battery with Robby getting things started on the west end of the railroad plowing through grass that was about two feet tall or taller in some places. Darryl took over and spent the rest of the day tackling the east end of the railroad having to cut some areas twice because things were so tall.
The rest of the day consisted of John T., Rick, “Bob Jr.”, Dave E., Robby, and Norm working on the Grandma Line. The crew got a lot done but fell 4 panels shorts of completing the project. The crew will be back out on Saturday, July 26th to finish the project and perform test runs on the new line. We invite everyone to come out for the big photo opportunity for this project as many of you know it has been a project of passion for John for several years and we want to celebrate the moment.
Rick, “Bob Jr.”, and Norm also took time to realigned shop container two which is now properly aligned with container one which means this project can also start making progress again in the coming months. Before this can get started however we need to address once again the big drainpipe on the east end of the railroad which continues to show signs of washing again. We believe we have a plan to put in a permanent solution instead of the band aides we’ve had to do in the past. Be on the lookout for a big workday to get this repair done. This will need to take place before our next public run day.
Finally looking ahead to what is on the calendar our next club meeting will be on Saturday, August 2nd with our annual hot summer nights club fun night event on Saturday, August 23rd. The annual boiler inspection is scheduled for Saturday, September 13th.
After years of work the Grandma Line nears completion
A small crew went to the site this past Saturday and worked on a variety of projects. The crew consisted of John T, Calvin, Kenneth, and the Howards. John T reports that he thought that Kenneth worked the hardest picking up limbs and debris along the track most of the day, while John H and Calvin braved the direct sun to work on locomotives. Meanwhile in the shade, John T lifted track panels and set the crush and run forms on the remainder of the Grandma line (except for the grade crossing).
We are almost done with the Grandma Line. Be on the lookout for a big workday push to finish the Grandma Line in the coming weeks. If all goes well and we have enough volunteers, we could finish the project in a single workday.
A small crew went to the site this past Saturday and worked on a variety of projects. The crew consisted of John T, Calvin, Kenneth, and the Howards. John T reports that he thought that Kenneth worked the hardest picking up limbs and debris along the track most of the day, while John H and Calvin braved the direct sun to work on locomotives. Meanwhile, in the shade, John T lifted track panels and set the crush and run forms on the remainder of the Grandma line (except for the grade crossing).
We are almost done with the Grandma Line. Be on the lookout for a big work day push to finish the Grandma Line in the coming weeks. If all goes well and we have enough volunteers, we could finish the project in a single workday.
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.
Major Repair Workday Recap for Saturday, February 22nd
What an incredible day. The air warmed up, and the sun was bright throughout the day. We had an energetic crew at the site helping to repair both of the outer loop tracks on the east side of the railroad.
Special work day observer
What an incredible day. The air warmed up, and the sun was bright throughout the day. We had an energetic crew at the site helping to repair both of the outer loop tracks on the east side of the railroad. The crew, consisting of Tyler, Paul, Dale, Robby, Brooke, Darryl, Brandon, and Robby, regauged and removed gaps between sections of more than 150 feet of track. The crew leveled and ballasted the area as well, with more still to be done. While the crew was working on the east loop, John and Norm worked on building a curve switch for the Grandma Line project. The plan is to install the switch on the mainline during our next workday on Saturday, March 8th.
