Workday Recap for Saturday, March 27, 2021
Our last workday of the month is in the books. The work crew built more track panels, cut more than 500 ties, repaired the railroad, dreamed a lot, and had fun. The crew consisted of Scott, Calvin, Robby, Norm, Elijah, Tyler, Dave E., John, a lizard, and a snake. Joe also stopped by to check on the new riding car frames and from what many of us could tell he loaded his van with some additional supplies to make additional progress on the cars.
The railroad is about 99% operational for our club fun day next Saturday, April 3rd. We need some help with getting the grass cut and getting the club lawnmower running. If you are available to go out and cut grass or work on the club lawnmower let us know. Please note that the motorized switches are still in need of repair and Robby hopes to have them running by Saturday.
As a reminder Saturday, April 3rd is also our next club meeting which is scheduled for 1 p.m. We are expecting a visitor or two from within the hobby along with family and friends. Let us make sure we welcome them. As a reminder this is not a public run day.
Our last workday of the month is in the books. The work crew built more track panels, cut more than 500 ties, repaired the railroad, dreamed a lot, and had fun. The crew consisted of Scott, Calvin, Robby, Norm, Elijah, Tyler, Dave E., John, a lizard, and a snake. Joe also stopped by to check on the new riding car frames and from what many of us could tell he loaded his van with some additional supplies to make additional progress on the cars.
The railroad is about 99% operational for our club fun day next Saturday, April 3rd. We need some help with getting the grass cut and getting the club lawnmower running. If you are available to go out and cut grass or work on the club lawnmower let us know. Please note that the motorized switches are still in need of repair and Robby hopes to have them running by Saturday.
As a reminder Saturday, April 3rd is also our next club meeting which is scheduled for 1 p.m. We are expecting a visitor or two from within the hobby along with family and friends. Let us make sure we welcome them. As a reminder this is not a public run day.
Speaking of our public run day plans. We hope to have an update for everyone at the club meeting.
Workday recap for Saturday, March 12, 2021
What an incredible day we had this past Saturday, March 12th. The crew arrived early, like before 8:30 a.m., ready to go and take advantage of a beautiful day. The crew included the dynamic duo of Ben and “Bob”, Wes, Scott, Peter, Norm, Gene, Robby, Calvin, Bob C, David E., Rick, John T., John H., and others. The team split up into several crews and took care of repairing track sections in the yard, modifying our diamond to ensure a smoother ride, cut more than 500 railroad ties, constructed 27 track panels totaling 270 feet of track for the passenger line, moved dirt, and dreamed about current and future projects.
If you are wondering what is next. We are working on arranging equipment to dig the grade crossing and grade the passenger line area heading towards the station in the coming weeks. We also have some additional track repair that is needed before we can have our club fun day the first weekend in April. If you have a free weekday that you are interested in doing some work at the railroad let Norm or Robby know.
What an incredible day we had this past Saturday, March 12th. The crew arrived early, like before 8:30 a.m., ready to go and take advantage of a beautiful day. The crew included the dynamic duo of Ben and “Bob”, Wes, Scott, Peter, Norm, Gene, Robby, Calvin, Bob C, David E., Rick, John T., John H., and others. The team split up into several crews and took care of repairing track sections in the yard, modifying our diamond to ensure a smoother ride, cut more than 500 railroad ties, constructed 27 track panels totaling 270 feet of track for the passenger line, moved dirt, and dreamed about current and future projects.
If you are wondering what is next. We are working on arranging equipment to dig the grade crossing and grade the passenger line area heading towards the station in the coming weeks. We also have some additional track repair that is needed before we can have our club fun day the first weekend in April. If you have a free weekday that you are interested in doing some work at the railroad let Norm or Robby know.
Workday recap for Saturday, February 27th - Track building day
Our 2nd club workday of the year was this past Saturday, February 27th. We had a good size crew with Calvin, Wes, Elijah, Tyler, Norm, Robby, Scott, and Bob helping out throughout the day. The crew built 200 feet of track panels, work on the club steamers and caught up since the last time we got together. The crew also sorted most of the old rail and talked about plans for the passenger line, member container and workshop project.
As we move into March our next official workday is planned for Saturday, March 27th but based on conversations yesterday we are going to try and have another workday sooner than that. Be on the lookout for communications around our next workday.
Our 2nd club workday of the year was this past Saturday, February 27th. We had a good size crew with Calvin, Wes, Elijah, Tyler, Norm, Robby, Scott, and Bob helping out throughout the day. The crew built 200 feet of track panels, work on the club steamers and caught up since the last time we got together. The crew also sorted most of the old rail and talked about plans for the passenger line, member container and workshop project.
As we move into March our next official workday is planned for Saturday, March 27th but based on conversations yesterday we are going to try and have another workday sooner than that. Be on the lookout for communications around our next workday. The plans for the next workday include:
Member Container - Work on preparing the ground assuming it dries out soon.
Passenger line - Build about 20 straight track panels and some curves which includes cut more than 400 railroad ties ahead of next track panel construction day.
Track maintenance - we have some gaps to address on the east side of the railroad before we can start running.
As a reminder our next official club fun day and club meeting is coming up on Saturday, April 3rd and as I mentioned earlier we need to perform some track maintenance before we can operate the railroad so if you can come out during the week let Norm know and a work crew can be assembled to take care of those winter gaps that have appeared.
Workday Schedule (Dates subject to change)
Club Meeting & Fun Day Schedule
Don’t forget that we are encouraging members to invite others in the hobby to come out during our club fun days and enjoy the railroad with us. For more information visit out Club Fun Day webpage.
First Official Workday Of 2021
Another start to another great year. This past Saturday, January 23rd a small group came out to build a couple of switches and layout the track for the next storage container. The crew consisted of Calvin, Dave E., Scott, Norm, and Robby. Together they worked through remembering how to build switches and an occasional geometry lesson but by the end of the day progress was made. The crew identified the need to build an additional dozen or so curve panels, some ground work, and the never ending need to cut more railroad ties.
Another start to another great year. This past Saturday, January 23rd a small group came out to build a couple of switches and layout the track for the next storage container. The crew consisted of Calvin, Dave E., Scott, Norm, and Robby. Together they worked through remembering how to build switches and an occasional geometry lesson but by the end of the day progress was made. The crew identified the need to build an additional dozen curve panels, some ground work needs to be done, and the never ending need to cut more railroad ties. Be on the look out for a track panel construction day coming up in the coming weeks where we will build curves for the container and straights for the passenger line project.
Eastside of the new passenger line now complete to the new grade crossing
Today the last 20 feet of the eastside new passenger line up to the new grade crossing is now complete. Norm, Robby, John, and Gator went to the site at the last minute to attach and ballast the last section of track for the passenger line siding along with a few other things.
Today the last 20 feet of the eastside new passenger line up to the new grade crossing is now complete. Norm, Robby, John, and Gator went to the site at the last minute to attach and ballast the last section of track for the passenger line siding along with a few other things. Over the next few months, the plan is to install the 60-foot grade crossing and more than 300-feet of track. While we wait on the installation of the grade crossing, we will need more than 30 panels built. Be on the lookout for a workday to build panels.
Workday Recap for Saturday, October 24, 2020 - Closing in on the grade crossing
The track crew, which included Tyler, Norm, John, Ben, “Bob”, Robby, Calvin and guest, laid more than 100 feet of track on Saturday and built a few track panels. The passenger line is complete up to the switch which is about 40 feet short of the grade crossing. The passenger line siding only has about 20 feet and it will be complete.
The track crew, which included Tyler, Norm, John, Ben, “Bob”, Robby, Calvin, and Brad, laid more than 100 feet of track on Saturday and built a few track panels. The passenger line is complete up to the switch which is about 40 feet short of the grade crossing. The passenger line siding only has about 20 feet and it will be complete. The crew ran out of steam but made a great deal of progress with a little more time this part of the project will be complete.
Next on the schedule will be to finish up the passenger siding, build track panels and switches for the member container, and build straight panels for the passenger line. At this point the passenger line will need about 50 panels to be built over the next few months.
Bob C. also stopped by to do some work on the club steamer and to get some propane tanks.
Club Fun Day
Don’t forget our next Club Fun Day will be Saturday, November 7th. Come at any time throughout the day and make sure you bring friends and family to enjoy the railroad.
Workday Recap for Saturday, October 17, 2020 - Passenger Line and more
Busy week and weekend around the club. A new powered slug was picked up along with more member owned riding cars, and the installation of another 120 feet of track for the passenger line.
We may not be running this year but that has not stopped many of our members in getting ready for 2021. Dan went up to Virginia this week and picked up his locomotive and new powered slug and green riding cars. I think he is up to about 6 or 7 riding cars plus his other rolling stock. Looking forward to seeing the new combination on the rails soon. Dan stopped by the site today to do a little trailer shuffle and will be back to rearrange his big trailer with all the new items. I hope it fits.
Meanwhile this past Saturday marked the 30th workday of the 2020 season. With the help of Ben, “Bob”, Bob C., Gene, Norm, Robby, and Scott the crew installed 120 feet of track putting the passenger line project in reach of the halfway point with about 80 feet to go before it will reach the future grade crossing. Hopefully during our next workday, which is on Saturday, October 24th at 8:30 a.m. we will be able to build the necessary track panels needed to reach the halfway point. Speaking of track panels, we are needing 19 straight panels (some with used rail), two switches for the member container project, and a lot more railroad ties.
Also not pictured below Scott also put the finishing touches on the electrical in the grey container. All we need now is to add a couple of lights in the 20 foot extension and everything will be complete. Thanks Scott for taking this project on.
Unofficial Workday Summary - Saturday, October 10, 2020
Even though the workday was cancelled because of the storm that blew through overnight a few members still took some time to take care of a few things around the railroad.
Even though the workday was cancelled because of the storm that blew through overnight a few members still took some time to take care of a few things around the railroad. Scott M. stopped by the site and worked on the electrical in the grey container and repaired the lift plug.
Meanwhile offsite Norm and Robby bent rail and then went to the site and built curves and straights panels. At this point we still need 418 ties cut so an additional 22 straight panels can be built.
Workday Recap for Saturday, September 26, 2020
This past Saturday, September 26, 2020, marked the 27th workday for the club this year. As we mark this incredible milestone it is a reminder that our club is made of a great group of individuals who volunteer in so many ways around the railroad and the club. This weekend our members did electrical work, steam engine repairs, cut grass, laid track, spread gravel, operated a Bobcat, taught new members about the hobby, and so much more.
This past Saturday, September 26, 2020, marked the 27th workday for the club this year. As we mark this incredible milestone it is a reminder that our club is made of a great group of individuals who volunteer in so many ways around the railroad and the club. This weekend our members did electrical work, steam engine repairs, cut grass, laid track, spread gravel, operated a Bobcat, taught new members about the hobby, and so much more.
Scott M. took the day to work on adding conduit to the container extension so we will have additional lights in the grey container.
Bob C. came out and worked on additional repairs to the club steamer. For all the steam engine owners you know that the work never ends with a steam engine. Appreciate Bob’s continued efforts to keep this locomotive alive for the next generation of Live Steamers.
The track construction team was hard at work again this weekend with Ben, “Bob”, Norm, Robby, Calvin, Tyler, Gene, Bill, John, and Wes “Master Weedeater”. LaVay was also out with his train around the railroad testing everything out including the new diamond with great success. The track crew was able to lay about 100 feet of track and started preparations for the next 360 feet of track. The crew needs 12 curves and 24 straight panels to be built over the next couple of weeks. Norm took some rail to the show to be bent and plans are underway to cut ties in advance of a “Big Build Track Panel Day” on Saturday, October 10th. If you can go to the site between now and then we need to cut 684 ties cut before the panels can be built. If you are interested in cutting ties please contact Robby or Norm.
Coming Up
Saturday, October 3rd is another busy day around the railroad. Simply put the day is a Club Fun Day which includes the annual boiler inspection, club meeting at 1 p.m., and time playing with trains with others in the club and invited guests. The weather is looking great with great fall temperatures and clear skies.
Workday Scheduled - Saturday, September 26th at 8:30 a.m.
We have a workday scheduled on Saturday, September 26th at 8:30 a.m. We will be putting the finishing touches on the new diamond and laying more track for the new passenger line. The grass also is in desperate need of cutting but before that can be done the club lawnmower needs to be repaired. If you are able to go over to the site and work on the lawnmower that would be great. The front left tire is loosing air and needs to be repair and an issue has come up with starting the lawnmower as well.
We have a workday scheduled on Saturday, September 26th at 8:30 a.m. We will be putting the finishing touches on the new diamond and laying more track for the new passenger line. The grass also is in desperate need of cutting but before that can be done the club lawnmower needs to be repaired. If you are able to go over to the site and work on the lawnmower that would be great. The front left tire is loosing air and needs to be repair and an issue has come up with starting the lawnmower as well.
Other items on the radar include:
Grey Container Extension- needs electrical work completed
Member container project - a couple of frogs need to be profiled and switches built
Track panels built for passenger line project. Railroad ties will also need to be cut
General maintenance around the railroad in advance of our club fun day in October (replaces our canceled public day)
Don’t forget to bring lunch, water, and a good sense of humor for the day.
Checkout What Else Is On The Calendar
A Diamond recap from our workday on September 12, 2020
The summer heat continues as we do more work around the railroad. We had a small but productive crew on hard. The focus on the day was split between two areas with the first “Bob” and Ben took care of spreading the loads of dirt we recently received which some of it being used for our next shipping container project.
The summer heat continues as we do more work around the railroad. We had a small but productive crew on hard. The focus on the day was split between two areas with the first “Bob” and Ben took care of spreading the loads of dirt we recently received which some of it being used for our next shipping container project. The rest of the crew (Norm, Gene, John, Scott, Dave E., Rick, Robby, and Bill) worked on installing our first diamond and about 100’ of track. While the team got close to finishing what was planned for the day the last 20’ of track work will have to wait until our next workday. Paul also stopped by to do some grass cutting but a lot of tall grass is still needing to be cut.
Diamond Work
Passenger Line Track Work Beyond The Diamond
Work began on the first 100’ of the passenger line outside of the east loop which includes track for the passenger mainline and bypass track. The mainline was attached the first switch on the passenger line with about 20’ of track needing to be finished on the bypass to the same switch.
The next regularly workday is Saturday, September 26, 2020. For the latest go to our calendar page for more details.
Workday Recap for Saturday, August 22, 2020
Today marked an incredible 24th workday at the railroad this year. The container project took another big step towards completion with the installation of the final pieces of flat bar for the track. The container now has about 160 feet of track on the ground giving us the ability to store all the riding cars, gondola, steam engine, and soon the club diesel all in one place. A couple of concrete blocks were also placed at the end of the container for the bridge to rest on. Next on the list of things to do in the container includes extending electrical into the new 20’ extension and install a couple of lights.
Today marked an incredible 24th workday at the railroad this year. The crew included Wayne, David E., Bob C., Bill, Norm, Gene, and Robby. The container project took another big step towards completion with the installation of the final pieces of flat bar for the track. The container now has about 160 feet of track on the ground giving us the ability to store all the riding cars, gondola, steam engine, and soon the club diesel all in one place. A couple of concrete blocks were also placed at the end of the container for the bridge to rest on. Next on the list of things to do in the container includes extending electrical into the new 20’ extension and install a couple of lights. Anyone interested in taking on the electrical let us know.
Bob C. and David E. started the day working on the club steamer and in typical steam engine fashion they uncovered a couple of items that need attention and will test things again soon. Meanwhile in the east loop the rest of the crew worked on the passenger line project. The day included adding a new switch in the east loop and lining up things for the new diamond. Track panels were also placed on the ground to check how the passenger line will line up to the 60’ grade crossing that will be installed at some point soon. Orange flags have also been placed so everyone can see the path of the passenger line next weekend during our club fun day.
During our next workday in September the plan will be to finish the installation of some of the panels for the passenger line and building track panels. Speaking of track panels, we need building about twelve curve panels and about 60 straight panels.
And finally, we continue to get more dirt from Sheppard Trucking and once the dirt and ground dries from all the recent rain it will get spread in preparation of the next member container.
Workday Recap for Saturday, August 15th
All week the forecast called for rain, but a determined crew still showed up today to take care of several items around the railroad and finished the day without any rain. Many members and a couple of visitors started showing up around 8:30 a.m. and started working on several projects. The projects included container extension, passenger line expansion, and more.
All week the forecast called for rain, but a determined crew still showed up today to take care of several items around the railroad and finished the day without any rain. Many members and a couple of visitors started showing up around 8:30 a.m. and started working on several projects. The projects included container extension, passenger line expansion, and more.
First 60’ section of rail on the ground
Track panels moved for next container project
Passenger line project - Day 1
The beginning of the 900’ passenger line project started today with the realignment of a few track panels and laying out the first 60’ of track including identifying the location of our first diamond and a 60’ grade crossing.
Workday Recap for Saturday, August 8, 2020 - Container Clean out and more was the focus of the day
This year has been full of workdays and this past Saturday, August 8th was no different. The day consisted of work on the club steamer, retaining wall, and container clean-out.
This year has been full of workdays and this past Saturday, August 8th marked yet another day of work around the railroad. The group consisted of Norm, Elijah, Scott, Gene, Dan, Bob C., John, and Bill. Bob worked on the club steamer including making a list of some additional repair work needed. Additional railroad ties installed on the new retaining wall coming out of the woods. Dan transferred his locomotive from one trailer to another. Rumor has it that an additional locomotive maybe in the works so he can MU his locomotives during run days. Speculations are he will increase his passenger hauling capabilities plus about 100 coal cars for the coal fired steam engines. We shall see. The rest of the crew worked on extensive cleaning of the red container and newly extended gray container. All of the run day material has now been moved to the new 20’ container extension.
Additional work in the gray container is still needed. One of the items still needed includes putting the additional steel rail on the floor in the original container. The rail has been moved the gray container and with a little bit of work the rail can be installed.
Finally, it has been reported that a good time was had by all but not sure about the accuracy of the rumor. Our next official workday is Saturday, August 15th.
Moving Rail In Style
60-foot Container View
Grinding work on the 20-foot container extension
Workday Recap for August 1, 2020- Big workday with construction of a retaining wall and club meeting
Today marks the 21st workday of the year. It is amazing all that has taken place during these crazy times. This past Saturday was another busy day with grass cutting, cutting the center out of the gray container, construction of a 70-foot retaining wall, club meeting, and a whole lot more. We also had a couple of our new members stop by to do work and get introduced to other club members.
Today marks the 21st workday of the year. It is amazing all that has taken place during these crazy times. This past Saturday was another busy day with grass cutting, cutting the center out of the gray container, construction of a 70-foot retaining wall, club meeting, and a whole lot more. We also had a couple of our new members stop by to do work and get introduced to other club members.
Our next regularly scheduled workday is Saturday, August 15th. Between now and then we do have a need to start organizing the now 60-foot container which also includes installing about 80-feet of flat bar on the container floor, organizing run day items, and more. If you are available to do work on the container during the week or weekend please send an email letting us know.
Speaking of things to do if you are interested in building track panels, we need of between 30 - 40 straight panels to be built which will be used on the passenger line project. We have a fixture and supplies at the site ready to go. If you are interested in building panels please email for additional details.
Retaining Wall Construction
The installation of the retaining wall is to help address a change to the railroad recently that now places more traffic near the tree line which has a drop off.
Other pictures from the day
If you have pictures you’d like to share make sure you send them to newsletter@northgeorgialivesteamers.org.
Two have become one
July 25, 2020 Workday Recap
Today marked the 20th time this year many of our club members have gotten together to work on something for the railroad. This past Saturday, July 25, 2020 we had Wes and Wayne taking care of the grass cutting duties while Gene, Norm, Robby, Elijah, Ben, “Bob”, David E., Scott, and Bill worked on various projects around the railroad. Part of the crew installed a new switch coming out of the yard and removed a switch coming out of the woods in preparations of the “Grandma” line project. Bob C. and his wife stopped by to delivery the club steamer after some much needed repairs.
Today marked the 20th time this year many of our club members have gotten together to work on something for the railroad. This past Saturday, July 25, 2020 we had Wes and Wayne taking care of the grass cutting duties while Gene, Norm, Robby, Elijah, Ben, “Bob”, David E., Scott, and Bill worked on various projects around the railroad. Part of the crew installed a new switch coming out of the yard and removed a switch coming out of the woods in preparations of the “Grandma” line project. Bob C. and his wife stopped by to delivery the club steamer after some much needed repairs.
The crew also took some time to figure out what it was going to take to start laying track for the passenger line project which includes constructing our first diamond on the railroad. We need to build between 20 - 30 track panels and several switches so be on the lookout for track panel building day to be scheduled.
Our next scheduled workday is Saturday, August 1st which is also the same day as our next regularly scheduled club meeting which is at 1:00 p.m.
Another switch built and ready for installation in preparation of the new passenger line
As preparations continue to get the railroad ready for the new passenger line installation Gene and Norm spent time today, July 21, 2020, and built another switch and delivering it to the site. Next step is to get the new switch installed and align the track. We also have another switch to pull out from the woods and realign the track to make room for the “Grandma” line installation.
As preparations continue to get the railroad ready for the new passenger line installation Gene and Norm spent time today, July 21, 2020, and built another switch and delivering it to the site. Next step is to get the new switch installed and align the track. We also have another switch to pull out from the woods and realign the track to make room for the “Grandma” line installation.
Workday Recap for Saturday, July 18, 2020 - Container Project, "Grandma" line, and mounds of dirt
Another productive day in the summer heat this past Saturday as a crew worked on the container project, mounds of dirt, and started work on the “Grandma” line.
A small crew made big progress on Saturday and worked on several projects. Onsite was Norm, Gene, Ben, “Bob”, Wes, Wayne, and Bill.
Norm completed the bridge and transition bracket for the container extension project making the 20-foot extension section now usable for storage. We still have several items that need to be completed on the container project which include cutting out dividing wall, lay track in container, electrical work, and reorganizing items in the both the gray and red containers.
Once the bridge installation was completed the crew moved to do some track modification coming out of the woods past the Nicol Bridge. This modification will allow for another project to get off the ground which we affectionately call the “Grandma Line”. The plan is to remove part of the double track as you approach the retaining wall to make room for a new section of the railroad coming through a wood area alongside the yard. This will eventually allow not use a portion of the yard for mainline traffic. Check out the video below for more details.
Meanwhile Ben and “Bob” played in the dirt and moved a ginormous amount of dirt from where Shepherd trucking had dumped it into the area where we plan on adding another member container. They also moved a substantial amount of the dirt pile from the area near the gate also to the same area.
As the summer heat continues be on the lookout for additional workdays to popup.
Landscaping work being done in the old tiny town site
Clean up in the old tiny town area continues. Wayne, Wes, and Bill picked up mulch and took it to the site this week. Be on the lookout for additional landscaping work being done around the railroad.
Clean up in the old tiny town area continues. Wayne, Wes, and Bill picked up mulch and took it to the site this week. Be on the lookout for additional landscaping work being done around the railroad.
July 11, 2020 Workday Recap
We had an unplanned workday come up a that the last minute on Saturday, July 11th. Bill reports that while the crew was few in numbers they apparently where “incredibly good looking.”
We had an unplanned workday come up a that the last minute on Saturday, July 11th. Bill reports that while the crew was few in numbers they apparently where “incredibly good looking.” On site today were Wes R., Gene L., Norm W., Wayne L., Dan C., and Bill L.
Here is what took place:
Grass was cut by Wayne and Dan with possibly the finest trimming I have seen performed by the virtuoso of the string trimmer Mr. Wes.
Both Wayne and Dan said Wes's trimming made the mowing go much smoother and faster.
Weeds were sprayed in the yard where there was an outbreak and along the ash pit track which of course was not treated earlier this year mostly because it wasn't there yet.
Several trees were cut down and two loads of dirt mixed with pretty large boulders were pushed over the edge and the area was smoothed and compacted in anticipation of additional truckloads of dirt and rocks which should be arriving Monday.
Here is a short video of Gene and Norm in the woods cleaning up debris over by the containers.
Gene and Bob2 filling in today moving dirt and rock already delivered and making room for more to come.