Check out our latest videos found on our YouTube Channel
From the North Georgia Live Steamers archives we’ve uncovered some new videos and have posted them on our YouTube channel. Check out the latest videos. While you are watching the videos don’t forget to subscribe.
From the North Georgia Live Steamers archives we’ve uncovered some new videos and have posted them on our YouTube channel. Check out the latest videos. While you are watching the videos don’t forget to subscribe.
Do you shop on Amazon? You could be raising money for North Georgia Live Steamers
North Georgia Live Steamers has an opportunity to receive donations from Amazon based on your everyday purchases. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support North Georgia Live Steamers every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com or on the Amazon app, you'll find the exact same low prices and products with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase to NGLS.
North Georgia Live Steamers has an opportunity to receive donations from Amazon based on your everyday purchases. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support North Georgia Live Steamers every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com or on the Amazon app, you'll find the exact same low prices and products with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase to NGLS.
How do you select NGLS when you shop on AmazonSmile? On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) you need to select NGLS to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. Amazon will then remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.
AmazonSmile customers can now support us using the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones! Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.
Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into 'Settings'
Tap 'AmazonSmile' and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
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.
Annual Boiler Inspection set for Saturday, October 3, 2020
Our annual boiler inspection day is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd at 8:30 a.m. We have been in contact with the inspector and if we need to do anything different than we normally do we will get that information out everyone.
Also note that Saturday, October 3rd is also our regularly scheduled club meeting at 1 p.m.
Our annual boiler inspection day is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd at 8:30 a.m. We have been in contact with the inspector and if we need to do anything different than we normally do we will get that information out everyone.
Also note that Saturday, October 3rd is also our regularly scheduled club meeting at 1 p.m.
Forest Fires hit Train Mountain
For those that may not have access to social media you may have heard of some of the fires in Oregon. Over the past couple of days fires have gotten close to Train Mountain and from what has been reported the northern part of the property has burned as of the night of the morning of September 9th. The pictures below where copied from various posts on Facebook from a few members and residents of Train Mountain.
For those that may not have access to social media but you may have heard of some of the fires in Oregon. Over the past couple of days fires had been close to Train Mountain and from what has been reported the northern part of the property has burned as of the morning of September 9th. The pictures below where copied from various posts on Facebook from a few members and residents of Train Mountain.
For those that are not familiar with Train Mountain it is in Chiloquin, Oregon on 2,200 acres and represents nearly 40 miles of track. Train Mountain represents the worlds longest miniature railroad.
Construction of the 900' passenger line has started
On Saturday, August 15, 2020 the next big project got underway which includes an additional 900’ of mainline to the railroad. This addition will bring passengers from the east loop towards the fence line cross a 60’ grade crossing down to the station. A view of the addition can be seen on our map which shoes the addition in red.
On Saturday, August 15, 2020 the next big project got underway which includes an additional 900’ of mainline to the railroad. This addition will bring passengers from the east loop towards the fence line cross a 60’ grade crossing down to the station. A view of the passenger line can be seen on our map in red. On Saturday, August 29th, Gene and Norm made a template that will be used to build our first diamond on the railroad and once the diamond has been built and installed the construction of the passenger mainline can start moving forward, at least up to the grade crossing. In the meantime we are looking for a crew to take the lead on building track panels. If you are interested in being part of the track panel building crew please contact Robby or Norm. In the meantime our next regularly scheduled workday is on Saturday, September 12th.
Track Plan
1st Day of Construction - Saturday, August 15, 2020
2nd Day of Construction - Saturday, August 22, 2020
Workday scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 8:30 a.m.
Our next regularly scheduled workday will be Saturday, September 12th. The plans are to work on the mainline project, track panel construction, cut grass, and other general maintenance.
Our next regularly scheduled workday will be Saturday, September 12th. The plans are to work on the mainline project, track panel construction, cut grass, and other general maintenance. Speaking of the mainline project Norm and Gene have been hard at work on the construction of the railroads first diamond with hopes of it being ready for installation on Saturday. We are also in need of a crew to start building track panels for the passenger line project. If you are interested in leading a team to building panels please contact either Robby or Norm for more details.
Hope to see you around the railroad on Saturday. Things will get started around 8:30 a.m. make sure you bring plenty of water, lunch, and a good sense of humor for the day.
After a more than 20-year absence the "Doe Bridge" makes its return to the railroad fully restored
If my math is correct it has about 22 years since the “Doe Bridge” has looked this good. Over the past year Peter C. has taken this old bridge and made it new again. Every board, bracket, nuts, bolts, and more was inspected repaired or replaced. On Saturday, September 5, 2020 it made the journey back to the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad to be installed and put back in service sometime soon.
If my math is correct it has about 22 years since the “Doe Bridge” has looked this good. Over the past year Peter Craymer has taken this old bridge and made it new again. Every board, bracket, nuts, bolts, and more was inspected repaired or replaced. Now it makes the journey back to the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad to be installed and put back in service sometime soon. The exact location of the bridge on the railroad is still being determined but something tells me the “Grandma” line may be getting this beauty. In looking at the archives this makes one of the last surviving structures to be reused from our original railroad which was call Duluth & Mount Tabor Railways. A big thanks to Peter for taking on this project and giving up space in his carport for this restoration project.
Construction pictures from February & March 2020
Delivery on September 5, 2020
A look back at the DMTRR
NGLS By Law Proposed Revision Feedback
This year the Board has been working on a revision of the By-Laws. We decided to do one big change rather than nickel and dime one small change at a time. A draft of the revisions is included in this link (www.nglsrr.org/s/BY-LAWS-Revision-2020-DRAFT.pdf) for your review. The changes are marked in red. Here is a link to the current By-Laws which are from 2012.
This year the Board has been working on a revision of the By-Laws. We decided to do one big change rather than nickel and dime one small change at a time. A draft of the revisions is included in this link (www.nglsrr.org/s/BY-LAWS-Revision-2020-DRAFT.pdf) for your review. The changes are marked in red. Here is a link to the current By-Laws which are from 2012. If you have any questions, concerns, thoughts, corrections please either fill out the form below or email Bill Leahy at bleahy@mindspring.com
We plan on opening the floor at the October Meeting for any discussion members would like to have. The result of that discussion will lead us to either vote to approve the draft making it the new By- Laws or there may be changes required such that we could vote in December.
Cancellation Notice: Train Rides for Saturday, October 10th is Cancelled
The North Georgia Live Steamers Board of Directors has decided to cancel our October 10th public run day. While we have been busy working around the railroad to get it ready to reopen our attention to safety of our club members and visitors is our priority. As a nonprofit organization we rely on our visitors support to help keep the railroad operational and continue to work towards reopen once the current health concerns have diminished. We look forward to sharing our hobby with you soon. In the meantime visit our Facebook page and website for information about future Public Ride dates. In the meantime, we continue to make improvements to the railroad including nearly 1,000 feet of new track being laid. We and look forward to seeing you around the railroad soon.
Saturday, October 10, 2020 Public Ride Day Cancelled
The North Georgia Live Steamers Board of Directors has decided to cancel our October 10th public run day. While we have been busy working around the railroad to get it ready this fall our attention to the health and safety of our club members and visitors is our priority. As a nonprofit organization we rely on our visitors support to help keep the railroad operational and continue to work towards re-opening once the current health and safety concerns have diminished.
We look forward to sharing our hobby with you soon. In the meantime visit our Facebook page and website for information about what is going on around the railroad and future Public Ride dates.
NGLS Board Public Ride Day Update
The board today, Tuesday, September 1, 2020, has decided to CANCEL our Saturday, October 10th public run day. After much deliberation over the past couple of months the board felt it was in the best interest and safety of our club members and visitors to make this change to our schedule. We will review things over the next few weeks before deciding on our Saturday, November 7th day that remains on the calendar.
The board did however decide to make the Saturday, October 10th date a Club Fun Day for members and invited guests. Over the next couple of weeks be thinking about who you would like to invite. If your guest is planning on bringing a steam engine all they will need to do is go through a hydro test to operate for the day.
The board today, Tuesday, September 1, 2020, has decided to CANCEL our Saturday, October 10th public run day. After much deliberation over the past couple of months the board felt it was in the best interest and safety of our club members and visitors to make this change to our schedule. We will review things over the next few weeks before deciding on our Saturday, November 7th day that remains.
The board did however decide to make the Saturday, October 10th date a Club Fun Day for members and invited guests. Over the next couple of weeks be thinking about who you would like to invite. If your guest is planning on bringing a steam engine all they will need to do is go through a hydro test to operate for the day.
If you have any questions regarding this, please reach out to the board for additional details.
Do You Shop at Kroger's? You Could Be Raising Money For North Georgia Live Steamers
If you shop at Kroger's, your everyday purchases could turn donations to the North Georgia Live Steamers. All you do is register and use your Kroger card every time you shop at Kroger's.
If you shop at Kroger's, your everyday purchases could turn donations to the North Georgia Live Steamers. All you do is register and use your Kroger card every time you shop at Kroger's.
How do you register your card? Simply click on the link below and login to your account. Under the Community Rewards program you will find a button that says, "re-Enroll Now". Type in North Georgia Live Steamers and you are in business. Make sure you tell all your friends about this great opportunity.
Here is the link to the reward program: Kroger Community Rewards program.
Remember spread the word to your friends and family and make sure they register North Georgia Live Steamers as a Kroger Community Reward recipient. If you have a hard time getting your Kroger Plus card associated with North Georgia Live Steamers you may also use this reference number which will also pull up North Georgia Live Steamers on the Kroger site. Our Kroger Community reference number is 45942.
If you have any questions regarding how the program works please visit Kroger Community Rewards for additional information.
Here is a look at what's going on around the railroad as of September 1st
Here is a look at what we have on the calendar over the next couple of months. For a more complete look visit our Calendar page on our website.
Annual August Club Fun Day Recap - Saturday, August 29, 2020
The annual August Club Fun Day brought the railroad to life for the first time this year. With all that is going on around us and the world it was great to see members and guests come out and enjoy the railroad and one another. Be on the look at for more activities around the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad in the coming weeks and months. Visit our Calendar page for the latest on what is going on around the club and railroad.
The annual August Club Fun Day brought the railroad to life for the first time this year. With all that is going on around us and the world it was great to see members and guests come out and enjoy the railroad and one another. Be on the look at for more activities around the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad in the coming weeks and months. Visit our Calendar page for the latest on what is going on around the club and railroad.
Club Fun Day Recap - Saturday, August 29, 2020
The annual August Club Fun Day brought the railroad to life for the first time this year. With all that is going on around us and the world it was great to see members and guests come out and enjoy the railroad and one another.
The annual August Club Fun Day brought the railroad to life for the first time this year. With all that is going on around us and the world it was great to see members and guests come out and enjoy the railroad and one another. Here are a few pictures from the day and if you have pictures or videos of the day you’d like to share please forward them to Robby.
Reminder: Club Fun Day - Saturday, August 29, 2020
The big day is almost here. A lot of work has been done around the railroad and now it’s time to take a much-needed break and play trains. Remember the day is for members and invited guests. The weather is looking good and make sure you bring plenty of water, smiles, and whatever else you may need to make the day a blast.
The big day is almost here. A lot of work has been done around the railroad and now it’s time to take a much-needed break and play trains. Remember the day is for members and invited guests. The weather is looking good and make sure you bring plenty of water, smiles, and whatever else you may need to make the day a blast. The club will not be providing any food. If you invite someone in the hobby who has a steam engine just remember they will need a hydro test in order to steam up for the day. Come as early as you want and stay if you want the day is ours. If you are one of the early birds make sure you walk the railroad and clean off any debris, you find and check the switches to make sure they are set correctly.
Regarding special COVID-19 related requirements make sure you take all necessary precautions in order to make the day as comfortable for you and others.
If you have already done so, please let us know if you are coming.
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.
Update: Club Fun Day - Saturday, August 29, 2020
We’ve had several members ask about inviting others to visit during our club fun day. Please feel free to extend an invitation to others since this is our day and not open to the general public. We want to make sure that we have our friends, family, and others in the hobby out to enjoy our railroad for the day and have as much fun as possible. If someone is bringing a steam engine that doesn’t currently have a current Georgia State Inspect, please note they will need a hydro test to operate during the day.
UPDATE
We’ve had several members ask about inviting others to visit during our club fun day. Please feel free to extend an invitation to others since this is our day and not open to the general public. We want to make sure that we have our friends, family, and others in the hobby out to enjoy our railroad for the day and have as much fun as possible. If someone is bringing a steam engine that doesn’t currently have a current Georgia State Inspect, please note they will need a hydro test to operate during the day.
Take a moment and complete the survey below so we can gauge how many people might attend the day. As in the past come at any time and stay as long as you want. Just have fun and social distance.
Regarding special COVID-19 related requirements make sure you take all necessary precautions in order to make the day as comfortable for you and others. One additional note we will need to cut grass and clean debris off railroad prior to Saturday, August 29th. At this point the weather is looking good which should make for an exciting day.
Club Fun Day - Saturday, August 29, 2020
Our annual August summer nights club fun day will be on Saturday, August 29th. We are looking for feedback from membership regarding who is planning on coming out. Please answer the question below. As in the past come at anytime and stay as long as you want. Just have fun playing with trains and socializing with everyone.
Our annual August summer nights club fun day will be on Saturday, August 29th. We are looking for feedback from membership regarding who is planning on coming out. Please answer the question below. As in the past come at any time and stay as long as you want. Just have fun playing with trains and socializing with everyone.
One additional note we will need to cut grass and clean debris off of railroad prior to Saturday, August 29th.
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.
