The passenger line is now complete - Workday recap for Saturday, September 4, 2021
What an incredible day. After 42 workdays over 14 months of work the passenger line is now complete. Today’s crew consisted of Wes, Gene, “Bob2”, Scott, Norm, David E., and Robby installed the last 55’ of track.
What an incredible day. After 42 workdays over 14 months of work the passenger line is now complete. Today’s crew consisted of Wes, Gene, “Bob2”, Scott, Norm, David E., and Robby installed the last 55’ of track. They also cleaned up some areas with additional gravel and fill to reduce any drainage issues in the area. Next on the list of to-do’s includes grade crossing lights at the pedestrian crossing along with a switch motor for the station bypass track.
Scott was able to capture the last buck of 57 being dumped on the passenger line project as the crew put the finishing touches on the project. Not sure why Norm is scratching his head other than maybe thinking about what the next project will be.
David E. and Robby took the first ride on the completed passenger line all the way through the new station area. They looked like two kids in a candy store. Just saying.
We did run into an issue with the club diesel towards the end of the day. Let’s just say that the engine is fine but the truck under the sulky isn’t. One of the axles has warn to a point it came out of the side frame. Norm took the truck and is going to get it fixed until them just know the club diesel is not available until the sulky is fixed.
Workday recap for Thursday, September 2, 2021 - Only 6 more panels to complete the passenger line project
We had a rare workday during the week today as a small crew went out and finished ballasting, leveling, fixing drainage, and setting forms so the final 6 panels will go in easy during our next workday. The crew consisted of Ben, “Bob”, Peter, Dave E., Norm, Wes, and Robby. The crew focused on a few different areas throughout the day starting with finishing ballasting from the end of the passenger station area and worked towards the pedestrian crossing.
We had a rare workday during the week today as a small crew went out and finished ballasting, leveling, fixing drainage, and setting forms so the final 6 panels will go in easy during our next workday. The crew consisted of Ben, “Bob”, Peter, Dave E., Norm, Wes, and Robby. The crew focused on a few different areas throughout the day starting with finishing ballasting from the end of the passenger station area and worked towards the pedestrian crossing. They also worked on addressing some major drainage areas by the bridges as the most recent rain had washed out some area next to the bypass track again. Additional gravel was spread in other areas to help with drainage between the passenger line and the bypass track along with providing some better footing when people get on an off a train in the station area.
All in all, a very productive day which means that our next workday will complete the passenger line project and perform some track work on the bypass track.
On another note don’t forget that we have our annual boiler inspection and railroad safety check on Saturday, September 18th. Be on the look out for additional details. The railroad safety check is intended to change all railroad equipment and identify any track work that needs to be completed before our planned re-open on Saturday, October 2nd.
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.
NGLS: Urgent Feedback Requested Regarding October 2nd Public Run Day
Many of you may have already seen the email that came out recently regarding needing your feedback regarding whether or not we should have the public run day. We are also needing to find out who is available to work the October 2nd event so we can see if we have enough volunteers to run the event including trains.
Many of you may have already seen the email that came out recently regarding needing your feedback regarding our public run day scheduled for Saturday, October 2nd. We need to know Yes or No to the day and if Yes who is available to volunteer during the run day. Please fill out the form below so we can make the appropriate decision.
Please only fill out the form if you have NOT already done so.
#630 Consolidation (2-8-0)
This is a Gene Allen Consolidation (2-8-0). The casting kit were purchased from a former NGLS member who never got to build it. It was purchased in August of 2020 and completed in June of 2021. It burns diesel fuel and operates on 120 lbs. of steam pressure. The tender was extended to make room for two riders. The locomotive now belongs to another NGLS club member who splits his time between North Georgia Live Steamers and his other home club in Florida.
This is a Gene Allen Consolidation (2-8-0). The casting kit were purchased from a former NGLS member who never got to build it. It was purchased in August of 2020 and completed in June of 2021. It burns diesel fuel and operates on 120 lbs. of steam pressure. The tender was extended to make room for two riders. The locomotive now belongs to another NGLS club member who splits his time between North Georgia Live Steamers and his other home club Northeast Florida Live Steamers.
As of October 23, 2021, now operates out of Florida at Northeast Florida Live Steamers and North Georgia Live Steamers.
Northeast Florida Live Steamers
North Georgia Live Steamers
Checkout the latest steam engine to hit the rails during our club fun day on Saturday, August 28, 2021
Well in typical fashion our “Summer Nights” club fun run was more like a “Summer Daytime” club fun day. The day saw many familiar faces, trains, and a new Consolidation making its debut around the railroad. Here is a video of Gene and Joan taking the locomotive out on the railroad giving it a good workout. A few special engineers also got the opportunity to be an engineer and took it for a few laps around the railroad.
Well in typical fashion our “Summer Nights” club fun run was more like a “Summer Daytime” club fun day. The day saw many familiar faces, trains, and a new Consolidation making its debut around the railroad. Here is a video of Gene and Joan taking the locomotive out on the railroad giving it a good workout. A few members also got to be the engineer and took it for a few laps around the railroad.
1st Ever North Georgia Live Steamers Fall Meet - October 21st - 24th
The 1st EVER NGLS Fall Meet will be held Thursday, October 21st through Sunday October 24th. And you can be part of it! Additional details about the event will follow but for now here is what we have so far.
Time and date:
When: Thursday, October 21 - Sunday, October 24, 2021
Railroad Gauge(s): 7 1/2 & Gauge 1
Accommodations:
We have limited room for RV’s and trailers onsite however overflow space will be available at the RV parking area located at the Georgia International Horse Park facility which is about a mile down the road. For those wishing to stay in a hotel the Hawthorn Suites is directly across the street from the site. Other hotels are available in the area about 3 to 5 miles away.
Visiting Trains:
All locomotive types are welcome, but steam engines are required to have a hydro-static test. The test can be completed at the railroad with help from a NGLS member.
You may be receiving this as a duplicate but we apparently left some people off and wanted to make sure everyone is told about our first ever Fall meet. Details about the event are listed below.
The 1st EVER NGLS Fall Meet will be held Thursday, October 21st through Sunday October 24th. And you can be part of it! Additional details about the event will follow but for now here is what we have so far.
Time and date:
When: Thursday, October 21 - Sunday, October 24, 2021
Railroad Gauge(s): 7 1/2 & Gauge 1
Accommodations:
We have limited room for RV’s and trailers onsite however overflow space will be available at the RV parking area located at the Georgia International Horse Park facility which is about a mile down the road. For those wishing to stay in a hotel the Hawthorn Suites is directly across the street from the site. Other hotels are available in the area about 3 to 5 miles away.
Visiting Trains:
All locomotive types are welcome, but steam engines are required to have a hydro-static test. The test can be completed at the railroad with help from a NGLS member.
Railroad Layout
Train Rides on Saturday, October 2nd from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Come join us on Saturday, October 2nd as the railroad comes alive after nearly two years. The members have been hard at working making major changes to the railroad and hope you can come out and figure out what some of the changes are. Riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards.
If you or someone you know would like to donate to North Georgia Live Steamers to help us with our projects, please visit our donations page for more information.
Come join us on Saturday, October 2nd as the railroad comes alive after nearly two years. The members have been hard at working making major changes to the railroad and hope you can come out and figure out what some of the changes are. Riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards.
If you or someone you know would like to donate to North Georgia Live Steamers to help us with our projects, please visit our donations page for more information.
Passenger Line project workday recap for Saturday, August 21, 2021
This past Saturday, August 21st was another product workday. The crew which consisted of Rick, Ben, “Bob”, Gene, Scott, Norm, Tyler, and Robby where able to set forms for the remaining 170’ of track, crusher run for about 130’ feet and about 90’ of track. With the progress the crew made we are so very close to completing the passenger line project just in time for our re-opening plans for our first public run day in two years.
This past Saturday, August 21st was another product workday. The crew which consisted of Rick, Ben, “Bob”, Gene, Scott, Norm, Peter, Tyler, and Robby where able to set forms for the remaining 170’ of track, crusher run for about 130’ feet and about 90’ of track. With the progress the crew made we are so very close to completing the passenger line project just in time for our re-opening plans for our first public run day in two years.
Meanwhile, Scott continued to work on the new drain coming out the yard and filled in some washout we had with all the recent rains near the bridges.
With all that has been done one more workday with a good size crew would complete the passenger line project. Our next scheduled workday will be on Saturday, September 11th but one is being discussed for Saturday, September 4th so be on the lookout. Speaking of scheduled events our annual “Summer Night Run” for club members and invited guests will be on Saturday, August 28th.
Workday scheduled for this Saturday, August 21st - "The Final Countdown"
We are in the final few workdays to complete the passenger line project. At this point we have installed more than 700’ of track and all we lack to finish is 170’. We invite you to bring friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and anyone you can find looking for something to do this Saturday, August 21st at 8:30 a.m. to help with installing. At this point the grading has been done which leaves putting forms then we are off to installing track. Make sure you bring water, lunch, cordless drills, knee pads, and a good sense of humor.
We are in the final few workdays to complete the passenger line project. At this point we have installed more than 700’ of track and all we lack to finish is 170’. We invite you to bring friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and anyone you can find looking for something to do this Saturday, August 21st at 8:30 a.m. to help with installing. At this point the grading has been done which leaves putting forms then we are off to installing track. Make sure you bring water, lunch, cordless drills, knee pads, and a good sense of humor.
Passenger Line Project 2020 - 2021
In July 2020 the club started on the “passenger line” project which added a mainline from the east loop along the fence line towards the station. This allows the railroad to operate without traveling through the yard.
In July 2020 the club started on the “passenger line” project which added a mainline from the east loop along the fence line towards the station. This allows the railroad to operate without traveling through the yard.
1st Ever North Georgia Live Steamers Fall Meet - October 21st - 24th
The 1st EVER NGLS Fall Meet will be held Thursday, October 21st through Sunday October 24th. And you can be part of it! Additional details about the event will follow but for now here is what we have so far.
Time and date:
When: Thursday, October 21 - Sunday, October 24, 2021
Railroad Gauge(s): 7 1/2 & Gauge 1
Accommodations:
We have limited room for RV’s and trailers onsite however overflow space will be available at the RV parking area located at the Georgia International Horse Park facility which is about a mile down the road. For those wishing to stay in a hotel the Hawthorn Suites is directly across the street from the site. Other hotels are available in the area about 3 to 5 miles away.
Visiting Trains:
All locomotive types are welcome, but steam engines are required to have a hydro-static test. The test can be completed at the railroad with help from a NGLS member.
The 1st EVER NGLS Fall Meet will be held Thursday, October 21st through Sunday October 24th. And you can be part of it! Additional details about the event will follow but for now here is what we have so far.
Time and date:
When: Thursday, October 21 - Sunday, October 24, 2021
Railroad Gauge(s): 7 1/2 & Gauge 1
Accommodations:
We have limited room for RV’s and trailers onsite however overflow space will be available at the RV parking area located at the Georgia International Horse Park facility which is about a mile down the road. For those wishing to stay in a hotel the Hawthorn Suites is directly across the street from the site. Other hotels are available in the area about 3 to 5 miles away.
Visiting Trains:
All locomotive types are welcome, but steam engines are required to have a hydro-static test. The test can be completed at the railroad with help from a NGLS member.
Railroad Layout
Impromptu Workday recap for Saturday, August 14, 2021
On Saturday, August 14th we began the last 170’ of preparation work needed to complete the passenger line project. Gene, “Bob2”, Norm, and Robby came out to do grading work ahead of our next official workday which is on Saturday, August 21st. Dave E. was out, and he continued to work on making sure the new drain that was installed has a place to drain into the “dry pond” area under the bridges on the west end of the railroad. Dave and Dale also spent a little time looking at Dave’s locomotive in preparation of our annual club fun night event on August 28th.
On Saturday, August 14th we began the last 170’ of preparation work needed to complete the passenger line project. Gene, “Bob2”, Norm, and Robby came out to do grading work ahead of our next official workday which is on Saturday, August 21st. Dave E. was out, and he continued to work on making sure the new drain coming out of the yard had a good way to drain into the “dry pond” area under the bridges on the west end of the railroad. Dave E. and Dale also spent a little time working on Dave’s locomotive in preparation of our annual club fun night event which is scheduled for Saturday, August 28th.
Mark your calendars as we make a big push to complete the passenger line on Saturday, August 21st. Make sure you bring plenty of water, tools, a lunch, knee pads, and a great sense of humor. The weather is supposed to be a little cooler which should allow us to make some good progress.
One year in on the passenger line project and look at what has been accomplished
Back in July 2020 construction began on the passenger line with the installation of a switch leaving the yard on the west end of the railroad. Soon after a switch in the inner east loop and our first diamond was also installed. Fast forward to July 2021 with more than 30 weekends worked we have installed more than 1,400’ of rail, 1,590 railroad ties (give or take), 5,320 screws (give or take), more than 70 track panels, 6 switches, 60’ concrete grade crossing, 30’ pedestrian crossing, a diamond, and countless loads of gravel.
Back in July 2020 construction began on the passenger line with the installation of a switch leaving the yard on the west end of the railroad. Soon after a switch in the inner east loop and our first diamond was also installed. Fast forward to July 2021 with more than 30 weekends worked we have installed more than 1,400’ of rail, 1,590 railroad ties (give or take), 5,320 screws (give or take), more than 70 track panels, 6 switches, 60’ concrete grade crossing, 30’ pedestrian crossing, a diamond, and countless loads of gravel. This leaves us just 17 more panels to complete this project and the expansion of our mainline will be complete. A big thank you to all of you who have been able to come out and work throughout the year and a big thank you to those that could not come out but cheered us on we thank you.
As we near the completion of this project we also are closing in on our first public run day in nearly two years. We look forward to seeing many of you around the railroad over the next two months as we prepare to re-open the railroad and share our love for trains, the hobby, and more.
I hope you enjoy looking back over the past year at some of the pictures taken just to show how much has been done and how far we’ve come.
Workday recap for Saturday, August 7, 2021
Progress continues on the passenger line project. This past Saturday was a light workday with a lot of talking and planning prior to our August club meeting. After the meeting we had Robby, Calvin, Peter, Gene, Norm, and Scott install the deck boards for the pedestrian crossing. Planning for wiring for crossing electronics along with switch motor was also discussed during our time at the crossing.
Progress continues on the passenger line project. This past Saturday was a light workday with a lot of talking and planning prior to our August club meeting. After the meeting we had Robby, Calvin, Peter, Gene, Norm, and Scott install the deck boards for the pedestrian crossing. Planning for wiring for crossing electronics along with switch motor was also discussed during our time at the crossing.
Before work was done on the pedestrian crossing Bob C. took the club steamer around the railroad testing out the most recent pilot truck repairs. He then took the club steamer onto the passenger line make it the first steam engine to travel on the passenger line. Bob was happy to report that the steam engine is in good shape. Although he did put an asterisk by his recap stating its a steam engine it always needs something done to it. Check out the videos below to see the club steamer in action.
Don’t forget to checkout our events calendar for activities around the railroad and around the hobby regionally. Our next planned workday is scheduled for Saturday, August 21st with the annual Summer Nights Club fun day on Saturday, August 28th.
Club Fun Summer Nights Event - Saturday, August 28, 2021
Our summer club fun summer nights run event will be Saturday, August 28th. Come out in the afternoon and stay through the evening.
If you know someone who would like to visit the railroad and even bring a train, please have them visit our Club Fun Day page for more information.
As a note this is NOT a Public Run Day.
Our summer club fun summer nights run event will be Saturday, August 28th. Come out in the afternoon and stay through the evening.
If you know someone who would like to visit the railroad and even bring a train, please have them visit our Club Fun Day page for more information.
As a note this is NOT a Public Run Day.
Club Fun Day Schedule
Dreams Come True Railroad meet August 20 - 23rd
Our friend David Schleper has extended an invite to come out and visit Dreams Come True Railroad in Cassatt, South Carolina during a meet that will be August 20th through 23rd. The railroad has about 9,000 feet of track with other 30 switches, two trestles, a tunnel, turntable with steaming bays. Steaming bays have air, water, and electricity available. David also says the clubhouse is equipped with two bathrooms, a shower and RV’s or tents are welcome for those looking to stay over.
Our friend David Schleper has extended an invite to come out and visit Dreams Come True Railroad in Cassatt, South Carolina during a meet that will be August 20th through 23rd. The railroad has about 9,000 feet of track with other 30 switches, two trestles, a tunnel, turntable with steaming bays. Steaming bays have air, water, and electricity available. David also says the clubhouse is equipped with two bathrooms, a shower and RV’s or tents are welcome for those looking to stay over.
Railroad Location
2164 Beaver Dam Road
Cassatt, SC, 29032
Contact Information
David Schelper
Phone: 732 691 0042
Passenger line nearly completed after this weekend's big workday on Saturday, July 31st
An incredible milestone happened today with the help of Scott, John T., Tyler, Norm, Gene, Wes, and “Bob2”. The crew spent the day attaching the last 75-feet of the passenger line bypass to the railroad. This now allows trains to travel from the east loop across the new gate crossing towards the west end of the railroad. With the bypass track attached we now only have 170-feet of track remaining to complete the passenger line project.
An incredible milestone happened today with the help of Scott, John T., Tyler, Norm, Gene, Wes, and “Bob2”. The crew spent the day attaching the last 75-feet of the passenger line bypass to the railroad. This now allows trains to travel from the east loop across the new gate crossing towards the west end of the railroad. With the bypass track attached we now only have 170-feet of track remaining to complete the passenger line project.
Here is a quick video Scott took showing the new route which includes passing over the railroads first diamond and heading towards the new 60-foot gate crossing towards the 30-foot man crossing all the way to the current station loading area.
Mark Your Calendar
The big push is on to complete the passenger line project by August 21st which is the weekend before our annual Summer Nights Club Fun Day. Mark the calendar for Saturday, August 7th at 8:30 for our next workday and let’s put a dent in the remaining 200-feet of track.