A look back at 2021 highlighted by the completion of the passenger line.
As we take a moment to look back on all that we accomplished in 2021 none of it would have happened without the dedication of each of our members. The countless volunteer hours put in by everyone including “Bob”, “Bob2”, and a special appears by “Bob Jr” made this past year unbelievable. This year like 2020 saw nearly 40 workdays which is equivalent to about 5 years of work if you look at how many workdays on average, we’ve normally done before 2020. While we may not be able to maintain this pace into 2022, we certainly made these interesting times work for our group and the railroad. Take a moment and check out some of the things we did each month in 2021.
As we take a moment to look back on all that we accomplished in 2021 none of it would have happened without the dedication of each of our members. The countless volunteer hours put in by everyone including “Bob”, “Bob2”, and a special appears by “Bob Jr” made this past year unbelievable. This year like 2020 saw nearly 40 workdays which is equivalent to about 5 years of work if you look at how many workdays on average, we’ve normally done before 2020. While we may not be able to maintain this pace into 2022, we certainly made these interesting times work for our group and the railroad. Take a moment and check out some of the things we did each month in 2021.
January
The year started off with our annual New Year’s Day Club Fun Day. This day paved the way for exciting times around the railroad including construction of lots of track panels and a few switches for both the passenger line and the next member container throughout the month.
February
As things began to pick up in 2021 the crew sorted and cut more ties and built a lot more track panels for the passenger line project.
March
The theme of the year is taking shape as March brought more track construction, site prep for member container, and a chance to poke a little fun at each other along the way.
April
With all of the track panels built and the weather continuing to be favorable for us the grade crossing big dig began paving the way for a 60-foot crossing at the main entrance to the property. This also signaled the start of the big push to complete the passenger line.
April wasn’t all work and no play. Our annual spring awakening club fun day took place as we got a chance to dust the cobwebs off of our equipment and enjoy the day and the railroad.
May
This month marked one of the busiest months we’ve had at the railroad in years. From digging and installing a 60-foot concrete grade crossing, installing a 30-foot pedestrian crossing, and digging a path to complete the passenger line project.
June
After the concrete was poured last month, it was time to clean up around the crossing for our first official vehicle crossing with a focus on connecting the new grade crossing with the pedestrian crossing.
July
Things slowed a little because of the summer heat but that didn’t stop the crew from connecting the passenger line to the bypass giving us the ability to travel across the new passenger line connecting the east and west ends of the railroad together.
August
With the passenger line connected on both ends, minus the station track, our first official locomotive across the new passenger line was the club steamer with Bob Cummings at the controls. The crew worked on putting decking material on the pedestrian crossing and started work on the station track.
September
As we moved into September, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel as the passenger line is completed. We also took advantage of the completion to take care of a few other items around the property including adding a much needed drain the driveway to divert some of the water out to the east field. The finishing touches are being completed just in time for the railroad to reopen for our first public run day in nearly two years.
October
The first public run day in two years took place and with the completion of the passenger line really improved the dynamic on how well our railroad operated.
November
Things are shifting towards our next set of projects which includes the installation of the shop containers, member container, and work has begun to restore a full-scale signal head and pole.
We also had a chance to squeeze in our second run day of the year with a great turnout which produced a lot of smiles. Although a few of our diesel locomotives did feel like they were being left out because a lot of people wanted to ride on a steam engine.
December
As we closed out 2021 we worked the next member container by installing the form for the bridge and running electricity into the container.
Thank you
We thank each of you for your individual contributions and look forward to 2022. If you’ve been unable to come out to the railroad recently, we look forward to seeing you soon. We are working on a “Welcome to the railroad” social event on February 5th more details to follow. This will be away for each of us to reconnect with each other and get a chance to meet some of our new members going into the near year.
A look back at 2021 highlighted by the completion of the passenger line.
As we take a moment to look back on all that we accomplished in 2021 none of it would have happened without the dedication of each of our members. The countless volunteer hours put in by everyone including “Bob”, “Bob2”, and a special appears by “Bob Jr” made this past year unbelievable. This year like 2020 saw nearly 40 workdays which is equivalent to about 5 years of work if you look at how many workdays on average, we’ve normally done before 2020. While we may not be able to maintain this pace into 2022, we certainly made these interesting times work for our group and the railroad. Take a moment and check out some of the things we did each month in 2021.
As we take a moment to look back on all that we accomplished in 2021 none of it would have happened without the dedication of each of our members. The countless volunteer hours put in by everyone including “Bob”, “Bob2”, and a special appears by “Bob Jr” made this past year unbelievable. This year like 2020 saw nearly 40 workdays which is equivalent to about 5 years of work if you look at how many workdays on average, we’ve normally done before 2020. While we may not be able to maintain this pace into 2022, we certainly made these interesting times work for our group and the railroad. Take a moment and check out some of the things we did each month in 2021.
January
The year started off with our annual New Year’s Day Club Fun Day. This day paved the way for exciting times around the railroad including construction of lots of track panels and a few switches for both the passenger line and the next member container throughout the month.
February
As things began to pick up in 2021 the crew sorted and cut more ties and built a lot more track panels for the passenger line project.
March
The theme of the year is taking shape as March brought more track construction, site prep for member container, and a chance to poke a little fun at each other along the way.
April
With all of the track panels built and the weather continuing to be favorable for us the grade crossing big dig began paving the way for a 60-foot crossing at the main entrance to the property. This also signaled the start of the big push to complete the passenger line.
April wasn’t all work and no play. Our annual spring awakening club fun day took place as we got a chance to dust the cobwebs off of our equipment and enjoy the day and the railroad.
May
This month marked one of the busiest months we’ve had at the railroad in years. From digging and installing a 60-foot concrete grade crossing, installing a 30-foot pedestrian crossing, and digging a path to complete the passenger line project.
June
After the concrete was poured last month, it was time to clean up around the crossing for our first official vehicle crossing with a focus on connecting the new grade crossing with the pedestrian crossing.
July
Things slowed a little because of the summer heat but that didn’t stop the crew from connecting the passenger line to the bypass giving us the ability to travel across the new passenger line connecting the east and west ends of the railroad together.
August
With the passenger line connected on both ends, minus the station track, our first official locomotive across the new passenger line was the club steamer with Bob Cummings at the controls. The crew worked on putting decking material on the pedestrian crossing and started work on the station track.
September
As we moved into September, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel as the passenger line is completed. We also took advantage of the completion to take care of a few other items around the property including adding a much needed drain the driveway to divert some of the water out to the east field. The finishing touches are being completed just in time for the railroad to reopen for our first public run day in nearly two years.
October
The first public run day in two years took place and with the completion of the passenger line really improved the dynamic on how well our railroad operated.
November
Things are shifting towards our next set of projects which includes the installation of the shop containers, member container, and work has begun to restore a full-scale signal head and pole.
We also had a chance to squeeze in our second run day of the year with a great turnout which produced a lot of smiles. Although a few of our diesel locomotives did feel like they were being left out because a lot of people wanted to ride on a steam engine.
December
As we closed out 2021 we worked the next member container by installing the form for the bridge and running electricity into the container.
Thank you
We thank each of you for your individual contributions and look forward to 2022. If you’ve been unable to come out to the railroad recently, we look forward to seeing you soon. We are working on a “Welcome to the railroad” social event on February 5th more details to follow. This will be away for each of us to reconnect with each other and get a chance to meet some of our new members going into the near year.
Merry Christmas from North Georgia Live Steamers
The board wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The year has been full of so much around the railroad including the completion of one of our biggest projects in years the passenger line. Be on the lookout for our annual year in review email after Christmas. Until then Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
We look forward to seeing you around the railroad in 2022.
The board wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The year has been full of so much around the railroad including the completion of one of our biggest projects in years the passenger line. Be on the lookout for our annual year in review email after Christmas. Until then Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
We look forward to seeing you around the railroad in 2022.
Reminder: Volunteer Request for Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History event
We have been contacted by the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History to see if we are interested in participating in the “Trains! Trains! Trains!” event on Saturday, January 29th through Sunday, January 30th. We are asking for feedback from the club to see who is available to volunteer for this event.
Fill out form below or click on link to complete the survey. https://tinyurl.com/nglstrainstrainstrains
A weekday workday has been scheduled for Thursday, December 15th at 9 a.m.
A weekday workday has been scheduled for Thursday, December 15th at 9 a.m. The plan is to work on electrical in the next container and prep flat bar for installation into the container as track. if you are planning on coming, please check with Robby to make sure of any last-minute changes.
Make sure you bring plenty to drink, tools, and a good sense of humor.
A weekday workday has been scheduled for Thursday, December 15th at 9 a.m. The plan is to work on electrical in the next container and prep flat bar for installation into the container as track. if you are planning on coming, please check with Robby to make sure of any last-minute changes.
Make sure you bring plenty to drink, tools, and a good sense of humor.
2022 North Georgia Live Steamers Board Nominees
On Saturday, December 4, 2021, North Georgia Live Steamers nominated individuals for the 2022 board with voting to take place on Saturday, January 8, 2022, during the regularly scheduled meeting. The nominees are:
On Saturday, December 4, 2021, North Georgia Live Steamers nominated individuals for the 2022 board with voting to take place on Saturday, January 8, 2022, during the regularly scheduled meeting. The nominees are:
President: Peter Craymer
Vice President: Scott Moore
Secretary: Robby Mossman
Board Members nominees:
Calvin Abernathy
Dan Crumbly
Bob Cummings
David Eisman
Joe Fabregas
Rick Kight
John Tuten
The treasurer’s position is a three-year term and Norm Wizner will continue in this role through 2022. Also note that because only one individual for President, Vice President, and Secretary were nominated those individuals will automatically server in those positions through 2022. On Saturday, January 8, 2022, will select three individuals to full fill the board member positions that are available.
If you have any questions regarding the nomination or voting process, please contact Peter Craymer or Robby Mossman.
Cannonball Lil Gasser
On Saturday, December 4, 2021 this little gasser began its journey to a new life as one of our club members purchased this from its long time owner. This locomotive was originally provided by Cannonball Limited out of Arcadia, Oklahoma.
On Saturday, December 4, 2021 this Lil Gasser began its journey to a new life as one of our club members purchased this from its long time owner. This locomotive was originally provided by Cannonball Limited out of Arcadia, Oklahoma. By the fall of 2024 the locomotive transfered ownership again with the intention of refurbishing the locomotive and converting it to an electric engine. The process to refurbish it began in January 2025 and is currently on going.
Current Status of the Lil Gasser
Train Ride Schedule announced for the 2022 Season
Our 2022 train ride schedule has been set and we look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad this season. The schedule for the 2022 season will be Saturday, April 30th, May 21st, October 1st, and November 5th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 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.
For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
Our 2022 train ride schedule has been set and we look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad this season. The schedule for the 2022 season will be Saturday, April 30th, May 21st, October 1st, and November 5th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 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.
For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
A weekday workday has been scheduled for Thursday, December 9th at 9 a.m.
A weekday workday has been scheduled for Thursday, December 9th at 9 a.m. The plan is to work on electrical work in the next container and prep flat bar for installation into the container as track. if you are planning on coming, please check with Robby to make sure of any last-minute changes.
Make sure you bring plenty to drink, tools, and a good sense of humor.
A weekday workday has been scheduled for Thursday, December 9th at 9 a.m. The plan is to work on electrical work in the next container and prep flat bar for installation into the container as track. if you are planning on coming, please check with Robby to make sure of any last-minute changes.
Make sure you bring plenty to drink, tools, and a good sense of humor.
Impromptu workday recap for Thursday, December 2, 2021
On Thursday an impromptu workday developed with a focus on getting a couple of items completed on the next member container project. Norm, Wes, and Robby worked on cleaning the container out, filling holes, and mixing up ten 80lbs bags of concreate for the form. Not a lot of pictures other than the finished product of the day.
On Thursday an impromptu workday developed with a focus on getting a couple of items completed on the next member container project. Norm, Wes, and Robby worked on cleaning the container out, filling holes, and mixing up ten 80lbs bags of concreate for the form. Not a lot of pictures other than the finished product of the day.
Do you know someone who might be interested in donating to NGLS? We can accept donations online.
Many of you may know that yesterday was GivingTuesday which provides a focus on giving to not-for-profit organizations like ours. If you know of someone who might be interested in donating to our organization, they can do so by either sending us a donation in the mail or through our online donation (https://tinyurl.com/nglsrrdonate) option. Donations can also be received via a text message by texting NGLSRR to 44-321 which will take you to the same donation website online.
Many of you may know that Tuesday was GivingTuesday which provides a focus on giving to not-for-profit organizations like ours. If you know of someone who might be interested in donating to our organization, they can do so by either sending us a donation in the mail or through our online donation (https://tinyurl.com/nglsrrdonate) option. Donations can also be received via a text message by texting NGLSRR to 44-321 which will take you to the same donation website online.
Individuals can also learn more about how a donation would benefit our railroad by visiting our website - https://www.nglsrr.org/donations
Club Meeting and Holiday Club Fun Day this Saturday, December 4th
Our December meeting is scheduled for this Saturday, December 4th at 1 p.m. We will cover normal business items along with take board nominees for the 2022 board. The weather is also suppose to be very nice and have decided to make the day a Holiday Club Fun Day as well which starts when ever you arrive.
Our December meeting is scheduled for this Saturday, December 4th at 1 p.m. We will cover normal business items along with take board nominees for the 2022 board. The weather is also suppose to be very nice and have decided to make the day a Holiday Club Fun Day as well which starts when ever you arrive. Please feel free to bring cookies and snacks to share.
If you NOT going to be in attendance for the meeting and would like to submit nominees for the 2022 board please use the link below to submit your nominees. Otherwise nominations will be taken during the meeting. Voting on the 2022 board will take place during our January meeting.
https://us9.list-manage.com/survey?u=22f5b9585e7729d6e90c345de&id=a90aab8cdd&e=*|UNIQID|*
#GivingTuesday - Help support North Georgia Live Steamers today
We are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization and operate with volunteers and donations from individuals like you. Why do we need your help? We have several of ongoing projects that, as you might expect, need funding to complete. This funding comes from a variety of sources including individual donors such as yourself. During each year we participate in several of fund-raising events including our primary being giving rides to the public. However, the past couple of years have been challenging for everyone and that is why we are asking for your help.
support North Georgia Live Steamers - #GivingTuesday
We are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization and operate with volunteers and donations from individuals like you. Why do we need your help? We have several of ongoing projects that, as you might expect, need funding to complete. This funding comes from a variety of sources including individual donors such as yourself. During each year we participate in several of fund-raising events including our primary being giving rides to the public. However, the past couple of years have been challenging for everyone and that is why we are asking for your help.
In 2020 and 2021 we took care of a lot of projects including the completion of what we call our “Passenger Line". Now we are moving into 2022 and hope to fund several other projects like the completion of the “Grandma Line”, add a railroad signal system, and general maintenance of the railroad and equipment. With your help and our volunteers all of this and more is possible. But all this takes money.
So, if you have enjoyed bringing your kids out for a train ride (and inside aren’t we all kids?) won’t you consider donating whatever you can afford to assist us in bringing our model railroading to you. Today we are participating in GivingTuesday, a global day of giving as a way to support not-for-profit organizations like ours.
Please join us in our efforts to demonstrate a working miniature railroad to the public and educate everyone on the rich history of railroading in our country's history. To donation, please use the Donate button or you can mail your donation to: North Georgia Live Steamers, P.O. Box 1809, Conyers, Georgia 30012.
Volunteer Request for Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History event
We have been contacted by the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History to see if we are interested in participating in the “Trains! Trains! Trains!” event on Saturday, January 29th through Sunday, January 30th. We are asking for feedback from the club to see who is available to volunteer for this event.
Fill out form below or click on link to complete the survey. https://tinyurl.com/nglstrainstrainstrains
Happy Thanksgiving from North Georgia Live Steamers
North Georgia Live Steamers want to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. As a not-for-profit educational organization, we rely on our members and volunteers like you. This year we are extra thankful for hours of time our members and volunteers have provided.
North Georgia Live Steamers want to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. As a not-for-profit educational organization, we rely on our members and volunteers like you. This year we are extra thankful for hours of time our members and volunteers have provided.
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.
That is a wrap on the 2021 train ride season
A big thank you to everyone who came out and visited with us on our last ride day of the 2021 season. The day was full of so many special visitors including a large group from the Georgia Garden Railroad Society. A special thanks to each of the North Georgia Live Steamers members who volunteered and ran trains throughout the day. We look forward to seeing everyone next year as the railroad comes alive again in the spring of 2022. In the meantime, don’t forget to visit our website and social media pages for the latest on what’s going on during the offseason.
A big thank you to everyone who came out and visited with us on our last ride day of the 2021 season. The day was full of so many special visitors including a large group from the Georgia Garden Railroad Society. A special thanks to each of the North Georgia Live Steamers members who volunteered and ran trains throughout the day. We look forward to seeing everyone next year as the railroad comes alive again in the spring of 2022. In the meantime, don’t forget to visit our website and social media pages for the latest on what’s going on during the offseason.
Mark you calendar for our 2022 Train Ride Dates
Container delivery for new shop and member container delivered
Friday, November 19th marked another exciting day around the railroad as we took delivery of two more containers and placement of two existing containers. We now have placed three of the four containers in the spot of our new club workshop and the remaining container has been placed in the member container area. The work crew today consisted of Gene, “Bob2”, Rick, “Bob Jr.”, Norm, Wes, Calvin, and Scott. Next step is to begin working on the shop and member container which will most likely be our winter project.
Friday, November 19th marked another exciting day around the railroad as we took delivery of two more containers and placement of two existing containers. We now have placed three of the four containers in the spot of our new club workshop and the remaining container has been placed in the member container area. The work crew today consisted of Gene, “Bob2”, Rick, “Bob Jr.”, Norm, Wes, Calvin, John T. and Scott. Next step is to begin working on the shop and member container which will most likely be our winter project.
Running Gauge 1 during our 2021 public run days
Here are some pictures of the guys running the Gauge 1 trains during our public run days in 2021.
Here are some pictures of the guys running the Gauge 1 trains during our public run days in 2021.
C&O 701 (2-8-0)
The #701 is prototyped after the real #701 located in Covington, Virginia which was built by Alco in 1911 and originally operated as #171 for Hocking Valley Railway. The following information is from rgusrail.com which highlights the history of this locomotive.
C&O 701 In Operation
In the fall of 2021 plans began to take shape to build a 1.6” scale 7 1/2” gauge version of the C&O 701. The prototype is currently located in Covington, Virginia and was originally built by Alco in 1911. The locomotive originally operated as #171 for Hocking Valley Railway. The following information and images are from rgusrail.com which highlights the history of this locomotive.
The Hocking Valley Railway was primarily a coal hauler, operating entirely in the state of Ohio, with a main line from Toledo to Athens and Pomeroy via Columbus, and several branches to coal mines in the Hocking Valley near Athens. Most of its life was spent under the control of outside railroads. In 1903, a syndicate comprising the PRR, B&O, C&O, Erie and Lake Shore & Michigan Southern acquired majority ownership. From 1906, the C&O began to increase its ownership until it gained outright control in 1910, although the HV continued to operate as a separate entity until merged into the C&O in 1930. At that time, #171 was renumbered CO #701 and reclassified as a G-5. For more information visit http://www.rgusrail.com/vaco701.html.
In doing some additional research I learned that the #701 is the last remaining C&O 2-8-0 locomotives still in existence. I have placed some pictures and videos below.
Photos provided from rgusrail.com
2012 before a cosmetic restoration
A short video of C&O 2-8-0 locomotives
Now on to the 1.6” scale version of the 701 which is actually being built off a slightly different prototype from the Pennsylvania Railroad H10 class steam locomotives and was built by Lima Locomotive works. One of the primary differences between the prototype and the H10 was the type of valve gears used. The H10 used the Walschaerts Valve Gear vs. the C&O prototype which used Baker Valve Gear. The 1.6” scale pictured was built by Godshall’s Custom Machining out of Shermans Dale, PA. This locomotive is the nineteenth 2-8-0 build by Godshall using the H10 prototype. This project provided the opportunity to show how the base locomotive could be adapted for other 2-8-0 Consolidation prototypes. By the time it is completed it will be very close to the real C&O 701.
Here are a couple of videos regarding the Godshall H10.
Estimated number of days until locomotive is completed (August 2023).
C&O 701 Build Pictures 2021-2023
What do some of the pieces look like?
Here are some photos from Wayne Godshall, of Godshall Custom Machining & Live Steam, showing how an H10 begins. The first picture represents the locomotive frame before being machined. The second picture represents cylinder heads, and the third pictures is the lead truck boxes. The pictures below represent H10 Consolidation build number 20 through 25. Pictures taken June and July 2023.
Walschaert Valve Gear
Baker Valve Gear