At this point, the outer loop and Grandma Line are operational, but we encourage steam engines to go through the area slowly the first couple of times to make sure everything is smooth. The yard still needs additional cleanup and repair work before all repairs are completed and the railroad is back to full operation.

Another productive workday is in the books! On Saturday, July 11th, an outstanding crew consisting of John, Wes, Daryl, Grady, David E., and Robby continued the ongoing storm cleanup and railroad restoration efforts. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, the railroad is now approximately 90% operational.

The crew split the day between outdoor railroad repairs and indoor construction projects. The morning was spent outside tackling storm-related damage and focusing on track repairs throughout the property. We are excited to report that repairs to the Outer Loop in the woods have been completed, allowing trains to once again travel through this scenic section of the railroad. Additional work is still needed to rebuild one of the switches in the area, but tremendous progress has been made.

What a difference another workday makes! Friday marked a major milestone in our storm recovery efforts as the final large tree was removed from the railroad. While seeing the last of the major tree damage cleared is a tremendous accomplishment, it also revealed the extent of the remaining repairs that will be needed before trains can safely return to operation. With the debris gone, we now have a much clearer picture of the work ahead, including track repairs, grading, and other infrastructure that was hidden beneath the fallen trees.

On Wednesday, July 1st, more progress was made clearing storm damage throughout the railroad. By getting an early start each morning before the summer heat sets in, our volunteers have been able to accomplish a tremendous amount in just a few hours. Those cooler morning temperatures have made it much easier to tackle the physically demanding work, and the difference is becoming more noticeable every day.

The cleanup has continued with additional trees, limbs, and storm debris being removed, and the property is beginning to recover from the damage left behind by the recent storms. We still have a few large trees that will require professional removal, and we're continuing to work through those plans with a tree service. We expect to have more information after the July 4th holiday weekend.

The cleanup efforts at the railroad continue to make outstanding progress! Today, Wes and Dave E. spent the day on the property tackling the storm damage, and they made a huge dent in the cleanup efforts. Thanks to their hard work, even more fallen trees, branches, and debris have been cleared, and the railroad is looking noticeably better.

🚂 North Georgia Live Steamers Workday Update 🌳

A small but hardworking crew came out this morning to assess the downed tree situation on the railroad. While we're still reviewing quotes from professional tree removal services, the crew wanted to get a head start on cleanup and make some visible progress.

Today's volunteers cut up a significant amount of branches and created a large pile of debris that will need to be removed. They also cleared and disposed of numerous branches, logs, and other storm debris, making a noticeable improvement around the property.

We've also identified a couple of trees that will require professional removal, and we'll keep everyone updated as those plans move forward.

Wes will be coordinating additional cleanup efforts throughout the week. If you're available to help, please reach out to him directly to coordinate a time. Every helping hand makes a difference!

A huge thank you to everyone who came out today. Your time and effort are helping get the railroad back in shape, one workday at a time! 🚂💪

The weather cooperated perfectly on Saturday, allowing another productive work session at the railroad. Crew members Wes, John, Norm, Darryl, and Robby continued making steady progress on Container #2, focusing on finishing work that included fishing, floor repairs, framing, and installation of the back wall.

The momentum behind the clubhouse and workshop project is really starting to build — and this past Saturday proved it.

In an impromptu work session, Wes and Norm came out and made tremendous progress preparing the next section of the container for repairs. Thanks to their hard work, we are now in a position for the repair work to take place sometime this week or during our next official workday on Saturday, May 30th.

What a day at the railroad! Saturday, March 21st turned into one of those unforgettable “you‑had‑to‑be‑there” kind of days as a great crew of members rolled in to help get everything ready for our first public run day of the 2026 season.

From the moment the sun came up, the place was buzzing. Laughter, tools clinking, locomotives being checked over, and that unmistakable feeling that the season is finally waking up again. Our volunteers jumped right in—tuning equipment, inspecting track, cleaning, tightening, adjusting—doing all the behind‑the‑scenes magic that makes our railroad shine when the public arrives.

And that wasn’t all.

Despite the cold weather over the past few weeks, progress continues across the railroad thanks to our dedicated Routen Tuten Workday leader. While most of us have been bundled up, work on the ramp track leading to the future shop has been moving full steam ahead.

Some refinements to the original design have been made, and John is once again doing what he does best. The updated plan narrows the ramp and adds a 20-foot level section near the top, creating a stable platform to improve safety and reduce loose rock and debris. Over the past several weekends, this new design has steadily taken shape as existing blocks were carefully removed and repositioned into their new layout.

To keep this momentum going, the next phase of work will involve relocating a switch and constructing a new switch off the passenger line to support the shop ramp. Be on the lookout for an upcoming workday announcement as we prepare for this important step. As always, thank you to everyone who continues to contribute their time, effort, and expertise.

A small crew was out at the railroad on Saturday, December 27, completing repair work on the Grandma Line switch, along with additional maintenance and planning activities.

We’re happy to report that the Grandma Line switch has been repaired and is fully operational. For anyone attending the annual New Year’s Day Club Fun Run, please be sure to go through the Grandma Line switch slowly the first time to confirm everything is tracking correctly.

A big shout-out to Wes for tackling a long-standing project: pruning that pesky pine tree near the Breezeway! The area already looks cleaner and safer — no more constant shower of pine needles and falling branches. Thanks, Wes, for stepping up and getting it done!

Speaking of big jobs, Wes and the crew are asking for a little extra help this Thursday, November 13th at 12:45 p.m. We’ll be rotating Shop Container #2 and pouring a small footer between Containers #1 and #2.

We have access to some heavy equipment for a short window, so timing is critical — the more hands we have, the smoother (and faster) everything will go.

If you can lend a hand, come on out! Every bit of help makes a difference and keeps the momentum going strong.

Progress continues on the East Loop Drain project, even with a few delays and adjustments along the way. The day started with forms in place, but—no surprise—concrete was running late. While waiting, Ken and Wes used the time to excavate the conduit from the high tower to the red container.

Progress continues on the East Loop Drain repair as Ken, Wes, and “Bob’s” distant cousin keep things moving forward. In addition to tackling the drain, the crew has been busy with other improvements around the railroad—including building a new ramp for the siding that will service the shop.

The drain project remains the top priority, with Tuesday, August 19th marked as the big concrete day. If all goes according to plan, track panels will also be installed.

Wes is coordinating the work onsite and reports that extra hands are needed this week to help keep everything on schedule. If you’re available, please reach out to him directly. The goal is to have the railroad ready to roll in time for this Saturday’s Hot Summer Nights Club Fun Run.

Work has begun to repair the East Loop drain. This past Saturday, Wes, Ken, and the team brought in the big guns to repair the east loop drain once and for all. The goal is to have the drain repaired before the Club Fun Hot Summer Nights event on Saturday, August 23rd.

This past Saturday, the crew dug out the path for the culverts to be installed, with forms going in on Sunday and concrete being poured on Tuesday, August 19th. The goal is to have the track panels back in place by Friday. For that to happen, Wes, Ken, and the crew are asking for help from anyone available. Please reach out to Wes to let him know when you are available so he can align it with planned work.

After years of dedication by John Tuten and others, the infamous “Grandma Line” is now complete. The 250-foot project involves shifting the mainline traffic from running alongside the yard to moving through the woods. Today’s crew consisted of John, Wes, Calvin, Gene, Brandon, Kenneth, Brooke, Norm, Robby, and Scott.

This project could not have happened without the help of so many other club members through the years. Thank you to everyone involved.

The dog days of summer are certainly in full swing but working in the shade made the day productive for the crew this past Saturday. The morning started early with getting the club riding lawnmower up and running with a new battery with Robby getting things started on the west end of the railroad plowing through grass that was about two feet tall or taller in some places. Darryl took over and spent the rest of the day tackling the east end of the railroad having to cut some areas twice because things were so tall.

The rest of the day consisted of John T., Rick, “Bob Jr.”, Dave E., Robby, and Norm working on the Grandma Line. The crew got a lot done but fell 4 panels shorts of completing the project. The crew will be back out on Saturday, July 26th to finish the project and perform test runs on the new line. We invite everyone to come out for the big photo opportunity for this project as many of you know it has been a project of passion for John for several years and we want to celebrate the moment.

A small crew went to the site this past Saturday and worked on a variety of projects. The crew consisted of John T, Calvin, Kenneth, and the Howards. John T reports that he thought that Kenneth worked the hardest picking up limbs and debris along the track most of the day, while John H and Calvin braved the direct sun to work on locomotives. Meanwhile in the shade, John T lifted track panels and set the crush and run forms on the remainder of the Grandma line (except for the grade crossing).

We are almost done with the Grandma Line. Be on the lookout for a big workday push to finish the Grandma Line in the coming weeks. If all goes well and we have enough volunteers, we could finish the project in a single workday.

We had a great turnout for our workday on Saturday. The crew took a divide and conquered approach by working on multiple projects at the same time. We had a track crew working on the Grandma Line installing a new switch off the mainline on the west end of the project. We had another group work on electrical throughout the property and so much more going on throughout the day.

What an incredible day. The air warmed up, and the sun was bright throughout the day. We had an energetic crew at the site helping to repair both of the outer loop tracks on the east side of the railroad.

The last official workday of 2024 is now in the books ending with more progress on the “Grandma Line” and repair of a leak with the gray container extension. The crew working on the “Grandma Line” consisted of John T., Wes, Norm, and Robby. Together they finished nearly 70 feet of track leaving a switch and nearly 100 feet of track until the long awaited “Grandma Line” is finished. The next step for the project includes installing a retaining wall and a curved switch on the mainline with the hope of finishing the project by the end of March.

The final workday of the year is this Saturday, December 14th starting at 8:30 a.m. The day will be focus on the “Grandma Line” with plans to install and set more track panels and continue working on building the final switch needed for the project.

The weather was beautiful but a little cold for most to come out and enjoy the railroad today but that didn’t stop John T. and a few others from bundling up and spending time at the railroad. John sent the following note and pictures showing the work he did on the container mural as well as installing some great looking signs at a few switches.

As we countdown to the last public run day of the year a small crew went to the railroad on Saturday to make sure things are in good shape for our November 9th big event. The work crew consisted of Wes, Kenneth, Scott, and John and took split up and worked on east loop repair and the “Grandma Line”. Wes and Kenneth worked on the east end outer loop inner track which need some attention in several areas. Scott and John worked on the “Grandma Line” by setting forms, bringing buckets of crush and run over, and laying out several panels. John also worked Friday on the container mural by lettering several mural containers. He added Hapag Lloyd and “K” Line, Sea Land, and Maersk. John is taking recommendations for other painted containers on the mural. If you have any real or fake container companies, you would like to see let him know.

A small crew made big progress at the site today on the clubhouse and workshop project by finishing painting the walls and ceilings. It is amazing how big the space looks even though it is just the first section.

After months of debate on how to move the blue container to a new location on the property it is finally done with the help of Wes and his team.

Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.

We had a small crew working around the railroad on Saturday with a failed attempt to cut the grass. Let’s just say that grass won over the two riding lawn mowers as the deck belts broke on both of them. After the failed attempt to cut grass, the crew shifted gears and made about a dozen straight panels that will be used for the grandma line.

Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.

What an incredibly hot day unless you were working on the “Grandma” line in the shade. A small crew consisting of John, Brandon, and Robby spent the day working on adding 50 feet to the “Grandma” line as work continues from east to west. The crew took a divide and conquered strategy with each focusing on a certain task of the day’s work. John prepared the forms and delt with the crusher run and gravel that Brandon was bringing over from the gravel pit while Robby worked on installing the track panels. We also had two visitors stop by and joined the club. We look forward to getting to know Bryan and Brooke. Norm also stopped by for lunch and was excited about all of the progress.