MISSION STATEMENT

Mission Statement

The purposes of North Georgia Live Steamers (NGLS) is to provide a forum to display and operate model trains, associate with other model rail enthusiasts and promote the history and virtues of railroads to the general public. To facilitate this purpose, NGLS will build a model railroad complete with stations, switches, signals, and other equipment necessary to maintain realistic railroad operations. This also includes working scale models of live steam and diesel locomotives with the associated rail cars.

General Guidelines

Working in a recreational setting, railroad models will be used to provide a historical perspective of the major locomotive and rolling stock types used in the United States from 1835 to present day. Scale models from 1-1/2"=1' to 3"=1' operating on a 7-1/2" gauge track will provide the public with a realistic look at railroad operations both past and present. The club will keep in contact with the Historical Society in concert with the Smithsonian Institute for information dating to the early 1800's.

NGLS will promote railway safety. The club has a published handbook to be used as a guide by the member for operating engines and rolling stock. Further, public safety awareness will be addressed before all operations. Rider regulations will be posted, waiver forms will be signed, and general safety rules will be discussed with riders before any transport on the railroad.

Club equipment will be maintained to the highest levels of quality with frequent inspections. All steam equipment will be subject to annual inspection by the State of Georgia and be certified before operation. All private equipment operated on NGLS trackage must meet all required safety standards before operation.

NGLS will promote youth interest and education through the Junior Live Steam program, the Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, and similar civic organizations. Organized youth days will be scheduled annually.

The club will maintain specialized insurance designed for live steam and model railroad operations.