East Loop Drain Update – Concrete, Conduit & Culverts - August 19, 2025
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 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. Both ends are now uncovered, and about half the length is exposed. This will make it much easier to prepare for laying a new, larger conduit without risking damage to the existing wire.
Once the concrete arrived, they got to pouring. The mix was a little wetter than ideal, so they had to do it in multiple stages with breaks in between. Norm stopped by and pointed out that the ramp head wall wasn’t square, so that got corrected before we filled the blocks.
Meanwhile, Ken gave the green light on the culvert. We pulled the form—just in time, as the culverts were capped and, as the day came to an end, the skies opened up with heavy rain.
All in all, it was a busy day with plenty of opportunities for folks to jump in and lend a hand. We’re pushing hard to be ready for Saturday.
Stay tuned for the next round of progress! To help contact Wes, and he can update you on what is next, including reattaching track panels.
🚧East Loop Drain Repair Update for Sunday, August 17th🚂
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.
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.
East Loop Drain Repair Workday Recap for Saturday, August 16th
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.
Work has begun to repair the East Loop drain. This past Saturday, Wes, Ken, “Bob’s” distant cousin, 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.
East Loop Drain Repair – A Permanent Fix in the Works
Work has begun to repair the East Loop drain. This past Saturday, Wes, Ken, “Bob’s” distant cousin, 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.
Well, it’s happened again — the drain in the East Loop has failed, which means the railroad can’t be used until a major repair is completed. This is the third time we’ve dealt with this issue, but the good news is that we now have enough experience to solve the problem once and for all.
Ken and Wes have developed a solid repair plan, and over the next couple of weeks, they’ll be working hard to get everything in place. They’ll also be looking for extra hands to help, so if you can lend time or equipment, your support will be greatly appreciated.
Here is a little bit of information regarding the plan.
Pipe Installation
The existing galvanized steel spiral pipe will be moved forward.
We will use some of the black corgated pipe we already have to add more ways for water to flow out of the east loop into the lower level.
Install a concrete head wall to secure the pipe. All concrete work will be reinforced with rebar for long-term durability
A scour pad with a turndown to prevent undercutting and erosion
Side walls will direct and contain water flow
Materials Needed
Concrete – Currently scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, August 19th
One load of crusher run
Labor, diesel, forming materials, and equipment – Already donated (thank you!).
Project Schedule (Weather-Dependent)
Friday, August 15th – Tracked loader into dig, grade, and move spoil for the new roadbed.
Saturday, August 16th – Grade and form, set pipe, backfill, and move soils/stone for the roadbed.
Tuesday, August 19th – Pour concrete, pull forms, backfill, and prep roadbed for track installation.
If you can help, please reach out to Wes for more details on when and how you can be of help.
Club Meeting Time Change to 10 a.m. for Saturday, August 2nd
Our next club meeting will be this Saturday, August 2nd at 10 a.m. This represents a time change. We are also planning on a small workday to finish installing a retaining wall for the Grandma Line. Work on the retaining wall will start at 8:30 a.m. and continue after the meeting is over.
See everyone around the railroad.
Our next club meeting will be this Saturday, August 2nd at 10 a.m. This represents a time change.
We are also planning on a small workday to finish installing a retaining wall for the Grandma Line. Work on the retaining wall will start at 8:30 a.m. and continue after the meeting is over.
See everyone around the railroad.
Club Meeting Time Change to 10 a.m. for Saturday, August 2nd
Our next club meeting will be this Saturday, August 2nd at 10 a.m. This represents a time change. We are also planning on a small workday to finish installing a retaining wall for the Grandma Line. Work on the retaining wall will start at 8:30 a.m. and continue after the meeting is over.
See everyone around the railroad.
Our next club meeting will be this Saturday, August 2nd at 10 a.m. This represents a time change.
We are also planning on a small workday to finish installing a retaining wall for the Grandma Line. Work on the retaining wall will start at 8:30 a.m. and continue after the meeting is over.
See everyone around the railroad.
Grandma Line is now complete - July 26, 2025
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.
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 would not have been possible without the help of many other club members over the years. Thank you to everyone involved.
We have a few other items to complete, such as making an adjustment to a switch and finishing the installation of a retaining wall, which is about halfway done. If all goes well, these items should be completed during our next workday, which is scheduled for Saturday, August 2, 2025.
Here is a look back at some of the most recent posts on this project.
The Final Work Day This Saturday To Complete The “Grandma Line”
After more years than we can count, the “Grandma Line” will be completed this weekend. Come out on Saturday, July 26th, starting at 8:30 a.m., as the final 40 feet of track is installed and celebrate with the first train to officially travel over the new line.
Bring lunch, water, tools, and a good sense of humor.
After more years than we can count, the “Grandma Line” will be completed this weekend. Come out on Saturday, July 26th, starting at 8:30 a.m., as the final 40 feet of track is installed and celebrate with the first train to officially travel over the new line.
Bring lunch, water, tools, and a good sense of humor.
The Final Work Day To Complete The “Grandma Line”
After more years than we can count, the “Grandma Line” will be completed this weekend. Come out on Saturday, July 26th, starting at 8:30 a.m., as the final 40 feet of track is installed and celebrate with the first train to officially travel over the new line.
Bring lunch, water, tools, and a good sense of humor.
After more years than we can count, the “Grandma Line” will be completed this weekend. Come out on Saturday, July 26th, starting at 8:30 a.m., as the final 40 feet of track is installed and celebrate with the first train to officially travel over the new line.
Bring lunch, water, tools, and a good sense of humor.
Work Day and Grandma Line Update for July 12, 2025
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.
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.
Rick, “Bob Jr.”, and Norm also took time to realigned shop container two which is now properly aligned with container one which means this project can also start making progress again in the coming months. Before this can get started however we need to address once again the big drainpipe on the east end of the railroad which continues to show signs of washing again. We believe we have a plan to put in a permanent solution instead of the band aides we’ve had to do in the past. Be on the lookout for a big workday to get this repair done. This will need to take place before our next public run day.
Finally looking ahead to what is on the calendar our next club meeting will be on Saturday, August 2nd with our annual hot summer nights club fun night event on Saturday, August 23rd. The annual boiler inspection is scheduled for Saturday, September 13th.
2025 Fall Meet will be October 16 - 19, 2025
Correction - The 2025 North Georgia Live Steamers Fall Meet will be Thursday, October 16th through Sunday, October 19th. You and your friends who love trains are invited to join us for our 5th annual fall meet.
The 2025 North Georgia Live Steamers Fall Meet will be Thursday, October 16th, through Sunday, October 19th. You and your friends who love trains are invited to join us for our 5th annual fall meet. We will be providing lunch on Saturday, October 19th, so make sure you register and let us know you are coming so we can make sure we have enough food for everyone. If you are coming from out of town or just want to stay local while you are enjoying the meet, we have created a list of great hotels in the area for you to pick from below. If you have an RV or camper and would like to stay on site, let us know so we can reserve a space for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Robby Mossman, Peter Craymer or visit our website for the latest information. We also want to make sure you are aware this is NOT part of our normal public run day event. The weekend is reserved for our group to enjoy the railroad with friends, family, invited guests, and those in the hobby.
Time and date:
When: Thursday, October 16 - Sunday, October 19, 2025
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 please visit our website for the latest list of area hotels. Most hotels are within 3 to 5 miles of the railroad along with a lot of great restaurant options.
Visiting Trains:
All locomotive types are welcome, but steam engines are required to have a recent hydro-static test. The test can be completed at the railroad with help from a NGLS.
Loading / Unloading
North Georgia Live Steamers has a hydraulic car lift that has three 20-foot sections of track that can be used at one time.
2025 Fall Meet will be October 16 - 19, 2025
The 2025 North Georgia Live Steamers Fall Meet will be Thursday, October 16th through Sunday, October 19th. You and your friends who love trains are invited to join us for our 5th annual fall meet.
The 2025 North Georgia Live Steamers Fall Meet will be Thursday, October 16th, through Sunday, October 19th. You and your friends who love trains are invited to join us for our 5th annual fall meet. We will be providing lunch on Saturday, October 19th, so make sure you register and let us know you are coming so we can make sure we have enough food for everyone. If you are coming from out of town or just want to stay local while you are enjoying the meet, we have created a list of great hotels in the area for you to pick from below. If you have an RV or camper and would like to stay on site, let us know so we can reserve a space for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Robby Mossman, Peter Craymer or visit our website for the latest information. We also want to make sure you are aware this is NOT part of our normal public run day event. The weekend is reserved for our group to enjoy the railroad with friends, family, invited guests, and those in the hobby.
Time and date:
When: Thursday, October 16 - Sunday, October 19, 2025
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 please visit our website for the latest list of area hotels. Most hotels are within 3 to 5 miles of the railroad along with a lot of great restaurant options.
Visiting Trains:
All locomotive types are welcome, but steam engines are required to have a recent hydro-static test. The test can be completed at the railroad with help from a NGLS.
Loading / Unloading
North Georgia Live Steamers has a hydraulic car lift that has three 20-foot sections of track that can be used at one time.
Workday planned for this Saturday, July 12th at 8:30 a.m.
Our next workday is scheduled for this Saturday, July 12th starting at 8:30 a.m. It appears that the goats have been on vacation this summer, as the grass is extremely tall and in need of cutting. If you have a riding mower and can bring it to the site to help cut grass that would be greatly appreciated. Our club riding mower should be operational but may need a little encouragement to get started. We are also looking to make big progress on the Grandma Line this weekend. John T has most everything ready for us to install the last 60 or 70 feet of track, and if we get a large enough group for the workday, we could finish the Grandma Line this weekend.
Our next workday is scheduled for this Saturday, July 12th starting at 8:30 a.m. It appears that the goats have been on vacation this summer, as the grass is extremely tall and in need of cutting. If you have a riding mower and can bring it to the site to help cut grass that would be greatly appreciated. Our club riding mower should be operational but may need a little encouragement to get started. We are also looking to make big progress on the Grandma Line this weekend. John T has most everything ready for us to install the last 60 or 70 feet of track, and if we get a large enough group for the workday, we could finish the Grandma Line this weekend.
After years of work the Grandma Line nears completion
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.
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 work day 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.
Workday planned for Saturday, June 28th
Our next workday is planned for Saturday, June 28th, at 8:30 a.m. We are planning on working on a few projects around the railroad, including the Grandma Line, and whatever other projects club members are working on around the property. Please come out and help with any of these projects or other projects going on. Don’t forget to check out our project page to see what is either currently in progress or in the planning stage. A lot of opportunities to get involved.
Make sure you bring tools, lunch, and plenty to drink. See you around the railroad.
Our next workday is planned for Saturday, June 28th, at 8:30 a.m. We are planning on working on a few projects around the railroad, including the Grandma Line, and whatever other projects club members are working on around the property. Please come out and help with any of these projects or other projects going on. Don’t forget to check out our project page to see what is either currently in progress or in the planning stage. A lot of opportunities to get involved.
Make sure you bring tools, lunch, and plenty to drink. See you around the railroad.
Dog days of summer are fast approaching
I hope everyone is doing well. It seems like the days, weeks, and months are flying by this year, and hard to understand how we are at the halfway point in the year. We have several members who have been out because of illness, while others have been traveling, and a few of us are continuing to work harder than we should. We wanted to make sure everyone is up to speed on the summer calendar, as I've had several people ask.
Here is what we have on the calendar at this point.
I hope everyone is doing well. It seems like the days, weeks, and months are flying by this year, and hard to understand how we are at the halfway point in the year. We have several members who have been out because of illness, while others have been traveling, and a few of us are continuing to work harder than we should. We wanted to make sure everyone is up to speed on the summer calendar, as I've had several people ask.
Here is what we have on the calendar at this point.
Saturday, June 7th - Club Meeting has been CANCELLED. If you plan to be at the railroad, anyway, make sure you let others know.
Saturday, June 14th - Father's Day Club Fun Day event. For those traveling out to Train Mountain for the Triennial, have a safe trip. The activities start on June 14th and go through June 29th for those interested in making a last-minute trip out. It is certainly worth the trip.
Saturday, June 28th - Workday is planned. Another push to complete the Grandma Line, as well as work on other projects around the railroad.
For the latest on what is on the calendar, please visit the calendar page on the website. (https://www.northgeorgialivesteamers.org/calendar).
What a great day we had running trains this past Saturday, May 17th
Another great day sharing our railroad with so many friends. The day started a little wet but cleared, and made for a beautiful day. A thank you to our members, volunteers, and visitors for making the day so much fun.
We look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad in the fall when we run again. In the meantime, if you're interested in learning more about our group or becoming a volunteer, please stop by during one of our workdays or contact us for more information.
Another great day sharing our railroad with so many friends. The day started a little wet but cleared, and made for a beautiful day. A thank you to our members, volunteers, and visitors for making the day so much fun.
We look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad in the fall when we run again. In the meantime, if you're interested in learning more about our group or becoming a volunteer, please stop by during one of our workdays or contact us for more information.
Come ride trains this Saturday, May 17th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive again on Saturday, May 17th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The volunteers have been hard at work making improvements to the railroad and are ready to bring the railroad back to life. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and 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 or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
The railroad comes alive again on Saturday, May 17th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The volunteers have been hard at work making improvements to the railroad and are ready to bring the railroad back to life. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and 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 or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
***Please Read*** NGLS: Public Run Day Saturday, May 17th
Let me first say Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms in our group. I am writing to everyone today to let you know that we are in need of help for our run day this coming Saturday, May 17th. Several of our normal volunteers are not able to make it to the public run day, which means we will need and we need everyone's help.
Let me first say Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms in our group. I am writing to everyone today to let you know that we are in need of help for our run day this coming Saturday, May 17th. Several of our normal volunteers are not able to make it to the public run day, which means we will need and we need everyone's help.
Because of the weather today, the grass didn't get cut and the railroad didn't get checked so on Wednesday, May 14th, weather permitting, Wes and David L are going out to the railroad and taking care of the grass and other items. If you are available to go out and help, please let them know.
For those that are planning on helping on Saturday please arrive by 8:30 a.m. so everything can be setup and ready to go in time. With fewer members able to help out it will take longer to get setup than normal. If you are planning on helping on Saturday please "Reply" to this email so we can get a count of how many people will be working the run day.
Thank you again, and we look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad soon.
Prep day and workday on Saturday, May 10th
Come out on Saturday, May 10th as we prepare the railroad for our next public run day. We will be working on railroad maintenance, cutting grass, and have a good time. The fun begins at 8:30 a.m. and typically wraps up around 3:30 p.m. See you around the railroad soon.
Come out on Saturday, May 10th as we prepare the railroad for our next public run day. We will be working on railroad maintenance, cutting grass, and have a good time. The fun begins at 8:30 a.m. and typically wraps up around 3:30 p.m. See you around the railroad soon.
