2021 NGLS Board Nominees
On Saturday, December 5th during our regularly scheduled meeting the club approved the 2021 NGLS board nominations that will be voted on during the January 9, 2021 meeting.
On Saturday, December 5th during our regularly scheduled meeting the club approved the 2021 NGLS board nominations that will be voted on during the January 9, 2021 meeting. We had an interesting breakdown of nominees for President, Vice President, and Secretary where one person was technically nominated for three positions and one person was nominated for two. After reviewing the by-laws after the meeting, the following nominees will become the President, Vice President, and Secretary in January.
President: Peter Craymer
Vice President: Scott Moore
Secretary: Robby Mossman
The follow nominees have been approved to be voted on for the three board positions open during the January 9, 2021 meeting.
Board Member Nominees
Calvin Abernathy
Dan Crumbley
Bob Cummings
David Eisman
Joe Fabregas
John Tuten
Susan Wizner
To be eligible to vote during our January meeting you must be a Full Member and have paid your 2021 dues prior to the vote. For additional details about our membership types click here.
Renewals
Full - $75 per year
Associate- $50 per year (Must live outside a 100-mile radius from Conyers, Georgia)
Junior - $25 per year (must be 12-18 years of age and sponsored by parent who is a member)
If you plan on sending your dues in via mail please drop them in the mail no later than Monday, December 28th to allow time for processing since we do not check the P.O. Box daily.
North Georgia Live Steamers
P.O. Box 1809
Conyers, GA 30012
Workday Recap for Saturday, October 24, 2020 - Closing in on the grade crossing
The track crew, which included Tyler, Norm, John, Ben, “Bob”, Robby, Calvin and guest, laid more than 100 feet of track on Saturday and built a few track panels. The passenger line is complete up to the switch which is about 40 feet short of the grade crossing. The passenger line siding only has about 20 feet and it will be complete.
The track crew, which included Tyler, Norm, John, Ben, “Bob”, Robby, Calvin, and Brad, laid more than 100 feet of track on Saturday and built a few track panels. The passenger line is complete up to the switch which is about 40 feet short of the grade crossing. The passenger line siding only has about 20 feet and it will be complete. The crew ran out of steam but made a great deal of progress with a little more time this part of the project will be complete.
Next on the schedule will be to finish up the passenger siding, build track panels and switches for the member container, and build straight panels for the passenger line. At this point the passenger line will need about 50 panels to be built over the next few months.
Bob C. also stopped by to do some work on the club steamer and to get some propane tanks.
Club Fun Day
Don’t forget our next Club Fun Day will be Saturday, November 7th. Come at any time throughout the day and make sure you bring friends and family to enjoy the railroad.
Workday scheduled for Saturday, October 24th at 8:30 a.m.
Our next official workday is scheduled for this Saturday, October 24th at 8:30 a.m. The focus of the day is to build track panels, switches, and possibly install a few more panels. Remember to bring water, lunch, bug spray, and good sense of humor.
Our next official workday is scheduled for this Saturday, October 24th at 8:30 a.m. The focus of the day is to build track panels, switches, and possibly install a few more panels. Remember to bring water, lunch, bug spray, and good sense of humor.
Workday Recap for Saturday, October 17, 2020 - Passenger Line and more
Busy week and weekend around the club. A new powered slug was picked up along with more member owned riding cars, and the installation of another 120 feet of track for the passenger line.
We may not be running this year but that has not stopped many of our members in getting ready for 2021. Dan went up to Virginia this week and picked up his locomotive and new powered slug and green riding cars. I think he is up to about 6 or 7 riding cars plus his other rolling stock. Looking forward to seeing the new combination on the rails soon. Dan stopped by the site today to do a little trailer shuffle and will be back to rearrange his big trailer with all the new items. I hope it fits.
Meanwhile this past Saturday marked the 30th workday of the 2020 season. With the help of Ben, “Bob”, Bob C., Gene, Norm, Robby, and Scott the crew installed 120 feet of track putting the passenger line project in reach of the halfway point with about 80 feet to go before it will reach the future grade crossing. Hopefully during our next workday, which is on Saturday, October 24th at 8:30 a.m. we will be able to build the necessary track panels needed to reach the halfway point. Speaking of track panels, we are needing 19 straight panels (some with used rail), two switches for the member container project, and a lot more railroad ties.
Also not pictured below Scott also put the finishing touches on the electrical in the grey container. All we need now is to add a couple of lights in the 20 foot extension and everything will be complete. Thanks Scott for taking this project on.
Workday Recap for Saturday, September 26, 2020
This past Saturday, September 26, 2020, marked the 27th workday for the club this year. As we mark this incredible milestone it is a reminder that our club is made of a great group of individuals who volunteer in so many ways around the railroad and the club. This weekend our members did electrical work, steam engine repairs, cut grass, laid track, spread gravel, operated a Bobcat, taught new members about the hobby, and so much more.
This past Saturday, September 26, 2020, marked the 27th workday for the club this year. As we mark this incredible milestone it is a reminder that our club is made of a great group of individuals who volunteer in so many ways around the railroad and the club. This weekend our members did electrical work, steam engine repairs, cut grass, laid track, spread gravel, operated a Bobcat, taught new members about the hobby, and so much more.
Scott M. took the day to work on adding conduit to the container extension so we will have additional lights in the grey container.
Bob C. came out and worked on additional repairs to the club steamer. For all the steam engine owners you know that the work never ends with a steam engine. Appreciate Bob’s continued efforts to keep this locomotive alive for the next generation of Live Steamers.
The track construction team was hard at work again this weekend with Ben, “Bob”, Norm, Robby, Calvin, Tyler, Gene, Bill, John, and Wes “Master Weedeater”. LaVay was also out with his train around the railroad testing everything out including the new diamond with great success. The track crew was able to lay about 100 feet of track and started preparations for the next 360 feet of track. The crew needs 12 curves and 24 straight panels to be built over the next couple of weeks. Norm took some rail to the show to be bent and plans are underway to cut ties in advance of a “Big Build Track Panel Day” on Saturday, October 10th. If you can go to the site between now and then we need to cut 684 ties cut before the panels can be built. If you are interested in cutting ties please contact Robby or Norm.
Coming Up
Saturday, October 3rd is another busy day around the railroad. Simply put the day is a Club Fun Day which includes the annual boiler inspection, club meeting at 1 p.m., and time playing with trains with others in the club and invited guests. The weather is looking great with great fall temperatures and clear skies.
A Diamond recap from our workday on September 12, 2020
The summer heat continues as we do more work around the railroad. We had a small but productive crew on hard. The focus on the day was split between two areas with the first “Bob” and Ben took care of spreading the loads of dirt we recently received which some of it being used for our next shipping container project.
The summer heat continues as we do more work around the railroad. We had a small but productive crew on hard. The focus on the day was split between two areas with the first “Bob” and Ben took care of spreading the loads of dirt we recently received which some of it being used for our next shipping container project. The rest of the crew (Norm, Gene, John, Scott, Dave E., Rick, Robby, and Bill) worked on installing our first diamond and about 100’ of track. While the team got close to finishing what was planned for the day the last 20’ of track work will have to wait until our next workday. Paul also stopped by to do some grass cutting but a lot of tall grass is still needing to be cut.
Diamond Work
Passenger Line Track Work Beyond The Diamond
Work began on the first 100’ of the passenger line outside of the east loop which includes track for the passenger mainline and bypass track. The mainline was attached the first switch on the passenger line with about 20’ of track needing to be finished on the bypass to the same switch.
The next regularly workday is Saturday, September 26, 2020. For the latest go to our calendar page for more details.
Workday Recap for Saturday, August 22, 2020
Today marked an incredible 24th workday at the railroad this year. The container project took another big step towards completion with the installation of the final pieces of flat bar for the track. The container now has about 160 feet of track on the ground giving us the ability to store all the riding cars, gondola, steam engine, and soon the club diesel all in one place. A couple of concrete blocks were also placed at the end of the container for the bridge to rest on. Next on the list of things to do in the container includes extending electrical into the new 20’ extension and install a couple of lights.
Today marked an incredible 24th workday at the railroad this year. The crew included Wayne, David E., Bob C., Bill, Norm, Gene, and Robby. The container project took another big step towards completion with the installation of the final pieces of flat bar for the track. The container now has about 160 feet of track on the ground giving us the ability to store all the riding cars, gondola, steam engine, and soon the club diesel all in one place. A couple of concrete blocks were also placed at the end of the container for the bridge to rest on. Next on the list of things to do in the container includes extending electrical into the new 20’ extension and install a couple of lights. Anyone interested in taking on the electrical let us know.
Bob C. and David E. started the day working on the club steamer and in typical steam engine fashion they uncovered a couple of items that need attention and will test things again soon. Meanwhile in the east loop the rest of the crew worked on the passenger line project. The day included adding a new switch in the east loop and lining up things for the new diamond. Track panels were also placed on the ground to check how the passenger line will line up to the 60’ grade crossing that will be installed at some point soon. Orange flags have also been placed so everyone can see the path of the passenger line next weekend during our club fun day.
During our next workday in September the plan will be to finish the installation of some of the panels for the passenger line and building track panels. Speaking of track panels, we need building about twelve curve panels and about 60 straight panels.
And finally, we continue to get more dirt from Sheppard Trucking and once the dirt and ground dries from all the recent rain it will get spread in preparation of the next member container.
Workday Recap for Saturday, August 15th
All week the forecast called for rain, but a determined crew still showed up today to take care of several items around the railroad and finished the day without any rain. Many members and a couple of visitors started showing up around 8:30 a.m. and started working on several projects. The projects included container extension, passenger line expansion, and more.
All week the forecast called for rain, but a determined crew still showed up today to take care of several items around the railroad and finished the day without any rain. Many members and a couple of visitors started showing up around 8:30 a.m. and started working on several projects. The projects included container extension, passenger line expansion, and more.
First 60’ section of rail on the ground
Track panels moved for next container project
Passenger line project - Day 1
The beginning of the 900’ passenger line project started today with the realignment of a few track panels and laying out the first 60’ of track including identifying the location of our first diamond and a 60’ grade crossing.
Workday Recap for Saturday, August 8, 2020 - Container Clean out and more was the focus of the day
This year has been full of workdays and this past Saturday, August 8th was no different. The day consisted of work on the club steamer, retaining wall, and container clean-out.
This year has been full of workdays and this past Saturday, August 8th marked yet another day of work around the railroad. The group consisted of Norm, Elijah, Scott, Gene, Dan, Bob C., John, and Bill. Bob worked on the club steamer including making a list of some additional repair work needed. Additional railroad ties installed on the new retaining wall coming out of the woods. Dan transferred his locomotive from one trailer to another. Rumor has it that an additional locomotive maybe in the works so he can MU his locomotives during run days. Speculations are he will increase his passenger hauling capabilities plus about 100 coal cars for the coal fired steam engines. We shall see. The rest of the crew worked on extensive cleaning of the red container and newly extended gray container. All of the run day material has now been moved to the new 20’ container extension.
Additional work in the gray container is still needed. One of the items still needed includes putting the additional steel rail on the floor in the original container. The rail has been moved the gray container and with a little bit of work the rail can be installed.
Finally, it has been reported that a good time was had by all but not sure about the accuracy of the rumor. Our next official workday is Saturday, August 15th.
Moving Rail In Style
60-foot Container View
Grinding work on the 20-foot container extension
Workday Recap for August 1, 2020- Big workday with construction of a retaining wall and club meeting
Today marks the 21st workday of the year. It is amazing all that has taken place during these crazy times. This past Saturday was another busy day with grass cutting, cutting the center out of the gray container, construction of a 70-foot retaining wall, club meeting, and a whole lot more. We also had a couple of our new members stop by to do work and get introduced to other club members.
Today marks the 21st workday of the year. It is amazing all that has taken place during these crazy times. This past Saturday was another busy day with grass cutting, cutting the center out of the gray container, construction of a 70-foot retaining wall, club meeting, and a whole lot more. We also had a couple of our new members stop by to do work and get introduced to other club members.
Our next regularly scheduled workday is Saturday, August 15th. Between now and then we do have a need to start organizing the now 60-foot container which also includes installing about 80-feet of flat bar on the container floor, organizing run day items, and more. If you are available to do work on the container during the week or weekend please send an email letting us know.
Speaking of things to do if you are interested in building track panels, we need of between 30 - 40 straight panels to be built which will be used on the passenger line project. We have a fixture and supplies at the site ready to go. If you are interested in building panels please email for additional details.
Retaining Wall Construction
The installation of the retaining wall is to help address a change to the railroad recently that now places more traffic near the tree line which has a drop off.
Other pictures from the day
If you have pictures you’d like to share make sure you send them to newsletter@northgeorgialivesteamers.org.
Two have become one
July 25, 2020 Workday Recap
Today marked the 20th time this year many of our club members have gotten together to work on something for the railroad. This past Saturday, July 25, 2020 we had Wes and Wayne taking care of the grass cutting duties while Gene, Norm, Robby, Elijah, Ben, “Bob”, David E., Scott, and Bill worked on various projects around the railroad. Part of the crew installed a new switch coming out of the yard and removed a switch coming out of the woods in preparations of the “Grandma” line project. Bob C. and his wife stopped by to delivery the club steamer after some much needed repairs.
Today marked the 20th time this year many of our club members have gotten together to work on something for the railroad. This past Saturday, July 25, 2020 we had Wes and Wayne taking care of the grass cutting duties while Gene, Norm, Robby, Elijah, Ben, “Bob”, David E., Scott, and Bill worked on various projects around the railroad. Part of the crew installed a new switch coming out of the yard and removed a switch coming out of the woods in preparations of the “Grandma” line project. Bob C. and his wife stopped by to delivery the club steamer after some much needed repairs.
The crew also took some time to figure out what it was going to take to start laying track for the passenger line project which includes constructing our first diamond on the railroad. We need to build between 20 - 30 track panels and several switches so be on the lookout for track panel building day to be scheduled.
Our next scheduled workday is Saturday, August 1st which is also the same day as our next regularly scheduled club meeting which is at 1:00 p.m.
Workday Recap for Saturday, July 18, 2020 - Container Project, "Grandma" line, and mounds of dirt
Another productive day in the summer heat this past Saturday as a crew worked on the container project, mounds of dirt, and started work on the “Grandma” line.
A small crew made big progress on Saturday and worked on several projects. Onsite was Norm, Gene, Ben, “Bob”, Wes, Wayne, and Bill.
Norm completed the bridge and transition bracket for the container extension project making the 20-foot extension section now usable for storage. We still have several items that need to be completed on the container project which include cutting out dividing wall, lay track in container, electrical work, and reorganizing items in the both the gray and red containers.
Once the bridge installation was completed the crew moved to do some track modification coming out of the woods past the Nicol Bridge. This modification will allow for another project to get off the ground which we affectionately call the “Grandma Line”. The plan is to remove part of the double track as you approach the retaining wall to make room for a new section of the railroad coming through a wood area alongside the yard. This will eventually allow not use a portion of the yard for mainline traffic. Check out the video below for more details.
Meanwhile Ben and “Bob” played in the dirt and moved a ginormous amount of dirt from where Shepherd trucking had dumped it into the area where we plan on adding another member container. They also moved a substantial amount of the dirt pile from the area near the gate also to the same area.
As the summer heat continues be on the lookout for additional workdays to popup.
July 11, 2020 Workday Recap
We had an unplanned workday come up a that the last minute on Saturday, July 11th. Bill reports that while the crew was few in numbers they apparently where “incredibly good looking.”
We had an unplanned workday come up a that the last minute on Saturday, July 11th. Bill reports that while the crew was few in numbers they apparently where “incredibly good looking.” On site today were Wes R., Gene L., Norm W., Wayne L., Dan C., and Bill L.
Here is what took place:
Grass was cut by Wayne and Dan with possibly the finest trimming I have seen performed by the virtuoso of the string trimmer Mr. Wes.
Both Wayne and Dan said Wes's trimming made the mowing go much smoother and faster.
Weeds were sprayed in the yard where there was an outbreak and along the ash pit track which of course was not treated earlier this year mostly because it wasn't there yet.
Several trees were cut down and two loads of dirt mixed with pretty large boulders were pushed over the edge and the area was smoothed and compacted in anticipation of additional truckloads of dirt and rocks which should be arriving Monday.
Here is a short video of Gene and Norm in the woods cleaning up debris over by the containers.
Gene and Bob2 filling in today moving dirt and rock already delivered and making room for more to come.
Workday Recap for June 13, 2020 - Container Project Continues
We had a good group at the site today even though it was a little hot. The crew worked on a variety of things including cutting grass, Gauge 1 layout, and new track head up to the container and ash pit.
We had a good group at the site today even though it was a little hot. The crew worked on a variety of things including Wayne and Dan cutting grass, Paul and Carl working on the Gauge 1 layout, and the track crew which included Ben, “Bob”, Norm, Gene, Joe, Calvin, Bill, Scott, and Joe worked on the new track head up to the container and ash pit. The crew had to go back and add a drainpipe at the location of the new ash pit switch and adjusted the grade going up to the container which slowed progress today but still made great progress in the end.
Workday Recap for Saturday, May 23, 2020- Work continues on ash pit line and container project
Another great workday at the railroad as we get another day closer to getting the long awaited 20-foot container installed. Today we completed a retaining wall nearly 80-feet in length and prepared the area for a 20-foot container to be installed in the coming days.
Another great workday at the railroad as we get another day closer to getting the long awaited 20-foot container installed. Today we completed a retaining wall nearly 80-feet in length and prepared the area for a 20-foot container to be installed in the coming days. The crew today included Joe, Elijah, Ben, “Bob”, Robby, Norm, Calvin, and Bob C. Wayne also stopped by to drop off a part for the club steamers and visit with everyone before the heat rolled in. Next step is to schedule the container to be delivered and then the next round of fun begins. Be on the lookout for future workday to get the container set and attached.
Workday Scheduled - Saturday, May 23, 2020 at 8:30 a.m.
We have a workday planned for Saturday, May 23rd starting at 8:30 a.m. The plan is to build a retaining wall for the container and container track. If you are able coming make sure you bring a lunch, water, and a good sense of humor.
We have a workday planned for Saturday, May 23rd starting at 8:30 a.m. The plan is to build a retaining wall for the container and container track. If you are able coming make sure you bring a lunch, water, and a good sense of humor.
May 16, 2020 Workday Recap
We had a last minute workday come up this past Saturday. The workday crew focused on repairing a yard switch, east loop siding, mowed the grass, got the club riding mower running, and mapped out how the 20-foot container is going to be placed. Be on the lookout for a workday to be scheduled soon which will be focused on building a retaining wall and preparing the ground for the container.
We had a last-minute workday come up this past Saturday. This past Saturday’s crew included Elijah, Dan C, Joe, Ben, “Bob”, Gene, Norm, and Robby. The crew focused on repairing a yard switch, east loop siding, mowed the grass, got the club riding mower running, and mapped out how the 20-foot container is going to be placed. One of the highlights of the day was when “Bob” helped move the container a whopping 4 inches in order to better align things for the 20-foot container extension. Be on the lookout for a workday to be scheduled soon which will be focused on building a retaining wall and preparing the ground for the container.
Workday Recap for Saturday, May 9, 2020
It was a big day for the railroad. We completed the ash pit track providing an easy access for our coal fired steam engines to clean out and a second way off the turn table.
It was a big day for the railroad. We completed the ash pit track providing an easy access for our coal fired steam engines to clean out and a second way off the turn table. Working hard today included Wes, Scott, Ben, “Bob”, Elijah, Robby, Norm, Calvin, David E, and more. Dan C. also stopped by to do a little work on his locomotive and went around the railroad a couple of times. The next thing on our radar is to install the new 20-foot storage container, grade crossing, and a few more track panels. Be on the lookout for more details on our next workday.
Speaking of our next workday we are in need of having the grass cut again soon. If you are able to get get to the site with a riding lawnmower the property could use a good haircut.
Workday Recap Saturday, May 2, 2020
This past Saturday six club members (Wes, Gene, Norm, Calvin, Ben, and Robby) went to the site and worked on installing two switches and nearly 70 feet of track. The new track is for the ash pit line and storage container project.
This past Saturday six club members (Wes, Gene, Norm, Calvin, Ben, and Robby) went to the site and worked on installing two switches and nearly 70 feet of track. The new track is for the ash pit line and storage container project. The ash pit line will also give us a second route on and off the turn table. Over the next couple of workdays, the plan is to complete the ash pit line and begin to prepare the area for the 20-foot container extension. Be on the lookout for details around our next workday. We also will need to get the grass cut again in the next couple of weeks. If you have a riding lawn mower and can transport it to the site, it would help reduce the amount of time to cut the grass. Repairs to the club riding lawn mower will be completed soon.
Workday Recap for Saturday, April 25, 2020
This past Saturday, April 25th, while practicing social distancing, a few members went out to the site and started the cleanup process of cutting grass, weed eating, and tripping over huge ant hills. The grass was nearly 2 feet tall in a few places especially since it was early March since we have been out to the site to do any work. Upon arrival an issue was found with the pump station (lift station) which led to the fire department being called. All is well and it appears everything is pumping again.
This past Saturday, April 25th, while practicing social distancing, a few members went out to the site and started the cleanup process of cutting grass, weed eating, and tripping over huge ant hills. The grass was nearly 2 feet tall in a few places especially since it was early March since we have been out to the site to do any work. Upon arrival an issue was found with the pump station (lift station) which led to the fire department being called. All is well and it appears everything is pumping again. Norm spent a few minutes talking with a couple of the firefighters who mentioned his kids love to come out and ride trains. It was kind of ironic since Saturday was supposed to be a public ride day.
The club lawnmower needs a little help before our next workday. Robby and Wes got the lawnmower started but after a couple of minutes of running and white puff of smoke the lawnmower stopped. After opening things up and removing a mouse nest they tried again, and it started but again white puff of smoke. They tabled the repair and went back to weed eating the property while Norm took his riding lawnmower and cut the grass for hours. When it was all said and done Norm and Robby did decide that Wes was the king of the string trimmer since he not only trimmed around the property but nearly finished the east loop by the Gauge 1 railroad.
On Sunday, April 26th Dave E. went out and encouraged the ants to leave the property as soon as possible. We would have to see if they took the encourage, he left behind.
A big thanks to the members that made it out and look forward to getting together as a group one day soon. We are looking forward to having a club fun day as soon things get back to normal.
