Another great year of running trains is in the books
What a way to close out our 11th season of operating on our railroad with eight steam engines and three diesel locomotives running on the railroad this past Saturday. A special thank you to our members, volunteers, and guests for making the day and year such a great success. The railroad may be closed for the season but that doesn’t mean the crews aren’t still hard at work finishing up current projects and beginning work on winter railroad maintenance.
The members of North Georgia Live Steamers look forward to seeing you around the railroad in 2025. If you or someone you know are interested in getting involved stop by one of our workdays and meet the crew and get involved.
What a way to close out our 11th season of operating on our railroad with eight steam engines and three diesel locomotives running on the railroad this past Saturday. A special thank you to our members, volunteers, and guests for making the day and year such a great success. The railroad may be closed for the season but that doesn’t mean the crews aren’t still hard at work finishing up current projects and beginning work on winter railroad maintenance.
The members of North Georgia Live Steamers look forward to seeing you around the railroad in 2025. If you or someone you know are interested in getting involved stop by one of our workdays and meet the crew and get involved.
Lining up the trains just before the railroad comes alive for the last time during the 2024 season.
Nickel Plate #757
Inspection and Club Fun Day Recap
Our annual boiler inspection and September club fun day happened on Saturday even with the threat of rain. The day was pretty dry with an occasional sprinkle and heavy mist but that didn’t put a damper on the fun had by so many. We had an incredible turnout with ten steam engines which included three new to the railroad locomotives and one brand new Mikado.
Our annual boiler inspection and September club fun day happened on Saturday even with the threat of rain. The day was pretty dry with an occasional sprinkle and heavy mist but that didn’t put a damper on the fun had by so many. We had an incredible turnout with ten steam engines which included three new to the railroad locomotives and one brand new Mikado. While the steam engines were getting inspected other members took advantage running on the railroad before the extra traffic began to operate on the railroad. With the inspection complete we now shift our focus to fall activities which include public run days, fall meet, and visiting other railroads. Check out the calendar for the latest on what is going on around the railroad and clubs in the region.
Recap of our April 13, 2024, public run day
A big thank you to our members, volunteers, and visitors as we opened the 2024 season. We couldn’t do what we do without each and every one of you. The railroad saw five steam engines, five diesel locomotives, and lots of rolling stock running around the railroad. A big thanks to Liz from Operation Life Saver in helping share the importance of railroad safety. Also, a special thank you to our photographer Nat for taking lots of great photos from Saturday’s event. We look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad at our May 18th public run day.
A big thank you to our members, volunteers, and visitors as we opened the 2024 season. We couldn’t do what we do without each and every one of you. The railroad saw five steam engines, five diesel locomotives, and lots of rolling stock running around the railroad. A big thanks to Liz from Operation Life Saver in helping share the importance of railroad safety. Also, a special thank you to our photographer Nat for taking lots of great photos from Saturday’s event. We look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad at our May 18th public run day. If you are interested in volunteering or becoming a member please reach out and let us know on our Contact Us page on our website.
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What an incredible end to the 2023 public run season
What an incredible end of the 2023 public run season we had on Saturday. The weather was perfect, and the railroad saw the most steam engines in operation during a run day in recent memories. The day would not have been a success without each member, volunteer, and guest who came out.
What an incredible end of the 2023 public run season we had on Saturday. The weather was perfect, and the railroad saw the most steam engines in operation during a run day in recent memories. The day would not have been a success without each member, volunteer, and guest who came out.
Public Run Day Recap for Saturday, October 7, 2023
What an incredible day we had this past Saturday. The day started out with beautiful weather and friends from Georgia Garden Railway Society (GGRS) stopping by before all the festivities began. We had three steam engines and a two diesels running the rails providing a lot of variety for everyone to ride.
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for our last run day on Saturday, November 4th from 1 to 4:30 p.m. - Train Ride Info.
What an incredible day we had this past Saturday. The day started out with beautiful weather and friends from Georgia Garden Railway Society (GGRS) stopping by before all the festivities began. We had three steam engines and a two diesels running the rails providing a lot of variety for everyone to ride.
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for our last run day on Saturday, November 4th from 1 to 4:30 p.m. - Train Ride Info.
Did you know that the railroad was built by an all-volunteer group using donations and income earned during events like our run days. North Georgia Live Steamers is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization which means donation are tax deductible. Your donation will help keep the railroad alive and support current and future projects. You can make a donation by mail to: North Georgia Live Steamers, P.O. Box 1809, Conyers, GA 30012 or online by click the donate button below. Thank you for your consideration.
Video provided by Mike Driskell
Videos provided by Dan Long
Train Ride Day Recap for Saturday, May 20, 2023
What a beautiful day we ended up having. The weather forecast changed by the minute all week but by Saturday the skies cleared, and the trains came out. Our all-volunteer crew showed up early and got the railroad ready for operation. Check out the pictures and videos from both of our railroads in operation.
As the railroad opened one of our long-time volunteers LaVay made it out to help with the station. His stories and tails are always a fan favorite. The railroad ran very well with four trains running strong all day giving many of our passengers an opportunity to ride every train multiple times. Checkout the pictures and videos of the day.
What a beautiful day we ended up having. The weather forecast changed by the minute all week but by Saturday the skies cleared, and the trains came out. Our all-volunteer crew showed up early and got the railroad ready for operation. Check out the pictures and videos from both of our railroads in operation.
As the railroad opened one of our long-time volunteers LaVay made it out to help out with the station. His stories and tails are always a fan favorite. The railroad ran very well with four trains running strong all day giving many of our passengers an opportunity to ride every train multiple times.
If you were a visitor to the railroad and are interested in volunteering or becoming a club member check out our membership page for more information regarding our railroad.
As we transition to summer activities around the railroad don’t forget to put our next two run days on your calendar. We are planning on debuting a new steam engine to the railroad this Fall, and you are not going to want to miss the fun and excitement.
Train Ride Day Recap for Saturday, April 29, 2023
What an incredible day we had on Saturday and a big shout out to our members and volunteers who made the day such a huge success. The railroad operated with six trains which included NGLS diesel, NGLS steam engine, Gene’s Berk, Peter’s 10-Wheeler, Wes’s electric steam engine, and Norms diesel. We also had the use of some extra riding cars from Dave E. and Norm. Sam and Norm ran the station with our new PA system while Susan, Charlotte, and Joan took care of the waiver table and concessions. Rick handled our ticket booth while Ben took care of the steaming siding and napping area. The rest of the NGLS crew took care of being conductors and railroad operations. This helped us have the biggest single day passenger count on record giving 711 rides on the railroad within a 3 1/2-hour period. That’s more than 200 riders per hour. This means our trains traveled around the railroad about 15 times throughout the day traveling nearly 15 miles.
What an incredible day we had on Saturday and a big shout out to our members and volunteers who made the day such a huge success. The railroad operated with six trains which included NGLS diesel, NGLS steam engine, Gene’s Berk, Peter’s 10-Wheeler, Wes’s electric steam engine, and Norms diesel. We also had the use of some extra riding cars from Dave E. and Norm. Sam and Norm ran the station with our new PA system while Susan, Charlotte, and Joan took care of the waiver table and concessions. Rick handled our ticket booth while Ben took care of the steaming siding and napping area. The rest of the NGLS crew took care of being conductors and railroad operations. This helped us have the biggest single day passenger count on record giving 711 rides on the railroad within a 3 1/2-hour period. That’s more than 200 riders per hour. This means our trains traveled around the railroad about 15 times throughout the day traveling nearly 15 miles.
Again, the day would not have been a success without our members and volunteers. A special thanks also goes out to our many visitors, and we look forward to seeing each one of you around the railroad again soon.
Recap of our Public Run Day On Saturday, October 1st
We are so thankful so many came out to enjoy our railroad this past Saturday. The day was well attended and provided everyone a chance to see several different types of trains running. At some points of the day, we ran seven trains at the same time hauling more than 200 passengers an hour. We also want to thank our volunteer staff who came out and helped make the day a success as well. As many of you know we are non-profit organization and the proceeds generated during our run day help pay for all aspects of the railroad and more. Without our volunteers and those who came out to enjoy the railroad none of this is possible.
We are so thankful so many came out to enjoy our railroad this past Saturday. The day was well attended and provided everyone a chance to see several different types of trains running. At some points of the day, we ran seven trains at the same time hauling more than 200 passengers an hour. We also want to thank our volunteer staff who came out and helped make the day a success as well. As many of you know we are non-profit organization and the proceeds generated during our run day help pay for all aspects of the railroad and more. Without our volunteers and those who came out to enjoy the railroad none of this is possible.
Here are a few pictures from the day and look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad again on Saturday, November 5th as we close out the 2022 season with our last run day of the year.
Click here for the latest on our train ride events.
First public run day of 2022 is in the books
This past Saturday, April 30th marked the first time since we had a spring public run day since 2019. Thank you to all the visitors, club members, and volunteers who came out and made the day such a big hit. We gave nearly 700 rides over the course of 3 1/2 hours with three steam engines and two diesel locomotives throughout the afternoon. Here are a few pictures from the day and we look forward to seeing everyone at our next public train ride day on Saturday, May 21st from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This past Saturday, April 30th marked the first time since we had a spring public run day since 2019. Thank you to all the visitors, club members, and volunteers who came out and made the day such a big hit. We gave nearly 700 rides over the course of 3 1/2 hours with three steam engines and two diesel locomotives throughout the afternoon. Here are a few pictures from the day and we look forward to seeing everyone at our next public train ride day on Saturday, May 21st from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Here is a quick series of videos of one of our locomotives hauling passengers this past weekend. The video is of a 2-8-4 Berkshire locomotive which is modeled after real the 757 Nickle Plate Railroad steam engine which is currently undergoing a cosmetic restoration project at The Mad River & Nickle Plate Railroad Museum. For more information visit https://www.madrivermuseum.org/757/updates.html.
757 Nickel Plate Road (Berkshire 2-8-4)
The 757 Nickel Plate locomotive also known as a Berkshire (2-8-4) locomotive was built by Gene L. over the course of about 6 years working between 8 and 12 hours every day to complete the construction of this locomotive. The locomotive is fired using diesel fuel with an operating pressure of 125lbs. The locomotive weighs in at 1,140 lbs. without water in the boiler. The tender weighs in at 440 lbs. empty of water and fuel. Gene completed this locomotive in 2013 and is a joy to operate. The design drawings and some of the castings were made by Jim Kreider who helped Gene along in its construction. The casting kits can still be purchased by those who want a challenge.
Videos from October 2022 Fall Meet
Video from Saturday, April 29, 2023 public run day
Here is 757 during an annual boiler inspection which was on Saturday, September 14, 2024. The day also introduced 688 to the rails as it underwent a boiler inspection and an initial run on the railroad.
