Invicta “Mary”
This locomotive was introduced to the railroad during the September 14, 2024, boiler inspection day. The Invicta was built by Jim Zealer in 1990 as the second of a batch of 30 locomotives to plans by British designer LBSC. It was sold to an unknown buyer who displayed it on a shelf until 2024 when it was acquired by Scott Bitner, who built the tender and got the locomotive into a steam-worthy condition.
This locomotive was introduced to the railroad during the September 14, 2024, boiler inspection day. The Invicta was built by Jim Zealer in 1990 as the second of a batch of 30 locomotives to plans by British designer LBSC. It was sold to an unknown buyer who displayed it on a shelf until 2024 when it was acquired by Scott Bitner, who built the tender and got the locomotive into a steam-worthy condition. The locomotive was then listed on Discover Live Steam where it was purchased by current owner in August and brought back to Georgia. It is currently coal fired but will eventually be converted to propane and is named 'Mary' after the late grandmother of current owner
Nickel Plate Road #688 (Mikado)
The Nickel Plate Road #688 (Mikado) was built by Gene Lurwig, and made its initial appears on the Conyers & High Tower Trail Railroad on Saturday, September 14, 2024, after completing its first boiler inspection. The initial run was with #757 also built by Gene as a test run around the railroad to see how everything tracks. The locomotive did fantastic and once the final details are completed, she will be ready for years of service.
The Nickel Plate Road #688 (Mikado) was built by Gene Lurwig, and made its initial appears on the Conyers & High Tower Trail Railroad on Saturday, September 14, 2024, after completing its first boiler inspection. The initial run was with #757 also built by Gene as a test run around the railroad to see how everything tracks. The locomotive did fantastic and once the final details are completed, she will be ready for years of service.
A Berk and Mikado double heading on September 14, 2024
A Mikado and Consolidation double heading on September 19, 2024
C&O 701 (2-8-0)
The #701 is prototyped after the real #701 located in Covington, Virginia which was built by Alco in 1911 and originally operated as #171 for Hocking Valley Railway. The following information is from rgusrail.com which highlights the history of this locomotive.
C&O 701 In Operation
Click image to see CO701 in action
In the fall of 2021 plans began to take shape to build a 1.6” scale 7 1/2” gauge version of the C&O 701. The prototype is currently located in Covington, Virginia and was originally built by Alco in 1911. The locomotive originally operated as #171 for Hocking Valley Railway. The following information and images are from rgusrail.com which highlights the history of this locomotive.
The Hocking Valley Railway was primarily a coal hauler, operating entirely in the state of Ohio, with a main line from Toledo to Athens and Pomeroy via Columbus, and several branches to coal mines in the Hocking Valley near Athens. Most of its life was spent under the control of outside railroads. In 1903, a syndicate comprising the PRR, B&O, C&O, Erie and Lake Shore & Michigan Southern acquired majority ownership. From 1906, the C&O began to increase its ownership until it gained outright control in 1910, although the HV continued to operate as a separate entity until merged into the C&O in 1930. At that time, #171 was renumbered CO #701 and reclassified as a G-5. For more information visit http://www.rgusrail.com/vaco701.html.
In doing some additional research I learned that the #701 is the last remaining C&O 2-8-0 locomotives still in existence. I have placed some pictures and videos below.
Photos provided from rgusrail.com
![co_701_01[1].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a2f2c03edaed81e984a0e4c/1637501573892-55GGY6NVFJJGAM3644NI/co_701_01%5B1%5D.jpg)
![co_701_02[1].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a2f2c03edaed81e984a0e4c/1637501596766-OEYPQKWD8ROUERIGBRLZ/co_701_02%5B1%5D.jpg)
![co_701_04[1].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a2f2c03edaed81e984a0e4c/1637501618282-WDR2JOTD1PDMUQGT5A47/co_701_04%5B1%5D.jpg)
![co_701_09[1].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a2f2c03edaed81e984a0e4c/1637501686690-HFUQBMQA0MSG9568WEDG/co_701_09%5B1%5D.jpg)
![co_701_12[1].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a2f2c03edaed81e984a0e4c/1637501706343-ZR5WV0SJVTJ1L95X9Y4T/co_701_12%5B1%5D.jpg)
![co_701_14[1].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a2f2c03edaed81e984a0e4c/1637501724189-0HVK98W1LI95DNKQ2VDB/co_701_14%5B1%5D.jpg)
![co_701_03[1].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a2f2c03edaed81e984a0e4c/1637501606832-NGDM50GXVELZMIK4MMR3/co_701_03%5B1%5D.jpg)
![co_701_19[1].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a2f2c03edaed81e984a0e4c/1637501757602-CUVC9MJZZF6T60ADP594/co_701_19%5B1%5D.jpg)
![co_701_21[1].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a2f2c03edaed81e984a0e4c/1637501774195-47K5IZD8YVOBSKJDHES1/co_701_21%5B1%5D.jpg)
![co_701_22[1].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a2f2c03edaed81e984a0e4c/1637501786902-4OIUKVU3CMRG17BFPM4M/co_701_22%5B1%5D.jpg)
![co_701_23[1].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a2f2c03edaed81e984a0e4c/1637501799219-ARFDO8IKJK2LL5P18QVR/co_701_23%5B1%5D.jpg)
2012 before a cosmetic restoration
A short video of C&O 2-8-0 locomotives
Now on to the 1.6” scale version of the 701 which is actually being built off a slightly different prototype from the Pennsylvania Railroad H10 class steam locomotives and was built by Lima Locomotive works. One of the primary differences between the prototype and the H10 was the type of valve gears used. The H10 used the Walschaerts Valve Gear vs. the C&O prototype which used Baker Valve Gear. The 1.6” scale pictured was built by Godshall’s Custom Machining out of Shermans Dale, PA. This locomotive is the nineteenth 2-8-0 build by Godshall using the H10 prototype. This project provided the opportunity to show how the base locomotive could be adapted for other 2-8-0 Consolidation prototypes. By the time it is completed it will be very close to the real C&O 701.
Here are a couple of videos regarding the Godshall H10.
Estimated number of days until locomotive is completed (August 2023).
C&O 701 Build Pictures 2021-2023
What do some of the pieces look like?
Here are some photos from Wayne Godshall, of Godshall Custom Machining & Live Steam, showing how an H10 begins. The first picture represents the locomotive frame before being machined. The second picture represents cylinder heads, and the third pictures is the lead truck boxes. The pictures below represent H10 Consolidation build number 20 through 25. Pictures taken June and July 2023.
Walschaert Valve Gear
Baker Valve Gear
2-6-0 Electric Outline Steam Engine
This is a Tom Bee electric outline steam engine.
This is a Tom Bee #11 electric outline steam engine.
Video of this locomotive running at Ridge Live Steamers during the Winter 2022 meet.
In Action
#34 B&L Railroad Company (2 1/2 Scale Fitchburg Northern)
This locomotive arrived at the railroad in the Fall of 2021. At the time of posting the road name and number had not been decided on. More information about this locomotive can be found on Allen Models: Fitchburg Northern 2-6-0
This locomotive arrived at the railroad in the Fall of 2021. From what we know it has an Ed Perry Boiler and will be setup with a propane burner. More information about this locomotive can be found on Allen Models: Fitchburg Northern 2-6-0. Pictures are from Fall of 2021 and Spring of 2022.
Video take on Saturday, May 21, 2022 during our Public Run Day
#630 Consolidation (2-8-0)
This is a Gene Allen Consolidation (2-8-0). The casting kit were purchased from a former NGLS member who never got to build it. It was purchased in August of 2020 and completed in June of 2021. It burns diesel fuel and operates on 120 lbs. of steam pressure. The tender was extended to make room for two riders. The locomotive now belongs to another NGLS club member who splits his time between North Georgia Live Steamers and his other home club in Florida.
This is a Gene Allen Consolidation (2-8-0). The casting kit were purchased from a former NGLS member who never got to build it. It was purchased in August of 2020 and completed in June of 2021. It burns diesel fuel and operates on 120 lbs. of steam pressure. The tender was extended to make room for two riders. The locomotive now belongs to another NGLS club member who splits his time between North Georgia Live Steamers and his other home club Northeast Florida Live Steamers.
As of October 23, 2021, now operates out of Florida at Northeast Florida Live Steamers and North Georgia Live Steamers.
Northeast Florida Live Steamers
North Georgia Live Steamers
936 Great Northern
Great Northern #936 is an Allen Models 10 Wheeler. It is unknown when it was built but is believed to have been built sometime in the 1980’s. The locomotive spent most of its life in Washington State before moving with its owner to Atlanta around 2014. In 2018 it was sold to its current owner.
Great Northern #936 is an Allen Models 10 Wheeler. It is unknown when it was built but is believed to have been built sometime in the 1980’s. The locomotive spent most of its life in Washington State before moving with its owner to Atlanta around 2014. In 2018 it was sold to a member here at North Georgia Live Steamers where he spent the next several years updating several items and then in 2021 sold again to an individual in Alabama.
Manifold updated and cab lights added 2020
Pictures from the October 2022 Fall Meet
At Mid-South Live Steamers Fall 2019
As of October 25, 2021 operates out of Alabama
4032 A.T & S.F
Santa Fe 2-8-2 Mikado #4032 (1 1/2-inch scale)
built by Bob Cummings
This is my second engine built from Railroad Supply parts. I began the project in 1995 and completed the locomotive in 2004 and the tender in 2005. The tender is scratch built. I ordered the cylinders, frame, and drivers machined. These parts needed to be perfect, and I knew that I did not have the skill or the machinery large enough to have a good outcome. Railroad Supply sells their kits fully machined or as rough castings or in any stage in between. They also sell them in logical sections allowing the builder to make a gradual investment into the project. My first engine, a 2-6-0, I bought over five years, fully machined but without the drilling and tapping done. Doing so gave me some hands-on work/experience and opened the door to learning to machine simple parts. I was more hands on with the Mikado and had a mill and lathe by then.
The engine is oil fired, burning an atomized diesel flame. The prototype was also oil fired and as was typical, burned “bunker C” oil. (Bunker C is not very clean and just light enough to flow through pipes. It usually needs to be pumped and in cold weather needs to be heated.) I learned to fire live steam engines on an oil fired Northern, club engine at Riverside Live Steamers, California.
Under steam water is supplied to the boiler by an injector and a compound steam pump. The steam pump has a syncopated rhythm which I enjoy as it exhausts through the stack.
The tender is completely scratch built. The skin is attached to an underlying frame and held in place by 1500(+) rivets. The outside frames for the six-wheel trucks were cast by a friend at RLS. I had them welded to a support frame. I made the journal boxes from aluminum bar stock. The axles were turned from steel bar stock and the wheels turned from rough castings. Suspension is by coil springs. There is a large stainless steel water tank and a stainless-steel fuel tank. Additionally, there is a battery operated compressor for train brakes and a battery for the head light, number board lights and cab light. There is room for my feet inside which eases the stress on my back.
Prototype information came from; “Car and Locomotive Plans for Model Railroaders” Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway System, 1953. “Iron Horses of the Santa Fe Trail” by Worley. “Steam Locomotives of the Santa Fe, a Former Shopman’s Scrapbook” by Frank Ellington. And photos from the Baldwin Locomotive Builders collection and others.
Video
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.
In Action
1328 Southern
The club steam engine has a long history with NGLS and in the area. While the exact details are not known thanks to many people in the club this locomotive lives again for the next generation to enjoy.
Circa 2008
Circa 2006
Date Unknown
14 Maysville & Southern
14 Maysville & Southern was built from Allen Model 10 Wheeler plans. The builder spent about 15 years machining and building the locomotive.
Pictures from October 2022 Fall Meet
Videos from Saturday, April 29, 2023 public run day
Ravenna Railroad Festival in Irvine, Kentucky
2023
