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.
Landscaping work being done in the old tiny town site
Clean up in the old tiny town area continues. Wayne, Wes, and Bill picked up mulch and took it to the site this week. Be on the lookout for additional landscaping work being done around the railroad.
Clean up in the old tiny town area continues. Wayne, Wes, and Bill picked up mulch and took it to the site this week. Be on the lookout for additional landscaping work being done around the railroad.
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.
10 years ago, this month a new railroad begins to take shape
This month 10 years ago construction began on the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. Here are a few pictures from those early days of the railroad.
This month 10 years ago construction began on the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. Here are a few pictures from those early days of the railroad. A big thank you to all who have spent countless hours building and adding to the railroad over the years.
Form installed and concrete poured for the container extension project
Another step closer to completing the container extension project with the installation of the form for the bridge to rest on. Now just need to wait for it to dry and install bracket for bridge and track to attach to.
Another step closer to completing the container extension project with the installation of the form for the bridge to rest on. Now just need to wait for it to dry and install bracket for bridge and track to attach to.
Do you shop on Amazon? You could be raising money for North Georgia Live Steamers
North Georgia Live Steamers has an opportunity to receive donations from Amazon based on your everyday purchases. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support North Georgia Live Steamers every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices and products with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase to NGLS.
North Georgia Live Steamers has an opportunity to receive donations from Amazon based on your everyday purchases. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support North Georgia Live Steamers every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com or on the Amazon app, you'll find the exact same low prices and products with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase to NGLS.
How do you select NGLS when you shop on AmazonSmile? On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) you need to select NGLS to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. Amazon will then remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.
AmazonSmile customers can now support us using the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones! Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.
Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into 'Settings'
Tap 'AmazonSmile' and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
One final spacing test before placing track in the container
One final spacing check of the new track going into the container extension. With spacing confirmed the track was installed into the 20-foot container.
One final spacing check of the new track going into the container extension. With spacing confirmed the track was installed into the 20-foot container.
What a great turnout by club members and guests - Workday and Club Fun Day Recap for Saturday, June 20, 2020
What a great turnout by club members and a few guests. We had groups working on finishing the track for the container project, club steamer was out for training, members running trains, and a whole lot more. Here are a few pictures from the day. If you have pictures or you’d like to share please send them to Robby so he can add them to the gallery.
What a great turnout by club members and a few guests. We had groups working on finishing the track for the container project, club steamer was out for training, members running trains, and a whole lot more. Here are a few pictures from the day. If you have pictures or you’d like to share please send them to Robby so he can add them to the gallery.
The sound of a steam engine getting ready for a journey around the railroad
This year has been a little strange to say the least. Came across a video from a couple of years ago of a Mikado getting ready to go out on the railroad for a run.
This year has been a little strange to say the least. Came across a video from a couple of years ago of a Mikado getting ready to go out on the railroad for a run.
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 scheduled for this Saturday, June 13th at 8:30 a.m. - Final push on container extension project
We are planning a workday for this Saturday, June 13th to complete the track work for the container extension project. A lot of prep work has already been done which should help make things go a little faster. We will begin around 8:30 and hopefully finish up shortly after lunch. Make sure you bring water, lunch, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor. For more details be on the lookout for another email or visit our website for more details as well.
We are planning a workday for this Saturday, June 13th to complete the track work for the container extension project. A lot of prep work has already been done which should help make things go a little faster. We will begin around 8:30 and hopefully finish up shortly after lunch. Make sure you bring water, lunch, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor. For more details be on the lookout for another email or visit our website for more details as well.
Do you shop on Amazon? Do you use the Amazon Shopping App? You can now use the Amazon Shopping App to raise money for North Georgia Live Steamers
North Georgia Live Steamers has an opportunity to receive donations from Amazon based on your everyday purchases. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support North Georgia Live Steamers every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices and products with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase to NGLS.
North Georgia Live Steamers has an opportunity to receive donations from Amazon based on your everyday purchases. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support North Georgia Live Steamers every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com or on the Amazon app, you'll find the exact same low prices and products with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase to NGLS.
How do you select NGLS when you shop on AmazonSmile? On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) you need to select NGLS to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. Amazon will then remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.
AmazonSmile customers can now support NGLS using the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones! Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations using the Amazon shopping app..
Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into 'Settings'
Tap 'AmazonSmile' and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
June 6, 2020 Workday and Club Fun Day Recap - Crews worked on 20-foot container, track installation, and a whole lot more.
The day brought a lot of activity around the railroad. We had crews working on the 20-foot container project, track installation, club steamer testing, along with a few taking trains out for a couple of test runs on the railroad after a winter fully of repairs and modifications. After taking a lunch break, we also had our regularly scheduled June meeting.
The day brought a lot of activity around the railroad. We had crews working on the 20-foot container project, track installation, club steamer testing, along with a few taking trains out for a couple of test runs on the railroad after a winter fully of repairs and modifications. After taking a lunch break, we also had our regularly scheduled June meeting.
Do You Shop at Kroger's? You Could Be Raising Money For North Georgia Live Steamers
If you shop at Kroger's, your everyday purchases could turn donations to the North Georgia Live Steamers. All you do is register and use your Kroger card every time you shop at Kroger's.
If you shop at Kroger's, your everyday purchases could turn donations to the North Georgia Live Steamers. All you do is register and use your Kroger card every time you shop at Kroger's.
How do you register your card? Simply click on the link below and login to your account. Under the Community Rewards program you will find a button that says, "re-Enroll Now". Type in North Georgia Live Steamers and you are in business. Make sure you tell all your friends about this great opportunity.
Here is the link to the reward program: Kroger Community Rewards program.
Remember spread the word to your friends and family and make sure they register North Georgia Live Steamers as a Kroger Community Reward recipient. If you have a hard time getting your Kroger Plus card associated with North Georgia Live Steamers you may also use this reference number which will also pull up North Georgia Live Steamers on the Kroger site. Our Kroger Community reference number is 45942.
If you have any questions regarding how the program works please visit Kroger Community Rewards for additional information.
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.
Thank you to everyone who gave during yesterday's #GivingTuesdayNow event
Yesterday we participated in #GivingTuesdayNow along with thousands of other non-profit organizations. While the final numbers and matching amount have not be tallied yet we do know as of Tuesday night we had raised $875. While we wait for the numbers to be tallied we are going to keep on improving the railroad and perform necessary maintenance.
We Appreciated Your Donation
Yesterday we participated in #GivingTuesdayNow along with thousands of other non-profit organizations. While the final numbers and matching amount have not be tallied yet we do know as of Tuesday night we have raised $875. While we wait for the numbers to be tallied, we are going to keep on improving the railroad and perform necessary maintenance.
As a nonprofit organization we look forward to sharing our hobby with the public and hope to see you at the railroad one day soon. Watch our Facebook page and our website for information about future Public Ride dates.
If you would like to get involved with our organization and railroad please reach out to our club President Bill for more information. We have workdays periodically every month and is always a great opportunity to get to know some of the members and see what we do.
#GivingTuesdayNow - Help support North Georgia Live Steamers today
If you have enjoyed bringing your kids out for a train ride (and inside aren’t we all kids?) won’t you consider donating whatever you can afford to assist us in bringing our model railroading to you. Today we are participating in #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving as a response to the crisis. This has stressed our financial situation while we work on ongoing maintenance, keeping the equipment ready to run and the track safe to ride on. Please help us keep the railroad running by donating today. We are a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization.
Help support North Georgia Live Steamers
We’re just a model railroad club. Why do we need your help? Well, by now you may have noticed that we have had to cancel 3 of our 5 Public Run Days this year. And we don’t know yet what will happen later in the year. But we will be back someday even if we don’t know exactly when.
In the meantime, we are going to keep on improving our railroad with a primary goal of giving you the public a terrific experience riding the rails. We have plans to make the ride longer and even more interesting. We want to improve our passenger station to make it safer, more efficient and more comfortable. But all this takes money. Our member dues already go to defray part of our operating cost, but it isn’t enough. We have to buy insurance, fuel and other supplies to keep the trains running. We are constantly maintaining our track and switches and as we mentioned above, we can’t stop trying to make the railroad better for you. Without the money we make from Public Run Days all this improvement activity and even some maintenance will be put on hold.
So, if you have enjoyed bringing your kids out for a train ride (and inside aren’t we all kids?) won’t you consider donating whatever you can afford to assist us in bringing our model railroading to you. Today we are participating in #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving as a response to the crisis. This has stressed our financial situation while we work on ongoing maintenance, keeping the equipment ready to run and the track safe to ride on. Please help us keep the railroad running by donating today. Remember we are a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization. Checks can be mailed to:
North Georgia Live Steamers
P.O. Box 1809
Conyers, GA 30012
As a nonprofit organization we look forward to sharing our hobby with the public and hope the need for cancellations will be short in duration. Watch our Facebook page and our website for information about future Public Ride dates.