See you Saturday at the railroad for our regularly scheduled workday starting at 8:30 a.m.
The weather is going to be great for our workday on Saturday. The plan is to continue work on the new passenger line project, track panel construction, grey container items, grass cutting, and more. The fun starts at 8:30 a.m. Don’t forget this is the last Saturday before our Club Fun Day, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd which is also the same day of the annual boiler inspection and October club meeting. So, come out and get things ready so we can enjoy the Club Fun Day.
The weather is going to be great for our workday on Saturday. The plan is to continue work on the new passenger line project, track panel construction, grey container items, grass cutting, and more. The fun starts at 8:30 a.m. Don’t forget this is the last Saturday before our Club Fun Day, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd which is also the same day of the annual boiler inspection and October club meeting. So, come out and get things ready so we can enjoy the Club Fun Day.
Other items on the radar include:
Grey Container Extension- needs electrical work completed
Member container project - a couple of frogs need to be profiled and two switches built
Track panels built for passenger line project. Railroad ties will also need to be cut
General maintenance around the railroad
Don’t forget to bring lunch, water, and a good sense of humor for the day.
Workday Scheduled - Saturday, September 26th at 8:30 a.m.
We have a workday scheduled on Saturday, September 26th at 8:30 a.m. We will be putting the finishing touches on the new diamond and laying more track for the new passenger line. The grass also is in desperate need of cutting but before that can be done the club lawnmower needs to be repaired. If you are able to go over to the site and work on the lawnmower that would be great. The front left tire is loosing air and needs to be repair and an issue has come up with starting the lawnmower as well.
We have a workday scheduled on Saturday, September 26th at 8:30 a.m. We will be putting the finishing touches on the new diamond and laying more track for the new passenger line. The grass also is in desperate need of cutting but before that can be done the club lawnmower needs to be repaired. If you are able to go over to the site and work on the lawnmower that would be great. The front left tire is loosing air and needs to be repair and an issue has come up with starting the lawnmower as well.
Other items on the radar include:
Grey Container Extension- needs electrical work completed
Member container project - a couple of frogs need to be profiled and switches built
Track panels built for passenger line project. Railroad ties will also need to be cut
General maintenance around the railroad in advance of our club fun day in October (replaces our canceled public day)
Don’t forget to bring lunch, water, and a good sense of humor for the day.
Checkout What Else Is On The Calendar
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.
Annual Boiler Inspection set for Saturday, October 3, 2020
Our annual boiler inspection day is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd at 8:30 a.m. We have been in contact with the inspector and if we need to do anything different than we normally do we will get that information out everyone.
Also note that Saturday, October 3rd is also our regularly scheduled club meeting at 1 p.m.
Our annual boiler inspection day is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd at 8:30 a.m. We have been in contact with the inspector and if we need to do anything different than we normally do we will get that information out everyone.
Also note that Saturday, October 3rd is also our regularly scheduled club meeting at 1 p.m.
Construction of the 900' passenger line has started
On Saturday, August 15, 2020 the next big project got underway which includes an additional 900’ of mainline to the railroad. This addition will bring passengers from the east loop towards the fence line cross a 60’ grade crossing down to the station. A view of the addition can be seen on our map which shoes the addition in red.
On Saturday, August 15, 2020 the next big project got underway which includes an additional 900’ of mainline to the railroad. This addition will bring passengers from the east loop towards the fence line cross a 60’ grade crossing down to the station. A view of the passenger line can be seen on our map in red. On Saturday, August 29th, Gene and Norm made a template that will be used to build our first diamond on the railroad and once the diamond has been built and installed the construction of the passenger mainline can start moving forward, at least up to the grade crossing. In the meantime we are looking for a crew to take the lead on building track panels. If you are interested in being part of the track panel building crew please contact Robby or Norm. In the meantime our next regularly scheduled workday is on Saturday, September 12th.
Track Plan
1st Day of Construction - Saturday, August 15, 2020
2nd Day of Construction - Saturday, August 22, 2020
Workday scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 8:30 a.m.
Our next regularly scheduled workday will be Saturday, September 12th. The plans are to work on the mainline project, track panel construction, cut grass, and other general maintenance.
Our next regularly scheduled workday will be Saturday, September 12th. The plans are to work on the mainline project, track panel construction, cut grass, and other general maintenance. Speaking of the mainline project Norm and Gene have been hard at work on the construction of the railroads first diamond with hopes of it being ready for installation on Saturday. We are also in need of a crew to start building track panels for the passenger line project. If you are interested in leading a team to building panels please contact either Robby or Norm for more details.
Hope to see you around the railroad on Saturday. Things will get started around 8:30 a.m. make sure you bring plenty of water, lunch, and a good sense of humor for the day.
After a more than 20-year absence the "Doe Bridge" makes its return to the railroad fully restored
If my math is correct it has about 22 years since the “Doe Bridge” has looked this good. Over the past year Peter C. has taken this old bridge and made it new again. Every board, bracket, nuts, bolts, and more was inspected repaired or replaced. On Saturday, September 5, 2020 it made the journey back to the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad to be installed and put back in service sometime soon.
If my math is correct it has about 22 years since the “Doe Bridge” has looked this good. Over the past year Peter Craymer has taken this old bridge and made it new again. Every board, bracket, nuts, bolts, and more was inspected repaired or replaced. Now it makes the journey back to the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad to be installed and put back in service sometime soon. The exact location of the bridge on the railroad is still being determined but something tells me the “Grandma” line may be getting this beauty. In looking at the archives this makes one of the last surviving structures to be reused from our original railroad which was call Duluth & Mount Tabor Railways. A big thanks to Peter for taking on this project and giving up space in his carport for this restoration project.
Construction pictures from February & March 2020
Delivery on September 5, 2020
A look back at the DMTRR
Cancellation Notice: Train Rides for Saturday, October 10th is Cancelled
The North Georgia Live Steamers Board of Directors has decided to cancel our October 10th public run day. While we have been busy working around the railroad to get it ready to reopen our attention to safety of our club members and visitors is our priority. As a nonprofit organization we rely on our visitors support to help keep the railroad operational and continue to work towards reopen once the current health concerns have diminished. We look forward to sharing our hobby with you soon. In the meantime visit our Facebook page and website for information about future Public Ride dates. In the meantime, we continue to make improvements to the railroad including nearly 1,000 feet of new track being laid. We and look forward to seeing you around the railroad soon.
Saturday, October 10, 2020 Public Ride Day Cancelled
The North Georgia Live Steamers Board of Directors has decided to cancel our October 10th public run day. While we have been busy working around the railroad to get it ready this fall our attention to the health and safety of our club members and visitors is our priority. As a nonprofit organization we rely on our visitors support to help keep the railroad operational and continue to work towards re-opening once the current health and safety concerns have diminished.
We look forward to sharing our hobby with you soon. In the meantime visit our Facebook page and website for information about what is going on around the railroad and future Public Ride dates.
Here is a look at what's going on around the railroad as of September 1st
Here is a look at what we have on the calendar over the next couple of months. For a more complete look visit our Calendar page on our website.
Annual August Club Fun Day Recap - Saturday, August 29, 2020
The annual August Club Fun Day brought the railroad to life for the first time this year. With all that is going on around us and the world it was great to see members and guests come out and enjoy the railroad and one another. Be on the look at for more activities around the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad in the coming weeks and months. Visit our Calendar page for the latest on what is going on around the club and railroad.
The annual August Club Fun Day brought the railroad to life for the first time this year. With all that is going on around us and the world it was great to see members and guests come out and enjoy the railroad and one another. Be on the look at for more activities around the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad in the coming weeks and months. Visit our Calendar page for the latest on what is going on around the club and railroad.
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 Scheduled for Saturday, August 15th starting at 8:30 a.m.
We have a regularly scheduled workday on the calendar for this Saturday, August 15th starting at 8:30 a.m. The plan is to work on gray container, sort tie material, and a whole lot more. Make sure you bring plenty of water, lunch, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor. Plus don’t forget our annual Summer Club Fun Day is coming up on Saturday, August 29th.
We have a regularly scheduled workday on the calendar for this Saturday, August 15th starting at 8:30 a.m. The plan is to:
Install rail on the floor of the gray container
Sorting, stack and clean up tie material area
Start form work for roadbed on the lower east side for the passenger line
Move some dirt around from loads delivered by Sheppard truck
New member storage container crew meeting
Eat lunch, have fun, and give each other a little grief along the way
Remember to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, lunch, and a good sense of humor. Plus don’t forget our annual Summer Club Fun Day is coming up on Saturday, August 29th.
Past Workday Activity
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
Workday and Club Meeting Scheduled for this Saturday, August 1st
Our next regularly scheduled workday is Saturday, August 1st starting at 8:30 a.m. and our August club meeting will be at 1 p.m.
We have a lot planned for this Saturday’s workday including cutting out the center of the gray container, building a railroad tie wall, having lunch, moving some dirt around, and more. All the festivities start at 8:30 a.m. and look forward to seeing you around the railroad. For those that are looking for something a little lighter to do we are in need of some track panels to be built.
Our next regularly scheduled workday is Saturday, August 1st starting at 8:30 a.m. and our August club meeting will be at 1 p.m.
We have a lot planned for this Saturday’s workday including cutting out the center of the gray container, building a railroad tie wall, having lunch, moving some dirt around, and more. All the festivities start at 8:30 a.m. and look forward to seeing you around the railroad. For those that are looking for something a little lighter to do we are in need of some track panels to be built. Saturday is suppose to be a typical summer day bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and a good sense of humor.
Make sure you put on your calendar our Annual Summer Nights Club Fun Day which is scheduled for Saturday, August 29th. For a look at what is on the calendar visit our website for more information.
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.
First Day of Track Laying - July 24, 2010 Video
Back on July 24, 2010 North Georgia Live Steamers began to build the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. What an amazing time for the club as we establish our newest home after not having a railroad for several years to operate. In 2019 the railroad had more than 2,000 visitors with lots of smiles along the way. Thank you to all the members and volunteers who helped build this great railroad for the enjoyment of so many.
Back on July 24, 2010 North Georgia Live Steamers began to build the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. What an amazing time for the club as we establish our newest home after not having a railroad for a number of years to operate. In 2019 the railroad had more than 2,000 visitors with lots of smiles along the way. Thank you to all of the members and volunteers who helped build this great railroad for the enjoyment of so many.
Another switch built and ready for installation in preparation of the new passenger line
As preparations continue to get the railroad ready for the new passenger line installation Gene and Norm spent time today, July 21, 2020, and built another switch and delivering it to the site. Next step is to get the new switch installed and align the track. We also have another switch to pull out from the woods and realign the track to make room for the “Grandma” line installation.
As preparations continue to get the railroad ready for the new passenger line installation Gene and Norm spent time today, July 21, 2020, and built another switch and delivering it to the site. Next step is to get the new switch installed and align the track. We also have another switch to pull out from the woods and realign the track to make room for the “Grandma” line installation.
Here is a look at what's going on around the railroad as of today
Here is a look at what we have on the calendar over the next couple of months. For a more complete look visit our Calendar page on our website.