Bridge Rebuilt Recap for Saturday, July 15, 2023
What an incredibly productive and hot day. We had a large turnout including three new volunteers who showed up to help us rebuild one of our bridges. We started off strong but ran into a small bump along with way. The team went into action to identify a solution, and everyone sprang into action. By the time we broke for lunch the bridge was about 90% complete and shortly after lunch was complete. Efforts will be made to identify if any of our other bridges need work and will address those overtime.
What an incredibly productive and hot day. We had a large turnout including three new volunteers who showed up to help us rebuild one of our bridges. We started off strong but ran into a small bump along with way. The team went into action to identify a solution, and everyone sprang into action. By the time we broke for lunch the bridge was about 90% complete and shortly after lunch was complete. Efforts will be made to identify if any of our other bridges need work and will address those overtime.
Saturday is the big day to come out and volunteer to rebuild a bridge starting at 8:30 a.m.
Our big volunteer day is this Saturday starting at 8:30 a.m. as we work on rebuilding one of our four bridges that has a long history with NGLS. Help us preserve this bridge and put the railroad back in operation quickly. All of our bridges were installed more than 30 years ago when the railroad was in a different location but has been operating in our current home for more than 10 years. The plan is to do in place repairs of the bridge pictured in a single day. Most of the prep work has been done which should allow us to get things apart and put back together hopefully by lunch time. The more volunteers we have the quicker we can put things back together and reopen the railroad. If you aren’t sure what you can do the first thing is to simply show up. Make sure you bring plenty of water, a lunch, cordless drills, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor. If you have any questions about volunteering, click on the button below and contact our volunteer coordinator.
Our big volunteer day is this Saturday starting at 8:30 a.m. as we work on rebuilding one of our four bridges that has a long history with NGLS. Help us preserve this bridge and put the railroad back in operation quickly. All of our bridges were installed more than 30 years ago when the railroad was in a different location but has been operating in our current home for more than 10 years. The plan is to do in place repairs of the bridge pictured in a single day. Most of the prep work has been done which should allow us to get things apart and put back together hopefully by lunch time. The more volunteers we have the quicker we can put things back together and reopen the railroad. If you aren’t sure what you can do the first thing is to simply show up. Make sure you bring plenty of water, a lunch, cordless drills, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor. If you have any questions about volunteering, click on the button below and contact our volunteer coordinator.
In other news plans are finally in place to start construction on the shop. Many of you know that we have been delayed on this project for a variety of reasons including the discover that one of the containers was built differently and not usable in the way we had planned. The good news is a plan has been put in place so we can now get started. Phase one of the project will include running power in to container one, which is closest to the street, and water. This will require trenching from the grey container to the shop containers so we can get electricity into the shop. We will also be running a water line to the containers from the water line near the Breezeway. We are finalizing our supply list and equipment availability and then will announce our workday plans.
Reminder: Next Workday scheduled for Saturday, July 15th at 8:30 a.m.
Our next regularly scheduled workday will be on Saturday, July 15th. The day will be focused on performing necessary maintenance on one of our bridges which was originally installed when the railroad was in Duluth more than 30 years ago before being installed at our current location. The repairs will require a near in place rebuild which means the more volunteers we have the quicker we can get the railroad back in operation. We are already picking up supplies for the repair and will be cutting tie material ahead of our workday in order to make the repairs go quicker.
Our next regularly scheduled workday will be on Saturday, July 15th. The day will be focused on performing necessary maintenance on one of our bridges which was originally installed when the railroad was in Duluth more than 30 years ago before being installed at our current location. The repairs will require a near in place rebuild which means the more volunteers we have the quicker we can get the railroad back in operation. We are already picking up supplies for the repair and will be cutting tie material ahead of our workday in order to make the repairs go quicker.
In other news plans are finally in place to start construction on the shop. Many of you know that we have been delayed on this project for a variety of reasons including the discover that one of the containers was built differently and not usable in the way we had planned. The good news is a plan has been put in place so we can now get started. Phase one of the project will include running power in to container one, which is closest to the street, and water. This will require trenching from the grey container to the shop containers so we can get electricity into the shop. We will also be running a water line to the containers from the water line near the Breezeway. We are finalizing our supply list and equipment availability and then will announce our workday plans.
Upcoming workday plans announced and shop project update
Our next regularly scheduled workday will be on Saturday, July 15th with additional workdays to be announced soon. The July 15th workday will be focused on performing necessary maintenance on one of our bridges which was originally installed when the railroad was in Duluth more than 30 years ago. The repairs will require a near in place rebuild which means the more volunteers we have the quicker we can get the railroad back in operation.
Our next regularly scheduled workday will be on Saturday, July 15th with additional workdays to be announced soon. The July 15th workday will be focused on performing necessary maintenance on one of our bridges which was originally installed when the railroad was in Duluth more than 30 years ago before being installed at our current location. The repairs will require a near in place rebuild which means the more volunteers we have the quicker we can get the railroad back in operation. We are already picking up supplies for the repair and will be cutting tie material ahead of our workday in order to make the repairs go quicker.
In other news plans are finally in place to start construction on the shop. Many of you know that we have been delayed on this project for a variety of reasons including the discover that one of the containers was built differently and not usable in the way we had planned. The good news is a plan has been put in place so we can now get started. Phase one of the project will include running power in to container one, which is closest to the street, and water. This will require trenching from the grey container to the shop containers so we can get electricity into the shop. We will also be running a water line to the containers from the water line near the Breezeway. We are finalizing our supply list and equipment availability and then will announce our workday plans.
Father's Day Club Fun Day Recap for Saturday, June 17, 2023
Saturday marked our annual Father’s Day club fun day. We had a great crowd throughout the day with everyone grinning ear to ear as they played with trains. Here are just a few pictures and videos of the day.
The day also marked a big milestone for member container #4 as the track work is now complete going into the container. The bridge and receiver were welded earlier in the week and installed on Friday allowing the last 100’ of track to be installed Friday evening and Saturday. With the completion of container #4 track the crew was able to get the red container track back in service as well. In the coming weeks and months some additional work will take place to complete two additional storage tracks on either side of Member Container #4 which when complete will provide more than 100’ of additional track for visiting trains to park and even recharge. Be on the lookout for a request for help to finish these items so we are ready for our Fall Meet in October.
Saturday marked our annual Father’s Day club fun day. We had a great crowd throughout the day with everyone grinning ear to ear as they played with trains. Here are just a few pictures and videos of the day.
The day also marked a big milestone for member container #4 as the track work is now complete going into the container. The bridge and receiver were welded earlier in the week and installed on Friday allowing the last 100’ of track to be installed Friday evening and Saturday. With the completion of container #4 track the crew was able to get the red container track back in service as well. In the coming weeks and months some additional work will take place to complete two additional storage tracks on either side of Member Container #4 which when complete will provide more than 100’ of additional track for visiting trains to park and even recharge. Be on the lookout for a request for help to finish these items so we are ready for our Fall Meet in October.
The smaller side of the NGLS railroad
Playing with trains is certainly what we do but did you know we operate two different scale railroads? We operate both 1:8 scale and Gauge-1. Here is a great video, from Dave L., showing our Gauge-1 railroad operating with 1:8 scale trains running in the background during our public run day on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Playing with trains is certainly what we do but did you know we operate two different scale railroads? We operate both 1:8 scale and Gauge-1. Here is a great video, from Dave L., showing our Gauge-1 railroad operating with 1:8 scale trains running in the background during our public run day on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about our railroad and how to get involved send us a note. Click here for more information.
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.
Come ride trains on Saturday, May 20th from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive again on Saturday, May 20th from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
The railroad comes alive again on Saturday, May 20th from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
Prep Day for our second run day will be on Saturday, May 13th
The second public run day of the season is just around the corner. Come out on Saturday, May 13th and let’s prepare the property and the railroad for our visitors. Workday will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the focus making sure the railroad is ready to go along with cutting grass and checking all equipment. Make sure you bring leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and other lawn tools. Don’t forget other tools you may need to perform work on other items around the railroad.
The second public run day of the season is just around the corner. Come out on Saturday, May 13th and let’s prepare the property and the railroad for our visitors. Workday will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the focus making sure the railroad is ready to go along with cutting grass and checking all equipment. Make sure you bring leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and other lawn tools. Don’t forget other tools you may need to perform work on other items around the railroad.
Come ride trains on Saturday, May 20th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive again on Saturday, May 20th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
The railroad comes alive again on Saturday, May 20th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
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.
Come ride trains on Saturday, April 29th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive for the first time in 2023 on Saturday, April 29th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The volunteers have been hard at work during the winter months making improvements to the railroad and working on a few rail cars along. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
The railroad comes alive for the first time in 2023 on Saturday, April 29th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The volunteers have been hard at work during the winter months making improvements to the railroad and working on a few rail cars along. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
Plan a day at the railroad on Saturday, April 29th from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive again for the 2023 season on Saturday, April 29th from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The volunteers and members of North Georgia Live Steamers have been hard at work during the winter months working on both railroad and personal train projects. Bring family and friends and spend an afternoon riding the rails. Cost is $2 per person per ride on railroad. Must be 18 months old or older. For more details visit https://nglsrr.org/trainrideinfo.
The railroad comes alive again for the 2023 season on Saturday, April 29th from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The volunteers and members of North Georgia Live Steamers have been hard at work during the winter months working on both railroad and personal train projects. Bring family and friends and spend an afternoon riding the rails. Cost is $2 per person per ride on railroad. Must be 18 months old or older. For more details visit https://nglsrr.org/trainrideinfo.
Come ride trains on Saturday, April 29th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive for the first time in 2023 on Saturday, April 29th from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The volunteers and club members have been hard at work during the winter months making improvements to the railroad and working other projects. The cost to ride on the railroad is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
The railroad comes alive for the first time in 2023 on Saturday, April 29th from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The volunteers and club members have been hard at work during the winter months making improvements to the railroad and working other projects. The cost to ride on the railroad is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
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 Kroger Rewards card? Simply click on the link below and login to your account and follow the steps provided by Kroger to register North Georgia Live Steamers with your account.
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 any questions regarding how the program works, please visit Kroger Community Rewards for additional information.
Our organization number is: NX755
Workday Recap for Saturday, March 18th
What an incredible day around the railroad during our March 18th workday. The day start out a little cold, ok just above freezing cold, as John, Robby, and Scott positioning track panels for container number four while Rick, Gene, and Norm did a little planning on the shop container project. Wes joined in on the fun with the container crew as they removed a switch from the mainline, which was the old red container switch near the main grade crossing. Norm and Gene removed the rest of the cross over switch from the mainline that was used to get to the middle of the steaming siding near the water tower. The crew then took the switches and rebuilt them before reinstalling them for the container number for track. The crew also ballasted the panels as the day ended.
What an incredible day around the railroad during our March 18th workday. The day start out a little cold, ok just above freezing cold, as John, Robby, and Scott positioning track panels for container number four while Rick, Gene, and Norm did a little planning on the shop container project. Wes joined in on the fun with the container crew as they removed a switch from the mainline, which was the old red container switch near the main grade crossing. Norm and Gene removed the rest of the cross over switch from the mainline that was used to get to the middle of the steaming siding near the water tower. The crew then took the switches and rebuilt them before reinstalling them for the container number for track. The crew also ballasted the panels as the day ended.
Workday scheduled for this Saturday, March 18th at 8:30 a.m.
The season is coming up on us fast and work around the railroad is needed. This Saturday, March 18th will be our annual Spring-Cleaning workday. The plans for the day include organizing the containers, cleaning up around the property, track maintenance, and more. We will get started around 8:30 a.m. Make sure you bring your lunch, water, tools, and a good sense of humor. Please be aware that an event is taking place in the Steeplechase so make sure you approach the area cautiously.
Don’t forget that this is the last official workday before our next “Almost Monthly Club Fun Day” and which is scheduled for Saturday, April 1st. This also coincides with our April club meeting which is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. Let’s make sure the railroad and the property are looking good for all of the family and friends that will be at the railroad during our April “Almost Monthly Club Fun Day”.
The season is coming up on us fast and work around the railroad is needed. This Saturday, March 18th will be our annual Spring-Cleaning workday. The plans for the day include organizing the containers, cleaning up around the property, track maintenance, and more. We will get started around 8:30 a.m. Make sure you bring your lunch, water, tools, and a good sense of humor. Please be aware that an event is taking place in the Steeplechase so make sure you approach the area cautiously.
Don’t forget that this is the last official workday before our next “Almost Monthly Club Fun Day” and which is scheduled for Saturday, April 1st. This also coincides with our April club meeting which is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. Let’s make sure the railroad and the property are looking good for all of the family and friends that will be at the railroad during our April “Almost Monthly Club Fun Day”.
Progress was made on Member Container 4 this past weekend
Progress on member container #4 continues to move along. This past Saturday John and Robby spent the day installing about 75’ of track for what John calls the “River side siding”. Bob C. also stopped by and picked up the club steamer so he can complete the installation of a new check valve. Norm also stopped by in search of the rail bender. We can call off the search parties as the benders have been found at an undisclosed location.
Progress on member container #4 continues to move along. This past Saturday John and Robby spent the day installing about 75’ of track for what John calls the “River side siding”. Bob C. also stopped by and picked up the club steamer so he can complete the installation of a new check valve. Norm also stopped by in search of the rail bender. We can call off the search parties as the benders have been found at an undisclosed location.
Our next official workday will be this coming Saturday, March 18th at 8:30 a.m. as we have our annual “Spring Cleaning” day around the railroad. The plan for the day is to organize the containers as we get ready for the 2023 season. We also need to clean up around the property so make sure you bring leaf blowers, tree trimming tools, lawn mower, and weed eater. Depending on how fast we get things done some track panels may also get built so make sure you bring your power tools as well.
Almost Monthly Club Fun Day Recap for Saturday, March 4th
What an incredible club fun day. The weather was unbelievable and so much fun was had that only a few pictures were taken of the day. We had trains running, stories being shared, and a little bit of work going on around the railroad. For our first “Almost Monthly Club Fun Day” of the year it was a success. Do not forget our next club fun day is on Saturday, April 1st along with our club meeting at 1 p.m. Before then we will have our annual Spring-Cleaning Day on Saturday, March 18th starting at 8:30 a.m. The plan is to clean out and organize the gray container, do track work, and make sure all equipment is operational for the 2023 season. Do not forget to bring lunch, tools, and a good sense of humor.
What an incredible club fun day. The weather was unbelievable and so much fun was had that only a few pictures were taken of the day. We had trains running, stories being shared, and a little bit of work going on around the railroad. For our first “Almost Monthly Club Fun Day” of the year it was a success. Do not forget our next club fun day is on Saturday, April 1st along with our club meeting at 1 p.m. Before then we will have our annual Spring-Cleaning Day on Saturday, March 18th starting at 8:30 a.m. The plan is to clean out and organize the gray container, do track work, and make sure all equipment is operational for the 2023 season. Do not forget to bring lunch, tools, and a good sense of humor.
Progress made on container track project during our Saturday workday
The day started out a little cold but quickly warmed up as the Saturday work crew began arriving. The crew consisted of Norm, Gene, Robby, Rick, Thomas, David E., and Dave L. Most of the crew spent the first few hours collecting already built track panels from around the railroad that will be used for the container project along with doing some track repairs in the east loop. Dave L. hung another bracket for the second signal head which puts us another step closer to our first permanent set of signal heads. The track crew pulled out a switch from the steaming siding and reinstalled it for the container track.
The day started out a little cold but quickly warmed up as the Saturday work crew began arriving. The crew consisted of Norm, Gene, Robby, Rick, Thomas, David E., and Dave L. Most of the crew spent the first few hours collecting already built track panels from around the railroad that will be used for the container #4 project along with doing some track repairs in the east loop. The track crew also rebuilt a switch that came from the late Charlie Glass home railroad, thank you to John Tucker for donating the track to the club, allowing the legacy of Charlie to continue at our railroad. Dave L. hung another bracket for the second signal head which puts us a step closer to our first permanent set of signal heads. The track crew pulled out a switch from the steaming siding and reinstalled it for the container track.
Coming up for the club is our second “Almost Monthly Club Fun Day” on Saturday, March 4th. Weather permitting it will be a fun time to dust things off and come out and enjoy the railroad. Run trains or do work around the railroad it is member day around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite friends and family to enjoy the day with you.
