A look at the early days of North Georgia Live Steamers at our Duluth location
Take a look back at the early days of North Georgia Live Steamers.
As life as we know it takes a moment to pause because of the virus going around the world lets take a look back at some of the early days of the club.
Canceled: Workday Scheduled for Saturday, March 21st
Sorry for the earlier email on Monday stating we have a workday this Saturday. For obvious reasons things are being canceled along with wet weather. Everyone stays safe and look forward to getting back on the railroad for some fun very soon. As things progress throughout the week we will look towards a possible workday towards the end of the month. We also have our April Club Fun Day and Club Meeting coming up so stay tuned for details about that event as we all monitor what is going on.
Sorry for the earlier email on Monday stating we have a workday this Saturday. For obvious reasons things are being canceled along with wet weather. Everyone stays safe and look forward to getting back on the railroad for some fun very soon. As things progress throughout the week we will look towards a possible workday towards the end of the month. We also have our April Club Fun Day and Club Meeting coming up so stay tuned for details about that event as we all monitor what is going on.
Update: Train Ride Schedule for 2020
The board of directors at North Georgia Live Steamers has been carefully monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 and after thoughtful consideration we have reached a decision to cancel our run day scheduled for March 28, 2020.
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 at North Georgia Live Steamers.
The board of directors at North Georgia Live Steamers has been carefully monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 and after thoughtful consideration we have reached a decision to cancel our run day scheduled for March 28, 2020.
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 at North Georgia Live Steamers.
March 14, 2020 Workday Recap
A group of ambitious members went out on Saturday to do some work around the railroad. Work included track repair, tree cutting, and passenger line debate. A great day and appreciate all who was able to come out and take care of a few items around the railroad.
A group of ambitious members went out on Saturday to do some work around the railroad. Work included track repair, tree cutting, and passenger line debate. A great day and appreciate all who was able to come out and take care of a few items around the railroad.
Final Final Countdown: The Model Train Show and Volunteer Information
We are finalizing the list of who is going to be available for the train show this weekend. We have a group already scheduled for Friday setup but will need to confirm who is planning on helping out on Saturday, March 14th and Sunday, March 15th during the show
We are finalizing the list of who is going to be available for the train show this weekend. We have a group already scheduled for Friday, March 13th setup but need to confirm who is planning on helping on Saturday, March 14th and Sunday, March 15th. Like last year our booth is going to be big enough to display multiple locomotives and more. The following people have confirmed displaying locomotives at the event this year.
Wayne - American
Peter - 10-Wheeler
Robby - 10-Wheeler
If you are also interested in displaying equipment please complete the form below by Wednesday, March 11th in order to insure we have enough space for all of the equipment. If you don’t complete the form or confirm with Robby, we will not be able to guarantee space for your item.
Event Details
Location: Cobb Galleria Centre
Event Dates: March 14th -15th
Show Hours: Saturday hours 10a - 5p and Sunday hours 10a-4p
Setup: Friday, March 13, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. (time subject to change)
If the form does not work for you here is a link (https://forms.gle/GM991PweBCMEkkPK7)
Workday Recap - March 7, 2020
March is turning out to be a busy month around the club. On Saturday, March 7th we had “Bob” and “Bob 2” on hand along with Ben, Gene, Calvin, Elijah, Bill, Joe, and Scott taking care of some necessary maintenance around the railroad as we get ready for the 2020 season.
March is turning out to be a busy month around the club. On Saturday, March 7th we had “Bob” and “Bob 2” on hand along with Ben, Gene, Calvin, Elijah, Bill, Joe, and Scott taking care of some necessary maintenance around the railroad as we get ready for the 2020 season.
Here is a quick list of just some of the work performed:
Club Diesel had an oil change, air filter, and new spark plugs.
Club Diesel was cleaned and polished with riding cars also getting cleaned up.
The “Bob’s” (Ben and Gene) moved rock pile and removed a tree stump
Some gravel was added near the red container to help with drainage
Removed some trees and limbs from around the railroad
Clean up pile of switches and track panels
Finally chased leaves around the railroad in hopes of getting them moved into the wood.
A shout out to the crew for getting many of these projects completed. We still have a few more outstanding projects that need to be completed before our opening on Saturday, March 28th. Our next official workday is scheduled for Saturday, March 21st. During this time, we will finish track work, signal and equipment maintenance.
Railroad equipment maintenance and more needed
As we get another day closer to the opening of our 2020 season, we have a lot of work to be completed prior to our March 28th run day. Our next official workday is Saturday, March 21st at 8:30 a.m. If you are interested in organizing a workday between now and then please let everyone know and tackle one or more projects.
As we get another day closer to the opening of our 2020 season, we have a lot of work to be completed prior to our March 28th run day. Here is a quick list of items that needs attention:
Diesel Locomotive- check fluids, battery, and wiring
Riding Cars- check brakes, couplers, trucks
Club Steamer- verify battery is charged, propane tanks, and other routine maintenance
East Loop- We have a few more spots that needs attention
Switches- All mainline switches will need to be lubricated and verify functionality
Container Clean Up
Our next official workday is Saturday, March 21st at 8:30 a.m. If you are interested in organizing a workday between now and then please let everyone know and tackle one or more projects.
Here is a look at what's going on around the railroad as of March 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.
Workday Recap for February 29, 2020
A great group came out today and performed hundreds of feet of track maintenance as we prepare of our 2020 season. A few debates where had, lunch at our normal place, and dreams of building and operating trains this year where had by all.
A great group came out today and performed hundreds of feet of track maintenance as we prepare of our 2020 season. Work was done on the mainline through the yard, the east loop, and points in between. A few debates where had, lunch at our normal place, and dreams of building and operating trains this year were had by all. Don’t forget that March is a busy month for the club. Don’t forget to check out our calendar for the last list of activities.
The Model Train Show Details
For those that are helping with The Model Train show on March 14th and March 15th here are the details about load-in and load-out.
For those that are helping with The Model Train show on March 14th and March 15th here are the details about load-in and load-out.
LOAD-IN
Set up will begin on Friday, March 13th. This year the Show will be in Ballroom B. To facilitate the load-in and load-out process, we will stagger the arrival/set up times for modular layouts with those away from the main unloading “thoroughfare” having earlier times than those in the path of the unloading. Your arrival time has been set at 12:30 p.m. Please inform your set-up volunteers and drivers that arriving earlier than the assigned time may result in unnecessary and unwanted delays. Vehicles will not be allowed to drive into the hall. We appreciate your cooperation on this.
PASSES
As in previous years we will be allocating a set number of passes to each modular group. As you are aware, this Train Show is the Piedmont Division’s principle fundraiser and so we are committed to maximizing entry receipts and minimizing free entry badges/passes. Please take the following into consideration:
Passes are not required for set up and take down on Friday and after 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Passes are transferable, i.e. if 10 people come in to run trains on Saturday with another 10 coming in on Sunday, those passes can be passed from one operating group to the next.
Passes/badges will be available on Saturday and Sunday morning at the volunteer desk at the front of the hall.
Given the size and number of modules for your layout, you will be allocated 6 free passes.
LOAD-OUT
Take down may commence at 4 p.m. and the load-out process will be the same as previous years. Once the layout is ready to load into a vehicle/trailer at the dock, a group member should contact Charlie for a ‘GREEN’ load-out pass(es) for driver(s) to bring the vehicle(s) to the dock. Without the pass, the driver will NOT be allowed be allowed down the driveway to the dock. We seek your cooperation on this to ensure a smooth and orderly load-out of layouts to make space for vendors at the dock.
Workday Scheduled for Saturday, February 29th at 8:30 A.M.
We are planning a workday on Saturday, February 29th starting at 8:30 a.m. We will be do track maintenance, ashpit line, and prep work for the new container or at least that is what we are thinking at this point. Make sure you bring power drill, knee pads, water, and a sense of humor for the day. Additional details will follow as we get closer. If you have any questions let us know.
We are planning a workday on Saturday, February 29th starting at 8:30 a.m. We will be do track maintenance, ashpit line, and prep work for the new container or at least that is what we are thinking at this point. Make sure you bring power drill, knee pads, water, and a sense of humor for the day. Additional details will follow as we get closer. If you have any questions let us know.
As a final note we are less than a month away from our first public run day of the 2020 season. So any track maintenance and equipment maintenance needs to be done as soon as possible.
Update: The Model Train Show and Volunteer Information
We are in need of information from club members who are available to volunteer during the annual Model Train Show at the Cobb Galleria.
Attention Members
We are in need of information from club members who are available to volunteer during the annual Model Train Show at the Cobb Galleria on March 14th and 15th. Like last year our booth is going to be big enough to display multiple locomotives and more. Please respond to this email and let us know what your availability is and what you are interested in bringing. Final details about our space will be coming from the show organizers in the next couple of weeks. Also note the show will be in a different hall at the Cobb Galleria which will change the load in and load out process.
Event Dates: March 14 -15, 2020
Show Hours: Saturday hours 10a - 5p and Sunday hours 10a-4p
Setup: Friday, March 13, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. (time subject to change)
A form below has been included for you to fill out so we know what your intention is with the show. Please complete by Friday, February 28th. If the form does not work for you here is a link (https://forms.gle/GM991PweBCMEkkPK7) to the form.
Happy Valentines Day 2020!
For all those train lovers Happy Valentine’s Day 2020. Don’t forget to give your train valentine a special gift today.
For all those train lovers Happy Valentine’s Day 2020. Don’t forget to give your train valentine a special gift today.
Did someone say move the dirt? That apparently was the plan for today's activity at the railroad
A small group of club members went out to the site to move the dirt we piled up last fall and have now relocated the pile into multiple areas around the railroad property.
A small group of club members went out to the site to move the dirt we piled up last fall and have now relocated the pile into multiple areas around the railroad property. From the looks of it we had a little extra muscle with “Bob” and “Bob Jr” helping with the heavy lifting with Ben, Gene, Scott, Wes, Susan, Norm, and some that probably didn’t make the pictures. It was a good thing the extra muscle arrived because they pulled chicken wire and fence post from around Bridge, straightened the retaining wall at ash pit line, scooped dirt at yard head (real term?) from where the dirt ran downhill from rain into the station mainline, graded yard end of retaining wall for culvert between tie wall and bridge, added gravel in culvert to help prevent washout, added extra drain tube to LaVay Bridge culvert area, spread seed and straw just in time for the rain to come tomorrow.
As you may know we are recapturing some land near the bridges so we can one day double track an area for a passenger station along with fill in some dips in the ground near the lift station which will one day be part of the passenger line path. As for the rest of the dirt only mother nature knows the real answer. Next step will be to plant grass and finish the installation of the ash pit line and grey container extension.
Keep an eye out for our next scheduled workday.
Here is a look at what's going on around the railroad as of February 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.
The Model Train Show Volunteers and more
We are in need of information from club members who are available to volunteer during the annual Model Train Show at the Cobb Galleria.
We are in need of information from club members who are available to volunteer during the annual Model Train Show at the Cobb Galleria on March 14th and 15th. Like last year our booth is going to be big enough to display multiple locomotives and more. Please respond to this email and let us know what your availability is and what you are interested in bringing. Final details about our space will be coming from the show organizers in the next couple of weeks. Also note the show will be in a different hall at the Cobb Galleria which will change the load in and load out process.
Event Dates: March 14 -15, 2020
Show Hours: Saturday hours 10a - 5p and Sunday hours 10a-4p
Setup: Friday, March 13, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. (time subject to change)
Please respond by Thursday, February 13th
Trains! Trains! Trains! 2020 Recap
Thank you to all the club members who participated in the 10th Annual Trains! Trains! Trains! event at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History.
Thank you to all the club members who participated in the 10th Annual Trains! Trains! Trains! event at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. This was the first time in several years that NGLS has participated in this event. From what I’m told the last time we participated we still had the portable track, which is has been a while for sure. Wayne brought his American and Dan brought his GP9 showing off two different eras of the railroad industry. As is typical with the events we do both days are full of kids of all ages bouncing from all the different representations of scale trains.
Club Meeting will be on Saturday, February 1st at 1 p.m.
Our 2nd club meeting of the 2020 season is planned for Saturday, February 1st at 1 p.m. The meeting will be held across the street from the railroad at Hawthorn Suites. Anyone interested in learning more about North Georgia Live Steamers is encouraged to come to our meeting.
Our 2nd club meeting of the 2020 season is planned for Saturday, February 1st at 1 p.m. The meeting will be held across the street from the railroad at Hawthorn Suites. Anyone interested in learning more about North Georgia Live Steamers is encouraged to come to our meeting.
For existing members if you haven’t already done so 2020 dues are past due and can be paid to the club treasurer at the meeting.
Depending on the weather we may also have a small workday prior to the meeting starting at 8:30 a.m. Stay tune for more information.
Reminder Update: Southern Museum Train Show Setup Information
The Southern Museum has released the setup schedule for the show scheduled for the weekend of Saturday, January 25th and Sunday, January 26th. Our scheduled setup time is 2 p.m. on Friday, January 24th.
If you are planning on attending the Southern Museum event this weekend please confirm by replying to this email.
The Southern Museum has released the setup schedule for the show scheduled for the weekend of Saturday, January 25th and Sunday, January 26th. Our scheduled setup time is 2 p.m. on Friday, January 24th. Setup location is an area called Cobb Energy Gallery and will be entering from the Garage. Our point of contact will be Dustin. Because the museum is closed to the public on January 24th, please call 678-435-7800 when you arrive on Friday so the museum can have the appropriate staff member meet and guide you to our location.
The following NGLS Club members have expressed interest in helping with the show. Please confirm with Robby if this is still the case.
Displaying a locomotive
Dan Crumbley
Wayne Lass
Event Help
David Eisman (Saturday)
Dave Levy (Saturday/Sunday)
Rick Kight (Saturday)
Gene & Joan Lurwig (Sunday)
Scott & Sherry Moore
Frequently Asked Questions
Please take a moment to read the following – Thank you!
The Southern Museum staff would like to thank everyone for their time and resources. Trains, Trains, Trains! is our biggest event of the year and we could not do it without you. We hope everyone enjoys the weekend but please feel free to communicate any issues to Dr. Richard Banz, Executive Director, or Mr. Jeffrey Richardson, Director of Operations. Also, we’d love to hear any comments from either your group, volunteers, or overheard from visitors. All feedback is welcome.
SCHEDULE
A reminder that the event is both Saturday and Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The back entrance door facing Shirley Drive will open on Saturday, January 25, at 7:30 a.m. and on Sunday, January 26, at 8:30 a.m. Please do not enter through the front lobby doors or let anyone into the building at the front. The lobby doors will open to the public at 9:30 a.m.
Breakfast (coffee, water, and light pastries) will be served in the volunteer corridor from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Please be set-up, prepared, and ready to go by 9 a.m.
A meet and greet will take place in the Cobb Energy Gallery at 9:00am. Please be present. We will answer any last questions at this time.
A reminder that the event is both Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
We are happy to provide lunch for you at this event. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Please evenly break up your groups for lunch. We recommend that at least two individuals stay with a layout at all times due to visitor volume.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please do not take food or drinks (including coffee) into gallery spaces. Water in a closed container is permitted.
Recruiting new members and promoting your group is great! However, we ask that no monetary collections boxes of any type be displayed and no financial transactions of any kind take place.
Please do not hand out candy or any type of food to visitors.
Please understand that we are trying our best to cover for many people based on the numbers provided, and lunch will only be provided for those volunteers who assist all day. Tickets good for one meal will be passed out at the beginning of each day. A ticket is required to receive a free lunch.
Event t-shirts will be handed out by Nichole Alexander on Friday during set-up or first thing Saturday morning. Sizes are based on the information given by each group. Exchanges are based on availability.
Kindly remember this is a family friendly event highlighting the joy of trains. Please do not present or include any item or messages that may be construed as political, religious, or controversial in nature. The Museum reserves the right to request that any such item(s) be removed. Please ask to speak with either the Executive Director or Director of Operations with any questions or concerns.
The Museum is not responsible or liable for any damage that may occur to model trains, layouts, or any other items brought on premises regardless of how the damage was caused.
If your group plans to bring additional volunteers beyond what you’ have given us, please let Joshua Trower, Education Program Coordinator, know by January 20th.
SET-UP and BREAKDOWN INFORMATION
Upon arriving please call 678-435-7800 or 404-423-4372 for entry because the museum will be closed to the public on January 24th.
We have a staff member assigned to each group. This staff member will give you direction on where to unload and show you to your setup location.
Each group is responsible for loading, unloading, and setting up their layout(s).
We ask you to please plan accordingly. Please bring your own carts and dollies, extension cords, etc. The Museum cannot guarantee supplies.
The event will end at 5 p.m. Please do not begin the breakdown process on Sunday prior to this time as we want all visitors to have the full experience.
For more information about the event visit https://www.southernmuseum.org/event-info/trains-trains-trains
Reminder: Southern Museum Train Show Setup Information
The Southern Museum has released the setup schedule for the show scheduled for the weekend of Saturday, January 25th and Sunday, January 26th. Our scheduled setup time is 2 p.m. on Friday, January 24th.
The Southern Museum has released the setup schedule for the show scheduled for the weekend of Saturday, January 25th and Sunday, January 26th. Our scheduled setup time is 2 p.m. on Friday, January 24th. Setup location is an area called Cobb Energy Gallery and will be entering from the Garage. Our point of contact will be Dustin. Because the museum is closed to the public on January 24th, please call 678-435-7800 when you arrive on Friday so the museum can have the appropriate staff member meet and guide you to our location.
The following NGLS Club members have expressed interest in helping with the show. Please confirm with Robby if this is still the case.
Displaying a locomotive
Dan Crumbley
Robby Mossman
Wayne Lass
Event Help
David Eisman (Saturday)
Dave Levy (Saturday/Sunday)
Rick Kight (Saturday)
Gene & Joan Lurwig (Sunday)
Scott & Sherry Moore
Frequently Asked Questions
Please take a moment to read the following – Thank you!
The Southern Museum staff would like to thank everyone for their time and resources. Trains, Trains, Trains! is our biggest event of the year and we could not do it without you. We hope everyone enjoys the weekend but please feel free to communicate any issues to Dr. Richard Banz, Executive Director, or Mr. Jeffrey Richardson, Director of Operations. Also, we’d love to hear any comments from either your group, volunteers, or overheard from visitors. All feedback is welcome.
SCHEDULE
A reminder that the event is both Saturday and Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The back entrance door facing Shirley Drive will open on Saturday, January 25, at 7:30 a.m. and on Sunday, January 26, at 8:30 a.m. Please do not enter through the front lobby doors or let anyone into the building at the front. The lobby doors will open to the public at 9:30 a.m.
Breakfast (coffee, water, and light pastries) will be served in the volunteer corridor from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Please be set-up, prepared, and ready to go by 9 a.m.
A meet and greet will take place in the Cobb Energy Gallery at 9:00am. Please be present. We will answer any last questions at this time.
A reminder that the event is both Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
We are happy to provide lunch for you at this event. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Please evenly break up your groups for lunch. We recommend that at least two individuals stay with a layout at all times due to visitor volume.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please do not take food or drinks (including coffee) into gallery spaces. Water in a closed container is permitted.
Recruiting new members and promoting your group is great! However, we ask that no monetary collections boxes of any type be displayed and no financial transactions of any kind take place.
Please do not hand out candy or any type of food to visitors.
Please understand that we are trying our best to cover for many people based on the numbers provided, and lunch will only be provided for those volunteers who assist all day. Tickets good for one meal will be passed out at the beginning of each day. A ticket is required to receive a free lunch.
Event t-shirts will be handed out by Nichole Alexander on Friday during set-up or first thing Saturday morning. Sizes are based on the information given by each group. Exchanges are based on availability.
Kindly remember this is a family friendly event highlighting the joy of trains. Please do not present or include any item or messages that may be construed as political, religious, or controversial in nature. The Museum reserves the right to request that any such item(s) be removed. Please ask to speak with either the Executive Director or Director of Operations with any questions or concerns.
The Museum is not responsible or liable for any damage that may occur to model trains, layouts, or any other items brought on premises regardless of how the damage was caused.
If your group plans to bring additional volunteers beyond what you’ have given us, please let Joshua Trower, Education Program Coordinator, know by January 20th.
SET-UP and BREAKDOWN INFORMATION
Upon arriving please call 678-435-7800 or 404-423-4372 for entry because the museum will be closed to the public on January 24th.
We have a staff member assigned to each group. This staff member will give you direction on where to unload and show you to your setup location.
Each group is responsible for loading, unloading, and setting up their layout(s).
We ask you to please plan accordingly. Please bring your own carts and dollies, extension cords, etc. The Museum cannot guarantee supplies.
The event will end at 5 p.m. Please do not begin the breakdown process on Sunday prior to this time as we want all visitors to have the full experience.
For more information about the event visit https://www.southernmuseum.org/event-info/trains-trains-trains