A visit to White Creek Railroad in Michigan by Elijah
During the week of July 13th Elijah went up to Michigan and visited White Creek Railroad for a recent Card Order Operation session. Here is a quick note from Elijah regarding his trip.
During the week of July 13th Elijah went up to Michigan and visited White Creek Railroad for a recent Card Order Operation session. Here is a quick note from Elijah regarding his trip.
I had a wonderful time with a bunch of friends at the White Creek Railroad. Each train we took out felt like 4-6 hours of work but at the end of the day, we all arrived back safely at the yard with a different consist than what we left with. The track is unbelievably beautiful and the towns, buildings, and industry’s are well done! Each time we were switching an industry or heading towards our next location, there was a passenger train that had priority! All freight trains have to be out of the way of the passenger trains! It made the entire experience very challenging but made my brain think. Once Russ (The owner of the RR) taught me how to read the schedule, I was on time! (Most of the time) Overall, White Creek is an awesome place to visit!
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.
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.
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.
Reminder: 1st NGLS Invitational Details - June 19th - 21st
As some of you may remember we are trying to put together a small invitational during the weekend of June 19th - 21st. Here are some details that are being finalized for both NGLS members and invited guests.
The 1st NGLS Invitational is fast approaching, and details are being finalized for next weekend’s event. We will need to treat this like a public run day where we cut the grass, lubricate switches, clean debris off track, and more. Here are some additional details about the event for both NGLS members and invited guests.
Time and date:
When: Friday, June 19 - Sunday, June 21st
Some guests may start arriving around mid-day on Friday and those that are staying overnight probably will leave sometime on Sunday. The expectation is however the majority of those attending will be on Saturday.
Accommodations:
On site we have limited room for self-contained campers, there is a full campsite at the horse park down the road about a mile and there is the Hawthorn Suites directly across the street from the club site.
This link is to the Horse Park and contact info for RV parking: https://www.georgiahorsepark.com/p/getinvolved/parking
Saturday Lunch:
We are still checking into being able to provide a meal on Saturday around noon and will let you know if this is possible as soon as we know.
Visiting Trains:
All trains are welcome but for steam engines an on-site hydro-static test will be REQUIRED. The test will be performed by club with no state official present. There is no cost for the test, it will be performed and documented same as we do for our own equipment and you will get a copy of the inspection certificate which is valid the duration of the meet.
Please let us know if you plan on attending the invitational
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.
1st NGLS Invitational Details - June 19th - 21st
As some of you may remember we are trying to put together a small invitational during the weekend of June 19th - 21st. Here are some details that are being finalized for both NGLS members and invited guests.
The 1st NGLS Invitational is fast approaching, and details are being finalized for next weekend’s event. We will need to treat this like a public run day where we cut the grass, lubricate switches, clean debris off track, and more. Here are some additional details about the event for both NGLS members and invited guests.
Time and date:
When: Friday, June 19 - Sunday, June 21st
Some guests may start arriving around mid-day on Friday and those that are staying overnight probably will leave sometime on Sunday. The expectation is however the majority of those attending will be on Saturday.
Accommodations:
On site we have limited room for self-contained campers, there is a full campsite at the horse park down the road about a mile and there is the Hawthorn Suites directly across the street from the club site.
This link is to the Horse Park and contact info for RV parking: https://www.georgiahorsepark.com/p/getinvolved/parking
Saturday Lunch:
We are still checking into being able to provide a meal on Saturday around noon and will let you know if this is possible as soon as we know.
Visiting Trains:
All trains are welcome but for steam engines an on-site hydro-static test will be REQUIRED. The test will be performed by club with no state official present. There is no cost for the test, it will be performed and documented same as we do for our own equipment and you will get a copy of the inspection certificate which is valid the duration of the meet.
Please let us know if you plan on attending the invitational
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.
The 20-foot container project is a little closer to being done with Tuesday's delivery
After weeks of work and hours of probably over thinking how to set the container in place Norm met the delivery truck today at the site and set the container within inches of its final spot. Next step is, in no particular order, prep the ends of the container, squeeze them together, and a few other hundred things and then it will be done. Sounds simple enough but in all seriousness, we have a lot to do still but in the home stretch for sure.
After weeks of work and hours of probably over thinking how to set the container in place Norm met the delivery truck today at the site and set the container within inches of its final spot. Next step is, in no particular order, prep the ends of the container, squeeze them together, and a few other hundred things and then it will be done. Sounds simple enough but in all seriousness, we have a lot to do still but in the home stretch for sure.
Reminder: June 6th Club Meeting & Fun Day Question
By now you may have seen that the Georgia International Horse Park will be opening up for events starting Saturday, May 29th with some restrictions. Based on the information we have it may be possible for us to hold our regularly scheduled meeting and club fun day on Saturday, June 6th. We are wanting to see how many people are interested in participating in the June 6th event.
By now you may have seen that the Georgia International Horse Park will be opening up for events starting Saturday, May 29th with some restrictions. Based on the information we have it may be possible for us to hold our regularly scheduled meeting and club fun day on Saturday, June 6th. We are wanting to see how many people are interested in participating in the June 6th event.
Please respond to the survey below by Friday, June 29th
A great example of what people can do in our hobby regardless of the scale. Check out these videos.
Recently we received an email from Larry who shared these videos of his railroad. You have to check out the crane he built. This sure would be nice in 1:8 scale for some of the things we have to lift around the railroad.
Recently we received an email from Larry who shared these videos of his railroad. You have to check out the crane he built. This sure would be nice in 1:8 scale for some of the things we have to lift around the railroad.
For more videos visit his YouTube Channel
June 6th Club Meeting & Fun Day Question
By now you may have seen that the Georgia International Horse Park will be opening up for events starting Saturday, May 29th with some restrictions. Based on the information we have it may be possible for us to hold our regularly scheduled meeting and club fun day on Saturday, June 6th. We are wanting to see how many people are interested in participating in the June 6th event.
By now you may have seen that the Georgia International Horse Park will be opening up for events starting Saturday, May 29th with some restrictions. Based on the information we have it may be possible for us to hold our regularly scheduled meeting and club fun day on Saturday, June 6th. We are wanting to see how many people are interested in participating in the June 6th event.
Please respond to the survey below by Friday, June 29th