Boiler Inspection Day Recap for Saturday, September 18, 2021
It is the one day a year that so of many our steam engines come together for one important purpose. The annual physical I mean boiler test. The steam engines go through a hydro test where the boiler is filled all the way and then we pump more in to make sure the tubes inside the boiler are functioning properly. While we pump more water in, we also do visual inspections for any water coming out of the boiler in areas that aren’t normal. After its all said and done the steam engines are fired up and operated mainly for fun.
It is the one day a year that so many of our steam engines come together for one important purpose. The annual physical I mean boiler test. The steam engines go through a hydro test where the boiler is filled all the way and then we pump more in to make sure the tubes inside the boiler are functioning properly. While we pump more water in, we also do visual inspections for any water coming out of the boiler in areas that aren’t normal. After its all said and done the steam engines are fired up and operated mainly for fun.
Other activities going on the railroad includes Scott making some adjustments of the existing signal system at the main crossing ahead of our first public run day in two years. Otherwise, the group hung out and swapped stories.
October 2nd - Public Run Day Volunteer Signup
Based on the number of members who have responded back to an earlier survey we are moving forward with our October 2nd Public Run Day. We are now looking to see where you are interested in volunteering for during the run day event. Please click the link or fill out the form below.
Note: We are asking all volunteers to arrive between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 2nd to make sure we have enough time to setup and go through final operation review meeting at 11:30 a.m.
Based on the number of members who have responded back to an earlier survey we are moving forward with our October 2nd Public Run Day. We are now looking to see where you are interested in volunteering for during the run day event. Please click the link or fill out the form below.
Charlotte has agreed to coordinate our concession efforts for the public run day. Be on the look out for a call or email from her regarding what items we are looking for. One adjustment to the concessions this time around will be all must be pre-packaged and not home made.
Run Day Setup
We are asking all volunteers to arrive between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 2nd to make sure we have enough time to setup and go through final operation review meeting at 11:30 a.m.
Next Club Meeting Update
Our next regularly scheduled club meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 2nd. Because this is our first public run day in two years the board has decided to reschedule our next club meeting to another date. Stay tuned for an update.
Club diesel and two riding cars back in service after repairs completed
As of Tuesday, September 14th the club diesel sulky is now back in service after the replacement of the truck and brakes were completed by Norm, Wes, and Robby. Norm also brought back to the site two of the club riding cars where he rebuilt three trucks. Wes and Robby took the equipment around the railroad a couple of times to test everything out with success. Norm reports he will be ordering parts to rebuild the remaining riding car trucks over the next couple of months.
As of Tuesday, September 14th the club diesel sulky is now back in service after the replacement of the truck and brakes were completed by Norm, Wes, and Robby. Norm also brought back to the site two of the club riding cars where he rebuilt three trucks. Wes and Robby took the equipment around the railroad a couple of times to test everything out with success. Norm also reports he will be ordering parts to rebuild the remaining riding car trucks over the next couple of months.
Pictured is the truck broken on Saturday, September 4, 2021.
New Titan Trains Bettendorf Trucks with brakes being painted on Saturday, September 11, 2021
Reminder: Annual Boiler Inspection & Railroad Safety Check Day is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th at 8:30 a.m.
It’s that time of year again when our steam engines go through an annual inspection. The inspection is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th at 8:30 a.m. Please click the link below and let us know if you are planning on having your steam engine inspected?
The day is also our reopening safety check day. The plan is to give everyone a chance to brush off the dust on all our equipment and make sure we are ready for our first public run day in nearly two years. All members are encouraged to come out to the railroad and refresh our memory on how we operate during a run day especially since we have the new passenger line.
It’s that time of year again when our steam engines go through an annual inspection. The inspection is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th at 8:30 a.m. Please click the link below and let us know if you are planning on having your steam engine inspected?
https://us9.list-manage.com/survey?u=22f5b9585e7729d6e90c345de&id=d51b613118&e=*|UNIQID|*
Railroad Safety Check Day
The day is also our reopening safety check day. The plan is to give everyone a chance to brush off the dust on all our equipment and make sure we are ready for our first public run day in nearly two years. All members are encouraged to come out to the railroad and refresh our memory on how we operate during a run day especially since we have the new passenger line.
The following items will need to be reviewed:
Club Engines (Diesel / Steam Engine)
Riding Cars
Railroad (Track, Switches, Signals, etc.)
Run Day Supplies (Tents, signs, etc.)
Look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad on Saturday, September 18th.
Next Club Meeting Update
Our next regularly scheduled club meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 2nd. Because this is our first public run day in two years the board has decided to reschedule our next club meeting to another date. Stay tuned for an update.
Another busy workday recap for Saturday, September 11, 2021
Another busy workday around the railroad as we get another weekend closer to re-opening the railroad after nearly two years. Today’s work consisted of installing the fencing at the station, installing a drainpipe in the drive way, installing new insulators for signal system, gauge 1 guys worked on the track, and preparing the replacement truck for the sulky to round out just a few things done today.
Another busy workday around the railroad as we get another weekend closer to re-opening the railroad after nearly two years. Today’s work consisted of installing the fencing at the station, installing a drainpipe in the drive way, installing new insulators for signal system, gauge 1 guys worked on the track, and preparing the replacement truck for the sulky to round out just a few things done today. A few members of the crew also spent time identifying what is needed to start work on the “Grandma” line which includes build a curved switch. The crew consisted of Wes, John, Scott, Norm, Ben, Rick, “Bob”, Dave E., Tyler, Calvin, Carl, and others.
The crew installed more than 120’ of fencing to help mark off the new station loading area just in time for the railroad to re-open on October 2nd.
A new drain was installed today to help drain off excess rainwater from the loading area out towards the east loop. A new catch basis is also in the works so be on the lookout for the cones on the east side of the driveway.
Last week the truck under the sulky finally wore out and a new sulky arrive today with brakes and getting a paint job before getting installed under the sulking in the coming days.
Who's interested in learning how to operate the club steamer? Classes are starting soon.
Beginning on Saturday, September 25th Bob Cummings will be conducting classes on learning how to operate the club steamer. The objective of the classes will be to train members to operate the club steamer and pull passengers. The Board of Directors has limited the use of the club steamer to club events. Space is limited two or three candidates, so call me and reserve a spot.
Beginning on Saturday, September 25th Bob Cummings will be conducting classes on learning how to operate the club steamer. Here is a note from Bob regarding the classes:
The objective of the classes will be to train members to operate the club steamer and pull passengers. The Board of Directors has limited the use of the club steamer to club events. Space is limited two or three candidates, so call me and reserve a spot. A second series of classes will be held if interest warrants. I expect the classes will last two or three Saturdays. I expect to have three types of students: Members with steam engine experience who need to get checked out on the club steamer. Members with non-steam experience but experience pulling public trains. And members who have no experience running a steam engine and no experience pulling public trains. All are welcome.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Bob Cummings
Annual Boiler Inspection is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th at 8:30 a.m.
It’s that time of year again when our steam engines go through an annual inspection. The inspection is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th at 8:30 a.m.
It’s that time of year again when our steam engines go through an annual inspection. The inspection is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th at 8:30 a.m. Please click the link below and let us know if you are planning on having your steam engine inspected?
https://us9.list-manage.com/survey?u=22f5b9585e7729d6e90c345de&id=d51b613118&e=*|UNIQID|*
For our non-steam engine members Saturday, September 18th is also our reopening safety check day. The plan is to give everyone a chance to brush off the dust on all our equipment and make sure we are ready for our first public run day in nearly two years. All members are encouraged to come out to the railroad and refresh our memory on how we operate during a run day especially since we have the new passenger line.
The following items will need to be reviewed:
Club Engines (Diesel / Steam Engine)
Riding Cars
Railroad (Track, Switches, Signals, etc.)
Run Day Supplies (Tents, signs, etc.)
Look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad on Saturday, September 18th.
The Pre-Pre Public Run Day Workday Scheduled for Saturday, September 11th at 8:30 a.m.
Now that the passenger line is complete we shift our attention to checking the rest of the railroad for any needed maintenance around the railroad and the property.
Now that the passenger line is complete we shift our attention to checking the rest of the railroad for any needed maintenance around the railroad and the property. Here is a list of items that we will need to work on:
Track inspection and repair (not just marking but repairing) - check for gaps in rail, rail joiners, check and oil switches for operation, make sure all frog guards are free of debris, check track alignment
Ant & Wasp check - treat for ants and make sure any wasp nests in common areas are removed.
Property Clean up - clean up sticks, rocks, grass cutting, fence repair, and clean up anything that makes the property not look as good as it should.
Breeseway - Clean up sticks, gutters, and other items around this area
Gauge 1 clean up - grass cutting inside the circle area
Construction material - All construction material should be picked up and put in its proper place
Install fencing near new passenger station area
As a reminder our Annual Boiler inspection is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th at 8:30 a.m. Please click the link below and let us know if you are planning on having your steam engine inspected?
https://us9.list-manage.com/survey?u=22f5b9585e7729d6e90c345de&id=d51b613118&e=*|UNIQID|*
The passenger line is now complete - Workday recap for Saturday, September 4, 2021
What an incredible day. After 42 workdays over 14 months of work the passenger line is now complete. Today’s crew consisted of Wes, Gene, “Bob2”, Scott, Norm, David E., and Robby installed the last 55’ of track.
What an incredible day. After 42 workdays over 14 months of work the passenger line is now complete. Today’s crew consisted of Wes, Gene, “Bob2”, Scott, Norm, David E., and Robby installed the last 55’ of track. They also cleaned up some areas with additional gravel and fill to reduce any drainage issues in the area. Next on the list of to-do’s includes grade crossing lights at the pedestrian crossing along with a switch motor for the station bypass track.
Scott was able to capture the last buck of 57 being dumped on the passenger line project as the crew put the finishing touches on the project. Not sure why Norm is scratching his head other than maybe thinking about what the next project will be.
David E. and Robby took the first ride on the completed passenger line all the way through the new station area. They looked like two kids in a candy store. Just saying.
We did run into an issue with the club diesel towards the end of the day. Let’s just say that the engine is fine but the truck under the sulky isn’t. One of the axles has warn to a point it came out of the side frame. Norm took the truck and is going to get it fixed until them just know the club diesel is not available until the sulky is fixed.
Workday recap for Thursday, September 2, 2021 - Only 6 more panels to complete the passenger line project
We had a rare workday during the week today as a small crew went out and finished ballasting, leveling, fixing drainage, and setting forms so the final 6 panels will go in easy during our next workday. The crew consisted of Ben, “Bob”, Peter, Dave E., Norm, Wes, and Robby. The crew focused on a few different areas throughout the day starting with finishing ballasting from the end of the passenger station area and worked towards the pedestrian crossing.
We had a rare workday during the week today as a small crew went out and finished ballasting, leveling, fixing drainage, and setting forms so the final 6 panels will go in easy during our next workday. The crew consisted of Ben, “Bob”, Peter, Dave E., Norm, Wes, and Robby. The crew focused on a few different areas throughout the day starting with finishing ballasting from the end of the passenger station area and worked towards the pedestrian crossing. They also worked on addressing some major drainage areas by the bridges as the most recent rain had washed out some area next to the bypass track again. Additional gravel was spread in other areas to help with drainage between the passenger line and the bypass track along with providing some better footing when people get on an off a train in the station area.
All in all, a very productive day which means that our next workday will complete the passenger line project and perform some track work on the bypass track.
On another note don’t forget that we have our annual boiler inspection and railroad safety check on Saturday, September 18th. Be on the look out for additional details. The railroad safety check is intended to change all railroad equipment and identify any track work that needs to be completed before our planned re-open on Saturday, October 2nd.
NGLS: Urgent Feedback Requested Regarding October 2nd Public Run Day
Many of you may have already seen the email that came out recently regarding needing your feedback regarding whether or not we should have the public run day. We are also needing to find out who is available to work the October 2nd event so we can see if we have enough volunteers to run the event including trains.
Many of you may have already seen the email that came out recently regarding needing your feedback regarding our public run day scheduled for Saturday, October 2nd. We need to know Yes or No to the day and if Yes who is available to volunteer during the run day. Please fill out the form below so we can make the appropriate decision.
Please only fill out the form if you have NOT already done so.
Checkout the latest steam engine to hit the rails during our club fun day on Saturday, August 28, 2021
Well in typical fashion our “Summer Nights” club fun run was more like a “Summer Daytime” club fun day. The day saw many familiar faces, trains, and a new Consolidation making its debut around the railroad. Here is a video of Gene and Joan taking the locomotive out on the railroad giving it a good workout. A few special engineers also got the opportunity to be an engineer and took it for a few laps around the railroad.
Well in typical fashion our “Summer Nights” club fun run was more like a “Summer Daytime” club fun day. The day saw many familiar faces, trains, and a new Consolidation making its debut around the railroad. Here is a video of Gene and Joan taking the locomotive out on the railroad giving it a good workout. A few members also got to be the engineer and took it for a few laps around the railroad.
1st Ever North Georgia Live Steamers Fall Meet - October 21st - 24th
The 1st EVER NGLS Fall Meet will be held Thursday, October 21st through Sunday October 24th. And you can be part of it! Additional details about the event will follow but for now here is what we have so far.
Time and date:
When: Thursday, October 21 - Sunday, October 24, 2021
Railroad Gauge(s): 7 1/2 & Gauge 1
Accommodations:
We have limited room for RV’s and trailers onsite however overflow space will be available at the RV parking area located at the Georgia International Horse Park facility which is about a mile down the road. For those wishing to stay in a hotel the Hawthorn Suites is directly across the street from the site. Other hotels are available in the area about 3 to 5 miles away.
Visiting Trains:
All locomotive types are welcome, but steam engines are required to have a hydro-static test. The test can be completed at the railroad with help from a NGLS member.
You may be receiving this as a duplicate but we apparently left some people off and wanted to make sure everyone is told about our first ever Fall meet. Details about the event are listed below.
The 1st EVER NGLS Fall Meet will be held Thursday, October 21st through Sunday October 24th. And you can be part of it! Additional details about the event will follow but for now here is what we have so far.
Time and date:
When: Thursday, October 21 - Sunday, October 24, 2021
Railroad Gauge(s): 7 1/2 & Gauge 1
Accommodations:
We have limited room for RV’s and trailers onsite however overflow space will be available at the RV parking area located at the Georgia International Horse Park facility which is about a mile down the road. For those wishing to stay in a hotel the Hawthorn Suites is directly across the street from the site. Other hotels are available in the area about 3 to 5 miles away.
Visiting Trains:
All locomotive types are welcome, but steam engines are required to have a hydro-static test. The test can be completed at the railroad with help from a NGLS member.
Railroad Layout
Passenger Line project workday recap for Saturday, August 21, 2021
This past Saturday, August 21st was another product workday. The crew which consisted of Rick, Ben, “Bob”, Gene, Scott, Norm, Tyler, and Robby where able to set forms for the remaining 170’ of track, crusher run for about 130’ feet and about 90’ of track. With the progress the crew made we are so very close to completing the passenger line project just in time for our re-opening plans for our first public run day in two years.
This past Saturday, August 21st was another product workday. The crew which consisted of Rick, Ben, “Bob”, Gene, Scott, Norm, Peter, Tyler, and Robby where able to set forms for the remaining 170’ of track, crusher run for about 130’ feet and about 90’ of track. With the progress the crew made we are so very close to completing the passenger line project just in time for our re-opening plans for our first public run day in two years.
Meanwhile, Scott continued to work on the new drain coming out the yard and filled in some washout we had with all the recent rains near the bridges.
With all that has been done one more workday with a good size crew would complete the passenger line project. Our next scheduled workday will be on Saturday, September 11th but one is being discussed for Saturday, September 4th so be on the lookout. Speaking of scheduled events our annual “Summer Night Run” for club members and invited guests will be on Saturday, August 28th.
1st Ever North Georgia Live Steamers Fall Meet - October 21st - 24th
The 1st EVER NGLS Fall Meet will be held Thursday, October 21st through Sunday October 24th. And you can be part of it! Additional details about the event will follow but for now here is what we have so far.
Time and date:
When: Thursday, October 21 - Sunday, October 24, 2021
Railroad Gauge(s): 7 1/2 & Gauge 1
Accommodations:
We have limited room for RV’s and trailers onsite however overflow space will be available at the RV parking area located at the Georgia International Horse Park facility which is about a mile down the road. For those wishing to stay in a hotel the Hawthorn Suites is directly across the street from the site. Other hotels are available in the area about 3 to 5 miles away.
Visiting Trains:
All locomotive types are welcome, but steam engines are required to have a hydro-static test. The test can be completed at the railroad with help from a NGLS member.
The 1st EVER NGLS Fall Meet will be held Thursday, October 21st through Sunday October 24th. And you can be part of it! Additional details about the event will follow but for now here is what we have so far.
Time and date:
When: Thursday, October 21 - Sunday, October 24, 2021
Railroad Gauge(s): 7 1/2 & Gauge 1
Accommodations:
We have limited room for RV’s and trailers onsite however overflow space will be available at the RV parking area located at the Georgia International Horse Park facility which is about a mile down the road. For those wishing to stay in a hotel the Hawthorn Suites is directly across the street from the site. Other hotels are available in the area about 3 to 5 miles away.
Visiting Trains:
All locomotive types are welcome, but steam engines are required to have a hydro-static test. The test can be completed at the railroad with help from a NGLS member.
Railroad Layout
Impromptu Workday recap for Saturday, August 14, 2021
On Saturday, August 14th we began the last 170’ of preparation work needed to complete the passenger line project. Gene, “Bob2”, Norm, and Robby came out to do grading work ahead of our next official workday which is on Saturday, August 21st. Dave E. was out, and he continued to work on making sure the new drain that was installed has a place to drain into the “dry pond” area under the bridges on the west end of the railroad. Dave and Dale also spent a little time looking at Dave’s locomotive in preparation of our annual club fun night event on August 28th.
On Saturday, August 14th we began the last 170’ of preparation work needed to complete the passenger line project. Gene, “Bob2”, Norm, and Robby came out to do grading work ahead of our next official workday which is on Saturday, August 21st. Dave E. was out, and he continued to work on making sure the new drain coming out of the yard had a good way to drain into the “dry pond” area under the bridges on the west end of the railroad. Dave E. and Dale also spent a little time working on Dave’s locomotive in preparation of our annual club fun night event which is scheduled for Saturday, August 28th.
Mark your calendars as we make a big push to complete the passenger line on Saturday, August 21st. Make sure you bring plenty of water, tools, a lunch, knee pads, and a great sense of humor. The weather is supposed to be a little cooler which should allow us to make some good progress.
One year in on the passenger line project and look at what has been accomplished
Back in July 2020 construction began on the passenger line with the installation of a switch leaving the yard on the west end of the railroad. Soon after a switch in the inner east loop and our first diamond was also installed. Fast forward to July 2021 with more than 30 weekends worked we have installed more than 1,400’ of rail, 1,590 railroad ties (give or take), 5,320 screws (give or take), more than 70 track panels, 6 switches, 60’ concrete grade crossing, 30’ pedestrian crossing, a diamond, and countless loads of gravel.
Back in July 2020 construction began on the passenger line with the installation of a switch leaving the yard on the west end of the railroad. Soon after a switch in the inner east loop and our first diamond was also installed. Fast forward to July 2021 with more than 30 weekends worked we have installed more than 1,400’ of rail, 1,590 railroad ties (give or take), 5,320 screws (give or take), more than 70 track panels, 6 switches, 60’ concrete grade crossing, 30’ pedestrian crossing, a diamond, and countless loads of gravel. This leaves us just 17 more panels to complete this project and the expansion of our mainline will be complete. A big thank you to all of you who have been able to come out and work throughout the year and a big thank you to those that could not come out but cheered us on we thank you.
As we near the completion of this project we also are closing in on our first public run day in nearly two years. We look forward to seeing many of you around the railroad over the next two months as we prepare to re-open the railroad and share our love for trains, the hobby, and more.
I hope you enjoy looking back over the past year at some of the pictures taken just to show how much has been done and how far we’ve come.
Workday recap for Saturday, August 7, 2021
Progress continues on the passenger line project. This past Saturday was a light workday with a lot of talking and planning prior to our August club meeting. After the meeting we had Robby, Calvin, Peter, Gene, Norm, and Scott install the deck boards for the pedestrian crossing. Planning for wiring for crossing electronics along with switch motor was also discussed during our time at the crossing.
Progress continues on the passenger line project. This past Saturday was a light workday with a lot of talking and planning prior to our August club meeting. After the meeting we had Robby, Calvin, Peter, Gene, Norm, and Scott install the deck boards for the pedestrian crossing. Planning for wiring for crossing electronics along with switch motor was also discussed during our time at the crossing.
Before work was done on the pedestrian crossing Bob C. took the club steamer around the railroad testing out the most recent pilot truck repairs. He then took the club steamer onto the passenger line make it the first steam engine to travel on the passenger line. Bob was happy to report that the steam engine is in good shape. Although he did put an asterisk by his recap stating its a steam engine it always needs something done to it. Check out the videos below to see the club steamer in action.
Don’t forget to checkout our events calendar for activities around the railroad and around the hobby regionally. Our next planned workday is scheduled for Saturday, August 21st with the annual Summer Nights Club fun day on Saturday, August 28th.
Club Fun Summer Nights Event - Saturday, August 28, 2021
Our summer club fun summer nights run event will be Saturday, August 28th. Come out in the afternoon and stay through the evening.
If you know someone who would like to visit the railroad and even bring a train, please have them visit our Club Fun Day page for more information.
As a note this is NOT a Public Run Day.
Our summer club fun summer nights run event will be Saturday, August 28th. Come out in the afternoon and stay through the evening.
If you know someone who would like to visit the railroad and even bring a train, please have them visit our Club Fun Day page for more information.
As a note this is NOT a Public Run Day.
Club Fun Day Schedule
Dreams Come True Railroad meet August 20 - 23rd
Our friend David Schleper has extended an invite to come out and visit Dreams Come True Railroad in Cassatt, South Carolina during a meet that will be August 20th through 23rd. The railroad has about 9,000 feet of track with other 30 switches, two trestles, a tunnel, turntable with steaming bays. Steaming bays have air, water, and electricity available. David also says the clubhouse is equipped with two bathrooms, a shower and RV’s or tents are welcome for those looking to stay over.
Our friend David Schleper has extended an invite to come out and visit Dreams Come True Railroad in Cassatt, South Carolina during a meet that will be August 20th through 23rd. The railroad has about 9,000 feet of track with other 30 switches, two trestles, a tunnel, turntable with steaming bays. Steaming bays have air, water, and electricity available. David also says the clubhouse is equipped with two bathrooms, a shower and RV’s or tents are welcome for those looking to stay over.
Railroad Location
2164 Beaver Dam Road
Cassatt, SC, 29032
Contact Information
David Schelper
Phone: 732 691 0042