Workday Recap for Saturday, August 8, 2020 - Container Clean out and more was the focus of the day
This year has been full of workdays and this past Saturday, August 8th was no different. The day consisted of work on the club steamer, retaining wall, and container clean-out.
This year has been full of workdays and this past Saturday, August 8th marked yet another day of work around the railroad. The group consisted of Norm, Elijah, Scott, Gene, Dan, Bob C., John, and Bill. Bob worked on the club steamer including making a list of some additional repair work needed. Additional railroad ties installed on the new retaining wall coming out of the woods. Dan transferred his locomotive from one trailer to another. Rumor has it that an additional locomotive maybe in the works so he can MU his locomotives during run days. Speculations are he will increase his passenger hauling capabilities plus about 100 coal cars for the coal fired steam engines. We shall see. The rest of the crew worked on extensive cleaning of the red container and newly extended gray container. All of the run day material has now been moved to the new 20’ container extension.
Additional work in the gray container is still needed. One of the items still needed includes putting the additional steel rail on the floor in the original container. The rail has been moved the gray container and with a little bit of work the rail can be installed.
Finally, it has been reported that a good time was had by all but not sure about the accuracy of the rumor. Our next official workday is Saturday, August 15th.
Moving Rail In Style
60-foot Container View
Grinding work on the 20-foot container extension
Workday Recap for August 1, 2020- Big workday with construction of a retaining wall and club meeting
Today marks the 21st workday of the year. It is amazing all that has taken place during these crazy times. This past Saturday was another busy day with grass cutting, cutting the center out of the gray container, construction of a 70-foot retaining wall, club meeting, and a whole lot more. We also had a couple of our new members stop by to do work and get introduced to other club members.
Today marks the 21st workday of the year. It is amazing all that has taken place during these crazy times. This past Saturday was another busy day with grass cutting, cutting the center out of the gray container, construction of a 70-foot retaining wall, club meeting, and a whole lot more. We also had a couple of our new members stop by to do work and get introduced to other club members.
Our next regularly scheduled workday is Saturday, August 15th. Between now and then we do have a need to start organizing the now 60-foot container which also includes installing about 80-feet of flat bar on the container floor, organizing run day items, and more. If you are available to do work on the container during the week or weekend please send an email letting us know.
Speaking of things to do if you are interested in building track panels, we need of between 30 - 40 straight panels to be built which will be used on the passenger line project. We have a fixture and supplies at the site ready to go. If you are interested in building panels please email for additional details.
Retaining Wall Construction
The installation of the retaining wall is to help address a change to the railroad recently that now places more traffic near the tree line which has a drop off.
Other pictures from the day
If you have pictures you’d like to share make sure you send them to newsletter@northgeorgialivesteamers.org.
Two have become one
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.
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.
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.
Form installed and concrete poured for the container extension project
Another step closer to completing the container extension project with the installation of the form for the bridge to rest on. Now just need to wait for it to dry and install bracket for bridge and track to attach to.
Another step closer to completing the container extension project with the installation of the form for the bridge to rest on. Now just need to wait for it to dry and install bracket for bridge and track to attach to.
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.
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.
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.
Workday Recap for Saturday, May 23, 2020- Work continues on ash pit line and container project
Another great workday at the railroad as we get another day closer to getting the long awaited 20-foot container installed. Today we completed a retaining wall nearly 80-feet in length and prepared the area for a 20-foot container to be installed in the coming days.
Another great workday at the railroad as we get another day closer to getting the long awaited 20-foot container installed. Today we completed a retaining wall nearly 80-feet in length and prepared the area for a 20-foot container to be installed in the coming days. The crew today included Joe, Elijah, Ben, “Bob”, Robby, Norm, Calvin, and Bob C. Wayne also stopped by to drop off a part for the club steamers and visit with everyone before the heat rolled in. Next step is to schedule the container to be delivered and then the next round of fun begins. Be on the lookout for future workday to get the container set and attached.
May 16, 2020 Workday Recap
We had a last minute workday come up this past Saturday. The workday crew focused on repairing a yard switch, east loop siding, mowed the grass, got the club riding mower running, and mapped out how the 20-foot container is going to be placed. Be on the lookout for a workday to be scheduled soon which will be focused on building a retaining wall and preparing the ground for the container.
We had a last-minute workday come up this past Saturday. This past Saturday’s crew included Elijah, Dan C, Joe, Ben, “Bob”, Gene, Norm, and Robby. The crew focused on repairing a yard switch, east loop siding, mowed the grass, got the club riding mower running, and mapped out how the 20-foot container is going to be placed. One of the highlights of the day was when “Bob” helped move the container a whopping 4 inches in order to better align things for the 20-foot container extension. Be on the lookout for a workday to be scheduled soon which will be focused on building a retaining wall and preparing the ground for the container.
Workday Recap for Saturday, May 9, 2020
It was a big day for the railroad. We completed the ash pit track providing an easy access for our coal fired steam engines to clean out and a second way off the turn table.
It was a big day for the railroad. We completed the ash pit track providing an easy access for our coal fired steam engines to clean out and a second way off the turn table. Working hard today included Wes, Scott, Ben, “Bob”, Elijah, Robby, Norm, Calvin, David E, and more. Dan C. also stopped by to do a little work on his locomotive and went around the railroad a couple of times. The next thing on our radar is to install the new 20-foot storage container, grade crossing, and a few more track panels. Be on the lookout for more details on our next workday.
Speaking of our next workday we are in need of having the grass cut again soon. If you are able to get get to the site with a riding lawnmower the property could use a good haircut.
Workday Recap Saturday, May 2, 2020
This past Saturday six club members (Wes, Gene, Norm, Calvin, Ben, and Robby) went to the site and worked on installing two switches and nearly 70 feet of track. The new track is for the ash pit line and storage container project.
This past Saturday six club members (Wes, Gene, Norm, Calvin, Ben, and Robby) went to the site and worked on installing two switches and nearly 70 feet of track. The new track is for the ash pit line and storage container project. The ash pit line will also give us a second route on and off the turn table. Over the next couple of workdays, the plan is to complete the ash pit line and begin to prepare the area for the 20-foot container extension. Be on the lookout for details around our next workday. We also will need to get the grass cut again in the next couple of weeks. If you have a riding lawn mower and can transport it to the site, it would help reduce the amount of time to cut the grass. Repairs to the club riding lawn mower will be completed soon.
Workday Recap for Saturday, April 25, 2020
This past Saturday, April 25th, while practicing social distancing, a few members went out to the site and started the cleanup process of cutting grass, weed eating, and tripping over huge ant hills. The grass was nearly 2 feet tall in a few places especially since it was early March since we have been out to the site to do any work. Upon arrival an issue was found with the pump station (lift station) which led to the fire department being called. All is well and it appears everything is pumping again.
This past Saturday, April 25th, while practicing social distancing, a few members went out to the site and started the cleanup process of cutting grass, weed eating, and tripping over huge ant hills. The grass was nearly 2 feet tall in a few places especially since it was early March since we have been out to the site to do any work. Upon arrival an issue was found with the pump station (lift station) which led to the fire department being called. All is well and it appears everything is pumping again. Norm spent a few minutes talking with a couple of the firefighters who mentioned his kids love to come out and ride trains. It was kind of ironic since Saturday was supposed to be a public ride day.
The club lawnmower needs a little help before our next workday. Robby and Wes got the lawnmower started but after a couple of minutes of running and white puff of smoke the lawnmower stopped. After opening things up and removing a mouse nest they tried again, and it started but again white puff of smoke. They tabled the repair and went back to weed eating the property while Norm took his riding lawnmower and cut the grass for hours. When it was all said and done Norm and Robby did decide that Wes was the king of the string trimmer since he not only trimmed around the property but nearly finished the east loop by the Gauge 1 railroad.
On Sunday, April 26th Dave E. went out and encouraged the ants to leave the property as soon as possible. We would have to see if they took the encourage, he left behind.
A big thanks to the members that made it out and look forward to getting together as a group one day soon. We are looking forward to having a club fun day as soon things get back to normal.
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.
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.
