Workday Recap for Saturday, March 18th
What an incredible day around the railroad during our March 18th workday. The day start out a little cold, ok just above freezing cold, as John, Robby, and Scott positioning track panels for container number four while Rick, Gene, and Norm did a little planning on the shop container project. Wes joined in on the fun with the container crew as they removed a switch from the mainline, which was the old red container switch near the main grade crossing. Norm and Gene removed the rest of the cross over switch from the mainline that was used to get to the middle of the steaming siding near the water tower. The crew then took the switches and rebuilt them before reinstalling them for the container number for track. The crew also ballasted the panels as the day ended.
What an incredible day around the railroad during our March 18th workday. The day start out a little cold, ok just above freezing cold, as John, Robby, and Scott positioning track panels for container number four while Rick, Gene, and Norm did a little planning on the shop container project. Wes joined in on the fun with the container crew as they removed a switch from the mainline, which was the old red container switch near the main grade crossing. Norm and Gene removed the rest of the cross over switch from the mainline that was used to get to the middle of the steaming siding near the water tower. The crew then took the switches and rebuilt them before reinstalling them for the container number for track. The crew also ballasted the panels as the day ended.
Progress made on container track project during our Saturday workday
The day started out a little cold but quickly warmed up as the Saturday work crew began arriving. The crew consisted of Norm, Gene, Robby, Rick, Thomas, David E., and Dave L. Most of the crew spent the first few hours collecting already built track panels from around the railroad that will be used for the container project along with doing some track repairs in the east loop. Dave L. hung another bracket for the second signal head which puts us another step closer to our first permanent set of signal heads. The track crew pulled out a switch from the steaming siding and reinstalled it for the container track.
The day started out a little cold but quickly warmed up as the Saturday work crew began arriving. The crew consisted of Norm, Gene, Robby, Rick, Thomas, David E., and Dave L. Most of the crew spent the first few hours collecting already built track panels from around the railroad that will be used for the container #4 project along with doing some track repairs in the east loop. The track crew also rebuilt a switch that came from the late Charlie Glass home railroad, thank you to John Tucker for donating the track to the club, allowing the legacy of Charlie to continue at our railroad. Dave L. hung another bracket for the second signal head which puts us a step closer to our first permanent set of signal heads. The track crew pulled out a switch from the steaming siding and reinstalled it for the container track.
Coming up for the club is our second “Almost Monthly Club Fun Day” on Saturday, March 4th. Weather permitting it will be a fun time to dust things off and come out and enjoy the railroad. Run trains or do work around the railroad it is member day around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite friends and family to enjoy the day with you.
Midweek workday this past Wednesday, November 9th
This past Wednesday a small crew go together to install the signal mast that Dave Levy is working on restoring along with moving the mill that Ethel Nicol’s donated to the club. The group consisted of Ben, Rick, Norm, Wes, Gene, “Bob 2”, Dave L. and Robby. While Ben, Rick, and Norm loaded up the mill at Norm’s shop the crew waiting at the site, Wes, Dave L, Gene, and Robby, worked on the signal mast, and spreading some dirt and gravel for the member container project.
This past Wednesday a small crew go together to install the signal mast that Dave Levy is working on restoring along with moving the mill that Ethel Nicol’s donated to the club. The group consisted of Ben, Rick, Norm, Wes, Gene, “Bob 2”, Dave L. and Robby. While Ben, Rick, and Norm loaded up the mill at Norm’s shop the crew waiting at the site, Wes, Dave L, Gene, and Robby, worked on the signal mast, and spreading some dirt and gravel for the member container project.
Once the crew arrived with the mill it was time to get the mill off the trailer and set inside the shop container. The team made it look easy with the help of Rick, Ben, Gene, and “Bob 2”. Now that the mill is in place it’s time to start working on welding the containers together and convert the containers into shop space.
While Gene and “Bob 2” were at the site they took time to clean up the driveway and the new drain that was installed earlier this year. Now the water should flow nicely into the drain and into the east field and the member container has some needed dirt and crusher run. Next step is to start building switches and track panels so the container can get completed during the off season.
Long Lost Workday and Project News from August through October
Over the past month or so we’ve had a lot of activity around the railroad. From working on our next member container, driveway drain, run day preparation and even preparing for the installation of a restored railroad signal head. Here are a few pictures to highlight some of the activities.
A special thanks to all of the club members who have volunteered to make these project happen.
Over the past couple of months, we’ve had a lot of activity around the railroad. From working on our next member container, driveway drain, run day preparation and even preparing for the installation of a restored railroad signal head. Here are a few pictures to highlight some of the activities.
A special thanks to all of the club members who have volunteered to make these project happen.
August brought tall grass, really tall grass, more work on the member container, installation of drain in driveway, and more.
On Wednesday, September 28th the forms were put in and concrete poured for the pier what will be used to bridge the gap between the container and the railroad for member container #4.
On Saturday, October 8th “Bob” brought in some extra help with his buddy the Yellow Truck to move some dirt and rocks around while the crew continued work on the member container project.
On Tuesday, October 11th we are now a step closer to a full-size signal head as Dave Levy mixed and poured the concrete for the foundation.
Recap of an impromptu morning work session on Wednesday, July 27th
With all the heat and some rain over the past few of week’s progress on the next member container had slowed but things got back on track over the past week. Last week Bill Cross from Shepphard Trucking delivered gravel but could not be dumped in the location of the container because of ground conditions. Fast forward to yesterday Wes went out and compacted and smoothed out the area the gravel needs to be spread so today Bill Cross could come out and spread gravel. The next step for the container is to schedule the delivery and then the real fun begins. On Tuesday, Wes also dug out around the driveway drain so we can get the drain cover installed.
With all the heat and some rain over the past few of week’s progress on the next member container had slowed but things got back on track over the past week. Last week Bill Cross from Shepphard Trucking delivered gravel but could not be dumped in the location of the container because of ground conditions. Fast forward to yesterday Wes went out and compacted and smoothed out the area the gravel needs to be spread so today Bill Cross could come out and spread gravel. The next step for the container is to schedule the delivery and then the real fun begins. On Tuesday, Wes also dug out around the driveway drain so we can get the drain cover installed.
Workday recap for both Saturday, July 9th and July 16th
Over the past two weekends a couple of different work crews went to the site to continue work on the next member container. On Saturday, July 9th the crew with help from Gene and his trusty bobcat did grading work in the for the new container, even with a little early rain, in preparation of gravel in the next week or so. Wes topped off the work during the week by marking off the general placement of the container. Then on Saturday, July 16th the plan had been to cut grass but since Wes came out on Thursday and took care of that, so the work crew ended up building much needed switch templates to make it a little easier to visualize future track placement. Coming up over the next couple of weeks the gravel will be delivered, and the container will be set.
Over the past two weekends a couple of different work crews went to the site to continue work on the next member container. On Saturday, July 9th the crew with help from Gene and his trusty bobcat did grading work in the for the new container, even with a little early rain, in preparation of gravel in the next week or so. Wes topped off the work during the week by marking off the general placement of the container. Then on Saturday, July 16th the plan had been to cut grass but since Wes came out on Thursday and took care of that, so the work crew ended up building much needed switch templates to make it a little easier to visualize future track placement. Coming up over the next couple of weeks the gravel will be delivered, and the container will be set.
Impromptu Workday recap for Saturday, May 28th
A small crew went to the site this past weekend to take out some trees in preparation of the next member container. The crew consisted of Wes, Brandon, Norm, Ben, and “Bob”. Some more work is still needed to finish preparing the site, but the guys are getting close. The crew will be looking for some help building track panels in the coming weeks along with figuring out exactly how the track will be laid out. More details to come.
A small crew went to the site this past weekend to take out some trees in preparation of the next member container. The crew consisted of Wes, Brandon, Norm, Ben, and “Bob”. Some more work is still needed to finish preparing the site, but the guys are getting close. The crew will be looking for some help building track panels in the coming weeks along with figuring out exactly how the track will be laid out. More details to come.
The first workday of 2022 is in the books. What a productive day.
The first workday of the 2022 season is in the books. The crew spent the day installing about 200 feet of track and two switches for the next member container. The crew consisted of Calvin, John T., Norm, Ben, “Bob”, David E., Thomas K., Gene, Robby, Rick, Wes, and Andrew. The day went well even with the normal heckling and second guess what we were doing. By the end of the day things came together well and this project is now about 90% complete.
The first workday of the 2022 season is in the books. The crew spent the day installing about 200 feet of track and two switches for the next member container. The crew consisted of Calvin, John T., Norm, Ben, “Bob”, David E., Thomas K., Gene, Robby, Rick, Wes, and Andrew. The day went well even with the normal heckling and second guess what we were doing. By the end of the day things came together well and this project is now about 90% complete.
The next official workday is planned for Saturday, March 12th at 8:30 a.m. The plans for the day are being finalized but most likely will do clean up around the properly, organize the containers, perform track maintenance and more.
Trains! Trains! Trains! 2022 - Weekend Recap
This past weekend, Saturday, January 29th and Sunday, January 30th, North Georgia Live Steamers displayed at the Trains, Trains, Trains! event at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw. What an incredible event giving us the opportunity to meet so many people interested in history and learn about our hobby. The museum was so generous to give us a space that was in the main walkway providing us to meet many of the more than 2,000 visitors. A big thanks to the museum staff, organizers, and NGLS club members for displaying and working the booth.
This past weekend, Saturday, January 29th and Sunday, January 30th, North Georgia Live Steamers displayed at the Trains, Trains, Trains! event at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw. What an incredible event giving us the opportunity to meet so many people interested in history and learn about our hobby. The museum was so generous to give us a space that was in the main walkway providing us to meet many of the more than 2,000 visitors. A big thanks to the museum staff, organizers, and NGLS club members for displaying and working the booth.
We look forward to seeing so many of our new friends at the railroad this year during one of our four train ride days. For those interested in learning how to get involved with us during one of our many workday activities and open house events please feel free to contact us to learn more.
Container delivery for new shop and member container delivered
Friday, November 19th marked another exciting day around the railroad as we took delivery of two more containers and placement of two existing containers. We now have placed three of the four containers in the spot of our new club workshop and the remaining container has been placed in the member container area. The work crew today consisted of Gene, “Bob2”, Rick, “Bob Jr.”, Norm, Wes, Calvin, and Scott. Next step is to begin working on the shop and member container which will most likely be our winter project.
Friday, November 19th marked another exciting day around the railroad as we took delivery of two more containers and placement of two existing containers. We now have placed three of the four containers in the spot of our new club workshop and the remaining container has been placed in the member container area. The work crew today consisted of Gene, “Bob2”, Rick, “Bob Jr.”, Norm, Wes, Calvin, John T. and Scott. Next step is to begin working on the shop and member container which will most likely be our winter project.
Shop container delivery and placement workday on Friday, November 19th
The day has finally come to take delivery and place containers that will become part of our shop and a member container. We will be placing three 40’ containers side by side and then place a 40’ high cube next to the member container area on the railroad. Bring tools, lunch, water, and a good sense of humor we are probably going to need all we can get as thing come together.
The day has finally come to take delivery and place containers that will become part of our shop and a member container. We will be placing three 40’ containers side by side and then place a 40’ high cube next to the member container area on the railroad. Bring tools, lunch, water, and a good sense of humor we are probably going to need all we can get as thing come together.
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.
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.
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.
"Bring A Friend" workday recap for Saturday, July 24, 2021
Our “Bring A Friend” workday on Saturday, July 24th was very productive. The crew which consisted of Ben, “Bob”, Gene, Norm, Calvin, Wes, Scott, David E, and special guests Eric and Bradley. The crew worked on connecting the east end to the gate crossing extending the passenger line nearly 200-feet plus added an additional 40-feet on the west side of the new man crossing allowing the crew to set the switch for the station bypass track. This leaves only 75-feet of track to finish the passenger line station bypass track and an additional 125-feet to complete the passenger line.
Our “Bring A Friend” workday on Saturday, July 24th was very productive. The first part of the crew arrived at about 6:45 a.m. with the rest arriving at our normal time of around 8:30 a.m. Check out the pictures below to see who the early risers where. A little hint. Two of them have four legs. The crew consisted of Ben, “Bob”, Gene, Norm, Calvin, Wes, Scott, David E, and special guests Eric and Bradley. The crew worked on connecting the east end of the new passenger line to the new gate crossing extending the passenger line nearly 200-feet then the crew added an additional 40-feet on the west side of the new man crossing. This allowed them to figure out the switch placement for the bypass. Once the switch is in place, we will have 75-feet of track to finish on the bypass and an additional 125-feet to connect the mainline at the station completing the passenger line project.
From the pictures you can see the crew also rented an excavator to help with the digging trenches to improve drainage in a couple of areas around the property. The crew installed drainage on the far west side of the yard heading towards the station and with pipe donated by our friend Bill Cross drainage was also installed in the unloading head out into the east loop area of the property.
Wes and Norm went back on Sunday to do some extra excavating. They focused on digging the two foundation areas for the shop containers and took care of a drainage issue around the pump station by rerouting the excess water that runs out of the pump so it will go down the hill and not into the driveway. This will help dry out the area so our next member container can be delivered.
The next scheduled workday will be on Saturday, August 7th with the focus being connecting the passenger line bypass and work on installing the deck boards for the man crossing. Be on the lookout for additional information as we get closer.
Workday recap for Saturday, July 10, 2021 (before the rain)
Another productive day was had this past Saturday, at least before it started raining around 2 p.m. The crew consisted of Norm, Ben, a healthier “Bob”, Calvin, Wes, David E., Scott, and Bob C. They split up and took care of a few things including the 50-foot section of track that needs to be finished to connect the east loop with the gate crossing. Wes took care of cutting most of the grass while Bob C. spent time with the club steamer making sure she was feeling good. Scott also took time to clean the rust of the gate crossing rail and treated it with a product that should keep it looking good for a while.
Another productive day was on Saturday, at least before it started raining around 2 p.m. The crew consisted of Norm, Ben, a healthier “Bob”, Calvin, Wes, David E., Scott, and Bob C. They split up and took care of a few things including working on a nearly 50-foot span to connect the east look with the gate crossing. Wes took care of cutting most of the grass while Bob C. spent time with the club steamer making sure she was feeling well. Scott also took time to clean the rust of the gate crossing rail and treated it with a product that should keep it looking good for a while.
The crew was also able to checkout some of the project on the “Grandma Line” that will allow train travel through the woods instead of the year in the future.
Our next official workday is Saturday, July 24th when we hope to finish attaching the east loop and begin laying forms to the bypass track and passenger line heading west towards the station.
Passenger Line workday recap for Saturday, June 19, 2021
What a great turn out we had today including the rain. The morning started earlier than normal as the crew started arriving before 8 a.m. and went right to work to connect the last fifty feet of track at the man crossing. Scott and David E. spent time on address future drainage needs closer to the station area by digging a trench for a drainage pipe.
What a great turn out we had today including the rain. The morning started earlier than normal as the crew started arriving before 8 a.m. and went right to work to connect the last fifty feet of track at the man crossing. Scott and David E. spent time on address future drainage needs closer to the station area by digging a trench for a drainage pipe. Just as the last bit of ballast was spread it began to sprinkle. The crew cleaned up and had lunch and decided to stop for the day. This leaves us just fifty feet short of connecting the east loop to the gate crossing which leaves us about 200-feet to complete the passenger line. The crew today consisted of Wes, Gene, “Bob2”, Norm, Rick, Peter, Robby, David E., Scott and special guest Chris P. and his family. The crew also decided how the decking for the man crossing will look and plan to get that portion installed in the coming weeks as well.
While our next official workday is not until Saturday, July 10th we are talking about a mini workday at the site to finish connecting the east loop to the grade crossing before then. Be on the lookout for a mini-workday announcement in the next week or so.
Impromptu Workday recap for Saturday, June 12th - Transition from "Big Dig" to passenger line
What a difference just a couple of weeks make. We now have a new 60-foot gate grade crossing at the main entrance to the property which is part of the new passenger line. The crew, which consisted of Wes, Norm, Gene, “Bob"2”, Scott, Robby, and Calvin, spent the day working on finishing the grade crossing grading and packed in about 120-feet of crusher run in the forms between the gate crossing and the man crossing. The crew also installed about 70-feet of track between the crossings.
What a difference just a couple of weeks make. We now have a new 60-foot gate grade crossing at the main entrance to the property which is part of the new passenger line. The crew, which consisted of Wes, Norm, Gene, “Bob"2”, Scott, Robby, and Calvin, spent the day working on finishing the grade crossing grading and packed in about 120-feet of crusher run in the forms between the gate crossing and the man crossing. The crew also installed about 70-feet of track between the crossings.
During all the work we did have a small incident between “Bob2”, a shovel, and a rake. While the rake only had minor bruises the shovel on the other hand did not fare as well. Medical attention was requested but not sure what the final diagnosis will be for the shovel.
Meanwhile, Wes went crazy and tackled grass cutting, weed eating the fence, and more. Calvin also marked the first official car across the gate crossing. Our next official workday will be this Saturday, June 19th at 8:30 a.m. The focus of the day will be to finish laying track to the man crossing and connect the east loop to the gate crossing. Should be a great day with some real progress. We look forward to seeing everyone. Make sure you bring plenty of water, sunscreen, lunch, and a good sense of humor.
