Public Run Day Recap for Saturday, October 7, 2023 (Members Recap)
What an incredible day we had this past Saturday. The day started out with beautiful weather and friends from Georgia Garden Railway Society (GGRS) stopping by not only to spend some time with us but to feed us lunch before our big day. We received some great pictures from our Gauge-1 setup from Dan Long, who visited with his family and shared some great photos of there stay. He shared on Facebook the following “We went to North Georgia Live Steamers today and Ezra had a blast. He asked if he could help and Mark showed him how to run an actual steam engine.” Moments like this is what allows the hobby to live on.
We had posts like this all over social media yesterday and the smiles are not possible without each of our members who came out to make the day such a success. For those wondering about the numbers we gave 722 rides plus about 50 rides for GGRS. Based on historical numbers Saturday was our largest public run day to date for our railroad.
In just a couple of weeks our Fall Meet will take place and we need to hear from you regarding your plans for the meet. This will also help us with making sure we have enough food for Saturday’s lunch. Please use the link below to let us know - https://tinyurl.com/2023fallmeetmembers
What an incredible day we had this past Saturday. The day started out with beautiful weather and friends from Georgia Garden Railway Society (GGRS) stopping by not only to spend some time with us but to feed us lunch before our big day. We received some great pictures from our Gauge-1 setup from Dan Long, who visited with his family and shared some great photos of there stay. He shared on Facebook the following “We went to North Georgia Live Steamers today and Ezra had a blast. He asked if he could help and Mark showed him how to run an actual steam engine.” Moments like this is what allows the hobby to live on.
We had posts like this all over social media yesterday and the smiles are not possible without each of our members who came out to make the day such a success. For those wondering about the numbers we gave 722 rides plus about 50 rides for GGRS. Based on historical numbers Saturday was our largest public run day to date for our railroad.
In just a couple of weeks our Fall Meet will take place and we need to hear from you regarding your plans for the meet. This will also help us with making sure we have enough food for Saturday’s lunch. Please use the link below to let us know - https://tinyurl.com/2023fallmeetmembers
Video provided by Mike Dreskell
Videos from Dan Long and family
C&O 701 Running at Mid-South Live Steamers September 30 - October 1, 2023
C&O 701 went to Columbia, TN for the Fall meet and operated a couple of days. Here are a couple of short videos of her time at Mid-South Live Steamers.
C&O 701 went to Columbia, TN for the Fall meet and operated a couple of days. Here are a few pictures and a couple of short videos of her time at Mid-South Live Steamers.
Don't forget to register for the 2023 NGLS Fall Meet October 19th through 22nd
The Fall Meet is fast approaching. Make sure you mark your calendar and register a spot for our annual Fall meet, which is scheduled for Thursday, October 19th through Sunday, October 22nd. We have also coordinated group rate discounts at area hotels for those that will be staying in the area.
La Quinta Inn & Suites (5.2 miles) - 1184 Dogwood Drive SE, Conyers, Georgia 30012 (Click the hotel link for group rate. Reservations must be made by October 5th)
Courtyard Atlanta Conyers (5 miles) -1337 Old Covington Highway SE, Conyers, GA, 30013 (Click the hotel link for group rate. Reservations must be made by September 19th. May need to call hotel to see if they will honor the rate past the date above.)
Hampton Inn (5 miles) - 1340 Dogwood Drive SE, Conyers, GA 30013 (Click the hotel link for group rate. Reservations must be made by October 5, 2023)
For any additional questions please feel free to reach out to Peter Craymer or Robby Mossman for more details.
Note: Club Fun Days and the Fall Meet are NOT public run day events. These days are reserved for our group to enjoy the railroad with friends, family, invited guests, and those in the hobby.
The Fall Meet is fast approaching. Make sure you mark your calendar and register a spot for our annual Fall meet, which is scheduled for Thursday, October 19th through Sunday, October 22nd. We have also coordinated group rate discounts at area hotels for those that will be staying in the area.
La Quinta Inn & Suites (5.2 miles) - 1184 Dogwood Drive SE, Conyers, Georgia 30012 (Click the hotel link for group rate. Reservations must be made by October 5th)
Courtyard Atlanta Conyers (5 miles) -1337 Old Covington Highway SE, Conyers, GA, 30013 (Click the hotel link for group rate. Reservations must be made by September 19th. May need to call hotel to see if they will honor the rate past the date above.)
Hampton Inn (5 miles) - 1340 Dogwood Drive SE, Conyers, GA 30013 (Click the hotel link for group rate. Reservations must be made by October 5, 2023)
For any additional questions please feel free to reach out to Peter Craymer or Robby Mossman for more details.
Note: Club Fun Days and the Fall Meet are NOT public run day events. These days are reserved for our group to enjoy the railroad with friends, family, invited guests, and those in the hobby.
Come ride trains this Saturday, October 7th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive again this Saturday, October 7th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The volunteers have been hard at work making improvements to the railroad and working on a few rail cars along. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
The railroad comes alive again this Saturday, October 7th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The volunteers have been hard at work making improvements to the railroad and working on a few rail cars along. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
Come prepare the railroad this Saturday, September 30th starting at 8:30 a.m. as we prepare for our next run day
Come out and help prepare the property for our next public run day. Workday is this Saturday, September 30th starting at 8:30 a.m. The focus of the day will be to prepare the railroad and equipment for our next run day. The grass will need to be cut, fence line will need weed eating and more. Make sure you bring proper tools to do both yard work and railroad maintenance. Make sure you walk the railroad and look for any gaps in the railroad that need to be repaired and make sure you take care of it. Make sure the switches are also oiled so they work properly during our run day. Make sure you bring lunch, drinks, and a good sense of humor for the day.
Come out and help prepare the property for our next public run day. Workday is this Saturday, September 30th starting at 8:30 a.m. The focus of the day will be to prepare the railroad and equipment for our next run day. The grass will need to be cut, fence line will need weed eating and more. Make sure you bring proper tools to do both yard work and railroad maintenance. Make sure you walk the railroad and look for any gaps in the railroad that need to be repaired and make sure you take care of it. Make sure the switches are also oiled so they work properly during our run day. Make sure you bring lunch, drinks, and a good sense of humor for the day.
Come prepare the railroad on Saturday, September 30th as we prepare for our next run day
The third public run day of the season is just around the corner. Come out on Saturday, September 30th and let’s prepare the property and the railroad for our visitors. Workday will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the focus making sure the railroad and equipment are ready to operate. The grass will need to be cut, the switches will need to be oiled, and debris cleared from the track. Please make sure you walk the railroad and look for any repairs that are needed and make them. Don’t forget to bring the necessary tools you’ll need for the workday.
The third public run day of the season is just around the corner. Come out on Saturday, September 30th and let’s prepare the property and the railroad for our visitors. Workday will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the focus making sure the railroad and equipment are ready to operate. The grass will need to be cut, the switches will need to be oiled, and debris cleared from the track. Please make sure you walk the railroad and look for any repairs that are needed and make them. Don’t forget to bring the necessary tools you’ll need for the workday.
Progress on the "Grandma Line" was made today during an official workday
A small crew of two went out to the site on Saturday and took advantage of the cooler weather by working on moving a retaining wall which is part of the “Grandma Line” project. John and Wes started Friday evening by picking up sixteen railroad ties and spent Saturday installing eight of them while doing groundwork along the way. More of the old rotten ties have been removed and relocated in places that still makes them useful. John reports that approximately 10 feet of backfill leveled the sub roadbed in preparation for crush & run and a preliminary track plan was laced out. They had a drain that they couldn’t figure out how to extend so they made a 3 square foot holding tank filled with gravel to hold the water until it could be absorbed into the soil. If you are interested in getting involved in this project a schedule is being put together and will be shared soon.
A small crew of two went out to the site on Saturday and took advantage of the cooler weather by working on moving a retaining wall which is part of the “Grandma Line” project. John and Wes started Friday evening by picking up sixteen railroad ties and spent Saturday installing eight of them while doing groundwork along the way. More of the old rotten ties have been removed and relocated in places that still makes them useful. John reports that approximately 10 feet of backfill leveled the sub roadbed in preparation for crush & run and a preliminary track plan was laced out. They had a drain that they couldn’t figure out how to extend so they made a 3 square foot holding tank filled with gravel to hold the water until it could be absorbed into the soil. If you are interested in getting involved in this project a schedule is being put together and will be shared soon.
Come ride trains on Saturday, October 7th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive again on Saturday, October 7th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The volunteers have been hard at work over the summer months making improvements to the railroad and working on a few rail cars as well. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
The railroad comes alive again on Saturday, October 7th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The volunteers have been hard at work over the summer months making improvements to the railroad and working on a few rail cars as well. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
First boiler inspection in the books along with a few extra smiles behind the throttle
The locomotive had its first official boiler inspection on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at North Georgia Live Steamers. The day was a success with lots fun had by all. We had 9 total locomotives inspected and all passed.
The locomotive had its first official boiler inspection on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at North Georgia Live Steamers. The day was a success with lots fun had by all. We had 9 total locomotives inspected and all passed.
Successful day during the annual boiler inspections for our steam engines
Our annual boiler inspection is in the books and what a crowd we had today. We had 9 steam engines at the inspection along with lots of other members on hand to help. Here are a few pictures of the day.
Our annual boiler inspection is in the books and what a crowd we had today. We had 9 steam engines at the inspection along with lots of other members on hand to help. Here are a few pictures of the day.
Reminder: The Georgia Garden Railway Society will be providing lunch during our October run day, and we need to know who is coming.
Our friends from the Georgia Garden Railway Society will be visiting us again this year and have offered to provide us lunch before our October 7th public run day event. In order for GGRS to prepare enough food we need to know who will be working the run day and coming for lunch. As a reminder our regularly scheduled club meeting is also on October 7th and will be held at 11 a.m. with lunch at 11:30 a.m. Please complete the form below and let us know how many they should prepare for.
Respond by Thursday, September 21st
If the form below does not appear or work please use this link instead - https://tinyurl.com/GGRSOCT23
Our friends from the Georgia Garden Railway Society will be visiting us again this year and have offered to provide us lunch before our October 7th public run day event. In order for GGRS to prepare enough food we need to know who will be working the run day and coming for lunch. As a reminder our regularly scheduled club meeting is also on October 7th and will be held at 11 a.m. with lunch at 11:30 a.m. Please complete the form below and let us know how many they should prepare for.
Respond by Thursday, September 21st
If the form below does not appear or work please use this link instead - https://tinyurl.com/GGRSOCT23
We invite you to take a virtual ride on our railroad and then come out and ride with us this fall.
During our hot summer night event on August 26, 2023, we took a video to show off our railroad from start to finish. The railroad comes alive again this fall for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendar and come out on Saturday, October 7th and Saturday, November 4th from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad. Cash Only. For more information about our train ride events visit https://northgeorgialivesteamers.org/trainrideinfo
During our hot summer night event on August 26, 2023, we took a video to show off our railroad from start to finish. The railroad comes alive again this fall for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendar and come out on Saturday, October 7th and Saturday, November 4th from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad. Cash Only. For more information about our train ride events visit https://northgeorgialivesteamers.org/trainrideinfo
Wasps and tree down discovery ahead of our Saturday, September 16th workday
Thursday morning while Wes was at the site monitoring weed spraying and taking care of wasp’s nest, he discovered a tree that had fallen behind our red container where some of our rail is stored. He said that the switch templates didn’t get damaged, and the pile of rail seemed to cushion the fall of the tree. No real damaged just a little cleanup.
Speaking of clean up don’t forget our annual boiler inspection and workday is this Saturday, September 16th starting at 8:30 a.m. We are just three weeks away from our first fall run day which is scheduled for Saturday, October 7th. The weather on Saturday is going to be great with highs only reaching about 75. A big difference from our summer highs which prevented most of us from getting out to the railroad. Come and catchup with the crew and help make the railroad a beautiful place for us and our fall visitors.
Here is a short list of items you can help with this Saturday:
Thursday morning while Wes was at the site monitoring weed spraying and taking care of wasp’s nest, he discovered a tree that had fallen behind our red container where some of our rail is stored. He said that the switch templates didn’t get damaged, and the pile of rail seemed to cushion the fall of the tree. No real damaged just a little cleanup.
Speaking of clean up don’t forget our annual boiler inspection and workday is this Saturday, September 16th starting at 8:30 a.m. We are just three weeks away from our first fall run day which is scheduled for Saturday, October 7th. The weather on Saturday is going to be great with highs only reaching about 75. A big difference from our summer highs which prevented most of us from getting out to the railroad. Come and catchup with the crew and help make the railroad a beautiful place for us and our fall visitors.
Here is a short list of items you can help with this Saturday:
Check to make sure Club Diesel is in working order including train brakes
Check to make sure Club Steamer is in working order including train brakes.
Check to make sure brakes on riding cars are working.
Exercise and lubricate all mainline switches. Make sure the points clear the cut out when position changed.
Clear debris off railroad. Bring a leaf blower
Check to make sure rail joiners are properly positioned at each joint and make sure gap at joints are not larger than they should be. Be prepared to repair. Bring battery tools and kneepads.
Clean out and organize the grey container.
Apply ballast in areas that need a little attention. This means you can play with trains and fill buckets with ballast and dump and spread around the railroad.
Bring lots of bad jokes and a good sense of humor.
Don’t forget to bring a lunch and plenty to drink.
Let’s enjoy the day and prepare for a great fall of playing with trains.
Wasps and tree down discovery ahead of our Saturday, September 16th workday
Thursday morning while Wes was at the site monitoring weed spraying and taking care of wasp’s nest, he discovered a tree that had fallen behind our red container where some of our rail is stored. He said that the switch templates didn’t get damaged, and the pile of rail seemed to cushion the fall of the tree. No real damaged just a little cleanup.
Speaking of clean up don’t forget our annual boiler inspection and workday is this Saturday, September 16th starting at 8:30 a.m. We are just three weeks away from our first fall run day which is scheduled for Saturday, October 7th. The weather on Saturday is going to be great with highs only reaching about 75. A big difference from our summer highs which prevented most of us from getting out to the railroad. Come and catchup with the crew and help make the railroad a beautiful place for us and our fall visitors.
Here is a short list of items you can help with this Saturday:
Thursday morning while Wes was at the site monitoring weed spraying and taking care of wasp’s nest, he discovered a tree that had fallen behind our red container where some of our rail is stored. He said that the switch templates didn’t get damaged, and the pile of rail seemed to cushion the fall of the tree. No real damaged just a little cleanup.
Speaking of clean up don’t forget our annual boiler inspection and workday is this Saturday, September 16th starting at 8:30 a.m. We are just three weeks away from our first fall run day which is scheduled for Saturday, October 7th. The weather on Saturday is going to be great with highs only reaching about 75. A big difference from our summer highs which prevented most of us from getting out to the railroad. Come and catchup with the crew and help make the railroad a beautiful place for us and our fall visitors.
Here is a short list of items you can help with this Saturday:
Check to make sure Club Diesel is in working order including train brakes
Check to make sure Club Steamer is in working order including train brakes.
Check to make sure brakes on riding cars are working.
Exercise and lubricate all mainline switches. Make sure the points clear the cut out when position changed.
Clear debris off railroad. Bring a leaf blower
Check to make sure rail joiners are properly positioned at each joint and make sure gap at joints are not larger than they should be. Be prepared to repair. Bring battery tools and kneepads.
Clean out and organize the grey container.
Apply ballast in areas that need a little attention. This means you can play with trains and fill buckets with ballast and dump and spread around the railroad.
Bring lots of bad jokes and a good sense of humor.
Don’t forget to bring a lunch and plenty to drink.
Let’s enjoy the day and prepare for a great fall of playing with trains.
Support through Give with Microsoft Bing
North Georgia Live Steamers is a non-profit educational organization, and our all-volunteer staff rely on our public run day events and donations from individuals like you to make it all happen. We recently partnered up with Microsoft Rewards which lets you support North Georgia Live Steamers through its Give with Bing program. After signing up and selecting our organization, you can earn rewards points just for searching the web with Bing. Microsoft then turns those points into cash donations to us.
The program is free--you just need to sign up with a Microsoft account.
North Georgia Live Steamers is a non-profit educational organization, and our all-volunteer staff rely on our public run day events and donations from individuals like you to make it all happen. We recently partnered up with Microsoft Rewards which lets you support North Georgia Live Steamers through its Give with Bing program. After signing up and selecting our organization, you can earn rewards points just for searching the web with Bing. Microsoft then turns those points into cash donations to us.
The program is free--you just need to sign up with a Microsoft account.
GHIP marquee repaired and new NGLS sign
Some of you may not know but a couple of months ago someone ran into the Georgia International Horse Park marquee at the intersection of HWY 138 and Centennial Olympic Parkway. The marquee also housed signs promoting what could be found within the horse park complex including NGLS. Yesterday the final repairs were completed, and we now have a new sign. A big thank you to the horse park and those involved in the repairs.
Some of you may not know but a couple of months ago someone ran into the Georgia International Horse Park marquee at the intersection of HWY 138 and Centennial Olympic Parkway. The marquee also housed signs promoting what could be found within the horse park complex including NGLS. Yesterday the final repairs were completed, and we now have a new sign. A big thank you to the horse park and those involved in the repairs.
Traffic Notice: Boiler Inspection and Workday THIS Saturday, September 16th at 8:30 a.m.
Our next workday and annual boiler inspection will be on Saturday, September 16th at 8:30 a.m. This is one of only two workdays scheduled before our next public run day, which is on Saturday, October 7th. We will need help with track maintenance, property maintenance (grass cutting), railroad equipment maintenance, and more. We need to make sure all club equipment is operational before our next public run day. If you plan on having a boiler inspection, please arrive by 8:30 a.m. so the inspector doesn’t have to wait to long for us to get things unloaded and ready.
Please note that this Saturday an event will be taking place at the Steeplechase from 8 a.m. to Noon so give yourself a little extra time getting into our area. We will let the traffic detail know that our group will be arriving so just let them know you are heading to the railroad when you arrive.
Our next workday and annual boiler inspection will be on Saturday, September 16th at 8:30 a.m. This is one of only two workdays scheduled before our next public run day, which is on Saturday, October 7th. We will need help with track maintenance, property maintenance (grass cutting), railroad equipment maintenance, and more. We need to make sure all club equipment is operational before our next public run day. If you plan on having a boiler inspection, please arrive by 8:30 a.m. so the inspector doesn’t have to wait to long for us to get things unloaded and ready.
Please note that this Saturday an event will be taking place at the Steeplechase from 8 a.m. to Noon so give yourself a little extra time getting into our area. We will let the traffic detail know that our group will be arriving so just let them know you are heading to the railroad when you arrive.
Come ride trains on Saturday, October 7th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive again on Saturday, October 7th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The volunteers have been hard at work over the summer months making improvements to the railroad and working on a few rail cars as well. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
The railroad comes alive again on Saturday, October 7th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The volunteers have been hard at work over the summer months making improvements to the railroad and working on a few rail cars as well. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
Work on the Grandma Line resumed this past Saturday, September 9th
Work has begun again on what we call the Grandma Line. For those that are not familiar with this project the Grandma Line will eventually allows us to shift part of the mainline through the woods and away from the yard as trains travel West to East on the inner loop near the yard. When complete it will also allow trains traveling East to West to stay out of the yard as well.
This project started as a conversation a few years ago and John T. has taken the conversation and made it a personal project to work on during his many weekend trips to the railroad when we don’t normally have an official workday scheduled. This past Saturday was no different as he and Wes worked on moving the old retaining wall so the Grandma Line can be installed where the current retaining wall is today in the future. John and Wes spent the day pulling some of the rotten ties out, salvaging what they could and adding five new ties that John donated. Here are a few pictures from today’s work. If you would like to help John with this project or help by donating replacement railroad ties for the retaining wall let us know. At this time John is estimating another 25 - 30 ties needed.
Work has begun again on what we call the Grandma Line. For those that are not familiar with this project the Grandma Line will eventually allows us to shift part of the mainline through the woods and away from the yard as trains travel West to East on the inner loop near the yard. When complete it will also allow trains traveling East to West to stay out of the yard as well.
This project started as a conversation a few years ago and John T. has taken the conversation and made it a personal project to work on during his many weekend trips to the railroad when we don’t normally have an official workday scheduled. This past Saturday was no different as he and Wes worked on moving the old retaining wall so the Grandma Line can be installed where the current retaining wall is today in the future. John and Wes spent the day pulling some of the rotten ties out, salvaging what they could and adding five new ties that John donated. Here are a few pictures from today’s work. If you would like to help John with this project or help by donating replacement railroad ties for the retaining wall let us know. At this time John is estimating another 25 - 30 ties needed.
