New way to keep track of projects going on around the railroad and how to get involved
If you have a project that isn’t on the list, please submit your request by clicking here so we can add it to the growing list. For those submitting a project you are also encouraged to help plan, schedule, and determine what supplies will be needed to make this project a success.
As a reminder while we do a lot of our projects on Saturday’s not all projects have to be done on a Saturday. If any member wants to get a group together and perform work around the railroad during the week, please feel free to schedule and head out to the railroad. Don’t forget to let others know so you can get a few extra hands to help you. If you want help promoting your workday, please contact Robby with the details you want to share with others.
To take a look at our new project page on our website visit: www.nglsrr.org/projects
Over the past several years many suggestions have been made regarding a better way to keep track of projects going on around the railroad. A web page has been created to provide a central place to see what projects are currently being worked or planned. The page is a work in progress so check it often and let us know what items you’d like to see added to the list. This new page will also allow us to share with others outside our groups with what is going on around the railroad and areas they can get involved.
If you have a project that isn’t on the list, please submit your request by clicking here so we can add it to the growing list. For those submitting a project you are also encouraged to help plan, schedule, and determine what supplies will be needed to make this project a success.
As a reminder while we do a lot of our projects on Saturday’s not all projects have to be done on a Saturday. If any member wants to get a group together and perform work around the railroad during the week, please feel free to schedule and head out to the railroad. Don’t forget to let others know so you can get a few extra hands to help you. If you want help promoting your workday, please contact Robby with the details you want to share with others.
To take a look at our new project page on our website visit: www.nglsrr.org/projects
With all of this in mind our first major workday of the 2024 year will be on Saturday, January 13th (weather permitting) with a focus on installing conduit and electricity into the Clubhouse & Workshop containers. This information and more can be found on our new Projects Page on our website.
Water Line portion of the Grandma Line Project Explained
The water line portion of the Grandma Line project is intended to temporarily convert the existing water line siding into a mainline track while the Grandma Line is being installed. This helps the railroad operate a little more efficiently as well with the shift of mainline traffic to the water line. First it allows trains traveling East to West to stay off the yard track and also allows west bound traffic to cross over the LaVay bridge and avoid the cross over switches just beyond the station. Once the Grandma Line is complete the water line will become the water line again with East bound traffic traveling on the Grandma Line.
The water line portion of the Grandma Line project is intended to temporarily convert the existing water line siding into a mainline track while the Grandma Line is being installed. This helps the railroad operate a little more efficiently as well with the shift of mainline traffic to the water line. First it allows trains traveling East to West to stay off the yard track and also allows west bound traffic to cross over the LaVay bridge and avoid the cross over switches just beyond the station. Once the Grandma Line is complete the water line will become the water line again with East bound traffic traveling on the Grandma Line.
Water line project breakdown (West end 1-4, East end 5-8):
Place Crush & Run forms and fill between two switch locations on West end.
Complete and install curved 100r RH Switch on West end Mainline.
Build and install RH 60r Switch on West end of current Water Line. Sprung points to normally be thrown for curved route.
Build and install track panels connecting Switches in steps 2 & 3. (Upon completing steps 1-4 we can actually start using this route and shift traffic off the yard tracks.)
Finish installation of Crush & Run forms and fill on the East end of Water line. Backfill with dirt as necessary, especially near new location of the switch currently marking the East end of the Water Line.
Tweak the LH Switch (currently on the table) so the spring action is viable and cut in East end mainline where marked. Sprung points to normally be thrown for straight route.
Build and install several straight sections on diverging route from previous step.
Shift current East end Water Line switch over to new route from previous two steps, Fill in both gaps with straight track. (One created by removal of switch, the other between new location of switch and the straight part of the current water line.) Ensure proper operation for sprung points to normally be thrown for straight route. (Or this can be designated a non-sprung switch normally thrown for the curved route upon completion of the Grandma Line.)
Grandma Line Project Explained
Here are some details regarding the Grandma Line portion of the project. The details are broken out in three pieces which includes two ends and the middle. Details below.
Here are some details regarding the Grandma Line portion of the project. The details are broken out in three pieces which includes two ends and the middle. Details below.
East end:
1. Complete East end of the Waterline extension.
2. Determine new location for water access (near outer loop) and relocate same.
3. Set additional RR ties.
4. Continue backfill behind RR ties.
5. Extend East end of Grandma Line starting from the Waterline switch to a point inside the woods. (Forms/crush & run/track)
West end:
1. Make curved RH 100’ r switch
2. Install switch at marked location.
3. Fill sub roadbed from new switch to a point inside the woods. (Forms/crush & run/track)
Woods section (middle):
1. Finalize and mark route.
2. Determine pier placement (span & location).
3. Make pier forms.
4. Prep/set/pour one pier at a time.
5. Construct/install one span at a time as piers are built using current bridges as a model.
6. Install tracks & guard rails as spans are completed.
Club Fun Day - New Year's Day, January 1, 2024 (Private Event)
Start the New Year off right and blow of a little left-over steam on Monday, January 1st at any time. The day is for family, friends, and other invited guests.
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.
New Years Day Club Fun Day
Start the New Year off right and blow of a little left-over steam on Monday, January 1st at any time. The day is for family, friends, and other invited guests.
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.
Merry Christmas from North Georgia Live Steamers
The Board of Directors and the members of North Georgia Live Steamers want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The Board of Directors and the members of North Georgia Live Steamers want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Impromptu planning day recap for Friday, December 22nd
With Christmas just around the corner some of the elf’s took a day and went to the railroad to plan out a few things that will take place starting in January. As many of you know we’ve been waiting to start on the clubhouse and workshop project and one of the key items that we need to get done for the project to pick up steam is get electricity into the containers. Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been measuring and determining what supplies we will need to run power from the grey container to clubhouse container 1. Earlier this week Wes went and picked up more than 200 feet of electrical conduit and laid them out today so we could make the path for the trenching to take place and to also prepare for the property to be marked before digging.
The plan at this point is to trench and install the electrical conduit on Saturday, January 13th.
With Christmas just around the corner some of the elf’s took a day and went to the railroad to plan out a few things that will take place starting in January. As many of you know we’ve been waiting to start on the clubhouse and workshop project and one of the key items that we need to get done for the project to pick up steam is get electricity into the containers. Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been measuring and determining what supplies we will need to run power from the grey container to clubhouse container 1. Earlier this week Wes went and picked up more than 250 feet of electrical conduit and laid them out today so we could make the path for the trenching to take place and to also prepare for the property to be marked before digging.
The plan at this point is to trench and install the electrical conduit on Saturday, January 13th. Depending on the size of the crew we also plan on installing a water line from the Breeseway to the Clubhouse containers. Plans are also in the works to finish prepping the move of the blue container to its new home and we hope to have that done by January 12th.
Moving into 2024 we will also be unveiling a new way for everyone to keep track of this project and others going on around the railroad in hopes of giving everyone more notice on upcoming workdays and what the focus of the workday will be. More to come on this.
2024 NGLS Online Voting closes on Friday, January 5th at 6 p.m.
Voting for the 2024 board is now open to all FULL Members who are NOT planning on attending the January 6 2024 meeting. The nominees for the 2024 board were voted on during our December 9, 2023, meeting and because some positions only had a single nominee those individuals automatically are elected to the 2024 board in accordance with our bylaws.
As a reminder only members that have FULL membership status are eligible to vote and must have paid dues prior to the vote being taken during our January 6, 2024 meeting. Dues can be mailed to:
North Georgia Live Steamers
P.O. Box 1809
Conyers, GA 30012
Dues for the 2024 season will also be taken during our January 6th meeting.
Yearly Dues
Full Membership: $75
Associate Membership: $50
Junior Membership: $25
To cast your vote, click the link and complete the online ballot. (https://tinyurl.com/ngls2024voting). All online votes must be received by 6 p.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024.
Voting for the 2024 board is now open to all FULL Members who are NOT planning on attending the January 6 2024 meeting. The nominees for the 2024 board were voted on during our December 9, 2023, meeting and because some positions only had a single nominee those individuals automatically are elected to the 2024 board in accordance with our bylaws.
As a reminder only members that have FULL membership status are eligible to vote and must have paid dues prior to the vote being taken during our January 6, 2024 meeting. Dues can be mailed to:
North Georgia Live Steamers
P.O. Box 1809
Conyers, GA 30012
Dues for the 2024 season will also be taken during our January 6th meeting.
Yearly Dues
Full Membership: $75
Associate Membership: $50
Junior Membership: $25
To cast your vote, click the link and complete the online ballot. (https://tinyurl.com/ngls2024voting). All online votes must be received by 6 p.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024.
Volunteer for the Trains, Trains, Trains event at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History
It is that time of year again where we head to Kennesaw for the Trains, Trains, Trains event at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. The event will be on Saturday, January 27th and Sunday, January 28th. Setup for the event will be on Friday, January 26. We need to know who is available to volunteer for the event please click on the button below and let us know.
Event Details
Event Times: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Morning Meeting: 9:00 a.m.
Setup Information
Setup Date: Friday, January 26th
Setup Time: 2 p.m.
It is that time of year again where we head to Kennesaw for the Trains, Trains, Trains event at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. The event will be on Saturday, January 27th and Sunday, January 28th. Setup for the event will be on Friday, January 26. We need to know who is available to volunteer and display equipment for the event. Please click on the button below and let us know.
Event Details
Event Times: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Morning Meeting: 9:00 a.m.
Setup Information
Setup Date: Friday, January 26th
Setup Time: 2 p.m.
Project 6: Ballast Hopper
The railroad has been in need of a way to get a load of ballast without a bobcat being available. Two grain bins have been purchased and will be converted to a ballast hopper. The plan is to install the ballast hoppers on the west end of the railroad on the gravel pit siding. If are interested in working on this project click on the “I Want To Volunteer” button and let us know.
An official workday schedule has not be determined at this time.
The railroad has been in need of a way to get a load of ballast without a bobcat being available. Two grain bins have been purchased and will be converted to a ballast hopper. The plan is to install the ballast hoppers on the west end of the railroad on the gravel pit siding. If are interested in working on this project click on the “I Want To Volunteer” button and let us know.
An official workday schedule has not be determined at this time.
Project 5: Install rebuilt Doe Bridge
This bridge is another piece from our original railroad. This bridge was restored a few years ago and now it is time to get it installed. The current plan is to remove the bridge closest to the west loop (currently called the LaVay Bridge) and widen the span and place the Doe bridge in its place. We will then rebuild the "LaVay Bridge” and place it in a location to be determined. The hope is this bridge swap will be completed prior to this track becoming the mainline for trains traveling east to west on the inner loop.
This bridge is another piece from our original railroad. This bridge was restored a few years ago and now it is time to get it installed. The current plan is to remove the bridge closest to the west loop (currently called the LaVay Bridge) and widen the span and place the Doe bridge in its place. We will then rebuild the "LaVay Bridge” and place it in a location to be determined. The hope is this bridge swap will be completed prior to this track becoming the mainline for trains traveling east to west on the inner loop.
If you would like to work on this project click on the “I want to volunteer” button and let us know. An official workday schedule has not be determined at this time.
Some prep work needs to be done before the rebuild can be started which includes:
Cutting deck boards making sure they are all the same height.
Purchasing appropriate bolts, washers, and nuts
Once all of the prep work is complete this project can take place at any time. If you would like to coordinate a workday during the week or on a weekend, please click the “I want to volunteer” button and let us know.
Prep work began on a riding car recently purchased in preparation of being painted.
On Saturday, December 17th work began to prepare the recently purchased riding car for paint, brakes, and more. The first thing that took place was to begin to take the riding car apart and clean the steel of any surface rust and start preparing aluminum pieces for paint. The trucks will also undergo some cleaning and removal of some surface rust before getting painted in the next couple of weeks.
On Saturday, December 17th work began to prepare the recently purchased riding car for paint, brakes, and more. The first thing that took place was to begin to take the riding car apart and clean the steel of any surface rust and start preparing aluminum pieces for paint. The trucks will also undergo some cleaning and removal of some surface rust before getting painted in the next couple of weeks.
Grandma Line workday recap for Saturday, December 16th
A small, devoted crew came out to the site on Saturday to work on the “Grandma Line” project. John T. and Wes worked on replacing a drainpipe and replaced with a French drain system with a conventional open end upstream and flex pipe over the cliff. They also placed boards in preparation for crush and run and east end waterline extension. Today’s event marks the last official workday of the year with plans to continue to make progress on this project and others in 2024. Thank you to the “Grandma Line” crew for all of the work and progress you’ve made in 2023.
A small, devoted crew came out to the site on Saturday to work on the “Grandma Line” project. John T. and Wes worked on replacing a drainpipe and replaced with a French drain system with a conventional open end upstream and flex pipe over the cliff. They also placed boards in preparation for crush and run and east end waterline extension. Today’s event marks the last official workday of the year with plans to continue to make progress on this project and others in 2024. Thank you to the “Grandma Line” crew for all of the work and progress you’ve made in 2023.
Project 4: Westside water siding track changes
The purpose of this project is to add a switch coming off the inner loop traveling west bound just after the bridge and before connecting to the current mainline. The new switch will allow trains traveling west board to connect to the current water line siding. This also means we will need to install an additional switch on the water line siding that will allow us to then connect the two new switches together with a few straight panels. Once completed this will allow trains traveling east to west to stay off the yard track and travel on the mainline instead.
Based on current projects schedules we are anticipating this project will take place during some months after our last spring run day.
The purpose of this project is to add a switch coming off the inner loop traveling west bound just after the bridge and before connecting to the current mainline. The new switch will allow trains traveling west board to connect to the current water line siding. This also means we will need to install an additional switch on the water line siding that will allow us to then connect the two new switches together with a few straight panels. Once completed this will allow trains traveling east to west to stay off the yard track and travel on the mainline instead.
Based on current projects schedules we are anticipating this project will take place during some months after our last spring run day.
For Sale - Sandy Creek 523 Switcher $2,000.00
Here is a great opportunity to purchase a completely rebuilt electric switcher. The story begins 40+ years ago when the switcher was built by Paul Demianchik in about 1979. The cab was custom built for him by Bill Koster’s Miniature Railroad Supply. The motor and controller also came from Bill. The drive train came from Railroad Supply Corp. The exact origin of the chassis is unknown. To read more on the history of this great locomotive and see additional pictures click the link below.
http://www.davelevy.net/sandy-creek-523-switcher/
The video below shows the locomotive operating after the restoration completion.
$2,000
If interested contact Dave Levy (dave@davelevy.com) for more information. This locomotive is located at North Georgia Live Steamers in Conyers, GA.
Here is a great opportunity to purchase a completely rebuilt electric switcher. The story begins 40+ years ago when the switcher was built by Paul Demianchik in about 1979. The cab was custom built for him by Bill Koster’s Miniature Railroad Supply. The motor and controller also came from Bill. The drive train came from Railroad Supply Corp. The exact origin of the chassis is unknown. To read more on the history of this great locomotive and see additional pictures click the link below.
http://www.davelevy.net/sandy-creek-523-switcher/
The video below shows the locomotive operating after the restoration completion.
$2,000
If interested contact Dave Levy (dave@davelevy.com) for more information. This locomotive is located at North Georgia Live Steamers in Conyers, GA.
Start spreading the word about the 2024 Club Fun Days
Mark your calendar for the 2024 club fun days happening with North Georgia Live Steamers. These days are for club members, invited, guests, and those in the live steam hobby. The current club fun day events are scheduled on January 1st, March 2nd, June 1st, June 15th, August 24th, September 14th, and November 30th. Our Fall Meet will now move the last weekend in October. The dates for the 2024 meet are Thursday, October 24th through Sunday, October 27th. For more information and to register click on Fall Meet. For the latest on what’s going on with our club fun days visit our website site or contact Robby Mossman for more details.
Note: Club Fun Days are NOT public run day events. These days are reserved for our group to enjoy the railroad with friends, family, and invited guests.
Mark your calendar for the 2024 club fun days happening with North Georgia Live Steamers. These days are for club members, invited, guests, and those in the live steam hobby. The current club fun day events are scheduled on January 1st, March 2nd, June 1st, June 15th, August 24th, September 14th, and November 30th. Our Fall Meet will now move the last weekend in October. The dates for the 2024 meet are Thursday, October 24th through Sunday, October 27th. For more information and to register click on Fall Meet. For the latest on what’s going on with our club fun days visit our website site or contact Robby Mossman for more details.
Note: Club Fun Days are NOT public run day events. These days are reserved for our group to enjoy the railroad with friends, family, and invited guests.
Project 2: West Loop track repair near the Nicol bridge
The purpose of this project is to repair an area on the west loop near the Nicol bridge that needs about 40 feet of track repaired including moving a switch to a new location in order to provide better transition coming out of a curve heading towards the Nicol bridge. Because of the nature of this repair, it must be completed before our April 13th run day.
The purpose of this project is to repair an area on the west loop near the Nicol bridge that needs about 40 feet of track repaired including moving a switch to a new location in order to provide better transition coming out of a curve heading towards the Nicol bridge. Because of the nature of this repair, it must be completed before our April 13th run day.
Proposed work schedule
Workday #1 (at any time before January 27th) - Identify and build track panel(s) need to be built as well as cut replacement ties that will be installed in numerous places in the area being repaired.
Workday #2 (Saturday, February 24th)- repairing and reworking west loop track section near Nicol bridge.
Workday #3 (Saturday, March 23rd) - All repair work must be completed by this date to make sure the railroad is operational again before our first public run day which is Saturday, April 13th.
Project 1: Clubhouse and Workshop Buildout
The purpose of this project is to take three 40ft shipping containers and combine them together to build out a clubhouse and workshop to use as a meeting space and shop. When completed the space will be about 960 square feet of usable space. The structure will have electricity, water, and climate control making the space useable year-round. In order to fully complete the build of the space a lot of work will need to be done along with raising the necessary funds to complete the building project. As of December 2023, it is estimated to cost between $10,000 and $13,000 to complete not including the hundreds of volunteer hours our membership and other volunteers will put in to complete.
The purpose of this project is to take three 40ft shipping containers and combine them together to build out a clubhouse and workshop to use as a meeting space and shop. When completed the space will be about 960 square feet of usable space. The structure will have electricity, water, and climate control making the space useable year-round. In order to fully complete the build of the space a lot of work will need to be done along with raising the necessary funds to complete the building project. As of December 2023, it is estimated to cost between $10,000 and $13,000 to complete not including the hundreds of volunteer hours our membership and other volunteers will put in to complete. Below is an outline of workdays and tasks we are trying to complete during the work event.
Project 1: Clubhouse & Shop Project
Workday 1 (Anytime between now and January 12, 2024) - Get the gravel pad cleaned up next to member container #3 so the blue container can be moved. Once the gravel pad is ready, schedule to have the blue container moved. Wes will make arrangements for a Bobcat to be available and Gene has agreed to operate the Bobcat.
When the blue container is moved, we also need to separate red container #1 from #2 so we can work on installing a center pier between container 1 & 2.
Workday 2 (Saturday, January 13, 2024): Trench and pull electrical wire to shop container #1. Depending on who is available we could also trench a water line from Breeseway to the shop container area. Wes will arrange for a trencher and operator to be available for this workday. We will need to mark the path of the trench ahead of this workday and call Georgia 811 to mark underground hazards.
Workday #3 (Saturday, February 10, 2024)- Since red containers 1 & 2 are separated we need to install center piers between container 1 & 2. May also spend some time marking the cut lines for the inner walls between container 1 & 2.
Workday #4 (At any time before March 9, 2024) - The electrical panel should now be active. Some electrical work can be started in container 1. Assumption is we may install some lights and outlets but all of that is to be determined.
Workday #5 (at any time before March 9, 2024) - Slide container 1 & 2 back together. We will then schedule welding the roof line between container 1 & 2 together and mark the cut lines that will be used to cut out the inner wall between container 1 & 2 if those have not already been done.
Workday #6 (Saturday, March 9, 2024)- Cut out container 1 inner wall. Not sure if we can do container #2 inner wall the same day. I will assign a separate day for container #2 inner wall. We may also want to work on sealing.
Workday #7 (at any time before Saturday, April 20th) - Mark cut lines in container #2 if not already completed. If the inner wall in container 2 has already been removed, we will leverage this day for some other tasks for the shop. One example could be to make sure the containers are watertight at the seam. Other items will be determined prior to the Saturday, April 20th workday.
Workday #? (can be done anytime) - Install pier that will be leveraged between container 2 & 3.
Workday #? (On Going) - Continue to build out container 1 & 2 to make the space functional before container 3 is installed.
We should also start considering some fundraising options to help fund the construction of the shop & club house. Please start thinking of ideas that will help us raise the necessary funds to build out the shop & club house. The current project workday list does not account for any track work that will need to be done in the future.
Christmas Party and Club Meeting Recap
The early rain didn’t put a damper on the annual Christmas Party and December club meeting. The rain came in mid-morning but by the time we finished lunch the skies cleared, and the sun came out. During the club meeting the nominations for the 2024 were made official. The following will be voted on during our January 6th meeting for the 2024 board.
The early rain didn’t put a damper on the annual Christmas Party and December club meeting. The rain came in mid-morning but by the time we finished lunch the skies cleared, and the sun came out. During the club meeting the nominations for the 2024 were made official. The following will be voted on during our January 6th meeting for the 2024 board.
2024 Nominations
President: Robby Mossman
Vice President: Peter Craymer
Secretary: Dave Levy
Board Member Nominees (3 Positions Available)
Calvin Abernathy
Bob Cummings
Scott Moore
Wes Rogers
John Tuten
According to the by-laws for positions that only have one nominee those positions are automatically filled by the nominee starting with the 2024 board year. This means the position of President, Vice President, and Secretary do not require additional vote during the January meeting. For the three Board Member positions we have more nominees than available seats will requires a vote during our January 6th meeting.
One change to the nominee list came from Scott Moore after the meeting as he requested his acceptance be changed from Vice President to Board Member. Scott had originally been nominated for both and originally accepted the Vice President and declined the board member nominee. He requested his acceptance change to Board Member nominee. This then means that Peter Craymer will be the only Vice President nominee and will become the Vice President for 2024 board year.
An email will follow shortly allowing those not able to attend the January 6th meeting an opportunity to submit a ballot electronically. Please only submit your vote electronically if you do NOT plan on attending the January 6th meeting.
As we wind down the 2023 season don’t forget John Tuten is planning a workday on the “Grandma Line” project on Saturday, December 16th. If you plan on helping, please make sure you contact John and let him know.
If you purchased a 2024 NGLS calendar, please make sure you get with Norm regarding paying and picking up your calendar. Also, if you ordered a club t-shirt and have not had a chance to pay and pick up your shirt also contact Norm to make arrangements. Do not forget to pay your dues by the January 6th club meeting. All full members must pay by the day of the meeting in order to be eligible to vote.
One final thing. Don’t forget to join everyone at the railroad on January 1st for our annual New Years Day club fun day.
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.