2024 NGLS Online Voting closes on Friday, January 5th at 6 p.m. and meeting on Saturday, January 6th
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.
Happy New Year from North Georgia Live Steamers
The board of directors and the members of North Georgia Live Steamers wish everyone a Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you around the railroad in the New Year.
The board of directors and the members of North Georgia Live Steamers wish everyone a Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you around the railroad in the New Year.
Project 3 Inner Bridge Rebuild information
The bridges on our railroad date back to when the railroad was operating in a different location. The bridges are at least 30 years old and are in need of replacing the deck boards. The next bridge scheduled for this work is the inner bridge which currently serves as our mainline for trains traveling from east to west.
The bridges on our railroad date back to when the railroad was operating in a different location. The bridges are at least 30 years old and are in need of replacing the deck boards. The next bridge scheduled for this work is the inner bridge which currently serves as our mainline for trains traveling from east to west.
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.
Last Grandma Line workday of 2023 happened on Saturday with the installation of a new mainline switch
As 2023 winds down work on the “Grandma Line” took place on Saturday, December 30th with a major milestone taking place with the installation of a new mainline switch. This new switch will eventually connect both the “Grandma Line” and the east end of the water line to the mainline. Until then John and Wes also installed a few straight panels off the new switch and began to map out the relocation the existing water line switch and what track panels will need to be built next. You might be asking what switch is being relocated, well it is the switch closest to the red water tower on the east end of the water siding track. This relocation is needed to connect the “Grandma Line” and water line together before they eventually connect to the mainline.
As 2023 winds down work on the “Grandma Line” took place on Saturday, December 30th with a major milestone taking place with the installation of a new mainline switch. This new switch will eventually connect both the “Grandma Line” and the east end of the water line to the mainline. Until then John and Wes also installed a few straight panels off the new switch and began to map out the relocation the existing water line switch and what track panels will need to be built next. You might be asking what switch is being relocated, well it is the switch closest to the red water tower on the east end of the water siding track. This relocation is needed to connect the “Grandma Line” and water line together before they eventually connect to the mainline.
As we move into 2024 John and Wes are looking for help with making a temporary grade crossing near the west end of the water line. This temporary grade crossing will be used to haul dirt, ballast, and more from the gravel pit through the woods to the east end of the “Grandma Line”. If you are interested in helping with this project click here and let John know.
NGLS Electric Switcher
A few years ago, a small two axel electric switcher was donated to the club. In December 2023 a plan was developed, and work has begun on restoring and upgrading the electric switcher so it can be used for light duty service around the railroad. Dave Levy is taking this project on and look forward to updates from him in 2024.
A few years ago, a small two axel electric switcher was donated to the club. In December 2023 a plan was developed, and work has begun on restoring and upgrading the electric switcher so it can be used for light duty service around the railroad. Dave Levy is taking this project on and look forward to updates from him in 2024.
Update: By January 19, 2024 the locomotive was nearly completion with a new motor, batteries, and a paint job. A few more things and this locomotive will be ready for operation.
The locomotive under power for the first time after installation of new motor, controller, batteries, and more.
New riding cars are getting some updates before the 2024 season.
Over the past couple of months, we acquired three new individual riding cars. This is a great addition to the fleet which will allow the club and the members the opportunity to use club owned riding cars around the railroad. Back in August we acquired two riding cars from Godshall Customer Machining and used them during our fall run days. A few updates to the riding cars are being performed including adding new couplers and preparing to add brakes to each of the trucks. On Saturday, December 30th the new couplers were installed, and the temporary pass-through airline was adjusted to accommodate the new couplers which will allow the two cars to operate independently. Over the next few month brakes will get installed and final adjustments to the airlines will take place at that time. We are also looking at repainting the cars and are looking for individuals to help with this portion of the project. If you are interested, click on the “I want to help” button below and let us know you are interested in helping.
Over the past couple of months, we acquired three new individual riding cars. This is a great addition to the fleet which will allow the club and the members the opportunity to use club owned riding cars around the railroad. Back in August we acquired two riding cars from Godshall Customer Machining and used them during our fall run days. A few updates to the riding cars are being performed including adding new couplers and preparing to add brakes to each of the trucks. On Saturday, December 30th the new couplers were installed, and the temporary pass-through airline was adjusted to accommodate the new couplers which will allow the two cars to operate independently. Over the next few month brakes will get installed and final adjustments to the airlines will take place at that time. We are also looking at repainting the cars and are looking for individuals to help with this portion of the project. If you are interested, click on the “I want to help” button below and let us know you are interested in helping.
As you may have seen recently our third new riding car is also getting a makeover. When we received the car it was unpainted and did not have brakes on the trucks. The riding car has been unassembled and cleaned surface rust off the metal and painted. The trucks are also getting cleaned and painted and will also get brakes installed once completed. We hope to have all of this completed in the next couple of weeks. We are also working on getting the riding car lettered before putting it back on the railroad this spring. Here are some pictures of the riding car when we picked it up as well as the work that has been done to clean and paint the car.
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.
