Major workday recap for Saturday, February 24, 2024
What an incredible workday we had on Saturday. The weather was incredible, and we had more than a dozen volunteers come out which made the day a huge success. Because of the turnout we completed the major track repair on the west end of the railroad along with installing a new switch on the mainline near the west end of the water line. The crew consisted of John T, John, Calvin, Scott, Robby, Peter, Gene, Rick, Ben, Thomas, Paul, Tyler, Norm, Dale, and “Bob III”. The crew also took care of building more than a dozen straight panels for the “Grandma Line” and started building a new switch as well. Rick and “Bob III” took care of leveling the gravel near member container 3 which means we can now schedule the move of the blue container. They also cleaned up a trench that had been dug during our electrical project workday a few weeks ago.
What an incredible workday we had on Saturday. The weather was incredible, and we had more than a dozen volunteers come out which made the day a huge success. Because of the turnout we completed the major track repair on the west end of the railroad along with installing a new switch on the mainline near the west end of the water line. The crew consisted of John T, John, Calvin, Scott, Robby, Peter, Gene, Rick, Ben, Thomas, Paul, Tyler, Norm, Dale, and “Bob III”. The crew also took care of building more than a dozen straight panels for the “Grandma Line” and started building a new switch as well. Rick and “Bob III” took care of leveling the gravel near member container 3 which means we can now schedule the move of the blue container. They also cleaned up a trench that had been dug during our electrical project workday a few weeks ago.
With all that was done an update to our March workday plans will be updated to include plans for our next project including some work on the clubhouse and shop project. A big thank you to everyone who came out because nothing happens without our members and volunteers.
NGLS Club Steamer Maintenance Update
As many of you know the club steamer needed a couple of repairs after her travels back from the Trains, Trains, Trains event last month. Bob reports that the repairs are complete but would like an additional review of how the lubricator is working. He spent time priming it but felt some additional inspection would be helpful to insure it is 100% operational. Bob is going to be unavailable for the next couple of months so if we could get a few steam guys to step in and help Bob with verifying everything is operational before our first public run day event that would be great.
Until this verification is complete, please do not use the club steamer until then.
As many of you know the club steamer needed a couple of repairs after her travels back from the Trains, Trains, Trains event last month. Bob reports that the repairs are complete but would like an additional review of how the lubricator is working. He spent time priming it but felt some additional inspection would be helpful to insure it is 100% operational. Bob is going to be unavailable for the next couple of months so if we could get a few steam guys to step in and help Bob with verifying everything is operational before our first public run day event that would be great.
Until this verification is complete, please do not use the club steamer until then.
Plans for this weekend's Major Track Repair on Saturday, February 24th at 8:30 a.m.
The weather is looking great for our major track repair project for this Saturday. In order to help make the day as productive as possible we will need to take a divide and conquer approach. The list below is what our needs are and areas you can jump in and help with. As you might expect this isn’t a complete list so if you see something you can do come on out and help wherever you can.
The weather is looking great for our major track repair project for this Saturday. In order to help make the day as productive as possible we will need to take a divide and conquer approach. The list below is what our needs are and areas you can jump in and help with. As you might expect this isn’t a complete list so if you see something you can do come on out and help wherever you can.
Crew 1: Railroad Tie Cutting - We will have a two- or three-man crew working on cutting railroad ties for the repair and ties needed to build track panels.
Crew 2: Track Panel Construction - We will need two or three people to build about a dozen straight track panels. Some of the panels will be used for the repair and the “Grandma Line” project.
Crew 3: “Bob” Work Crew - We will have a Bobcat onsite during the day. The Bobcat will be working on leveling gravel for Member Container 5 and bring gravel over to the west end to help with providing supplies for the repair work. We will need one or two people to help “Bob” while he is working around the railroad.
Crew 4: Track Repair Crew - We will need a bunch of people to help with the track repair on the west end. We will need people that can get on the ground and do tie replacement, track panel setting, and more. We will also need individuals that can’t get on the ground but can help ballasting and using the work train to pick up supplies from the red container work area and bring those items back to the worksite. We will need others that can do light work as well.
Crew 5: Fill in any place you can.
We’ve been getting a bunch of emails asking what they should bring. Here is a short list but if you can think of anything that you might think would be helpful bring it as well.
Battery powered drill
Flat head screwdriver and mallet
Knee pads or something to kneel on while on the ground
Metal rake and shovels (we have some onsite)
Tape measure (we have some onsite)
Good sense of humor
Lunch and plenty of water
Bad jokes
If you have any questions regarding what is needed, please contact Robby with any questions.
Major track repair help requested for Saturday, February 24th at 8:30 a.m.
We are in need of repairing a 50-foot section of track on the west end of the railroad near the Nicols bridge. The plan is to move a switch and install a couple of new panels in order to smooth out a curve to switch area that was beginning to create some operational challenges on the railroad. If you have time between now and the 24th to go to the railroad we need three new straight panels built in order to make the 24th go quicker. Otherwise for those that are planning on coming out on Saturday, February 24th we plan on getting started around 8:30 a.m. with a full day of removing a switch, installing new ties, and track panels. The more that are available to help the faster we can complete the repair and make the railroad operational again.
We are in need of repairing a 50-foot section of track on the west end of the railroad near the Nicols bridge. The plan is to move a switch and install a couple of new panels in order to smooth out a curve to switch area that was beginning to create some operational challenges on the railroad. If you have time between now and the 24th to go to the railroad we need three new straight panels built in order to make the 24th go quicker. Otherwise for those that are planning on coming out on Saturday, February 24th we plan on getting started around 8:30 a.m. with a full day of removing a switch, installing new ties, and track panels. The more that are available to help the faster we can complete the repair and make the railroad operational again.
Some other items we will need help with including making sure we can get ballast from the ballast pile to the west end of the railroad to load the gondola and buckets so we can ballast the repaired area. If you have any questions regarding what is needed, please contact Robby with any questions.
Also note in order for the railroad to be completely operation for our March club fun day this work will need to be completed before March 2nd.
A surprise work weekend for one of our members this past weekend. Check out the activity.
You never know when someone might show up unexpectedly and do some work around the railroad. This weekend John stop by for the weekend and did some work on the grandma line along with some artwork on member container #4.
Don’t forget about our next official workday, which is this Saturday, February 24th as we perform some major railroad repairs on the west end of the railroad starting at 8:30 a.m.
You never know when someone might show up unexpectedly and do some work around the railroad. This weekend John stop by for the weekend and did some work on the grandma line along with some artwork on member container #4.
Don’t forget about our next official workday, which is this Saturday, February 24th as we perform some major railroad repairs on the west end of the railroad starting at 8:30 a.m.
Happy Valentine's Day from North Georgia Live Steamers
North Georgia Live Steamers want to wish all of you and your special someone a Happy Valentine’s Day.
North Georgia Live Steamers want to wish all of you and your special someone a Happy Valentine’s Day.
Major track repair help requested for Saturday, February 24th at 8:30 a.m.
We are in need of repairing a 50-foot section of track on the west end of the railroad near the Nicols bridge. The plan is to move a switch and install a couple of new panels in order to smooth out a curve to switch area that was beginning to create some operational challenges on the railroad. If you have time between now and the 24th to go to the railroad we need three new straight panels built in order to make the 24th go quicker. Otherwise for those that are planning on coming out on Saturday, February 24th we plan on getting started around 8:30 a.m. with a full day of removing a switch, installing new ties, and track panels. The more that are available to help the faster we can complete the repair and make the railroad operational again.
We are in need of repairing a 50-foot section of track on the west end of the railroad near the Nicols bridge. The plan is to move a switch and install a couple of new panels in order to smooth out a curve to switch area that was beginning to create some operational challenges on the railroad. If you have time between now and the 24th to go to the railroad we need three new straight panels built in order to make the 24th go quicker. Otherwise for those that are planning on coming out on Saturday, February 24th we plan on getting started around 8:30 a.m. with a full day of removing a switch, installing new ties, and track panels. The more that are available to help the faster we can complete the repair and make the railroad operational again.
Some other items we will need help with including making sure we can get ballast from the ballast pile to the west end of the railroad to load the gondola and buckets so we can ballast the repaired area. If you have any questions regarding what is needed, please contact Robby with any questions.
Also note in order for the railroad to be completely operation for our March club fun day this work will need to be completed before March 2nd.
Our 2nd Almost Monthly Club Fun Day of 2024 will be Saturday, March 2nd
Our 2nd Almost Monthly Club Fun Day will be Saturday, March 2nd. The day is intended for club members, guests, and those who are in the hobby to come out and enjoy a day of running trains. Come when you want and stay as long as you want. If you plan on coming out, please let us know by clicking here.
Our 2nd Almost Monthly Club Fun Day will be Saturday, March 2nd. The day is intended for club members, guests, and those who are in the hobby to come out and enjoy a day of running trains. Come when you want and stay as long as you want. If you plan on coming out please let us know by clicking here.
Major track repair help requested for Saturday, February 24th at 8:30 a.m.
We are in need of repairing a 50-foot section of track on the west end of the railroad near the Nicols bridge. The plan is to move a switch and install a couple of new panels in order to smooth out a curve to switch area that was beginning to create some operational challenges on the railroad. If you have time between now and the 24th to go to the railroad we need three new straight panels built in order to make the 24th go quicker. Otherwise for those that are planning on coming out on Saturday, February 24th we plan on getting started around 8:30 a.m. with a full day of removing a switch, installing new ties, and track panels. The more that are available to help the faster we can complete the repair and make the railroad operational again.
We are in need of repairing a 50-foot section of track on the west end of the railroad near the Nicols bridge. The plan is to move a switch and install a couple of new panels in order to smooth out a curve to switch area that was beginning to create some operational challenges on the railroad. If you have time between now and the 24th to go to the railroad we need three new straight panels built in order to make the 24th go quicker. Otherwise for those that are planning on coming out on Saturday, February 24th we plan on getting started around 8:30 a.m. with a full day of removing a switch, installing new ties, and track panels. The more that are available to help the faster we can complete the repair and make the railroad operational again.
Some other items we will need help with including making sure we can get ballast from the ballast pile to the west end of the railroad to load the gondola and buckets so we can ballast the repaired area. If you have any questions regarding what is needed, please contact Robby with any questions.
Also note in order for the railroad to be completely operation for our March club fun day this work will need to be completed before March 2nd.
Upcoming NGLS Club Fun Days and Fall meet dates
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 remaining club fun day events are scheduled on 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 remaining club fun day events are scheduled on 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.
Some early history of the NGLS Steam Engine
One of the exciting aspects of our nonprofit organization is the aspect of history. Recently we received some long talked about documentation about our club steam engine. It had been known or rumored to have been built in the late 1940’s and put into service around 1951. At a recent event at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History we received some exciting documentation form a fellow railroad hobbyist with direct connection to the early days of what we now call the club steamer.
One of the exciting aspects of our nonprofit organization is the aspect of history. Recently we received some long talked about documentation about our club steam engine. It had been known or rumored to have been built in the late 1940’s and put into service around 1951. At a recent event at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History we received some exciting documentation form a fellow railroad hobbyist with direct connection to the early days of what we now call the club steamer. One of the most exciting was the confirmation of who built the locomotive and who ultimately was the first owner. Back in 1951 a E. K. Cargill, the owner of 41 Drive-In Theatre had been in discussions earlier in the year with the builder of the locomotive Mr. Clyde T. Dempsey to purchase the locomotive, riding cars, track, ticket booth, and more however on August 27, 1951, Mr. Cargill sent a letter to Mr. Dempsey saying he was no longer interested. The great news is Mr. Dempsey had another buyer and on August 28, 1951, the newly built baby steam locomotive and tender, three coaches, track, rails, cross ties, ticket booth, concrete block and wood building, light post, blowers, gates, extra wheels and axles, ticket box, and all equipment and parts pertaining to the miniature railroad were sold to A.C. Crane for a total of $6,500.00. In 2024 dollars that is more than $76,000 for everything.
The next part of the locomotive history then takes us to Grant Park were the locomotive operated in Grant Park which also has a long Atlanta history dating back to 1883. We don’t yet know a lot about its time in Grant Park or what happened after that until 1982 when the Atlanta Historical Society received a donation by Mrs. Elinor K. Crane. After spending some time with the Atlanta Historical Society the locomotive was then donated to North Georgia Live Steamers in the 1990’s where North Georgia Live Steamers has spent years maintaining and operating the locomotive.
If you or someone you know has more details about the locomotive or individuals involved in its early days, please reach out to us and share what information you have so we can continue to preserve the history of this great locomotive.
Please consider making a donation to help us with a major restoration efforts currently being planned.
Present day photos of the locomotive
Union Pacific 822 Switcher
At the end of January 2024 one of our members took delivery this beautiful UP switcher built by Backyard Train Company out of Denver Colorado. During the February 3,2024 club meeting this locomotive operated on the railroad for the first time. Looking forward to seeing this railroad around the railroad for years to come.
At the end of January 2024 one of our members took delivery this beautiful UP switcher built by Backyard Train Company out of Denver Colorado. During the February 3,2024 club meeting this locomotive operated on the railroad for the first time. Looking forward to seeing this railroad around the railroad for years to come.
Updated track plan has been posted on our website. Check it out.
The past several years we have taken on a lot of projects and completed many of them. Because of the completion of those projects an updated track plan diagram has been posted which shows what has been completed and what is currently planned or being worked on around the railroad. To date we have almost 2 miles of track on the ground with nearly 1 mile of it being mainline.
For a complete list of current and future projects don’t forget to visit our projects web page listing all of what we are planning or thinking about.
The past several years we have taken on a lot of projects and completed many of them. Because of the completion of those projects an updated track plan diagram has been posted which shows what has been completed and what is currently planned or being worked on around the railroad. To date we have almost 2 miles of track on the ground with nearly 1 mile of it being mainline.
For a complete list of current and future projects don’t forget to visit our projects web page listing all of what we are planning or thinking about.
The next club meeting will be on Saturday, February 3rd at 1 p.m. at the railroad
The next club meeting will be on Saturday, February 3rd at 1 p.m. at the site. We look forward to seeing everyone at the meeting.
In other news the clubhouse and workshop project is moving forward. Over the next few weeks we are planning on hooking up the power and water line. We could use some help from those who are good with electrical wiring to help us with the hook up. We are also needing help preparing the site next to member container 3 so we can move the blue container to its new home. The prep work will require us to level and remove excess gravel from the area ahead of scheduling a truck to move the container. Weather permitting and assuming the ground is not soft we would like to get the above items completed by the end of February. If you are able to work on this project, please let us know and remember work can be done at any time and does not require work to be done on a Saturday.
One final thing we have significant track repair that needs to be completed on the west end of the railroad near the Nicol bridge. We have a scheduled workday on Saturday, February 24th to start working on this repair. We will need help with building a few track panels and replacing ties. The more help we can get the quicker we can get the railroad back up and operational.
The next club meeting will be on Saturday, February 3rd at 1 p.m. at the site. We look forward to seeing everyone at the meeting.
In other news the clubhouse and workshop project is moving forward. Over the next few weeks we are planning on hooking up the power and water line. We could use some help from those who are good with electrical wiring to help us with the hook up. We are also needing help preparing the site next to member container 3 so we can move the blue container to its new home. The prep work will require us to level and remove excess gravel from the area ahead of scheduling a truck to move the container. Weather permitting and assuming the ground is not soft we would like to get the above items completed by the end of February. If you are able to work on this project, please let us know and remember work can be done at any time and does not require work to be done on a Saturday.
One final thing we have significant track repair that needs to be completed on the west end of the railroad near the Nicol bridge. We have a scheduled workday on Saturday, February 24th to start working on this repair. We will need help with building a few track panels and replacing ties. The more help we can get the quicker we can get the railroad back up and operational.
Get involved in the "Grandma Line" project
Are you looking for a winter project around the railroad you can get involved in? The “Grandma Line” project team is looking for volunteers to come out and help make some major progress on the long talked about “Grandma Line.” If you are interested in help please contact John T. for more information regarding the workday schedule. The crew will need help with everything from building track panels, switches, moving dirt, and building a retaining wall. Opportunities for everyone to get involved.
This is just one of several projects going on around the railroad this winter so don’t hesitate to get involved.
Are you looking for a winter project around the railroad you can get involved in? The “Grandma Line” project team is looking for volunteers to come out and help make some major progress on the long talked about “Grandma Line.” If you are interested in help please contact John T. for more information regarding the workday schedule. The crew will need help with everything from building track panels, switches, moving dirt, and building a retaining wall. Opportunities for everyone to get involved.
This is just one of several projects going on around the railroad this winter so don’t hesitate to get involved.
Trains, Trains, Trains! at Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History 2024 Recap
The Trains, Trains, Trains event is in the books and what a great turn out for the weekend event at the Southern Musuem for Civil War and Locomotive history. This year we had the club steamer and the new Chesapeake & Ohio consolidation on display, and both created a lot of conversation and surprises by many that they were real steam engines. A shout out to all of the club members who came out to help make the event such a success. We look forward to seeing the many visitors we met this past weekend at our public run days starting this spring.
Our next club meeting with be this Saturday, February 3rd at the site at 1 p.m. Our next big club workday will be on Saturday, February 24th in order to repair a 50-foot section of track on the west side of the railroad near the Nicol bridge. Also note the club calendar has been updated so make sure you check out the latest information on our calendar page or check out the latest below the pictures for what is coming up next on our calendar.
The Trains, Trains, Trains event is in the books and what a great turn out for the weekend event at the Southern Musuem for Civil War and Locomotive history. This year we had the club steamer and the new Chesapeake & Ohio consolidation on display, and both created a lot of conversation and surprises by many that they were real steam engines. A shout out to all of the club members who came out to help make the event such a success. We look forward to seeing the many visitors we met this past weekend at our public run days starting this spring.
Our next club meeting with be this Saturday, February 3rd at the site at 1 p.m. Our next big club workday will be on Saturday, February 24th in order to repair a 50-foot section of track on the west side of the railroad near the Nicol bridge. Also note the club calendar has been updated so make sure you check out the latest information on our calendar page or check out the latest below the pictures for what is coming up next on our calendar.
Photo Recap
Here is a list of current workdays and projects on the calendar for the month and beyond.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
Over the course of the month, we plan on working on a project or two around the railroad. In order to give everyone a chance to find a project they are interested in helping with we are sending out monthly emails listing projects and other activities going on around the railroad. Don’t forget to invite family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who likes trains. For more details about some of the projects we are working on click on the “Railroad Project List” button below for a complete list. Don’t forget to bring tools, lunch, plenty to drink, and a good sense of humor. Don’t forget we have other fun days planned throughout the month and year as well so don’t forget to visit our calendar page for a complete list of everything going on around the railroad.
All Dates are subject to change and weather conditions
Come see us this weekend at the annual Trains, Trains, Trains event at The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History
Come see North Georgia Live Steamers at the Trains, Trains, Trains event at The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw. The event is scheduled for Saturday, January 27th and Sunday, January 28th from 9:30 AM-5:00 PM each day. The museum will be filled with model train layouts, many which you will be able to operate yourself.
The 2024 event will feature the Museum’s biggest model train display to date along with train-themed activities and historic trains.
The model train layouts will come in all sizes and feature a variety of themes, many of which have interactive buttons to delight young visitors. Railroad artifacts will be on display for visitors to hold, touch and discover how they were used.
Come see North Georgia Live Steamers at the Trains, Trains, Trains event at The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw. The event is scheduled for Saturday, January 27th and Sunday, January 28th from 9:30 AM-5:00 PM each day. The museum will be filled with model train layouts, many which you will be able to operate yourself.
The 2024 event will feature the Museum’s biggest model train display to date along with train-themed activities and historic trains.
The model train layouts will come in all sizes and feature a variety of themes, many of which have interactive buttons to delight young visitors. Railroad artifacts will be on display for visitors to hold, touch and discover how they were used.
Museum operating hours for the event are from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Regular admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (ages 65+), and $5 for children (ages 3 to 17), active-duty military (with ID) and university students (with ID). Tickets are available online. Admission for Museum members is always free!
The Southern Museum is located at 2829 Cherokee Street in Downtown Kennesaw (exit 273 on Interstate 75).
Parking will be available at Swift-Cantrell Park, located at 3140 Old 41 Hwy NW, with a free shuttle service.
For information visit the museum website: https://www.kennesaw-ga.gov/kennesaw-event/trains-trains-trains-2/
Progress on rebuilding the new NGLS electric switcher
Some exciting progress has been made on rebuilding the electric switcher. Dave L. installed new motor, controller, batteries, and a new paint job. Things are coming together nicely, and I know we all look forward to seeing this locomotive operating around the railroad in 2024. Big shout out to Dave for his work on this project.
Some exciting progress has been made on rebuilding the electric switcher. Dave L. installed new motor, controller, batteries, and a new paint job. Things are coming together nicely, and I know we all look forward to seeing this locomotive operating around the railroad in 2024. Big shout out to Dave for his work on this project.
