Friday Nights Rain didn’t keep some from working on Saturday, March 9th
Friday’s overnight rain didn’t deter a small group from showing up Saturday morning for a workday. John, Wes, and Scott started out early Saturday morning by taking care of some items with the “Grandma Line”. They worked on the retaining wall which also means they had to haul in dirt and gravel with wheelbarrows. Robby showed up and brought back one of the new club riding cars to the site. He spent the past few months cleaning and repainting the car while Norm cleaned up the trucks. The riding car is now ready for operation for the 2024 season.
The crew also worked on plans for the retaining wall that needs to be installed near the west end of the Nicol bridge.
Friday’s overnight rain didn’t deter a small group from showing up Saturday morning for a workday. John, Wes, and Scott started out early Saturday morning by taking care of some items with the “Grandma Line”. They worked on the retaining wall which also means they had to haul in dirt and gravel with wheelbarrows. Robby showed up and brought back one of the new club riding cars to the site. He spent the past few months cleaning and repainting the car while Norm cleaned up the trucks. The riding car is now ready for operation for the 2024 season.
The crew also worked on plans for the retaining wall that needs to be installed near the west end of the Nicol bridge. We are going to take the end pieces that came out of the grey container project from a couple of years ago and cut them down to about 16 inches tall so we can then use them as part of the retaining wall structure. The plan is to get them cut and ready for installation by Saturday, March 23rd. We will need help hauling dirt and gravel using wheelbarrows to the retaining wall in order to complete this project. We will also be installing about 100 feet of fencing as well. Because this project needs to be completed before our April run day, we will also be doing work on Saturday, March 30th to finish this and other projects.
If all of this wasn’t enough the real fun part of the day was when John and Wes started working on the west end water line extension by figuring out a way to work smarter and not harder. The pair had been using two wagons to bring crush and run to the work area which was a slow process. The two put their heads together and decided to leverage the new little electric switch to bring material to John while Wes loaded the wagons. You have to watch the videos to really appreciate the great use of this new switcher and pulling of wagons full of material back and forth to the job site. Needless to say, this approach saved John and Wes a great deal of time. Scott jumped in and helped by operating the locomotives wireless controller from the comfort of well his chair.
John and Robby also spent time walking the “Grandma Line” as the area will see some major progress in the next month or so. The plan is to install a temporary crossing on the west end so a bobcat can bring dirt and other supplies into the area. Weather permitting this will take place by the end of March and will really allow this project to pick up steam. Keep an eye out for updates on what John and Wes will be working on next. This is a great opportunity to get involved.
Other photos from The day
Help Requested from Steamers to perform an operational check on the club steamer.
We are in need of a couple of steamers to help perform an operational check on the locomotive while Bob is out. Please let Robby know if you are available so we can coordinate a team to do the operational check in March. The big thing that Bob has asked that we verify is to make sure the lubricator is operating correctly along with all of the other normal checklist items.
We are in need of a couple of steamers to help perform an operational check on the locomotive while Bob is out. Please let Robby know if you are available so we can coordinate a team to do the operational check in March. The big thing that Bob has asked that we verify is to make sure the lubricator is operating correctly along with all of the other normal checklist items.
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
Club Fun Day Recap for Saturday, March 2, 2024
The weather cleared up and the day ended up being incredible. The turnout was small, but the fun was large. Peter and Robby ran most of the day. Wayne L, Norm, Rick, Dave L, and Ethel also stopped by. Dave ran his electric switcher for a while and Wayne took a ride on Peter’s train. We did run into an issue with the switch that was moved last weekend on the west end of the Nicol bridge. Norm brought the newly rebuilt switcher out, a big thanks to Dave L for completing this project, and brought the MOW car out to the switch that was being repaired by Peter, Rick, Robby, and Norm. Overall, the day was a success, and the railroad ran great. It was also determined that a small retaining wall needs to be installed near the west end of the Nicol bridge in order prevent loss of ballast around the track. This is the same area that we performed track repair last weekend.
The weather cleared up and the day ended up being incredible. The turnout was small, but the fun was large. Peter and Robby ran most of the day. Wayne L, Norm, Rick, Dave L, and Ethel also stopped by. Dave ran his electric switcher for a while and Wayne took a ride on Peter’s train. We did run into an issue with the switch that was moved last weekend on the west end of the Nicol bridge. Norm brought the newly rebuilt switcher out, a big thanks to Dave L for completing this project, and brought the MOW car out to the switch that was being repaired by Peter, Rick, Robby, and Norm. Overall, the day was a success, and the railroad ran great. It was also determined that a small retaining wall needs to be installed near the west end of the Nicol bridge in order prevent loss of ballast around the track. This is the same area that we performed track repair last weekend.
C&O 701 first run of the 2024 season on March 2nd
C&O 701 hit the rails for the first time of the 2024 season. The locomotive operated for about 4 hours and burned about 30 lbs of coal. A great start to the 2024 season.
C&O 701 hit the rails for the first time of the 2024 season. The locomotive operated for about 4 hours and burned about 30 lbs of coal. A great start to the 2024 season.
This Saturday, March 2nd is our 2nd Almost Monthly Club Fun Day of 2024.
Our 2nd Almost Monthly Club Fun Day will be this 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.
Some changes to the railroad have taken place since the last time we have operated on the railroad. If you are the first one on the railroad, make sure you take it slow and verify all switches are aligned correctly. Pay close attention to the area heading down towards the Nicol’s bridge after you leave the station area as this area had some major work done last weekend, and a new switch has been installed on the inner loop on the west end as you approach the water line track.
Our 2nd Almost Monthly Club Fun Day will be this 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.
Some changes to the railroad have taken place since the last time we have operated on the railroad. If you are the first one on the railroad, make sure you take it slow and verify all switches are aligned correctly. Pay close attention to the area heading down towards the Nicol’s bridge after you leave the station area as this area had some major work done last weekend, and a new switch has been installed on the inner loop on the west end as you approach the water line track.
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.
AJC lists NGLS as one of six family friendly train trips in and around Georgia
A big shout out to LaVay for finding a February 20th article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution online edition which lists NGLS as one of six family friend train trips in and around Georgia. Check out the full article by visiting AJC online - Six family friendly train trips in and around Georgia (ajc.com).
A big shout out to LaVay for finding a February 20th article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution online edition which lists NGLS as one of six family friend train trips in and around Georgia. Check out the full article by visiting AJC online - Six family friendly train trips in and around Georgia (ajc.com).
Grandma Line and Water Line Project Update - February 24, 2024
The Grandma Line and Water Line project made progress over the weekend as more fill was put in on the east end of the Grandma Line while on the west end a switch off the mainline was installed that will connect the water line to the mainline in a new location. Additional work is scheduled to complete so that the water line can be used as a mainline in the coming months.
The Grandma Line and Water Line project made progress over the weekend as more fill was put in on the east end of the Grandma Line while on the west end a switch off the mainline was installed that will connect the water line to the mainline in a new location. Additional work is scheduled to complete so that the water line can be used as a mainline in the coming months.
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.
