Club Meeting, Spring Cleaning, and Prep Day for run day on Saturday, April 6th
Our April club meeting is scheduled for April 6th at 1 p.m. The day is also our spring cleanup workday, which will start at 8:30 a.m., as we make one final push to prepare the railroad and property for our 2024 Public Run Days. We need everyone’s helping to take care of organizing the containers, run day items, check equipment, cut grass, check the railroad for any last-minute maintenance items and more.
Here is a more complete list of items for the day:
Clean out and organize the grey container.
Organize run day items in grey container so they are easy to access.
Clean out and organize the red container.
Oil all switches and clean off debris from railroad.
Cut grass and clean out center island flower bed.
Find and complete any last-minute railroad maintenance items.
Verify all club equipment for operation.
Take care of anything else that was left off the list
Our April club meeting is scheduled for April 6th at 1 p.m. The day is also our spring cleanup workday, which will start at 8:30 a.m., as we make one final push to prepare the railroad and property for our 2024 Public Run Days. We need everyone’s helping to take care of organizing the containers, run day items, check equipment, cut grass, check the railroad for any last-minute maintenance items and more.
Here is a more complete list of items for the day:
Clean out and organize the grey container.
Organize run day items in grey container so they are easy to access.
Clean out and organize the red container.
Oil all switches and clean off debris from railroad.
Cut grass and clean out center island flower bed.
Find and complete any last-minute railroad maintenance items.
Verify all club equipment for operation.
Take care of anything else that was left off the list.
Are you available to volunteer for our April 13th Public Run Day Event?
We are looking to see who is planning on visiting other railroads this spring. We are hoping to have a good showing at other locations and to help promote our Fall meet. Please fill out the form below and let us know.
Our first public run day of the 2024 season will be on Saturday, April 13th. Please let us know if you are available to volunteer that day. Fill out the form below or click the button.
Exciting progress made on several projects during our Saturday, March 23, 2024, workday.
Another Friday evening rain leads to great weather on Saturday as more work was done on the “Grandma Line”, water line extension, and the new retaining wall. The crew took a divide and conquer approach to projects starting finishing the new retaining wall then moving to the water line extension project. We had a special visitor “Bob Jr” who helped bring dirt in for the “Grandma Line” area.
Another Friday evening rain leads to great weather on Saturday as more work was done on the “Grandma Line”, water line extension, and the new retaining wall. The crew took a divide and conquer approach to projects starting with Wes and Scott finishing the new retaining wall then moving to the water line extension project with Robby and John.
Wes also jumped in and help build a temporary crossing so Rick and “Bob Jr” could start bringing in dirt for the “Grandma Line”. Rick spent most of the morning bringing in load after load into the area to fill in many of the low spots we have in the area. The first layer of dirt will settle the next few weeks with more dirt to be brought in later which will also require time for the dirt to settle and compact. Overall, the great news is the “Grandma Line” has made a great deal of progress the past couple of weeks and if all goes well this year, we could get this line completed by fall. If you are looking to get involved, we need track panels and a switch built.
The crew also worked on ballasting both ends of the water line extension and spent time realigning the existing water line track and adding additional ballast. During our next workday the water line track will begin to operate as a mainline for traffic traveling east on the railroad. This will also allow west bound traffic to move over to the track next to the water line and begin traveling across the “LaVay Bridge”. More details on the changes to the railroad operations in the coming weeks.
As the day was wrapping up John and Wes took time to make additional changes to the railroad tie wall near the east end of what will become the “Grandma Line”. They swapped out a couple of bad ties with newer ones and will begin the process of bringing in dirt and other material to secure the wall and prepare the ground for future roadbed through that area.
Are you planning on visiting other railroads this spring?
We are looking to see who is planning on visiting other railroads this spring. We are hoping to have a good showing at other locations and to help promote our Fall meet. Please fill out the form below and let us know.
We are looking to see who is planning on visiting other railroads this spring. We are hoping to have a good showing at other locations and to help promote our Fall meet. Please fill out the form below and let us know.
Major Workday scheduled for Saturday, March 23rd at 8:30 a.m.
Our next big workday is planning for Saturday, March 23rd. We have a couple of items planned and could use as many hands as possible. The plan is to work on cutting in a new switch so the west end of the water line extension can be completed plus we will perform much-needed maintenance on the water line so it can operate as a mainline in the future.
Our next big workday is planning for Saturday, March 23rd. We have a couple of items planned and could use as many hands as possible. The plan is to work on cutting in a new switch so the west end of the water line extension can be completed plus we will perform much-needed maintenance on the water line so it can operate as a mainline in the future.
One final note about future planned workday events. We have a special work week planned for April 1st through 5th. The plan during the week is work on the clubhouse and workshop container project. We will be building a stud wall in the first container so we can complete the electrical panel installation and get power into the container. This will allow us to have what is needed in the container for future workdays to begin the next phase of work which includes building out more internal walls in the first two containers as our clubhouse and workshop space begins to finally take shape. Other items are planned and if you are available to come out one or more days, please let us know.
Our next club meeting is Saturday, April 6th at 1 p.m. and our first Public Run Day Prep Day will also take place on Saturday, April 6th.
A lot of progress was made on Saturday even though it was an unscheduled workday
Another beautiful day of weather allowed for unexpected progress on several projects around the railroad. The crew worked on the retaining wall and track work. Check out the details by reading more about the day.
Because of unexpected progress on the retaining wall earlier in the week a small group went out to the site to work on the retaining wall along with a few other big items. The group, which consisted of Gene, Wes, Robby, and Norm took advantage of the great weather and work on the retaining wall earlier this week to finish installing the wall and fencing. The wall still has some additional work that needs to be finished which includes bringing in crusher run and gravel in order to firm up the ground between the track and the wall. The plan is to complete this step during our next official workday, which is Saturday, March 23rd at 8:30 a.m. We will need people to bring wheelbarrows and shovels in order to bring many loads from the pile over to the wall.
The crew also finished building a switch for the west end of the water line and even got it installed. The crew also moved a switch off the mainline close to the east end of the mainline. The switch was moved to the east end of the water line which will also connect the “Grandma Line” at some point in the future. With the installation of the switches on each end of the water line extension this will allow the railroad to use water line as a mainline and allow traffic traveling from east to west across the main crossing to continue to travel straight and actually not travel through the yard and more. However, before that can happen, we have some finishing work to be completed which includes ballasting all of the new water line extension track and gauge and ballast the existing water line track so it can be used with mainline traffic. The plan is complete this during our next regularly scheduled workday, which is this Saturday, March 23rd at 8:30 a.m. This work will need to be completed before our first public run day which is Saturday, April 13th.
The crew took the last few minutes of the day and installed a board in between the rails on the west end of what will become an access point for the “Grandma Line” for “Bob”. Weather permitting, we are planning on completing the temporary crossing area soon so dirt and other material can be brought in to the “Grandma Line” job site. Be on the lookout for additional details on what additional help may be needed for this project.
One final note about future planned workday events. We have a special work week planned for April 1st through 5th. The plan during the week is to work on the clubhouse and workshop container project. We will be building a stud wall in the first container so we can complete the electrical panel installation and get power into the container. This will allow us to have what is needed in the container for future workdays to begin the next phase of work which includes building out more internal walls in the first two containers as our clubhouse and workshop space begins to take shape. Other items are planned and if you are available to come out one or more days during the week, please let us know.
Our next club meeting is Saturday, April 6th at 1 p.m. and our first Public Run Day Prep Day will also take place on Saturday, April 6th.
Nicol bridge retaining wall project made surprise progress on Wednesday.
On Wednesday Wes and Norm stopped by the site and worked on cutting the container side panels that are going to be used to build a retaining wall west of the Nicol bridge. The pair not only cut the panels but also placed the fence posts in the ground and will be fastening the panels to the posts soon. While we don’t have an official workday planned for this weekend if you are available this weekend a crew is planning on being onsite to work on the wall starting at 8:30 a.m. If you are able to come out this Saturday to help, be aware that a big event will happening at the Steeplechase so approach the area with caution and let the traffic details know you are going to the railroad.
On Wednesday Wes and Norm stopped by the site and worked on cutting the container side panels that are going to be used to build a retaining wall west of the Nicol bridge. The pair not only cut the panels but also placed the fence posts in the ground and will be fastening the panels to the posts soon. While we don’t have an official workday planned for this weekend if you are available this weekend a crew is planning on being onsite to work on the wall starting at 8:30 a.m. If you are able to come out this Saturday to help, be aware that a big event will happening at the Steeplechase so approach the area with caution and let the traffic details know you are going to the railroad.
One final note about future planned workday events. We have a special work week planned for April 1st through 5th. The plan during the week is work on the clubhouse and workshop container project. We will be building a stud wall in the first container so we can complete the electrical panel installation and get power into the container. This will allow us to have what is needed in the container for future workdays to begin the next phase of work which includes building out more internal walls in the first two containers as our clubhouse and workshop space begins to finally take shape. Other items are planned and if you are available to come out one or more days, please let us know.
Our next club meeting is Saturday, April 6th at 1 p.m. and our first Public Run Day Prep Day will also take place on Saturday, April 6th.
Come ride trains on Saturday, April 13th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive on Saturday, April 13th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
The railroad comes alive one on Saturday, April 13th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come out with friends and family to ride the rails of the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The cost is $2 per person per ride on the railroad and riders must be at least 18 months old or older. No expectant mothers allowed to ride on the railroad. Tickets can be purchased on site. CASH Only. No Credit Cards or Debit Cards.
The railroad is located at 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30012 next to the Steeplechase Grounds at the Georgia International Horse Park. For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
Are you planning on visiting other railroads this spring?
We are looking to see who is planning on visiting other railroads this spring. We are hoping to have a good showing at other locations and to help promote our Fall meet. Please fill out the form below and let us know.
We are looking to see who is planning on visiting other railroads this spring. We are hoping to have a good showing at other locations and to help promote our Fall meet. Please fill out the form below and let us know.
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.