Prep day for public run day on Saturday, September 21st
The fall weather is slowly making its way to our area which means our next public run day event is just around the corner. On Saturday, September 21st we have a workday planned to make sure the railroad is at its best ahead of the busy fall season. We have some work to do on the east loop and a couple of switches on the west end of the yard that needs to be worked on during our next workday. The day will get started at 8:30 a.m. Make sure you bring tools, water, lunch, and a good sense of humor for the day. If you are not able to come this Saturday but have another day between now and the end of month that you are available let us know as a few are also talking about doing some work during a weekday.
The fall weather is slowly making its way to our area which means our next public run day event is just around the corner. On Saturday, September 21st we have a workday planned to make sure the railroad is at its best ahead of the busy fall season. We have some work to do on the east loop and a couple of switches on the west end of the yard that needs to be worked on during our next workday. The day will get started at 8:30 a.m. Make sure you bring tools, water, lunch, and a good sense of humor for the day. If you are not able to come this Saturday but have another day between now and the end of month that you are available let us know as a few are also talking about doing some work during a weekday.
After months of debate the blue container has now been moved.
After months of debate on how to move the blue container to a new location on the property it is finally done with the help of Wes and his team.
After months of debate on how to move the blue container to a new location on the property. Wes a small team he put together went to the site on Sunday and moved the blue container from the clubhouse and workshop location to the area next to member container three. As many may remember the blue container did not match the structural build of the red containers and would have made it difficult to leverage it as part of one big open space when all the containers where connected. Now that the blue container is moved and container one walls and ceiling are up, we are positioned to really make some major progress over the next six to nine months on the projects. We have to finish painting the walls in container one, install electrical, and make the space usable before we start working on connecting container one and two together. We also need to do some track work so we can get to the container from the railroad. With all that needs to be done we can’t do it without everyone’s help. Be on the lookout for ways to get involved and if anyone knows of a company or individual who is interested in making a donation to help pay for the cost of the project, they can do so online by visiting our project page.
Invicta “Mary”
This locomotive was introduced to the railroad during the September 14, 2024, boiler inspection day. The Invicta was built by Jim Zealer in 1990 as the second of a batch of 30 locomotives to plans by British designer LBSC. It was sold to an unknown buyer who displayed it on a shelf until 2024 when it was acquired by Scott Bitner, who built the tender and got the locomotive into a steam-worthy condition.
This locomotive was introduced to the railroad during the September 14, 2024, boiler inspection day. The Invicta was built by Jim Zealer in 1990 as the second of a batch of 30 locomotives to plans by British designer LBSC. It was sold to an unknown buyer who displayed it on a shelf until 2024 when it was acquired by Scott Bitner, who built the tender and got the locomotive into a steam-worthy condition. The locomotive was then listed on Discover Live Steam where it was purchased by current owner in August and brought back to Georgia. It is currently coal fired but will eventually be converted to propane and is named 'Mary' after the late grandmother of current owner
Nickel Plate Road #688 (Mikado)
The Nickel Plate Road #688 (Mikado) was built by Gene Lurwig, and made its initial appears on the Conyers & High Tower Trail Railroad on Saturday, September 14, 2024, after completing its first boiler inspection. The initial run was with #757 also built by Gene as a test run around the railroad to see how everything tracks. The locomotive did fantastic and once the final details are completed, she will be ready for years of service.
The Nickel Plate Road #688 (Mikado) was built by Gene Lurwig, and made its initial appears on the Conyers & High Tower Trail Railroad on Saturday, September 14, 2024, after completing its first boiler inspection. The initial run was with #757 also built by Gene as a test run around the railroad to see how everything tracks. The locomotive did fantastic and once the final details are completed, she will be ready for years of service.
A Berk and Mikado double heading on September 14, 2024
A Mikado and Consolidation double heading on September 19, 2024
Inspection and Club Fun Day Recap
Our annual boiler inspection and September club fun day happened on Saturday even with the threat of rain. The day was pretty dry with an occasional sprinkle and heavy mist but that didn’t put a damper on the fun had by so many. We had an incredible turnout with ten steam engines which included three new to the railroad locomotives and one brand new Mikado.
Our annual boiler inspection and September club fun day happened on Saturday even with the threat of rain. The day was pretty dry with an occasional sprinkle and heavy mist but that didn’t put a damper on the fun had by so many. We had an incredible turnout with ten steam engines which included three new to the railroad locomotives and one brand new Mikado. While the steam engines were getting inspected other members took advantage running on the railroad before the extra traffic began to operate on the railroad. With the inspection complete we now shift our focus to fall activities which include public run days, fall meet, and visiting other railroads. Check out the calendar for the latest on what is going on around the railroad and clubs in the region.
Come ride trains on Saturday, October 5th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The railroad comes alive on Saturday, October 5th 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 on Saturday, October 5th 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
Club Riding Lawnmower Repaired
The club riding lawnmower is back up and running. A thank you to Wes for installing the deck belt and Robby for figuring out which belt to order. Wes has placed the lawnmower back in the green shed with the battery charger on and ready for the next person to help cut the grass. Please make sure you properly disconnect the charger from the wall and battery before using the mower. When finished don’t forget to who the charger backup up and plug it in so the battery and mower will be ready the next time it is needed.
The club riding lawnmower is back up and running. A thank you to Wes for installing the deck belt and Robby for figuring out which belt to order. Wes has placed the lawnmower back in the green shed with the battery charger on and ready for the next person to help cut the grass. Please make sure you properly disconnect the charger from the wall and battery before using the mower. When finished don’t forget to who the charger backup up and plug it in so the battery and mower will be ready the next time it is needed.
Also note that the owner’s manual for the lawnmower is on our members only page on our website as a reference for any repairs or parts needed in the future.
Important Fall Meet Update
****Please read and respond****
The 2024 Fall meet is less than 60 days away and we are working on finalizing details for this year’s event. We need your help to make this year’s event a success and to continue to invite others in the hobby out to come out and enjoy our railroad. Please take a minute and let us know how you are able to help during the meet.
As a reminder this year's dates are Thursday, October 24th - Sunday, October 27th with lunch provided by the club on Saturday.
Please complete by Saturday, September 14th
****Please Respond****
The 2024 Fall meet is less than 60 days away and we are working on finalizing details for this year’s event. We need your help to make this year’s event a success and to continue to invite others in the hobby out to come out and enjoy our railroad. Please take a minute and let us know how you are able to help during the meet.
As a reminder this years dates are Thursday, October 24th - Sunday, October 27th with lunch provided by the club on Saturday.
Please complete by Saturday, September 14th
Great weather and unbelievable progress on projects made for a perfect workday.
This past Saturday saw great progress on two big projects which includes the clubhouse and workshop project and the grandma line. Not a lot of pictures to show but the crew consisted of Wes, Robby, John, Rick, “Bob Jr”, David E., and new member Seth. Gene and Joan also stopped by and delivered a newly assembled box car that was donated by Thomas K. George also stopped by and visited with the crew during lunch.
John, Rick, and “Bob Jr” spent the day working on bringing in loads of dirt for the grandma line. The loads would be dropped, and John went to town on spreading and leveling each load.
This past Saturday saw great progress on two big projects which includes the clubhouse and workshop project and the grandma line. Not a lot of pictures to show but the crew consisted of Wes, Robby, John, Norm, Rick, “Bob Jr”, David E., and new member Seth. Gene and Joan also stopped by and delivered a newly assembled box car that was donated by Thomas K. George also stopped by and visited with the crew during lunch.
John, Rick, and “Bob Jr” spent the day working on bringing in loads of dirt for the grandma line. The loads would be dropped, and John went to town on spreading and leveling each load. I think we saw John doing a little dance at times on top of the dirt out of excitement only to find out he was acting as a human compactor. John said that the amount of progress made on the project would not have been possible without Rick and “Bob Jr” and was extremely thankful for the extra help. What is next you might ask on the grandma line well some rain would be helpful to compact the dirt along with some additional moving of the dirt brought in to fill in low spots and make sure the space is the right dimensions. More on what John has planned to be shared later but as always if you are interested in helping with this project John is at the site every other week with few exceptions. To reach John to see what his schedule and plans are visit the project page or contact him directly.
The rest of the crew spent the day working on the clubhouse and workshop project by finishing installing insulation and plywood. They also cleaned up the space and moved items to the middle container so we would have enough room to paint the new plywood and begin installing electrical and more. If you have some free time and would like to prime and paint the newly installed plywood wall and ceiling let us know. The supplies are already in the container just need some helpers. Reach out to Norm, Robby, or Wes with any questions or visit our project page and click the Contact Us button. The work does not have to be done on the weekend.
With all of the great progress that has taken place this past weekend and throughout the summer we do have to shift our attention to our fall season of activities including our boiler inspection and club fun day on Saturday, September 14th along with our public run day, which is coming up on Saturday, October 5th. As the weather continues to cool if you have time to come to the site and perform general maintenance around the property that would be appreciated. If you can think of it probably needs to be done and if you need some inspiration let us know. This work can be done any day of the week and does not require an official workday on the schedule. Just remember let us know so we can get the word out.
Picture of Gene & Joan assembling the Thomas K. box car. Thank you to everyone for this gift.
Steam Engine Inspection and Club Fun Day on September 14th
It is that time of year again when many of the steam engines that operate around the railroad go through a hydro test and boiler inspection. Join us on Saturday, September 14th starting at 8:30 a.m. The day is also our next club fun day so bring family and friends and spend the day around the railroad.
We also have a workday plan for this Saturday, September 7th with plans to complete the inside of container 1 for the club house and workshop project. We have some insulation, sheets of plywood, and a little bit of painting to do which will allows us to start setting up container 1 as a usable space. The weather is forecasted to be in the low 80’s which will make working outside and in the container much more manageable than the summer heat we’ve been having.
It is that time of year again when many of the steam engines that operate around the railroad go through a hydro test and boiler inspection. Join us on Saturday, September 14th starting at 8:30 a.m. The day is also our next club fun day so bring family and friends and spend the day around the railroad.
We also have a workday plan for this Saturday, September 7th with plans to complete the inside of container 1 for the club house and workshop project. We have some insulation, sheets of plywood, and a little bit of painting to do which will allows us to start setting up container 1 as a usable space. The weather is forecasted to be in the low 80’s which will make working outside and in the container much more manageable than the summer heat we’ve been having.
Steam Engine Inspection and Club Fun Day on September 14th
It is that time of year again when many of the steam engines that operate around the railroad go through a hydro test and boiler inspection. Join us on Saturday, September 14th starting at 8:30 a.m. to see what each of our steam engines go through to get prepared for inspection. While this is not part of our normal public run day guests are invited to see what goes into keeping our steam engines and railroad operational. The day will also be used by others to perform maintenance on other locomotives and rolling stock.
It is that time of year again when many of the steam engines that operate around the railroad go through a hydro test and boiler inspection. Join us on Saturday, September 14th starting at 8:30 a.m. to see what each of our steam engines go through to get prepared for inspection. While this is not part of our normal public run day guests are invited to see what goes into keeping our steam engines and railroad operational. The day will also be used by others to perform maintenance on other locomotives and rolling stock.
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
Do You Shop at Kroger's? You Could Be Raising Money For North Georgia Live Steamers
If you shop at Kroger's, your everyday purchases could turn donations to the North Georgia Live Steamers. All you do is register and use your Kroger card every time you shop at Kroger's.
If you shop at Kroger's, your everyday purchases could turn donations to the North Georgia Live Steamers. All you do is register and use your Kroger card every time you shop at Kroger's.
How do you register your Kroger Rewards card? Simply click on the link below and login to your account and follow the steps provided by Kroger to register North Georgia Live Steamers with your account.
Here is the link to the reward program: Kroger Community Rewards program.
Remember spread the word to your friends and family and make sure they register North Georgia Live Steamers as a Kroger Community Reward recipient.
If you have any questions regarding how the program works, please visit Kroger Community Rewards for additional information.
Our organization number is: NX755
Annual Fall Meet - October 24 - 27, 2024
The year is going by fast which means our fall meet is just around the corner. You and your friends who love trains are invited to join us during our fall meet which is scheduled for Thursday, October 24th through Sunday, October 27th. We will be providing lunch on Saturday, October 26th so make sure you register and let us know you are coming so we can make sure we have enough food for everyone. If you are coming from out of town or just want to stay local while you are enjoying the meet we have created a list of great hotels in the area for you to pick from below. If you have an RV or camper and would like to stay on site let us know so we can reserve a space for you.
The year is going by fast which means our fall meet is just around the corner. You and your friends who love trains are invited to join us during our fall meet which is scheduled for Thursday, October 24th through Sunday, October 27th. We will be providing lunch on Saturday, October 26th so make sure you register and let us know you are coming so we can make sure we have enough food for everyone. If you are coming from out of town or just want to stay local while you are enjoying the meet we have created a list of great hotels in the area for you to pick from below. If you have an RV or camper and would like to stay on site let us know so we can reserve a space for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Robby Mossman, Peter Craymer or visit our website for the latest information. We also want to make sure you are aware this is NOT part of our normal public run day event. The weekend is reserved for our group to enjoy the railroad with friends, family, invited guests, and those in the hobby.
Time and date:
When: Thursday, October 24 - Sunday, October 27, 2024
Railroad Gauge(s): 7 1/2 & Gauge 1
Accommodations:
We have limited room for RV’s and trailers onsite however overflow space will be available at the RV parking area located at the Georgia International Horse Park facility which is about a mile down the road. For those wishing to stay in a hotel please visit our website for the latest list of area hotels. Most hotels are within 3 to 5 miles of the railroad along with a lot of great restaurant options.
Visiting Trains:
All locomotive types are welcome, but steam engines are required to have a recent hydro-static test. The test can be completed at the railroad with help from a NGLS.
Loading / Unloading
North Georgia Live Steamers has a hydraulic car lift that has three 20-foot sections of track that can be used at one time.
Important Fall Meet Update
The 2024 Fall meet is less than 60 days away and we are working on finalizing details for this year’s event. We need your help to make this year’s event a success and to continue to invite others in the hobby out to come out and enjoy our railroad. Please take a minute and let us know how you are able to help during the meet.
As a reminder this year's dates are Thursday, October 24th - Sunday, October 27th with lunch provided by the club on Saturday.
Please complete by Saturday, September 14th
The 2024 Fall meet is less than 60 days away and we are working on finalizing details for this year’s event. We need your help to make this year’s event a success and to continue to invite others in the hobby out to come out and enjoy our railroad. Please take a minute and let us know how you are able to help during the meet.
As a reminder this years dates are Thursday, October 24th - Sunday, October 27th with lunch provided by the club on Saturday.
Please complete by Saturday, September 14th
Hot Summer Club Fun Run Recap - August 24, 2024
Our annual Hot Summer Nights Club Fun Run, more like morning and afternoon, was an incredible day for our members and visitors. The weather was unusually gorgeous for an August summer day and only got better into the evening. We had members and visitors come and go throughout the day enjoying fellowship, lunch, and of course riding trains.
Our annual Hot Summer Nights Club Fun Run, more like morning and afternoon, was an incredible day for our members and visitors. The weather was unusually gorgeous for an August summer day and only got better into the evening. We had members and visitors come and go throughout the day enjoying fellowship, lunch, and of course riding trains. However, earlier in the week Wes got the property ready for our enjoyment by cutting grass and Saturday morning Dave L. came out and finished clearing the railroad of any debris with his leaf blower and maybe a little game of pick-up sticks all to make sure the railroad was ready for our enjoyment. With the property and railroad ready Dave did some test running with his electric switch and answered some questions from John about his electric locomotive. Whatever Dave said must have worked because John was out running his locomotive a short time later with a grin on his face just like a kid in the candy store. John also acquired a new to him engineer and flat car making his train nearly complete.
Speaking of working on things Wes brought out his latest electric outline Porter project and ran it around the railroad on Saturday. He continues to make adjustments and is really close to making his latest project fully operational in the near future. Great looking locomotive with many years of fun in its future. Peter also stopped by and steamed up just so he could get dirty enough to make sure everything is running correctly ahead of the fall run schedule. Let’s just say Robby was a little jealous he didn’t bring his locomotive to compete with Peter on who would end the day the dirtiest. We also had one of our younger members Grady come by with his grandfather and was taught how to run the club diesel for the first time. Let’s just say the smile on his face throughout the day was wide and will surely be a memory for the ages.
As the afternoon turned to evening many went home leaving just Wes and Dave to play trains until almost 9 p.m. before tucking their trains in for the night and going home as well. We could not have picked a better weather day and looking forward to many more club fun days and our fall meet in October.
Annual Hot Summer Nights Club Fun Event - August 24th
Our annual Hot Summer Nights Club Fun Run is this Saturday, August 24th. Come late in the afternoon and stay until after dark and have fun around the railroad. The club fun event is intended for club members, member families, invited guests, and those in hobby. For more information to those visiting the railroad please visit our Club Fun Day page for more information.
If you can’t make it for our Hot Summer Nights event don’t forget to mark your calendar for our Fall meet which is Thursday, October 24th through Sunday, October 27th. We will be providing lunch on Saturday, October 26th so make sure you register and let us know you are coming so we can make sure we have enough food for everyone. For more information about the meet visit https://northgeorgialivesteamers.org/fallmeet for the latest information.
Our annual Hot Summer Nights Club Fun Run is this Saturday, August 24th. Come late in the afternoon and stay until after dark and have fun around the railroad. The club fun event is intended for club members, member families, invited guests, and those in hobby. For more information to those visiting the railroad please visit our Club Fun Day page for more information.
If you can’t make it for our Hot Summer Nights event don’t forget to mark your calendar for our Fall meet which is Thursday, October 24th through Sunday, October 27th. We will be providing lunch on Saturday, October 26th so make sure you register and let us know you are coming so we can make sure we have enough food for everyone. For more information about the meet visit https://northgeorgialivesteamers.org/fallmeet for the latest information.
Support through Give with Microsoft Bing
North Georgia Live Steamers is a non-profit educational organization, and our all-volunteer staff rely on our public run day events and donations from individuals like you to make it all happen. We recently partnered up with Microsoft Rewards which lets you support North Georgia Live Steamers through its Give with Bing program. After signing up and selecting our organization, you can earn rewards points just for searching the web with Bing. Microsoft then turns those points into cash donations to us.
The program is free--you just need to sign up with a Microsoft account.
North Georgia Live Steamers is a non-profit educational organization, and our all-volunteer staff rely on our public run day events and donations from individuals like you to make it all happen. We recently partnered up with Microsoft Rewards which lets you support North Georgia Live Steamers through its Give with Bing program. After signing up and selecting our organization, you can earn rewards points just for searching the web with Bing. Microsoft then turns those points into cash donations to us.
The program is free--you just need to sign up with a Microsoft account.