Emergency Repair of East Loop on Wednesday, October 2nd at 8:30 a.m.
It was discovered that a washout has occurred in the east loop at the location of the culvert under the passenger line. The wash out is several feet deep and will require the area to be dug out and repaired. During the repair we will be installing a second culverts in to help deal with the volume of water that is going through the area along with repairing an extension piece we have on the original culvert that is not directing the water through the culvert properly. Rick, “Bob Jr”, Wes, Norm, and several others will be at the site at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 2nd to work on the repair. If you are available to come out, please do so as early as possible. Without this repair the railroad is not currently operational.
It was discovered that a washout has occurred in the east loop at the location of the culvert under the passenger line. The wash out is several feet deep and will require the area to be dug out and repaired. During the repair we will be installing a second culverts in to help deal with the volume of water that is going through the area along with repairing an extension piece we have on the original culvert that is not directing the water through the culvert properly. Rick, “Bob Jr”, Wes, Norm, and several others will be at the site at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 2nd to work on the repair. If you are available to come out, please do so as early as possible. Without this repair the railroad is not currently operational.
Debris and other updates
What a crazy weather year we have had. The most recent hurricane that came through our region last week just seems to be icing on the cake for many. After the hurricane passed Wayne went to check on the railroad and found everything to be in good shape and at that point the river was high but was not at risk of creating any issues with the railroad.
What a crazy weather year we have had. The most recent hurricane that came through our region last week just seems to be icing on the cake for many. After the hurricane passed Wayne L. went to check on the railroad and found everything to be in good shape and at that point the river was high but was not at risk of creating any issues with the railroad. On Saturday Wes was out to the railroad and took some pictures of the water level and things continue to look ok with the Yellow River not reaching the railroad. By Sunday many of you read the email about John Tuten and how he got hit pretty hard by the hurricane with trees actually hitting his house. He has struggled to find local help but after last night’s email several members volunteered to go out Monday and help remove what every they could to help John and his family. This morning Wes and Scott meet at the railroad and loaded up and headed to South Carolina but before they left Scott sent pictures and information on what he found around the west end of the railroad. Robby checked on Calvin and Vivian who are in the Augusta area just west of John and they are doing well. They lost power but everything else was in good shape.
Back to Scott’s report he reports the west end of the railroad had no visible track damage which is great news. He reports that a lot of leaves and little twigs on the track. He did move a couple of larger limbs that had fall out of the way. However, he did find two large limbs that will need to be taken care of near the bridge coming out of the woods on the inner loop track as you are heading towards what we call the water line. This is in the same area that a tree was removed after our last big storm a few months ago. He did find one major safety issue with a limb that is about 30 feet up in the air dangling that we need to figure out how to get down ahead of our public run day if possible. If anyone has availability on Friday Robby plans to be at the site sometime around 2 p.m. to clean up around the railroad and perform some regular track maintenance on the east loop and two switches on the west end of the yard.
If the storm wasn’t enough, you probably heard about the chemical fire at the BioLab facility in Conyers along I-20 requiring many to shelter in place while the fire is put out and the air quality improves. At this point we do not believe this will impact our public run day on Saturday, but we continue to monitor the situation.
Assuming things continue to improve we also have our club meeting on Saturday at 11 a.m.
Club Meeting and Public Run Day Update
Our next club meeting and public run day will both be on Saturday, October 5th. As we have done the past couple of years the club meeting will be at 11 a.m. with the public run day starting at 1 p.m. We will try and keep the meeting brief so everyone can enjoy lunch and finish getting things ready for the day. Thank you to everyone in advance for helping out during our run days.
Our next club meeting and public run day will both be on Saturday, October 5th. As we have done the past couple of years the club meeting will be at 11 a.m. with the public run day starting at 1 p.m. We will try and keep the meeting brief so everyone can enjoy lunch and finish getting things ready for the day. Thank you to everyone in advance for helping out during our run days. The weather is looking great with temperatures being forecasted to be in the mid-70s which I’m sure will change a few times between now and then.
Thank you again for all of the help during these events and looking forward to our much cooler fall activities.
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
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.
Email Issue Update
It has come to our attention that many of you may not have received last Friday’s email from Robby personal email talking about last Saturday’s workday plans and other activity around the railroad. For those that did not receive the email here is a portion of what was sent
It has come to our attention that many of you may not have received last Friday’s email from Robby personal email talking about last Saturday’s workday plans and other activity around the railroad. For those that did not receive the email here is a portion of what was sent.
…The day will be focused on making sure the railroad is ready for our run day in two weeks and to finish painting the inside wall and ceiling of the clubhouse / workshop container. I'm not sure how the grass is but any help to weedeat and possibly cut the grass would also be helpful.
Also don't forget to spread the word about our fall meet.
https://northgeorgialivesteamers.org/fallmeet
If you have any questions or comments, please let us know.
Progress on the clubhouse and workshop project during our latest workday.
A small crew made big progress at the site today on the clubhouse and workshop project by finishing painting the walls and ceilings. It is amazing how big the space looks even though it is just the first section.
A small crew made big progress at the site today on the clubhouse and workshop project by finishing painting the walls and ceilings. It is amazing how big the space looks even though it is just the first section. As the paint dry’s we are already planning our next steps on this project which includes installing electrical along the side wall and lights. The hope is this space will have some limited use by the end of the year. Thank you to Wes, Tyler, and team for getting this completed.
We now turn our attention to the month of October as we prepare for our next public run day on Saturday, October 5th and fall meet starting on Thursday, October 24th. We look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad throughout the month of October.
If you have availability to stop by the railroad between now and October 4th, we could use some extra help with making sure the grass is cut, and the property looks its best. For anyone traveling to visit Mid-South or Eagle Point over the next few weeks drive safe and make sure you let everyone know about our fall meet. A flyer is available on our website you can print and hand out.
Important Fall Meet Update
We are in need of your response. We only had six club members respond to the original email and really need to know who is planning on participating at this year’s Fall Meet. Without your response we can’t properly plan for the event. 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 Respond by Saturday, September 28th****
Countdown To Fall Meet
We are in need of your response. We only had six club members respond to the original email and really need to know who is planning on participating at this year’s Fall Meet. Without your response we can’t properly plan for the event. 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.
Update: Please complete by Saturday, September 28th
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.
