Trains! Trains! Trains! 2023 Recap
What an incredible weekend we had at The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw. Our location in the museum was unbelievable as more than 3,000 visitors coming through the museum passed by our display area. This year we displayed the club steamer, Coca-Cola modern tank car, 40ft Chick-fil-A box car, and a C&O end cupola caboose. The weekend would not have been possible without our North Georgia Live Steamers volunteers. On Friday, we had Norm, Thomas, Bob, Scott, and Robby go to the museum to setup our space in the museum.
What an incredible weekend we had at The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw. Our location in the museum was unbelievable as more than 3,000 visitors coming through the museum passed by our display area. This year we displayed the club steamer, Coca-Cola modern tank car, 40ft Chick-fil-A box car, and a C&O end cupola caboose. The weekend would not have been possible without our North Georgia Live Steamers volunteers. On Friday, we had Norm, Thomas, Bob, Scott, and Robby go to the museum to setup our space in the museum.
On Saturday, we had Scott, Sherry, David E., Joe, Norm, and Robby greet about 2,000 visitors to the museum. We enjoyed the surprise most had when they came around the corner and saw our displays with pictures taken of and with each item on display. It was a close race between the Chick-fil-A box car and the club steam engine as to which was the most popular to get a picture of.
On Sunday, we had Scott, Norm, Susan, Bob, and Robby taking care of answering questions and taking more pictures of our display. We also wondered through the museum and got to see many of the other railroad and museum items on display.
Join us this weekend for Trains, Trains, Trains! at The Southern Museum in Kennesaw
North Georgia Live Steamers will once again be participating in the Trains, Trains, Trains! event at The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. The event is this Saturday, January 28th and Sunday, January 29th from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year will be the museum’s biggest model train display to date along with train-themed activities and historic trains. The museum is located at 2829 Cherokee St NW Kennesaw, GA 30144. Click the image or here for ticket information.
North Georgia Live Steamers will once again be participating in the Trains, Trains, Trains! event at The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. The event is this Saturday, January 28th and Sunday, January 29th from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year will be the museum’s biggest model train display to date along with train-themed activities and historic trains. The museum is located at 2829 Cherokee St NW Kennesaw, GA 30144. Click the image or here for ticket information.
Amazon Smile Donation Program Canceled
We received word that the AmazonSmile program which allows customers of Amazon the ability to have a donation made to a not-for-profit organization like ours based on purchases they made through smile.amazon.com website. Since joining the program, a couple of years ago, we have received nearly $1,000 in donations through this program and want to say thank you to all who participated.
We received word that the AmazonSmile program which allows customers of Amazon the ability to have a donation made to a not-for-profit organization like ours based on purchases they made through smile.amazon.com website. Since joining the program, a couple of years ago, we have received nearly $1,000 in donations through this program and want to say thank you to all who participated. Your everyday purchases made an impact.
We will continue to look for programs like this and let you know how your everyday purchases can turn into a donation to North Georgia Live Steamers. In the meantime, don’t forget you still have a couple of other ways to support the railroad through a donation. The first is by making a direct donation online or via mail while the second is through the Kroger Community Rewards program which takes a portion of your everyday purchases at Kroger and turns them into a donation to North Georgia Live Steamers. Here is some additional information regarding the Kroger Community Rewards program and how to link your Kroger Plus card to the program.
All you do is register and use your Kroger card every time you shop at Kroger's. How do you register your card? Simply click on the link below and login to your Kroger account and follow the steps Kroger provides.
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.
Announcing the 2023 Board of Directors
On Saturday, January 7, 2023, during our regularly scheduled meeting the members of North Georgia Live Steamers voted on the 2023 Board of Directors. The results are as follows:
On Saturday, January 7, 2023, during our regularly scheduled meeting the members of North Georgia Live Steamers voted on the 2023 Board of Directors. The results are as follows:
Board of Directors
President - Peter Craymer
Vice President- Scott Moore
Treasurer (2023 - 2025)- Norm Wizner
Secretary - Robby Mossman
Board Members
Bob Cummings
Wes Rogers
John Tuten
We thank each member and nominee who participating in the 2023 Board of Director election. We would also like to thank departing board member Calvin Abernathy for his service as a board member on the 2022 board.
Train Ride Schedule announced for the 2023 Season
Our 2023 train ride schedule has been set and we look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad this season. The schedule for the 2023 season will be Saturday, April 29th, May 20th, October 7th, and November 4th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 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 accepted.
For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
Our 2023 train ride schedule has been set and we look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad this season. The schedule for the 2023 season will be Saturday, April 29th, May 20th, October 7th, and November 4th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 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 accepted.
For more information about our ride days please visit ride day webpage
1st Meeting of 2023 will this Saturday, January 7th at 1 p.m.
Our first club meeting of the new year will be this Saturday, January 7th at 1 p.m. The agenda for the meeting will including the voting of our 2023 board along with other club related business. The meeting will be held at the site and the weather is looking sunny and may reach 60 degrees. Don’t forget to bring money to pay your dues and if you ordered calendars remember to pay Norm for those as well.
Our first club meeting of 2023 will be this Saturday, January 7th at 1 p.m. The agenda for the meeting will including the voting of our 2023 board along with other club related business. The meeting will be held at the site and the weather is looking sunny and may reach 55 degrees. Don’t forget to bring money to pay your dues and if you ordered calendars remember to pay Norm for those as well.
2022 A year in review
What an incredible year. This year was a little more relaxing than the past couple of years as we took a break from large projects and enjoyed the railroad. The year saw a few new pieces of rolling stock around the railroad along with many new faces. Here is a month-by-month snapshot of just some of the things the club did.
What an incredible year. This year was a little more relaxing than the past couple of years as we took a break from large projects and enjoyed the railroad. The year saw a few new pieces of rolling stock around the railroad along with many new faces. Here is a month-by-month snapshot of just some of the things the club did.
January
The year started off with our annual New Year’s Day Club Fun Day. The weather was beautiful and a little cold but was a great way to start 2022. A few weeks later we participated in the annual Trains, Trains, Trains event at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw with plenty of items on display to share with the visitors.
February
Our third member container began to take shape with the installation of track heading into the container. The crew installed all the necessary panels in a single day making it one of the quickest installations in recent memories.
March
March was a little quieter for us as we did some basic spring cleaning around the property when the weather permitted.
April
The beginning of our first full season since 2019 began with a public run day which saw many smiles, smoke, and fun by so many members and visitors. If you look closely, you will also see a special observer in a railroad tie watching trains go by.
May
May brought our second public run day of the season which also brought out more familiar faces and a new locomotive around the railroad. It was beginning to feel like old times.
June
As the year continued to warm up and in between some of the rain we had the next member container project kicked off with the clearing of some trees and planning on how to get the container positioned into its new home.
July
Work continued on the next member container with leveling off the ground and building switch templates that we can use to identify what radius switches we need. These will come in handy with future projects. We also installed a drain for the driveway and gravel for the container.
August
With all of the rain we had the grass grew tall, but we still got the container delivered. We learned that we had more ways to move a container than we thought which was great since dropping the container didn’t quite land at the right angle. Training on the club steamer was full steam ahead and the driveway drain installation was set in concrete. August also brought our annual Hot Summer Nights club fun day. Sorry I don’t have any pictures, but I understand it was great.
September
Just like old times the annual boiler inspection came and went with all the locomotives on hand passing with flying colors and then taking time to run around the railroad. In case you are wondering our 2023 boiler inspection will be September 16, 2023. More work was also done in preparation of track being installed for the next member container.
October
Wow what an October. This year saw an incredible turnout for our October public run day which made for an exciting day and lots of smiles by so many. The day would not have been successful without each one of our members. Once we got beyond our public run day work continued on the member container with progress being made on the area for track. The month also brought our 2nd annual Fall Meet where we welcomed visitors and visiting trains during our four-day event. Looking forward to 2023. Don’t forget to start sharing with others you know in the hobby that our 2023 Fall meet will be Thursday, October 19th through Sunday, October 22, 2023.
November
We closed out our 2022 public run day in early November with a great turnout early in the day. The interesting part of the day was how the second half of the day was pretty relaxing as many visitors left to go watch an exciting UGA game. We still gave 600 rides for the day allowing us to close out our public run day schedule with 2,481 rides given during our 2022 season.
December
With the year coming to an end, we take a moment to also remember those we lost. Our railroad family lost loved ones that will forever have a special place in the hearts of their families, North Georgia Live Steamers, and others that can say they knew them.
2023
As you prepare for a new year do not forget that we have 8 Club Fun Days this year with the first one being on January 1st. If you purchased a 2023 NGLS calendar the dates for our club fun days and many other dates are listed in the printed calendar. You can also visit our website for the latest calendar items as well. Speaking of the calendar do not forget about other items coming up just after the new year.
Saturday, January 7th - Club Meeting and 2023 Board Election
Saturday, January 28th and Sunday, January 29th - Trains, Trains, Trains event at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Don’t forget to sign up to volunteer for this fun event.
Thank you again for a wonderful year and looking forward to seeing what new things members have been working on over the winter as the railroad comes alive again in 2023.
North Georgia Live Steamers wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas
From the members of North Georgia Live Steamers, we would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.
From the members of North Georgia Live Steamers, we would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.
Thank You for a Great 2022 Season
The Board of Directors of North Georgia Live Steamers want to thank our members, volunteers, and visitors who made our 2022 season a success. This was our first full season since 2019 and as a non-profit organization our all-volunteer staff has worked hard to make this season one of the best yet. Our volunteers and members work hard year-round on projects including performing maintenance on both our steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, and other railroad related items. Our volunteers also work on personal trains, scale buildings, and more which are used during our train ride events.
The money raised during our train ride day event goes right back into the railroad and if you are interested in donating to North Georgia Live Steamers, please visit our donation page for more information. We look forward to seeing you during our 2023 season. Our schedule for the 2023 season will be announced in January. Again, thank you for coming out and supporting the railroad.
The Board of Directors of North Georgia Live Steamers want to thank our members, volunteers, and visitors who made our 2022 season a success. This was our first full season since 2019 and as a non-profit organization our all-volunteer staff has worked hard to make this season one of the best yet. Our volunteers and members work hard year-round on projects including performing maintenance on both our steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, and other railroad related items. Our volunteers also work on personal trains, scale buildings, and more which are used during our train ride events.
The money raised during our train ride day event goes right back into the railroad and if you are interested in donating to North Georgia Live Steamers, please visit our donation page for more information. We look forward to seeing you during our 2023 season. Our schedule for the 2023 season will be announced in January. Again, thank you for coming out and supporting the railroad.
2023 NGLS Board Nominees have been set for a January vote
During the December 3, 2022 club meeting the nominees for the 2023 board were approved. The nominees will be voted on during our January 7, 2023 meeting. Based on the bylaws the following are automatically elected to the 2023 board.
During the December 3, 2022 club meeting the nominees for the 2023 board were approved. The nominees will be voted on during our January 7, 2023 meeting. Based on the bylaws the following are automatically elected to the 2023 board.
President: Peter Craymer
Vice President: Scott Moore
Treasurer (2023-2025): Norm Wizner
Secretary: Robby Mossman
The remaining three remaining board positions will be filled during a vote scheduled for January 7, 2023, during our regularly scheduled club meeting which starts at 1 p.m. The nominees are listed below, and the top three will fill the position as board member.
Board Members (3 Open Positions)
Calvin Abernathy
Bob Cummings
Tyler Griffin
Joan Lurwig
Wes Rogers
John Tuten
#GivingTuesday is Today. Please consider a donation.
Today is the day that many pause and make an end of year donation to a charitable organization. North Georgia Live Steamers is a not-for-profit, educational organization, incorporated in the state of Georgia and has been identified by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization.
If you’d like to make a donation to North Georgia Live Steamers please click the link or the image below to make a donation.
Today is the day that many pause and make an end of year donation to a charitable organization. North Georgia Live Steamers is a not-for-profit, educational organization, incorporated in the state of Georgia and has been identified by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization.
If you’d like to make a donation to North Georgia Live Steamers please click the link or the image below to make a donation.
Happy Thanksgiving from North Georgia Live Steamers
North Georgia Live Steamers want to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. As a not-for-profit educational organization, we rely on our members and volunteers like you. This year we are extra thankful for hours of time our members and volunteers have provided.
North Georgia Live Steamers want to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. As a not-for-profit educational organization, we rely on our members and volunteers like you. This year we are extra thankful for hours of time our members and volunteers have provided.
#GivingTuesday is Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Each year for the past 10 years the Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been identified as a day to encourage individuals to donate to a non-profit organization that you believe in. This year #GivingTuesday will be on Tuesday, November 29th and we invite you to consider making a donation to North Georgia Live Steamers as a way to continue supporting the efforts of our non-profit organization. For more details, please click the link the image below.
Each year for the past 10 years the Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been identified as a day to encourage individuals to donate to a non-profit organization that you believe in. This year #GivingTuesday will be on Tuesday, November 29th and we invite you to consider making a donation to North Georgia Live Steamers as a way to continue supporting the efforts of our non-profit organization. For more details, please click the link the image below.
Midweek workday this past Wednesday, November 9th
This past Wednesday a small crew go together to install the signal mast that Dave Levy is working on restoring along with moving the mill that Ethel Nicol’s donated to the club. The group consisted of Ben, Rick, Norm, Wes, Gene, “Bob 2”, Dave L. and Robby. While Ben, Rick, and Norm loaded up the mill at Norm’s shop the crew waiting at the site, Wes, Dave L, Gene, and Robby, worked on the signal mast, and spreading some dirt and gravel for the member container project.
This past Wednesday a small crew go together to install the signal mast that Dave Levy is working on restoring along with moving the mill that Ethel Nicol’s donated to the club. The group consisted of Ben, Rick, Norm, Wes, Gene, “Bob 2”, Dave L. and Robby. While Ben, Rick, and Norm loaded up the mill at Norm’s shop the crew waiting at the site, Wes, Dave L, Gene, and Robby, worked on the signal mast, and spreading some dirt and gravel for the member container project.
Once the crew arrived with the mill it was time to get the mill off the trailer and set inside the shop container. The team made it look easy with the help of Rick, Ben, Gene, and “Bob 2”. Now that the mill is in place it’s time to start working on welding the containers together and convert the containers into shop space.
While Gene and “Bob 2” were at the site they took time to clean up the driveway and the new drain that was installed earlier this year. Now the water should flow nicely into the drain and into the east field and the member container has some needed dirt and crusher run. Next step is to start building switches and track panels so the container can get completed during the off season.
Did you know that your purchases on Amazon could also help raise money for North Georgia Live Steamers?
North Georgia Live Steamers has an opportunity to receive donations from Amazon based on your everyday purchases. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support North Georgia Live Steamers every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices and products with the bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase to NGLS.
North Georgia Live Steamers has an opportunity to receive donations from Amazon based on your everyday purchases. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support North Georgia Live Steamers every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices and products with the bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase to NGLS.
How do you select NGLS when you shop on AmazonSmile? On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) you need to select NGLS to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. Amazon will then remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.
November 5th Run Day Recap
What an incredible way to end the 2022 season with our last run day of the season on Saturday, November 5th. The railroad came alive with several steam engines, diesels, and battery-operated locomotives trains pulling passengers around the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The day would not have been possible without the all-volunteer staff of North Georgia Live Steamers and for that we thank each and every one of them. We look forward to seeing everyone next year as the railroad comes alive again in April. The list of dates for our 2023 run days will be announced in January.
What an incredible way to end the 2022 season with our last run day of the season on Saturday, November 5th. The railroad came alive with several steam engines, diesels, and battery-operated locomotives trains pulling passengers around the Conyers & Hightower Trail Railroad. The day would not have been possible without the all-volunteer staff of North Georgia Live Steamers and for that we thank each and every one of them. We look forward to seeing everyone next year as the railroad comes alive again in April. The list of dates for our 2023 run days will be announced in January.
Come ride trains on Saturday, November 5th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Our railroad comes alive one final time on Saturday, November 5th for the 2022 season. Trains run continuously between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Bring 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.
Our railroad comes alive one final time on Saturday, November 5th for the 2022 season. Trains run continuously between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Bring 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.
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
Recap of our Public Run Day On Saturday, October 1st
We are so thankful so many came out to enjoy our railroad this past Saturday. The day was well attended and provided everyone a chance to see several different types of trains running. At some points of the day, we ran seven trains at the same time hauling more than 200 passengers an hour. We also want to thank our volunteer staff who came out and helped make the day a success as well. As many of you know we are non-profit organization and the proceeds generated during our run day help pay for all aspects of the railroad and more. Without our volunteers and those who came out to enjoy the railroad none of this is possible.
We are so thankful so many came out to enjoy our railroad this past Saturday. The day was well attended and provided everyone a chance to see several different types of trains running. At some points of the day, we ran seven trains at the same time hauling more than 200 passengers an hour. We also want to thank our volunteer staff who came out and helped make the day a success as well. As many of you know we are non-profit organization and the proceeds generated during our run day help pay for all aspects of the railroad and more. Without our volunteers and those who came out to enjoy the railroad none of this is possible.
Here are a few pictures from the day and look forward to seeing everyone around the railroad again on Saturday, November 5th as we close out the 2022 season with our last run day of the year.
Click here for the latest on our train ride events.
Come ride trains on Saturday, October 1st from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The fall colors are out, and the railroad is alive. Come out and ride the rails on Saturday, October 1st 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.
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 fall colors are out, and the railroad is alive. Come out and ride the rails on Saturday, October 1st 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.
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
Boiler Inspection and Workday on Saturday, September 17th at 8:30 a.m.
Our next workday and annual boiler inspection is scheduled for Saturday, September 17th at 8:30 a.m. This is our only workday scheduled before our next public run day, which is on Saturday, October 1st. We will need help with track maintenance, property maintenance (grass cutting), railroad equipment maintenance, and more. If you plan on having a boiler inspection please arrive by 8:30 a.m. so the inspector doesn’t have to wait to long for us to get things unloaded and ready.
Our next workday and annual boiler inspection is scheduled for Saturday, September 17th at 8:30 a.m. This is our only workday scheduled before our next public run day, which is on Saturday, October 1st. We will need help with track maintenance, property maintenance (grass cutting), railroad equipment maintenance, and more. If you plan on having a boiler inspection please arrive by 8:30 a.m. so the inspector doesn’t have to wait to long for us to get things unloaded and ready.
