Project 6: Ballast Hopper
The railroad has been in need of a way to get a load of ballast without a bobcat being available. Two grain bins have been purchased and will be converted to a ballast hopper. The plan is to install the ballast hoppers on the west end of the railroad on the gravel pit siding. If are interested in working on this project click on the “I Want To Volunteer” button and let us know.
An official workday schedule has not be determined at this time.
The railroad has been in need of a way to get a load of ballast without a bobcat being available. Two grain bins have been purchased and will be converted to a ballast hopper. The plan is to install the ballast hoppers on the west end of the railroad on the gravel pit siding. If are interested in working on this project click on the “I Want To Volunteer” button and let us know.
An official workday schedule has not be determined at this time.
Project 5: Install rebuilt Doe Bridge
This bridge is another piece from our original railroad. This bridge was restored a few years ago and now it is time to get it installed. The current plan is to remove the bridge closest to the west loop (currently called the LaVay Bridge) and widen the span and place the Doe bridge in its place. We will then rebuild the "LaVay Bridge” and place it in a location to be determined. The hope is this bridge swap will be completed prior to this track becoming the mainline for trains traveling east to west on the inner loop.
This bridge is another piece from our original railroad. This bridge was restored a few years ago and now it is time to get it installed. The current plan is to remove the bridge closest to the west loop (currently called the LaVay Bridge) and widen the span and place the Doe bridge in its place. We will then rebuild the "LaVay Bridge” and place it in a location to be determined. The hope is this bridge swap will be completed prior to this track becoming the mainline for trains traveling east to west on the inner loop.
If you would like to work on this project click on the “I want to volunteer” button and let us know. An official workday schedule has not be determined at this time.
Some prep work needs to be done before the rebuild can be started which includes:
Cutting deck boards making sure they are all the same height.
Purchasing appropriate bolts, washers, and nuts
Once all of the prep work is complete this project can take place at any time. If you would like to coordinate a workday during the week or on a weekend, please click the “I want to volunteer” button and let us know.
Prep work began on a riding car recently purchased in preparation of being painted.
On Saturday, December 17th work began to prepare the recently purchased riding car for paint, brakes, and more. The first thing that took place was to begin to take the riding car apart and clean the steel of any surface rust and start preparing aluminum pieces for paint. The trucks will also undergo some cleaning and removal of some surface rust before getting painted in the next couple of weeks.
On Saturday, December 17th work began to prepare the recently purchased riding car for paint, brakes, and more. The first thing that took place was to begin to take the riding car apart and clean the steel of any surface rust and start preparing aluminum pieces for paint. The trucks will also undergo some cleaning and removal of some surface rust before getting painted in the next couple of weeks.
Grandma Line workday recap for Saturday, December 16th
A small, devoted crew came out to the site on Saturday to work on the “Grandma Line” project. John T. and Wes worked on replacing a drainpipe and replaced with a French drain system with a conventional open end upstream and flex pipe over the cliff. They also placed boards in preparation for crush and run and east end waterline extension. Today’s event marks the last official workday of the year with plans to continue to make progress on this project and others in 2024. Thank you to the “Grandma Line” crew for all of the work and progress you’ve made in 2023.
A small, devoted crew came out to the site on Saturday to work on the “Grandma Line” project. John T. and Wes worked on replacing a drainpipe and replaced with a French drain system with a conventional open end upstream and flex pipe over the cliff. They also placed boards in preparation for crush and run and east end waterline extension. Today’s event marks the last official workday of the year with plans to continue to make progress on this project and others in 2024. Thank you to the “Grandma Line” crew for all of the work and progress you’ve made in 2023.
For Sale - Sandy Creek 523 Switcher $2,000.00
Here is a great opportunity to purchase a completely rebuilt electric switcher. The story begins 40+ years ago when the switcher was built by Paul Demianchik in about 1979. The cab was custom built for him by Bill Koster’s Miniature Railroad Supply. The motor and controller also came from Bill. The drive train came from Railroad Supply Corp. The exact origin of the chassis is unknown. To read more on the history of this great locomotive and see additional pictures click the link below.
http://www.davelevy.net/sandy-creek-523-switcher/
The video below shows the locomotive operating after the restoration completion.
$2,000
If interested contact Dave Levy (dave@davelevy.com) for more information. This locomotive is located at North Georgia Live Steamers in Conyers, GA.
Here is a great opportunity to purchase a completely rebuilt electric switcher. The story begins 40+ years ago when the switcher was built by Paul Demianchik in about 1979. The cab was custom built for him by Bill Koster’s Miniature Railroad Supply. The motor and controller also came from Bill. The drive train came from Railroad Supply Corp. The exact origin of the chassis is unknown. To read more on the history of this great locomotive and see additional pictures click the link below.
http://www.davelevy.net/sandy-creek-523-switcher/
The video below shows the locomotive operating after the restoration completion.
$2,000
If interested contact Dave Levy (dave@davelevy.com) for more information. This locomotive is located at North Georgia Live Steamers in Conyers, GA.
Christmas Party and Club Meeting Recap
The early rain didn’t put a damper on the annual Christmas Party and December club meeting. The rain came in mid-morning but by the time we finished lunch the skies cleared, and the sun came out. During the club meeting the nominations for the 2024 were made official. The following will be voted on during our January 6th meeting for the 2024 board.
The early rain didn’t put a damper on the annual Christmas Party and December club meeting. The rain came in mid-morning but by the time we finished lunch the skies cleared, and the sun came out. During the club meeting the nominations for the 2024 were made official. The following will be voted on during our January 6th meeting for the 2024 board.
2024 Nominations
President: Robby Mossman
Vice President: Peter Craymer
Secretary: Dave Levy
Board Member Nominees (3 Positions Available)
Calvin Abernathy
Bob Cummings
Scott Moore
Wes Rogers
John Tuten
According to the by-laws for positions that only have one nominee those positions are automatically filled by the nominee starting with the 2024 board year. This means the position of President, Vice President, and Secretary do not require additional vote during the January meeting. For the three Board Member positions we have more nominees than available seats will requires a vote during our January 6th meeting.
One change to the nominee list came from Scott Moore after the meeting as he requested his acceptance be changed from Vice President to Board Member. Scott had originally been nominated for both and originally accepted the Vice President and declined the board member nominee. He requested his acceptance change to Board Member nominee. This then means that Peter Craymer will be the only Vice President nominee and will become the Vice President for 2024 board year.
An email will follow shortly allowing those not able to attend the January 6th meeting an opportunity to submit a ballot electronically. Please only submit your vote electronically if you do NOT plan on attending the January 6th meeting.
As we wind down the 2023 season don’t forget John Tuten is planning a workday on the “Grandma Line” project on Saturday, December 16th. If you plan on helping, please make sure you contact John and let him know.
If you purchased a 2024 NGLS calendar, please make sure you get with Norm regarding paying and picking up your calendar. Also, if you ordered a club t-shirt and have not had a chance to pay and pick up your shirt also contact Norm to make arrangements. Do not forget to pay your dues by the January 6th club meeting. All full members must pay by the day of the meeting in order to be eligible to vote.
One final thing. Don’t forget to join everyone at the railroad on January 1st for our annual New Years Day club fun day.
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.
The 2024 Schedule Has Been Set
The season flew by this year and it is hard to believe we are already talking about the 2024 schedule. The goal of the 2024 calendar is to make sure we provide nearly monthly club fun days, scheduled workdays, and opportunities to visit other clubs without conflicting with anything we have on our official NGLS calendar. The list below is a partial list of our dates with a full list available on our website by click on the calendar page. Below we’ve simply listed our public run day events and Fall Meet. Starting in 2024 our Fall Meet will now be scheduled during the last weekend in October. This is being done in order to not conflict with events at other clubs in the region. This should provide an opportunity for both NGLS Members and others in the hobby an opportunity to visit other railroads and not have any scheduling conflicts between clubs.
2024 Calendar
Saturday, April 13, 2024- Public Run Day 1
Saturday, May 18, 2024 - Public Run Day 2
Saturday, October 5, 2024 - Public Run Day 3
Thursday, October 24 - Sunday, October 27, 2024- Fall Meet
Saturday, November 9, 2024- Public Run Day 4
A printed version of the NGLS calendar will be available for sale in the coming weeks and will have a full list of dates on the schedule.
The season flew by this year, and it is hard to believe we are already talking about the 2024 schedule. The goal of the 2024 calendar is to make sure we provide nearly monthly club fun days, scheduled workdays, and opportunities to visit other clubs without conflicting with anything we have on our official NGLS calendar. The list below is a partial list of our dates with a full list available on our website by click on the calendar page. Below we’ve simply listed our public run day events and Fall Meet. Starting in 2024 our Fall Meet will now be scheduled during the last weekend in October. This is being done in order to not conflict with events at other clubs in the region. This should provide an opportunity for both NGLS Members and others in the hobby an opportunity to visit other railroads and not have any scheduling conflicts between clubs.
2024 Calendar
Saturday, April 13, 2024- Public Run Day 1
Saturday, May 18, 2024 - Public Run Day 2
Saturday, October 5, 2024 - Public Run Day 3
Thursday, October 24 - Sunday, October 27, 2024- Fall Meet
Saturday, November 9, 2024- Public Run Day 4
A printed version of the NGLS calendar will be available for sale in the coming weeks and will have a full list of dates on the schedule.
Slipped in a workday even though the forecast said it was going to rain this past Saturday
To say the weatherman got the weather wrong would be an understatement as we cancelled our club meeting and party this past Saturday. The original forecast didn’t deter John, Wes, and Scott from coming out to the site and getting some work down around the railroad. The crew worked on building a switch that will eventually get installed on the mainline and help connect the “Grandma Line” and water line with the mainline. The crew is hoping to get the switch installed in the coming week or two.
To say the weatherman got the weather wrong would be an understatement as we cancelled our club meeting and party this past Saturday. The original forecast didn’t deter John, Wes, and Scott from coming out to the site and getting some work down around the railroad. The crew worked on building a switch that will eventually get installed on the mainline and help connect the “Grandma Line” and water line with the mainline. The crew is hoping to get the switch installed in the coming week or two.
Club Meeting and Christmas Party this Saturday, December 9th
As a reminder the annual December Club Meeting and Christmas Party has been rescheduled for this Saturday, December 9th. Please continue to work with Joan on coordinating food and other activities for the Christmas Party.
The plan is still start arriving around 11 a.m. with food at noon and club meeting at 1 p.m. Don’t forget party activities include White Elephant Raffle. So, make sure you bring a white elephant gift and money to buy some raffle tickets to play.
For those not able to attend the meeting and would still like to submit nominations for the 2024 board please do so no later than Friday, December 8th using the link below. If you have already submitted your nominations online you do not need to do it again.
As a reminder the annual December Club Meeting and Christmas Party has been rescheduled for this Saturday, December 9th. Please continue to work with Joan on coordinating food and other activities for the Christmas Party.
The plan is still start arriving around 11 a.m. with food at noon and club meeting at 1 p.m. Don’t forget party activities include White Elephant Raffle. So, make sure you bring a white elephant gift and money to buy some raffle tickets to play.
For those not able to attend the meeting and would still like to submit nominations for the 2024 board please do so no later than Friday, December 8th using the link below. If you have already submitted your nominations online you do not need to do it again.
Volunteer for the Trains, Trains, Trains event at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History
It is that time of year again where we head to Kennesaw for the Trains, Trains, Trains event at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. The event will be on Saturday, January 27th and Sunday, January 28th. Setup for the event will be on Friday, January 26. We need to know who is available to volunteer for the event please click on the button below and let us know.
Event Details
Event Times: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Morning Meeting: 9:00 a.m.
Setup Information
Setup Date: Friday, January 26th
Setup Time: 2 p.m.
It is that time of year again where we head to Kennesaw for the Trains, Trains, Trains event at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. The event will be on Saturday, January 27th and Sunday, January 28th. Setup for the event will be on Friday, January 26. We need to know who is available to volunteer and display equipment for the event. Please click on the button below and let us know.
Event Details
Event Times: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Morning Meeting: 9:00 a.m.
Setup Information
Setup Date: Friday, January 26th
Setup Time: 2 p.m.
Rescheduled - Club Meeting and Christmas Party is now for Saturday, December 9th
Because of the weather we are rescheduling the December club meeting and annual Christmas Party at the site to Saturday, December 9th. Please continue to work with Joan on coordinating food and other activities for the Christmas Party.
The plan is still start arriving around 11 a.m. with food at noon and club meeting at 1 p.m. Don’t forget party activities include White Elephant Raffle. So, make sure you bring a white elephant gift and money to buy some raffle tickets to play.
Because of the weather we are rescheduling the December club meeting and annual Christmas Party at the site to Saturday, December 9th. Please continue to work with Joan on coordinating food and other activities for the Christmas Party.
The plan is still start arriving around 11 a.m. with food at noon and club meeting at 1 p.m. Don’t forget party activities include White Elephant Raffle. So, make sure you bring a white elephant gift and money to buy some raffle tickets to play.
Please Read - Club Meeting and Christmas Party on Saturday, December 2nd
The December club meeting and annual Christmas Party is scheduled for this Saturday, December 2nd. The weather isn’t looking great for an outdoor meeting and party, so we are working on an alternative location. Stay tuned for more details. Please continue to work with Joan on coordinating food and other activities for the Christmas Party.
The December club meeting and annual Christmas Party is scheduled for this Saturday, December 2nd. The weather isn’t looking great for an outdoor meeting and party, so we are working on an alternative location. Stay tuned for more details. Please continue to work with Joan on coordinating food and other activities for the Christmas Party.
#GivingTuesday is Today. Please consider making a donation.
As part of our year-end fund-raising activities, the North Georgia Live Steamers will be participating in the Annual Giving Tuesday event.
As a non-profit organization, the North Georgia Live Steamers relies on donations from members, friends, customers, and organizations to provide funding for a host of projects including both the maintenance and expansion of the railroad and equipment, building of our maintenance facility and more.
Our all-volunteer crew has made a lot of progress on many of the ongoing projects, but much work still needs to be done. Please join us in our efforts to demonstrate a working miniature railroad to the public and educate everyone on the rich history of railroading in our country. To make a donation, please use the Donate button or you can mail your donation to: North Georgia Live Steamers, P.O. Box 1809, Conyers, Georgia 30012.
All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. North Georgia Live Steamers is a not-for-profit, educational organization, incorporated in the state of Georgia. We are tax exempt as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
As part of our year-end fund-raising activities, the North Georgia Live Steamers will be participating in the Annual Giving Tuesday event.
As a non-profit organization, the North Georgia Live Steamers relies on donations from members, friends, customers, and organizations to provide funding for a host of projects including both the maintenance and expansion of the railroad and equipment, building of our maintenance facility and more.
Our all-volunteer crew has made a lot of progress on many of the ongoing projects, but much work still needs to be done. Please join us in our efforts to demonstrate a working miniature railroad to the public and educate everyone on the rich history of railroading in our country. To make a donation, please use the Donate button or you can mail your donation to: North Georgia Live Steamers, P.O. Box 1809, Conyers, Georgia 30012.
All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. North Georgia Live Steamers is a not-for-profit, educational organization, incorporated in the state of Georgia. We are tax exempt as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Reminder: Submit your 2024 Board Nominees for those not able to attend our December 2nd meeting
It is that time of year again to submit nominations for the 2024 board. All nominees must currently be a Full Member. For those able to attend the Saturday, December 2nd nominations will be taken electronical until Friday, December 1st at 8 p.m. Nominees will also be taken during our regularly scheduled December 2nd club meeting at 1 p.m. for those submitting nominees in-person. Please review our bylaws to understand what the requirements are for nominees for the various positions. Nominees will be approved at the close of the nomination process on Saturday, December 2, 2023, with voting to take place on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 1 p.m. during our regularly scheduled meeting. Remember that anyone being nominated must be a Full Member and in good standing with the club at the time of nomination and voting. All voting members must be Full Members prior to vote being taken on Saturday, January 6, 2024, with dues paid for the 2024 year.
All nominees submitted electronically will be contact ahead of our December 2nd meeting to insure they are wanting to be nominated.
To submit a nominee please Click or use the form below to submit your nominees electronically.
It is that time of year again to submit nominations for the 2024 board. All nominees must currently be a Full Member. For those able to attend the Saturday, December 2nd nominations will be taken electronical until Friday, December 1st at 8 p.m. Nominees will also be taken during our regularly scheduled December 2nd club meeting at 1 p.m. for those submitting nominees in-person. Please review our bylaws to understand what the requirements are for nominees for the various positions. Nominees will be approved at the close of the nomination process on Saturday, December 2, 2023, with voting to take place on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 1 p.m. during our regularly scheduled meeting. Remember that anyone being nominated must be a Full Member and in good standing with the club at the time of nomination and voting. All voting members must be Full Members prior to vote being taken on Saturday, January 6, 2024, with dues paid for the 2024 year.
All nominees submitted electronically will be contact ahead of our December 2nd meeting to insure they are wanting to be nominated.
To submit a nominee please Click or use the form below to submit your nominees electronically.
#GivingTuesday is Tuesday, November 28, 2023
As part of our year-end fund-raising activities, the North Georgia Live Steamers will be participating in the Annual Giving Tuesday event.
As a non-profit organization, the North Georgia Live Steamers relies on donations from members, friends, customers, and organizations to provide funding for a host of projects including both the maintenance and expansion of the railroad and equipment, building of our maintenance facility and more.
Our all-volunteer crew has made a lot of progress on many of the ongoing projects, but much work still needs to be done. Please join us in our efforts to demonstrate a working miniature railroad to the public and educate everyone on the rich history of railroading in our country. To make a donation, please use the Donate button or you can mail your donation to: North Georgia Live Steamers, P.O. Box 1809, Conyers, Georgia 30012.
All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. North Georgia Live Steamers is a not-for-profit, educational organization, incorporated in the state of Georgia. We are tax exempt as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
As part of our year-end fund-raising activities, the North Georgia Live Steamers will be participating in the Annual Giving Tuesday event.
As a non-profit organization, the North Georgia Live Steamers relies on donations from members, friends, customers, and organizations to provide funding for a host of projects including both the maintenance and expansion of the railroad and equipment, building of our maintenance facility and more.
Our all-volunteer crew has made a lot of progress on many of the ongoing projects, but much work still needs to be done. Please join us in our efforts to demonstrate a working miniature railroad to the public and educate everyone on the rich history of railroading in our country. To make a donation, please use the Donate button or you can mail your donation to: North Georgia Live Steamers, P.O. Box 1809, Conyers, Georgia 30012.
All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. North Georgia Live Steamers is a not-for-profit, educational organization, incorporated in the state of Georgia. We are tax exempt as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
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 hundreds of hours 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 hundreds of hours our members and volunteers have provided.
The Board of Directors want to thank our members, volunteers, and visitors for making our 2023 season a success. #nglsrr
The Board of Directors want to thank our members, volunteers, and visitors for making our 2023 season a success. Without each one of you our not-for-profit educational organization would not be possible. Our all-volunteer team work hard year-round on projects including performing maintenance on both our steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, track work, and other railroad related projects. Our NGLS members also work on personal trains, scale structures, and more which are used during our train ride events and without those items the railroad would not operate. If you or someone you know are interested in becoming a member, please visit our website for more information.
The money raised during our train ride day event goes right back into the railroad which then helps us fund projects such as performing maintenance, building structures, and expanding the railroad. If you are interested in donating to North Georgia Live Steamers, please visit our donation page for more information about our not-for-profit organization. We look forward to seeing you during our 2024 season. Our schedule for the 2024 season will be announced in January. Again, thank you for coming out and supporting the railroad.
The Board of Directors want to thank our members, volunteers, and visitors for making our 2023 season a success. Without each one of you our not-for-profit educational organization would not be possible. Our all-volunteer team work hard year-round on projects including performing maintenance on both our steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, track work, and other railroad related projects. Our NGLS members also work on personal trains, scale structures, and more which are used during our train ride events and without those items the railroad would not operate. If you or someone you know are interested in becoming a member, please visit our website for more information.
The money raised during our train ride days goes right back into the railroad which then helps us fund projects such as performing maintenance, building structures, expanding the railroad, and more. If you are interested in donating to North Georgia Live Steamers, please visit our donation page for more information about our not-for-profit organization. We look forward to seeing you during our 2024 season. Our schedule for the 2024 season will be announced in January. Again, thank you for coming out and supporting the railroad.
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