2006 Update

Unfortunately, two of our volunteers, Bill Baker and Tom Cooper, have had to leave the group. Bill due to health reasons and Tom who has now moved out of the area. For this reason our hours of operation were limited during 2006 to Sundays only 11.00 am through 3.00 pm.

In the spring of 2006 the concrete viaduct above Vines Creek and the Lower Dogwood Tunnel were widened in readiness for the newly planned third loop. Shortly after this the ravine under the trestle from Pines Airport and down to Pines Creek was widened, re-graded and lined with rock providing a more controlled run off for the rainwater in the area. Pines Airport was rebuilt with two new hangers and a new control tower. One of the old wooden truss bridges was replaced with a new, hand made, double width truss. Additional buildings and vehicles have been added to both Dogwood City and the City of Vines.

On May 13th. 2006, V.G.R. members hosted the Georgia Garden Railroad Society meeting complete with a BBQ lunch provided by John Gibbs and The Little Gardens Restaurant.

Later on in the season, two new volunteers, Johnnie Johnson and Bill Robertson joined the group. Johnnie’s expertise in gardening assisted in clearing the area of overgrown vines, pruning trees and bushes to allow a less restricted view of track layout. Bill assists in the duties of engineer and controlling train movements.

Weather permitting the winter months should see the locomotive barn rebuilt to accommodate the third loop and the start of laying the new track. Plans now also include a small lake and waterfall above the trestle at Pines Airport. The donation of a water pump, PVC piping and electrical fittings will allow for water to be pumped up from Vines Creek into the lake and back down to the creek via the ravine and past a working [hopefully] water mill.

With all of the above now on the agenda plus painting the 25 foot Warren steel truss bridge, removal, cleaning, repair and storage of all the buildings in readiness for the 2007 season. It does appear there is plenty to do for the Vines Garden Railroad group of volunteers. If you would like to assist us in any of these undertakings please contact Lawrence Mcfall by phone at 770-554-9697.