2009 Update

On Saturday May 9th. 2009 The Vines Garden Railroad opened the new season by celebrating the first annual recognition of National Train Day. Sponsored by Amtrak at locations throughout the USA. This event marks the occasion where, on May 10th. 1869, at Promontory Summit, Utah. The Union Pacific Locomotive No. 119 and Central Pacific No. 60 "Jupiter" met and the ceremonial "Golden Spike" was driven into the final tie. Completing the first transcontinental railroad across the nation.

We were joined by Chopper the newly formed Gwinnett Braves mascot who was able to share a photo moment with some of our younger guests.

Time has taken its toll on track and track bed. Originally installed in 1998, tracks one and two have received very little attention other than routine cleaning and repairs where rail joints became corroded and electrical problems arose. It was agreed to concentrate on track one, the outermost loop, by replacing worn and broken railroad ties, fit new rail joiners, re-ballast and re-align the track. In addition the grade around the City of Vines was reduced and a rock embankment installed to prevent debris from washing over the track.

Installation of new rock embankment being overseen by P'way supervisor.

While track repairs were being undertaken, flowerbeds were installed just below Dogwood City and Azalea Farm is now a fully operational garden with a selection of home grown tomatoes, peppers and squash planted ready for summer harvest.

The Vines Garden Railroad welcomed two new members to the team in 2009. Cindy and Ken Hudson. They are both in the process of building their own garden layout and are very interested in learning all about what is involved in this most interesting hobby.
Unfortunately we did lose two of our original members due to other commitments, so we are still looking for volunteers.

On October 21st. 2009 the Vines Garden Railroad Club received the Georgia Recreation and Park Association, District 7, Volunteer of the Year award for its role in promoting an unusual parks and recreation experience to all visitors across the state.

L-R: Bob Giselbach, James Dodson (President of GRPA), Lawrence McFall, Tim Mullins, Norman Allum, and Jeff Pruitt (GRPA District 7 Commissioner).

For the 2009 - 2010 winter program an ambitious plan had been drawn up to re-grade tracks one, two and three in the area between Peachtree Bridge and the Dogwood Tunnels. Add two new trestle bridges and build up rock wall embankments to reduce erosion at the track side.
In addition Vines City was to undertake an urban re-development program. Construction of new roads with the trolley line running down through the center of Main Street. Buildings to be renovated and re-located. The trolley line itself is to be replaced and a switch added to allow two vehicles to operate out of the trolley barn.

By the time everything had been dismantled it now became of some concern as to whether or not everything would be put back in good order before the grand opening May 8th. 2010.

Last but not least we also would like to thank our visitors and corporate sponsors who, during the 2009 season, gave donations to maintain the equipment and assist us in hosting the Georgia Garden Railroad Society meeting on May 3rd. 2009.