Invasion of Friends Pics from Last Year 2013 Day 1 Ottawa

Day One of 2013 Invasion of Friends

We were thrilled to host our American friends back in 2013 for the annual gathering of those interested in large scale train operations.

Here's the group picture from the 2013 Invasion of Friends in Ottawa.  Lots of folks from "away" and lots of local crew too!
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Rick sets out a steamer for a late afternoon run.

You've got to appreciate the creativity in the carrying cases.  Yes, there is precious cargo being secured here.

Carl and Paul, two local lads are "feeling the heat" on a rather warm day.

I had yet to purchase a G-scale locomotive, so Doug was kind enough to bring this gorgeous AB pairing of F-Units for me to run between snapping of pictures.

We've departed Glen Hammond eastbound as we round the big bend outside Nelson Yard.

On our approach to the two-bridges scene.  We traverse one while the other serves industries on the far side of the gap.

A CN diesel has just met a train at Watkins Siding and is eastbound in to Peter's Pond.

Its' crew will service the facility at Cedar Rock while at Peter's Pond.

Carl and Paul are working the train on this day.

Ken brought his diesel along with him for the trip from the United States and we are sure glad he did.

She's beautifully weathered, Ken!

A CP GP30 makes an appearance on this day.

As does Rick's center cab which he brought up with him from the States as well.

She's a real beauty, Rick!

Love this East Broad Top steamer.

Looks like she's ready for action.

My crew mate, Chris,  snapping a shot at St. Helens.

A meet at Spruce.

Another view of the meet at Spruce.

A handsome D&H road switcher.

The yard at Nelson.

The large yard at Bell where the two railroads interchange traffic using an interchange track which rounds the bend off in the distance.

Some of the ladies relaxing at the main table.

Love this RP&M caboose!

Along with others on the van track at Nelson Yard.

A nice B&O switcher.

Rick brought this gorgeous model up with him from the States.

A joy to behold!

Here's Fred indoors.

Chris (blue shirt) and I played guitar and sang a bunch of tunes as entertainment for the early evening.

We sure had a fun time all day with great friends.  Thanks to Fred for hosting such a fine event!

Have a super day!  Mike Hamer - Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Ontario Northland Power Visits the IPP&W

Ontario Northland Diesels Impress Us

A gentleman named Peter paid a visit to the IPP&W. 

He brought with him these lovely diesel specimens.
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The locomotive on the left is GP40-2 #2201 and the diesel to the right is GP38-2 # 1809.

A front and rear shot.

It's also nice to see the two different lettering styles. Peter tells me that the 2201 was painted by John Burden from Winona Garden who is a good friend of his.

Peter painted 1809.  Thanks go to David McCurdy for snapping these images and sharing them with me.  Thanks for visiting Ottawa, Peter.  We'd love you to come back anytime!

Here's a great shot Peter shared with me of the two units crossing the bridge to the east of Nelson Yard.  Indeed, a great pairing they make!
Have a great day in the train yard!  Mike Hamer - Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Steam Sessions

Steam Serves Us Well

At Fred's layout, the team alternates between running steam one Saturday and running diesel the next.

  This post will showcase some of the steam locomotives you see on the IPP&W and RP&M.
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This Rio Grande Southern steamer is on the track beside the engine house at Craig Leigh.

IPP&W #11 awaiting its next duty.

This Pennsylvania locomotive is a visitor to the layout.

The Nelson Yard switch engine for the Rat Portage and Mattawa.

A nice White Pass steamer.

  

The #11 working at Ironwood.

The RP&M #1 switching Nelson Yard.

A meet at Spruce.

A pass at Spruce.

What a lovely locomotive this specimen is!

She's big too!

Rounding the curve out of Ironwood westbound to Spruce.

The ore train is arriving Spruce.

Can't beat the look of this pool train.

On the turntable at Firgrove.

A "Hat Trick"!

This engine never tires and works throughout the entire session.

Another pool train in care of Pat's lovely Canadian Pacific locomotive.

On the mainline eastbound into Ironwood. 

Ken brought this lovely locomotive up with him from his home in the states during the invasion weekend.

On the shelf...what a tremendous display!

Rick likes to lighten things up.  Man, this is a gorgeous model! 

Westbound between St. Helens and Ironwood.

The Director's Special traverses the railroad spotted at Spruce.

What a sight to behold!

Back with this little beauty rounding the bend into Spruce..

My 4-6-0 nicely weathered by my friend, Chris, awaits its next run, an eastbound out of Firgrove.

Love the green and black on this gem making a light engine move at Craig Leigh.

A passenger train departing Craig Leigh.

Another meet of brethren.

One very colourful steam locomotive.

Passing through Rat Portage.

Awaiting its next run.

Switching out Spruce with Cedar Rock in the distance.

Near the engine house at Craig Leigh.

This puppy will have to be turned before its next run westbound.

A really good looker!

Aha!  Found some shade!

Gord's beautiful RP&M tandem brighten any day!

 At Glen Hammond awaiting permission to begin its run.

Rounding the bend into the yard at Nelson.

Indeed, a steam locomotive is a living, breathing entity!

Have a great day!  Mike Hamer - Ottawa, Ontario, Canada