Narrow Gauge Train Ops - Thanksgiving

We Give Thanks For All That We Have

It's the weekend of Thanksgiving here in Canada and we have so much to be thankful for!

We are thankful for the fine weather bestowed upon our train operating group.

Fred tells me that we have only had one rainout all season long.  That's truly incredible!

We are thankful for the many friends we share the hobby with.

Here are Paul, Bernie, Henk, Pat and Fred enjoying yet another fall morning!

We are thankful for the fine food we share post ops!

Thanks to Moe for doing a fabulous job with the cooking.

Thanks to Colin for donating the fine feast on this morning.

Now, to train ops.  Before we can run the trains, we have to set them out!

We catch a glimpse of Chris carrying a bread tray of freight cars designated for Mount St. Helens.

Steve carries cars destined for Glen Hammond or Bell.
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Bernie gets to work making up Train 15, the Pool Train at Craig Leigh.

The pool train resides on the track to the left while the consist for Passenger 1 is to the right.

A very interesting car load spotted in Douglas Yard.

Paul readies a steam locomotive for the session.

He is standing near the wye on the outskirts of Craig Leigh.

A quick glimpse of the yard at Mount St. Helens.

Even though all spur tracks here are in the same direction, crews are offered challenges as two industries share the back track and two industries share the front track.

I'll be dispatching on this day, but I've brought my steam locomotive, number 27, along to loan to a crew in need of power.

Chris has signed up to run 302 today and he is in need of some power, so I've turned the locomotive on the turntable and handed Chris the throttle.

Fred, the proprietor of the layout, readies a steamer in the background.  Bernie, the yardmaster in Craig Leigh has the westbound 301 set to go.

We meet, as always, in the lounge.  That's Paul in the foreground with Malcolm, Seanna, Pat and Steve looking on.

Colin is wearing a pink Stade Francais cone hat which he tells me supports a French rugby team.  Yes, their colours are pink!  Apparently, the hat is a "chick magnet" as it managed to grab the attention of a gal while Colin toured France on one of his travels overseas.  Colin later went on to say that the chick in question was living in a cardboard box in a Paris park.  He also shared his other version of a chick magnet, the Sesame Street carrying bag!  He indicated that this is a better chick magnet as it attracts the chicks with young kids!  I want that one!

Paul, Paul and Pat are captured in the shot taken just before the session began.

Meanwhile, Henk motions to Moe saying..."Moe, you haven't cut that hole in the fence yet that will allow us to expand into the neighbour's yard!"

The session gets underway.  Colin locates the switch to power up the 44 tonner while Gord and Paul look on.

Firgrove appears busy as we see a train being readied for imminent departure.

Steve has found a steam locomotive to power Passenger 2.  He is heading out on the yard throat where he will be able to back on to his train which you can see along the fence back near the depot.

An overall look at Nelson Yard and Glen Hammond.  Lawrence, in the blue jacket is assembling his train near the station at Glen Hammond.  He and Paul will take Train 318 to Craig Leigh with station stops en-route heading eastbound.  Henk and Pat, also in Glen Hammond, work their consist on Train 327.  They will depart shortly westbound for Firgrove with station stops in between.  Paul, wearing the red ball cap, works the yard at Nelson.  He will later take RP&M Train 67 to Bell Junction and back.

Lawrence has been given clearance to depart Glen Hammond for his first stop at Blockhouse.

His train is seen leaving the station track in the Glen.

Steve has Passenger 2 underway with his lovely wife, Seanna, as crewmate.

Lawrence has reached Blockhouse where he has some work to do.

Gord works the east end of Nelson Yard with this beautiful switcher.

Another view of 318 at Blockhouse.

A unique shot of Lawrence's locomotive plying the rails beneath Gord's RP&M switcher.

 How about this artsy endeavour!

318 has completed its work at Blockhouse and has been cleared to Spruce.  We catch the train climbing the grade in the morning light.

Lawrence rounds the bend outside of Spruce.

301 has departed Craig Leigh and has protected itself in the passing siding at Mount St. Helen's as the crew conducts their switching moves at the three facing spurs.

In short order, Moe arrives with Pool Train 15.

Aha!  Today it is steam/diesel transition day.  Love the CP road switcher, Moe!

Lawrence at Spruce with 318.

After his station stop at Mount St. Helens, we spot the pool train arriving Ironwood.

Moe is caught looking heavenward.

While the passengers on this departing aircraft peer out their windows and check out our session far below.

Here is the overhead view of the pool train they see from high above!

Another close-up view of Moe's power on this day.

The Pool Train during its station stop at Ironwood.

Meanwhile, Malcolm checks his orders while Chris brings 302 into Bell along Track 4.  Pat looks on from behind.

It's a joy watching friends run your own locomotive, so I capture this shot from my vantage point inside the dispatch booth.

302 works Stuart Yard in Bell.

While 327 arrives the siding at Mercer.

They hold the siding awaiting clearance into Peter's Pond.

318's crew works the industries at Spruce while Train 15 descends the grade to Blockhouse.

We see the yard at Ironwood below us with Spruce and Cedar Rock in the distance.

The Pool Train is a colourful one on this day.

It is also being run by a very colourful engineer!

The RP&M switcher continues its work at Nelson Yard.

Fred takes a seat to watch the action.  Moe brings the Pool Train into Glen Hammond while Gord continues to switch Nelson Yard.

The Pool Train meets Passenger 2 in the Glen.

Both passenger trains add a great deal of colour to the morning's action.

A great looking tandem of RP&M equipment!

Chris guides 302 along Track 4 at Bell.

While Train 702 hugs "The Ledges" with Bob in control of this unit train.

Love that helper service, Bob!

Steve and Seanna guide Passenger 2 to a station stop at Blockhouse.  Fred checks out their orders while Colin keeps warm in his pink hat!

Passenger 2 has been cleared into Spruce where they will pass Train 318.

The Ore Train at Bell.

301 has finished its work at Ironwood.  Once Passenger 2 arrives, they will be cleared into Spruce.

Where they meet 327.

327 is then cleared into Ironwood. These two crews waited a while for Passenger 2 to pass.  Due to the close proximity of Ironwood and Spruce, I most likely could have cleared their exchange of locations before the arrival of the passenger train.  In hindsight, I believe this could've occurred...oh well...delays are a part of railroading.

We have another meet at Watkins Siding.  Eastbound 302 meets westbound Train 15.
302 will have to hold the siding for a pass by the ore train as the ore train has less work to complete at Cedar Rock near Peter's Pond.  The ore train waits back at Bell due to the fact 327 has arrived Peter's Pond and must complete its work.

Henk is thrilled to be the first crew to work Peter's Pond.  Moe and Pat enjoy his enthusiasm.
Henk is thankful for having a competent dispatcher today, although this dispatcher is no "Doug"!

Henk arrives the siding at Watkins aboard 237 where he meets 302.

Henk guides his train onto Track 4.  Typically, the westbounds would arrive Track 3, but the ore train occupies this lane for the time being.  The ore train is now cleared out of Bell for Peter's Pond.

Bob rounds the bend below Mount St. Helens on his approach into Peter's Pond.

Bernie has the westbound Passenger 1 ready for Steve at Craig Leigh.

Back to the ore train at Peter's Pond.

His work will be two lifts from inside the crusher on this day.
Bob and I discussed the use of freight cars as a "handle" or idler cars in order to gain access to his ore cars.  Regulations do not allow the steam engine to enter the enclosed facility.

The headend is being added to Passenger 1.

Train 21, a short hop from Firgrove to Bell works the east house track with Bill in control of the throttle.

We see Bill's train at the easternmost sector of Bell.

The Pool Train has traversed RP&M trackage and arrives Glen Hammond in an eastbound direction.
Take note that three complete trains are spotted in this shot.  The Pool Train on the curve, RP&M 27 upgrade out of Pratt's Bottom and an IPP&W train climbing upgrade along "The Ledges" bound for Firgrove in the distance.

While the ore train arrives Nelson Yard as Colin looks on.

Train 67 ascends the grade out of Pratt's Bottom.  He will hold on RP&M tracks as he awaits an opening into Bell once traffic congestion clears.

The terms "Bob" and "Ore Train" are synonymous on the IPP&W.

Passenger 1 arrives Spruce.

 Paul and Lawrence began the morning as eastbound Train 318.  They completed their run to Craig Leigh and are now aboard westbound Train 319 at Mount St. Helen's.

Paul controls the movement of his train as he drills the facing spurs at this shady location.

The dappled shade offers respite to crew members during the hot summer days.  On this fall morning, this location seems to be 10 degree colder than others on the railroad!

Train 15 departs Spruce.

While its engineer thinks about getting up from his comfortable position!

Bob and Colin discuss the train movements in Nelson Yard.

While Colin's son, Paul, brings RP&M 67 into Bell.

With this lovely looking steamer holding honours on this day.

328 descends the grade at "The Ledges".  This crew started the morning as Train 327 from Glen Hammond westbound to Firgrove.  They are now the eastbound counterpart of this train.

Passenger 1 arrives Blockhouse.

The patient crew aboard 302 were finally granted clearance into Peter's Pond where they completed their work in quick fashion.  We spot them as they await clearance into Nelson Yard while right-hand running at Mercer.

Clearance is granted by the Nelson Yard yardmaster so 302 passes the tower which protects the diamond at Bellamy.  When they reach Nelson Yard, they will become Train 312 destined to Craig Leigh.  The crew typically reverses roles at this halfway juncture in the operations.

Gord works the sidings at Rat Portage aboard RP&M 65.

As always, a peek at an RP&M tankcar!

319 arrives Ironwood.

Lawrence orchestrates the crew's movements.

A lovely shot of two gorgeous looking locomotives with handsome engineers aboard both!

The ore train is first out of Nelson Yard.

As she pierces the trestle.

Followed close behind by 312.

As she pierces the trestle!

The ore train arrives Spruce.

Nice close-up from far away!

The ore train is protected on the main as her crew meets Train 319 at Spruce.

Paul has turned his locomotive after completing his work for the RP&M at Bell.  He exits the yard and heads back to home trackage on the RP&M.  The crew of 328 works the interchange tracks.

Bob has arrived Ironwood and separates his rear helper to conduct switching at Ironwood Brick.

He reverses back down the main to place the cars on his consist before heading to Mount St. Helens.

319 finished up its work at Spruce.

The crew of 311 provides helper service for Passenger 1 which is experiencing engine troubles.

Indeed, a most unusual photograph!

Passenger 1 has reached the station at Bell and 311 has taken Track 4 while 328 departs Track 3.

Gord has run a short hop to Blockhouse.  This is the creative form of picking up the cars as the session winds down.

Paul enjoys some relaxation as he awaits further instructions from the dispatcher.

312 rounds the big curve out of Spruce as it continues to work the industries at this location.

RP&M 67 returns to Rat Portage.  Colin has finished up his work in the yard and has found time to crew with his son, Paul.

The colours of Rat Portage!

Passenger 1 departs Bell for Firgrove.

You've gotta love the variety in rolling stock during narrow gauge operations!

Henk and Pat work 328 at Cedar Rock while Chris and Malcolm work 312 at Spruce.

Mark is all smiles as he's enjoyed yet another sunny morning of train ops!

Fred and Moe take in the sunshine!

Henk considers his next series of moves at Cedar Rock.

While I zoom in on Lawrence.

Hiding in the foliage!

Bernie checks his lists to ensure all tasks were completed at Douglas Yard in Craig Leigh.

This little CN diesel switcher performed admirably on this day.

Working the siding at Northland.

Cleaning up the yard post session.

One last task to complete and all cars will be packed in their trays.  Only one train remaining to come in to this terminus, Train 312.

302/312 ran late on this day, but it was not the fault of the crew.  Heavy early morning traffic had them in the hole on a couple of occasions for lengthy periods of time. 

Chris aligns the turnout for Malcolm as 312 works the siding at Ironwood.

This tandem made a great crew, brainstorming moves and completing them with great agility and deftness.

Once again, it was a joy to watch my locomotive in action on this sunny morn.

Looks like they are drilling Ironwood Brick at this point.

A handsome crew they make as well.

Here they work the fuel track at Ironwood.

A nice aerial shot.

312 rounds the bend to the east of Ironwood.

The crew climbs the grade in the shade.

With a little sun adding visual interest to the scene.

he crew works the trailing sidings at Mount St. Helens.

In short order, they climb upgrade out of Mount St. Helens for Craig Leigh.

The session is over, so it's time to place all the freight and passenger cars on the bread trays and return them to the shed.

Each tray is labelled carefully.  Wherever a car ended on this session, it will begin at the same location during the subsequent session.  These cars will be placed out at Nelson Yard and Bellamy when that day arrives.

While these cars will be set out at Mount St. Helens and Peters Pond.

Folks hang out and enjoy lunch post ops.

Which has been prepared by Moe, seen in silhouette.

Paul and Lawrence enjoy some conversation.

Further sharing of stories abound around the lunch table.

Paul, Bernie, Henk and Pat pose for the camera.

Then yours truly switches roles with Paul, who snaps the picture.

Then Fred joins in on the right!

With a look at this lovely IPP&W caboose, it's time to say "good-bye" from yet another posting of a great time had on the IPP&W this Thanksgiving weekend.  Indeed, we all have so much to be thankful for!  
Have a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving everyone!
Mike Hamer - Ottawa, Ontario, Canada