Invasion of Friends 2016 Standard Gauge at Fred's - Part Two

Invasion Part Two - Standard Gauge Day

We continue with Part Two of Day Three's coverage of the Invasion of Friends.

To view images from Part One on this day, go to:
http://gardenrailroadottawa.blogspot.ca/2016/07/invasion-of-friends-standard-gauge-at_17.html

Yes, it's "Diesel Day" in Ottawa on the IPP&W/RP&M.

And...what a delightful array of diesels we find on the railroad.

In all colours.

And sizes.

Centre cabs.

Little brutes.

Let's tour the line starting at the western terminus of Firgrove.

Where we find Bernie's TH&B diesel hard at work in Ralph Yard.

Assembling 302.

From Firgrove, we drop downgrade along "The Ledges".

Bob has the ore train well in hand.

While this CP geep brings its train into Bell.

Where we earlier saw Pasenger #2 do the same.

Jim and Sue switch the eastern end of Bell.

While Bruce and Jean bring Train #15 into Peter's Pond.

Where the Cedar Rock branch departs the mainline.

Where we find some great examples of rolling stock.

From Peter's Pond, the line reaches the diamond with the RP&M.

Where trains shortly enter Nelson Yard.

Henk and Garry review their lists pre-ops.

Pat offers Garry a hand with the turnouts.

Henk enjoys the shade offered by the umbrellas.

Ric and Jan handle the intricacies of Nelson Yard with ease and expertise.

The adjoining yard to Nelson is Glen Hammond where we spot Don and Steve.

Later, Bob pulls the ore train out of Glen Hammond.

Don and Paul review their train orders.

Before they set out for Craigh Leigh on their turn.

Outside of Nelson, we spot the ore train traverse the trestle.

And round the bend at Lilly.

Barry has his train at Blockhouse.

Don pulls his train around the bend.

On its approach to Spruce.

The ore train at Spruce.

Barry and Doug meet Bruce and Jean at Spruce.

Barry's long reach helps him handle the spur track.

A check of their switch list ensures all is as should be.

From Spruce, they arrive Ironwood.

Where they begin their switching.

Like many other location along the line, Ironwood can become busy in a heartbeat.

Mount St. Helens holds only facing spurs for the TH&B locomotive crew.

The caboose track at the eastern terminus of Craig Leigh.

We mustn't forget the RP&M.

That's me with Pat in Rat Portage.

We switch out Golding Grains.

Malcolm railfans our train.

With our work complete at Rat Portage, we await our green to cross the diamond at Bellamy.

Another RP&M caboose, the drover caboose.

Bruce and Jean are eastbound between Bell and Peter's Pond at a location known as "The Corners".

Bob has the ore train stopped at the same location.

Where he has just used the "rarely used" track up to Ironwood Brick.

Having picked up his ore cars he must now return the other cars to Ironwood Brick.

Running up the line.

At the corners.

With his CN unit.

In the shade.

Coming downgrade.

Backing onto his train.

Where he is "Ready to Rumble!"

Lunchtime finds Gaetan and Nicole enjoying some Tom-Roolery with Steve and Seanna finishing up their meal.

In the shade at Mound St. Helens.

Pat, Paul and Steve along with Jim and Sue.

John, Barry and Ena at the main table under the canopy.

Malcolm gives a wave of the hand.

Bill Sn3 Scobie makes an appearance.

Lawrence enjoys a moment of relaxation.  Thanks to Lawrence for organizing the entire session.

The master of photography is skipper Gord!

Hard at work snapping photos while Seanna looks on.

Henk is his usual self with a big smile on his face!

Paul helps Garry out with a locomotive issue.

Sue looks down at the action in Bell while John dispatches the railroad from his perch in the booth.

Pat and Bernie enjoy the shade.

While a group assembles around the main table.

Ric sharing an item with the lads.

Table talk during lunchtime.

No doubt.  The "Invasion of Friends" sure is one heck of a lot of fun for all!

Thanks for checking in!  
Mike Hamer, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada