It's hard to believe that we're already running our 17th session of the season!
As you can see from my diesel pictured above, the operations are of the standard gauge variety.
Yup, we're into September and I'm "Back to School"!
But, we still have our Saturday morning to play.
Steve brought out his latest acquisition, the Ontario Northland beauty.
How many is that in the stable now, Steve?
Moe, Pat and Garry pitch in to set up the session.
Lawrence explains to Brian where his many passenger trains will originate, run and terminate.
Garry places his Canadian National Geep on the tracks.
Two handsome units in this one image!
Is this the "Laying on of Hands", Garry?
Or...are you casting some kind of spell on your locomotive.
You had better beware that the spell doesn't spread down the line to all other units on the railroad...(trust me...it did...find out later.)
My great buddy and fellow musician, Pete Conroy, is visiting Ottawa once more from his home in Wolfville, NS.
A quick glance pre-ops of the new ore dock in Craig Leigh with a proud papa.
The dynamic duo of Fred and Bernie who put it all together!
Bernie sent me some pics from the session as well which I will post later in the week.
Fred explains to our ore train operator, Bob, his expectations as to how the ore dock will be handled.
"You put your right foot in..."
"And your left foot out!"
"Do the hootchie kootchie...and dance all about!"
Actually, we had a good time teasing Bob about the ore dock operations, but that will stay within the group. Say, there's that funny guy again who always seems to be appearing above fence rows!
Bob takes it all in with a good natured smile.
The label is on!
And the entire facility looks spectacular.
Before we go any further, you have to check out Malcolm's great video montage from the session at...
Over in Craig Leigh, the passenger train awaits its power.
In the early morning light.
Passenger #2 is eastward bound on the station track at Bell.
While 301 opens the throttle in Craig Leigh to begin its westward bound journey.
Steve and Pat are found in Ironwood.
With that gorgeous looking Ontario Northland unit.
The power for 302 awaits its orders in Firgrove.
302 rolls out of Ralph Yard downhill at "The Ledges".
Passing alongside RP&M rails.
Hmmm...I believe we'll have to call this area of the railroad "Brokeback Mountain" from now on!
327 awaits its meet with Passenger #2 at Mercer Siding.
Here she comes.
Moe has 237 protected in the siding at Watkins after completing his work in Peter's Pond.
318 uses the rails on the outskirts of Nelson Yard as a lead to switch out Glenn Hammond before departing.
Lawrence and Garry have a little more work in hand before departing.
They are underway at Lilly.
Bob pulls the ore train onto the high iron out of Firgrove.
At the bend at Bell.
Later, into Belson. He gives a wave and a nod to Brian aboard Passenger #2.
Chris is an RP&M employee on this day. He has backed his train out of Nelson Yard and brings it forth into Glenn Hammond.
Here's Chris.
With his partner, George.
Malcolm, another RP&M worker, has his train working at the interchange in Bell.
That's a lovely Conrail unit, Malcolm.
To the east of Bell.
Earlier, Malcolm assisted the Nelson Yardmaster classifying traffic.
Along with Chris and George.
With yardmaster Henk.
Paul once again held the fort at Ralph Yard.
With its three-way turnout.
Some of the named industries in Ralph Yard.
Over in the east Bernie manages Douglas Yard.
The caboose track.
A full yard, for sure.
Well, Fred usually has one or two visitors come out to see the railroad on any given Saturday.
But these two are a breed apart!
Gotta fly and get my lessons prepared for another week of teaching.
Check in later for a ton of other pics and stories from the session.
All the best,
Mike Hamer, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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