More From Marcel

 More From Marcel

Marcel has been gracious enough to keep in touch with our group from his home down in Arizona.  Recently he made it out to a club meeting.  Here are some pics sent our way.

He recently visited some friends at the ABTO.

(Remember, you can enlarge the images by clicking on them and return by clicking outside them.)

As the shirt reads, ABTO stands for...

...the Arizona Big Train Operators group.

And...what a glorious operations they have.

Lots of fine structures.

Nice shade which reminds us of St. Helens.

Creative colours with plants.

Multiple trains running simultaneously.

Marcel tells us that this is a scratchbuilt bridge.

A mound or a mountain?

Hard at work...

...on hands and knees.

Back at home, Marcel snapped this shot of the woodpecker doing what woodpeckers do best...creating holes in plants of all sorts...this time...it's Marcel's prickly cactus he's working on!

One of the many inspirational messages Marcel sends our way.

Holy oranges Batman!  Check out the size of these ones!  Marcel tells us, "These are Navel oranges. I have a tree in my back yard but mine didn't get enough water this summer. I didn't set the sprinkler on long enough for the hottest summer on record down here. Thank God for neighbors (American spelling) HEHEHE who share everything."

While Marcel was happily playing trains...

...we up here in Canada...

...were merrily...

...shoveling our driveways clear...

...in our "winter wonderland!"

Below is Marcel's note to me from the other day outlining his activities.

"Hello Mike. All is well here. Temps are 10 to 15° above normal for this time of year. Getting a little 'cool down' starting Tuesday with a slight possibility of showers. We have only had one day of rain since Nov 13th and since August the 20th before that. A nice shower would help the fruit trees but that's all. I joined a group called the Arizona Big Train Operators last week and attended their first meeting of this year yesterday. They move the meetings every month to someone else's layout. Most of the layouts are in Southeast and Southwest Phoenix but we hope to have a meeting up here in the Northwest sometime to show off our accomplishments. We'll see if we can get the old timers to move around a little. 

I am playing softball three days a week and sometimes tournaments on the odd weekend. The music arrangement sounds good for you. I couldn't bring a guitar down this year because we were flying down and I miss it. Hopefully by the time we get back things will be better to get together and play. I am registering for the vaccine on Tuesday and should get the first shot by mid February or so and the second shot 21 days after that. The Governor has permitted Snowbirds to be vaccinated free of charge also. Arizona doesn't mess around with things like that. Everybody is treated the same. Makes sense so we don't infect others. 

As I am writing this a large woodpecker is trying to enlarge a hole in my Saguaro (pronounced Sawaro) (little bit of Spanish lesson) Cactus. I think he's gonna have a bad headache. LOL. I'll send some pictures of the layout from yesterday later this afternoon. Take care, stay safe and keep in touch. Marcel. Say hello to Lisa and anyone else you see from the OVGRS.

Thanks, Marcel, for the wonderful images.

All the best, Mike Hamer, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Sales Listing From Barry

 Sales Listing From Barry

As you know, Barry has kindly assisted a friend in Belleville with the sale of his large scale items.  We thank Barry for considering our OVGRS members first before going further afield with the listing.  There remain a few items left to be sold and Barry has asked that the list be published to the blog where it will now gain a greater audience.

The biggest item remaining from the listing is the 3-truck Shay.

Mark kindly shared a few images of the Shay in action on George's indoor layout.

She's a beauty and a magnificent runner!

These two previously shown videos showcase the 3-truck Shay in action.

We thank Mark for these moving action shots.

3 Truck Shay

$480.00

Carrier extra $20.00

Here are the close-up shots Barry sent our way in December.  The port side.  

As listed, this beautiful locomotive is going for $480.00.

The starboard side.

In its carrying case which cost $20.00 extra.

Rear view.

Finally, we have the itemized listing Barry has compiled with unsold items remaining.  

(Click on the image of the list to enlarge it.)

We hope this helps the cause for your friend, Barry.

(Click on the image of the list to enlarge it.)

We thank Mark for assisting Barry in this wonderful cause.  He is pictured with his talented crewmate, Ollie!  The 3-truck Shay is currently here in Ottawa in Mark's caring hands. 

We thank Barry (red shirt) pictured with our good friend, Doug Hayes.

If you have any questions regarding any items, feel free to e-mail Barry or send a message directly via the comments section below in this blog.  

(Simply click where it reads "no comments" or "1 comment" or "2 comments" etc. to leave a comment.)

All the best, Mike Hamer, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Happy New Year Posting

Happy New Year!!!

These first three images were sent in by Bernie.  He visited Fred with a bottle of Laphroig 10 on the 24th of December.

"Neil Lowes dropped by and offered up this railroad themed "paint by numbers" set to Skipper Fred.  That's one fine looking image Fred will have to paint!  We can't wait to see it done when spring arrives in the garden!"

"Of surprise to me was the new house going up across the street from Fred's place."

"Peter's Pond filled in with attention required in the spring of the year once the snow melts away."

Thanks for those three images, Bernie!

We recall these wintry shots sent in from Pat.

With last night's snowfall, the white stuff will even be deeper.

We wonder if the sweeper will do...

...or perhaps the plow is required!

So-o-o...as 2020 quickly recedes in our rear view mirrors...

...we look forward to better things in 2021...

...such as an anticipated "shot in the arm"...

...or make that two shots...

...in order to allow us...

...to get back to doing...

...what we do best...

...and that's... 

...running trains in the great outdoors!

With great friends like Chris and George!

Not to forget...father and son pairings which fill us with joy as Chris (centre) has brought along his son Jonah (right) to run trains while Bill stands nearby.

While we salvaged what we could from this past year, I thought it would be fun to look back over the railroad in the recent years while taking a tour of the line with limericks acting as our captions!  So...here we go.  Each limerick will be in its own unique colour to add flavour...followed by a bit of commentary in this gold default colour.  Let's begin, shall we!

There's a place where nothing will trouble you,

 

Known to all as the IPP&W. 

The RP&M too...

Will bring joy to you...

...and we're definitely not here to cuddle you!

"Say Mike!" these two lads call out..."That first limerick just made us want to dance and forget all about the craziness of 2020!

Passengers board their trains with such glee,

At the eastern terminal known as Craig Leigh.

They witness the action...

With nary a distraction...

Eager to get underway happily!

"Hey Mike," Steve concurs, "I'd love to take a passenger trip along the IPP&W and RP&M when I return back to Canada from the Finger Lakes region!"

"I'm aboard with you, Steve!" Seanna announces.

The engine house is where you will find, 

A manner of folk who really don't mind. 

A great discussion or two...

Where you'll find something new...

And locomotives of every which kind!

Indeed, a visit to the engine house will yield some fine looking locomotive specimens.

How about this trio made of a Bangor and Aroostook BL2 and two GP38-2's in Ontario Northland and Delaware and Hudson colours.

Or...a rare sighting of two Canadian National road switchers in two differing paint schemes.

Yes, on a good day, variety is the "spice of life" around the engine house in Craig Leigh.

I will certainly attest to that fact!" Marcel says with a heaping big smile.

Whether you "roll" or whether you "rock,"

There's a peninsula that'll blow off your socks!

Trains originate...

While some terminate...

At our world class Northland Ore Dock! 

We all agree that the railfan action is superb in this locale .

Bernie stands nearby the ore dock shortly after he put many man-hours into its construction with skipper Fred a couple of summers ago

Moe joins him to run a train out from the newly installed dock.

"The Northland Ore Dock has certainly offered greater flexibility for the operators in Craig Leigh!"  these lads all attest.

Lawrence would agree with the lads!

(Even though he is in the picture with them!)

Douglas Yard is easy to find,

 If you've reached Craig Leigh while on time.

 The yard master there...

 Takes very good care...

 Of your traffic as he's "sound of mind!"

 And...speaking of our Craig Leigh yard master!  Here he is...Mr. Bernie.

"And we appreciate Bernie's efforts in Craig Leigh each week!" seconds Brian.

And we remember our dear friend, Trevor, who acted as Craig Leigh yard master for many a year.

On the railroad we're sisters and brothers,

As every good turn leads to another.

That's "wye" when we turn trains...

A new direction is gained...

And there are never any "givens and druthers!"

One fine morning... 

...many summers ago... 

...three operators played "Ring Around the Rosie" at the wye...just because they could! 

"Reading all of these limericks makes me proud to be a part of this Ottawa based group!" Moe states proudly.

St. Helens offers some allowances,

For those who prefer switching challenges.

With just trailing tracks...

It offers some slack...

For our eastbound crews in the balance.

"I don't worry too much about St. Helens, Mike, because I'm usually running the ore train!"  Bob indicates.

Between St. Helens and Ironwood we delight,

In a beautifully forested site.

Known to locals as "The Ridge"...

It really acts as a "bridge"...

Offering "shady respite" from the light!

Indeed, while trains in each location along the line may very well see what is taking place in the next town...

...they still must request clearance from dispatch to proceed out on the line.

Ironwood, yes...good old Ironwood,

A place often misunderstood.

We offer great tidings...

Of a new passing siding...

For crews to get "out of the woods!"

Note the new and improved Ironwood in this image with the station track and two lengthy sidings now installed.  We thank Bernie for the design and Bill for his suggestions.

The work on Ironwood progressed on the Workday Wednesdays...

...as well as other days of the week to end up with this finished product.

"That new passing siding in Ironwood will be of a great help for we three dispatchers, Mike!"  Bill smiles.

A senior crew drank the wrong juice,

Before taking their train into Spruce. 

It was ale...and not pale...

But it had been on sale...

And now their train's out on the loose!

The image above showcases the new trackage installed this past summer at Spruce.

"It was fun getting up to Ottawa this summer and running trains through the newly developed areas in Spruce and Ironwood!" Marcel announces with a great big smile.

Out from Spruce, things get easier still,

As crews begin their descent of Clarke Hill.

There's not been a day...

That a train got away...

And we don't think that there ever will!

Bill and Mark listen in on the limericks as they concentrate on train movements far to the west of Clarke Hill.

Pedestrian crossings see every single thing,

They count the cars that all those trains bring.

With the odd mishap...

But in the "snap of a clap"...

Cars re-rail and the crews feel no sting!

Indeed, the crossings are areas where we exercise caution.

If our locos are equipped with sound, we blow the crossings and the pedestrians know to not walk over top of the trains.  They await our clearing of the crossing before they walk by.

"Those are sound safety principles," Colin reassures us.

Hickory, Dickory, Dockery,

These trains are passing "The Rockery".

Offering a great railfan shot...

With it's super backdrop...

This is definitely no photo mockery!

"That location certainly is a wonderful railfan spot," Tom agrees.

The Blockhouse stands guard over the gut.

With nary a window - it's most tightly shut.

Listening to the refrain...

Of each passing train...

It never will get in a rut!

While Bob is working the Fallentree Mine , note the three cars on the spur below.  We call this spur Blockhouse due to its proximity to the mighty structure that stands guard over the gut. 

Oftentimes crews must stop to work the blockhouse spur if they are eastbound between Nelson Yard and Spruce.  Westbounds never have work to conduct at Blockhouse due to the lack of any runaround track.

While this image showcases a caboose hop, passenger trains must stop at the station at Blockhouse.

A most scenic place on the line,

Where the trains look "So mighty fine!"

They cross Brennan's Gap...

With a tip of the hat...

Railfans flock to this site all the time!

"Those bridges spanning the gap are most impressive!" Doug ponders.

While out railfanning with a friend,

At Lilly where we find a huge bend.

Then came into sight...

Armour yellow - such might...

This diesel turned us on end!

"That bend at Lilly is a hot railfan spot," these two lads call out with a grin, "and that Union Pacific in Armour Yellow really stands out!"

For the prime spot, railfans do wrestle,

When they stand beside the Fred Mills Trestle.

Snapping images of trains...

As we chant train refrains...

While we raise a glass of fine drink in our vessels.

This location remains the most photographed area on the entire railroad.

"I love that railfan spot!" Lee grins.

As does Ollie!

Gene too!

An area that is a "must see!"

Near where Blockhouse always guards thee.

For there came a time...

To build the Fallentree Mine...

Where once stood a tremendous, tall tree!

Study the vintage image above where you will see the many bridges spanning Brennan's Gap.  The Blockhouse stands tall and proud while in the distance we spot the massive coniferous tree that was felled by a storm while Fred and some others were in the backyard!

We thank George for creating this fine structure. Check out the sign!

George follows Lawrence, Doug and many others who have made fine structures for the railroad.

Imagine that tall coniferous tree used to stand near this location!

Lovely!

  "We are so relieved not a soul was injured in that unfortunate mishap," the two Neils agree.

The middle trestle was becoming quite old,

Showing its age, or so it's been told.

Would there be a mishap...?

With the train o'er the gap...?

So a new span now stands in so bold!

Indeed, the Lawrence Watkins Trestle is vital to the railroad.

It offers a connection to the Valley Supply and Mackenzie Lumber facilities on the far side of the gap.

As the timbers began to show their age the railroad management showed concern.

Would it be able to stand up to the punishment of larger locomotives?

Would train crews hesitate to cross the chasm?

Would the two prior mentioned facilities be cut off from the railroad for good?

The finishing touches should be completed by the spring of 2021.

Train crews will once again feel confident in crossing this glorious span over Brennan Gap...and the bridge will remain safe from any fire hazards!  

She's one gorgeous piece of modelling!  Fred did a masterful job on the span and Lawrence built all of the bents which will be put place in short order.  Brian gave the group his pin nailer which came in handy to hold the ties in place.  George made up a set of rail gauges to help Fred hand lay the rail.  Chris E. and Doug M. cut most of the ties and lumber for the trestle.  A true team effort!

Navigating this area is hard,

Many a crew have thrown in the card.

The tracks do display...

An interesting array...

In this puzzle known as Nelson Yard.

Working in Nelson Yard is very much like being a doctor in an emergency room.

Yes...you plan out your day early and you may even have some slow periods. 

But, depending on the situations with trains out on the line...things can "ramp up" in a hurry!

 

Rest assured that under the capable watch of gentlemen like Garry above and Henk in the previous image, we always have confidence in their fine abilities in keeping "The Show On the Road!"

You will often find variety in the motive power in and around Nelson Yard.

Before getting back to our Limerick fun, lets have a gander at the two throats of Nelson Yard where there is a wide array of track selection.

Fred is following the progress of this RP&M crew who are classifying the cuts of cars for specific trains.

At Nelson Yard, you are constantly working the yard tracks ensuring the A/D track remains clear.  (A/D for Arrival/Departure Track)

We have been studying the "eastern" throat to the yard.

The track where the CP diesel is working is the line that runs into Glen Hammond.

Colin, to the right, had been the "go to" yard master at Nelson for a number of years.  His vast experience working on the real railroads in Britain made him a mentor to many and his advice is greatly appreciated.

Another great is Gordie Bellamy who ran the RP&M side of things for many a year.  Such a capable yard operator Gordie is as well.  We spot him over at the "western" throat of Nelson Yard.

Numerous crews can work simultaneously as we spot two engines on the western end of the yard at Nelson.

It must be "Invasion" time as a cigar schemed New York Central end cab unit works the western throat of the yard.

As does Ric's little gem of a diesel.

This train has just departed Nelson Yard and works the adjacent spurs.

From my dispatcher's window I take warning,

East and westbound trains wait in the morning.

For clearance to go...

To places they know...

In Glen Hammond, things never get boring!

Indeed, Glen Hammond is where two trains start off to begin an operating session.  This road switcher in Southern colours will depart the Glen in an easterly direction bound for Craig Leigh.  The train with the yellow van still has a bit of work to complete before departing the Glen westerly to Firgrove.  At the same time, trains leave Craig Leigh and Firgrove along with RP&M trains ready to depart shortly.  Indeed, meets will occur at strategic locations along the line.

We spot a CN crew working Nelson Yard as the Southern locomotive heads out from Glen Hammond.  I have referred to the trains by their livery when in reality they would be IPP&W and, possibly RP&M runs.

Diesels of all colours frequent the small yard in Glen Hammond.

Here we are at the western throat of Glen Hammond with Gord and Henk working Nelson to the left and many a crew in Bell to the right.

Bellamy, Bellamy, Bellamy,

There's no place that we'd rather be.

Passengers stop at the stations...

While on their vacations...

Such a glorious sight to see!

While track arrangements may have changed over the years...

...the stations of Bellamy remain a passenger stop to this day.

"Bellamy must be named after our good friend, Gord!" Nicole and Gaetan wonder.

Here's Gordie!

A location frequented each day,

A most important location in the fray.

Crews will feel compunction...

When they've cleared the junction...

But haven't radioed dispatch to say!

Indeed, it is the greatest pet peeve of we three dispatchers...crews requesting clearance through the junction yet failing to respond once clear!  Indeed, a number of "brownie points" have been awarded throughout the years!

While I have known and understood what a "brownie point" is, I wanted to investigate the origin of this term.  While a number of possible origins were found, this one came from 

Wikipedia,  "brownie points" 

"proposed etymology is that the term derives from the name of a 19th-century American railroad superintendent, George R. Brown who, in 1886, devised what was then an innovative system of merits and demerits for railroad employees on the Fall Brook Railway in New York state.  Accounts of his system were published in railroad journals, and adopted by many leading U.S. railroads.  American railroad employees soon began referring colloquially to "brownie points", and at some point, the term entered the general vocabulary."

"We in Nelson Yard never get any brownie points...that's how good we are!" shouts Henk.

"We love the brownies, but not the points!" Paul chuckles.

There's a place on the road that's so clean,

Where the grass always seems to stay green

At Mercer trains meet...

Where the crews get to greet...

Yes, we are all part of the team!

While trains often meet each other in the many towns along the line, there are two locations where the distance between towns is so great that a passing siding was required.  Here we are at Mercer Siding where the general rule of thumb is "right hand running" but, as these images demonstrate, there are always exceptions to the rule dependent upon situational awareness.

"We are thankful for these strategically placed sidings," Paul indicates with a grin after recently running by the other major siding area at Watkins before he entered Bell.

There's a place where you may just be conned,

Located just up from Peter's Pond

You may just get a shock...

Arriving at Cedar Rock...

That you've got your maneuvers all wrong!

While I shared pictures of Peter's Pond, I spoke of Cedar Rock, who's branch diverges from the mainline in Peter's Pond.  Operators must determine their moves carefully before heading up the branch as there is no runaround track up in Cedar Rock.

"Yes," Sid tells Paul, "I'd take switching out Ironwood over Peter's Pond/Cedar Rock any day!"

"I bet my little coal hauler would make it's way up the Cedar Rock Branch!" Johnny tells us as Noelle listens in.

"Listening to this conversation with regards to Cedar Rock," Robin thinks to himself, "I can't wait to get up there to learn of the challenge myself!"

And, indeed Robin did...in fact, Peter's Pond/Cedar Rock was the next destination for his train following the departure out from Bell and on through Watkins Siding and Wellington Lake.  We catch him with his crewmate, Malcolm.  Say, since the last limerick dealt with both Peter's Pond and Cedar Rock...how about another dedicated to the place at the end of the branch!

A place on the railroad you'll find,

That can really mess up your mind.

You thought it was trailing, but now it is facing...

You're all out of sorts and your mind'll be racing...

Cedar Rock is "One of a Kind!"

Yes, the inclusion of Cedar Rock into the rail operations increased the challenges for all but it also increased the joy!

"We do love the challenges Cedar Rock brings to the game!" Chris smiles while seated at Cedar Rock.

An area we now like to call,

By the likely name of "Hayes' Falls".

Where occurred such a rumble...

When the gentleman tumbled...

"Safety First!" now we all heed the call.

Since the incident in question, we have now cleared up the passage for trains in this area.

A nice tunnel "entrance/exit" now exists.

And...for operators above in St. Helens, Andrew added some throw bars to reach the easterly turnout to ease the burden for the train crews!

We find Pat, George and Doug in Bell where Doug (nearest to the viewer) leans over to George and asks, "I wonder which operator tried to climb over the rocks at that location?"

There exists on the railroad a black hole,

Not so good for the railroader's soul.

It eats up the trains...

In sun or in rain...

Where the trains go has never been told!

Indeed, the crew has been thinking about the "subterranean" track beneath St. Helens for a long while...

...until this summer when Bernie got the idea to do something about it... 

...and he figured out a way to accomplish the task...

 ...without tearing the entire upper St. Helens infrastructure apart.

And...what a tremendous job the crew did!

Marcel's UP diesel acted as "guinea pig" being the first locomotive to run over the newly laid track!  Bravo...trains once again find daylight on each run beneath "The Mount"!

And...we thank Bernie for taking the initiative here!

There's a place where trains pass quietly,

In stealth, they're low down you can see.

"The Corners" it's called...

And we are enthralled...

By the sights over there we do see!

And...a little known fact is that if you throw the turnout just in front of the CN locomotive, then the IPP&W becomes a complete circle for continuous running!

"Now that's a very cool fact!" Mike tells Doug as they sit on "The Ridge" with "The Corners" falling back behind the visible track.

Passengers board their trains by the hordes,

To get to the beaches adored.

It's at Wellington Lake...

Where resort goers take...

Time off from the work they abhor.

Wellington Lake is one of the newer locations along the route.

It's siding spur track offers room for three freight cars which bring in supplies for the resort (located beyond the fence).

Trains from both directions can switch out the spur as the depot is located close to Watkins Siding should any eastbounds require the runaround track there.

Here's George...Mr. Wellington himself!

Say George, we'd love to visit Wellington Lake someday when we're not kept busy keeping the railroad running!

There is a fine place you can't beat,

Where crews wave a hand as they greet.

No, they're not hiding...

They're just tucked in the siding...

At Watkins...a good place to meet!

And meet the trains do!

The image above shows the earlier version of Watkins Siding with no wooden fence and a relatively shorter siding track.

Seanna and Steve pose in front of the newly developed area at Watkins Siding...

...named in honour of our very own Lawrence Watkins!

Of all the places, our crews, they can tell,

Where they know congestion may swell.

Come the middle of a session...

As crews make progression...

They seem to congregate up in Bell!

Indeed, the Rail Ops program creates "balance" in the operations...

...but as crews proceed through the morning, some transit times speed up while some slow down...

 ...resulting in unintended triple or even quadruple meets at times!  Yikes!

 

"We'll have to do something up in Bell," thought Henk, "especially near the Interchange where the two railroads meet.

Henk offered up the idea of creating a crossover just to the west of the yard ladder (out of sight behind the locomotive to the right) to allow both railroad crews to work the area independent of each other.

You can see the crossover between the two tankcars and the train entering the yard.

The yellow arrow shows the location of the crossover track.

The following images were taken before the crossover was installed.

Because the interchange is the area where crews from both railroads meet, our next limerick deals with the friendship and camaraderie found between the two railroad's crews.

Are you one of "us" or of "them"?

The "IPP&W" or the "RP&M"?

No matter the fit...

It matters no single bit...

We're equal...united, my friend!

Indeed, with the growth and expansion of traffic on both railroads, the importance of the design and development of the Interchange increases over time.

A train heads down the RP&M line...

...as two of the interchange tracks appear to be quite full.

"That newly installed crossover track sure was a brilliant idea, Henk!" Doug offers up.

Very tall do grow the hedges,

We know they are definitely not sedges.

Trains climb and descend...

It seems never to end...

For the great "action" found at "The Ledges"!

The location of "The Ledges" begins to the east of Firgrove and continues all the way to the interchange area at Bell.

"I love to see my ore train stretched out in all its fine glory at this prime location along the route!" Bob indicates with pride.

A place where eastbounds never quest,

Is the terminal found far to the west.

It's known as Firgrove...

A fine treasure trove...

Where 311 arrives for a rest.

Indeed, Firgrove is the western terminus for the IPP&W.

Many trains begin their day here and it is also a place where many finish their runs.

George is our resident yard master in Firgrove...with duties in Ralph Yard as part of his roster.

George never frets especially when he has his wonderful assistant at his side!

We also must thank Paul who often takes on the duties when George is unavailable in Firgrove or when Bernie must be away in Craig Leigh.

Across from Rat Portage you'll see,

Quite the busiest of places to be. 

Loaded with cars... 

From both near and far... 

Is Ralph Yard which is run tidily! 

Bill and his son, Mark, were our Firgrove/Ralph Yard yardmasters for many a year and their contributions have been greatly appreciated by all.

And you thought we were all done once we reached Firgrove!  No-sir-ree!  We can't overlook the RP&M!  So let's head back to the interchange and head over to RP&M rails.

You  know you're descending the line,

Out from the interchange in very short time.

It sounds quite rotten... 

To have touched Pratt's Bottom... 

This is the closest true limerick you'll find! 

Yes, when you reach Pratt's Bottom you certainly are descending into the depths...

...near the lowest point along the RP&M line. 

In this image, the upper line leads to Firgrove on IPP&W rails and the lower line comes up out from Pratt's Bottom on the RP&M line. 

I believe Pratt's Bottom was named on the RP&M by our good friend Colin Churcher.  Research tells us that there is such a location in the UK located beyond London's urban sprawl.  Indeed, this little village frequents many a list of "most unusual place names."

A "bottom" in this context means a valley or hollow and the Pratts were a noble family once seated in the area.  In 1965 it was transferred to Greater London to form part of the London Borough of Bromley.

Steve chuckles as Henk turns to Colin to say, "You dreamed up the name Pratt's Bottom for that location along the RP&M.  Well, I've got a great name for the place just over there!"  

The place he is referring to is the dispatch hut and the creative term Henk came up with was...well, you can fill in the blanks!  Hehehe!

Doug prefers to call the hut, "Matheson's Madhouse" due to the crazy antics this very capable dispatcher must put up with from some of the crews far out on the line!  (Big grin!)

Bill would rather dub the dispatch hut "Scobie's Schoolhouse" seeing as he feels like a headmaster having to train those delinquent crews who forgot to radio dispatch once they are through the junction crossing!  (Another big smile!)

As for me, I have dubbed the dispatch booth, "Hamer's Haven" as it is my favourite hiding place from some of the crazy comings and goings that take place out on the railroad.

(Again...another big grin!)

Whether you hit a home run or you bunt,

Our crews are all "tops" and not runts.

To escape the backyard...

It's not very hard...

For the RP&M will take you "out front".

We catch Mark snapping a picture of his train as it passes out front between Rat Portage and Pratt's Bottom with a quick "whistle stop" at Ferndale just before the tunnel entrance.

"Yes, it's fun running along RP&M rails where you are far away from all of the hustle and bustle!" Mark says with a big smile.

Rat Portage can say, "We're one up!"

For we've claimed the Lord Stanley's Cup!

Back in 1907...

We reached "Hockey Heaven"...

Through hard work and a good bit of luck!

Yes, the Kenora Thistles won the Stanley Cup that year.  As I have written before in another posting some time ago, Kenora derives its name from the first two letters of Keewatin, Keewatin's sister town nearby, Norman and Rat Portage, the name given to the town because of the migration of muskrats between the lake and the Winnipeg River.  

KE + NO + RA = KENORA.

Rat Portage now keeps RP&M operators quite occupied as a new facing industry was added a couple of summers ago.

Garry and I are both hockey fans and we think that it's cool that we have a Stanley Cup winning town on our railroad!

Three men who we rarely do see,

Stuck in their hut...always at the ready.

With radio in hand...

They are at the command...

...of the railroad, our "Dispatch Trinity"!

I must add that it's as much fun dispatching as it is running the trains! 

Our dispatch board displays the railroad in a linear fashion. 

Skipper Fred loves the shade offered by the dispatch hut. 

An old friend who to us is now gone,

But our memories will live on and on.

Our pond will always be treasured...

In the highest of measure...

As the Peter's Pond Light carries on.

A true beauty our pond was.

It brought colour to our railroad world.

Along with the trains and our dear friends, it made us smile.

The fish enjoyed when we came to run trains.

We say, so long old friend...you will always live on in our hearts...and in the seasons to follow we will always find joy and comfort being with friends we care so much about as we sit on the new patio that will commemorate your existence.

"Indeed, we will remember our pond for years to come!" Neil states with a sense of pride and wonder.

We gather from neighbouring nations,

To hold a great celebration.

For a few days in July...

And they really fly by...

We call this our friendly invasion!

My shirt's logo for our division of the NMRA is totally symbolic of our "Annual Invasion of Friends" experience held each year!

The gathering of folks from near and far is one of the great highlights of our train running season.

It's during the invasion time that we get to see diesel units in a larger variety of liveries.

Along with their engineers, they bring fresh colour to the line.

Variety is the "spice of life" as we have already mentioned.

Twins!

Love that Southern road switcher.

We thank Barry for hosting us during the Invasion as well.

Another time that makes us feel merry,

Is when we gather with Bonnie and Barry.

To Belleville we go...

With great friends all in tow...

To a garden railroad that's gorgeous and airy!

Indeed, we thank Barry for hosting us each summer.

It turns us all into daytrippers!

The crew lounge, the darling old crew lounge,

Commonly known as the "me and you" lounge.

We gather and meet...

With dear friends who we greet...

In the "savory food and good brew" lounge!

Yes, as Paul indicates to Fred, we often share a wee little drink in the lounge...following train running that is!

Yes, raise a cheer for great tasting beer!

Friendship abounds.

There's laughter in the air.

Wonderful smiles!

Good eats.

We're one big family.

Who love to gather.

And share fun stories.

Where we display our antics.

And eat more yummy food.

Great conversation.

Wonderful friendship.

So, as we nearr the end of our blog entry, we have one final limerick to share.

There's no greater man, it is said,

Who brings joy to us all; he's our bread. 

Not the Holy Ghost... 

But he's one heckuva host... 

None other than our Father Fred! 

So...on behalf of our skipper...

...Father Fred...

 "Happy New Year all!" he calls out over the radio.

Thanks for checking in on this special blog edition.  May 2021 be the year where we turn everything around and get back to as normal as can be!

All the best, Mike Hamer, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada