Practice Run On the IPP&W
A goodly handful of lads descended the garden to run a few trains in anticipation of the big day coming up this Saturday.
Indeed, this was the final dress rehearsal for train ops scheduled for a week from today!
Lawrence's Southern 762 put on a mighty display.
Followed by Moe's Canadian Pacific beauty which he purchased from our good friend, Chris Lyon.
Marcel has returned from south of the border with yet another Union Pacific behemoth, a GE Dash 8-40 CW diesel.
Paul is on the roll through St. Helens with Passenger #1.
Bernie's Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo maroon and cream Geep is a glorious sight to see.
Andrew's SOO Line beauty makes an appearance.
As does our very own Ironwood Road, yet another RS3!
More locomotives were spotted "out and about" but for now let's check out the passenger train.
One of my favourite journeys of all time was riding The Canadian two summers in a row in 2005 and 2006 where I spent a great deal of time in one of the five dome cars that made up our train both times.
Video of Paul's train between St. Helens and Ironwood.
CP 8202 hauls the passengers past the large Ironwood Brick complex.
The forests are verdant this time of year!
Station stop, Ironwood.
Ironwood on video...plus...additional "Walking Man" footage! D'uh!
Over in Firgrove at the west end of the system, a string of five hopper cars await movement.
Canadian Nation RS3 # 7831 is the only locomotive to be found in Firgrove on this day.
With all being quiet on the west end, she becomes the assigned power on this unit train.
Rolling down the parallel track adjacent to the string of hoppers.
With a short train, she'll be up to the task with no sweat broken.
Let's check it on with video.
We've made it ahead of the string.
Let's back onto it now.
Coupled.
Railfan video of the yard action in Firgrove.
Departure out from Firgrove.
Advancing to "the Ledges".
A vertical "meet" in progress!
Too cool!
Paul, now the engineer aboard Train #15, the Pool Train taking to RP&M rails.
Lots of train action captured on this video from the west end.
Let's head back to the eastern sector.
This colourful creature has grabbed this railfan's attention.
Past the ice house.
Rounding the bend.
Against the fenceline.
Approaching Douglas Yard.
Some debris in the field.
A "going away" shot.
Nearing Northland.
Westward bound.
Video capture of Lawrence's train.
Doug has managed to install a new brush on his sweeper car.
Meanwhile, Doug hauls his work train into Nelson Yard.
Doug stops short of the yard to ensure the turnouts are in agreement.
Doug's train on video.
Aerial view of Doug's train.
Tiptoeing out on to the trestle.
The newly built trestle handles the weight of the train with ease.
Captured on video.
We know this engine very well. This must mean that Bernie is somewhere close by.
He's making up his train at Northland.
We're not sure who is the more handsome of the pair, Bernie or his TH&B Geep!
Video tracking of Bernie making up his train.
Indeed, lots of maroon and cream action going on here.
Bernie's train is on the siding in the background.
Navigating the turnouts.
To reach his train.
On the pin!
Let's check out the video action.
Running around the train.
Nearing the head end.
Taking the turnout.
Instead of "Runaround Sue", it's a "Runaround Bernie" move...all caught on video!
On the roll out of town!
We'll catch up with Bernie later!
Let's follow this black marauder around the railroad.
With Robin at the helm.
His train has arrived Cedar Rock.
Is this the train they call "The Black Widow"?
Or...perhaps, the New Zealand "All Blacks"!
Nevertheless, she's a mighty fine train!
Looking good on video there, Robin!
Passing quickly by the depot at Wellington Lake moments earlier.
Pulling up the rear.
Heading into "The Corners".
Captured on video.
The Union Pacific will perform a short dance for us!
She's a true beauty, Marcel!
Can't wait to see her in motion!
And...here she is!
It's a caboose hop!
Love that Armour yellow and grey livery!
Andrew's offering a "thumbs up" for us.
It's because he's a happy puppy!
Being the proud owner of this gorgeous road switcher in SOO colours.
Andrew's Soo Line train rounding the big curve out from Spruce.
On the downward slope.
Great video action of Andrew's train.
Over Brennan Gap.
With Lilly as a backdrop.
Into the curve.
The tail end.
Bridge and Gap video thrills!
We are reminded that our first session of the season next Saturday will be steam...narrow gauge that is. I took this shot in the early 80's up the Gatineau of the 1201.
No need to be afraid if you arrive Fred's for this lad is not a gangster at all!
Why...he's our very own Father Fred!
I hope you have enjoyed these many pics and vids from our informal train running session today. I would particularly like to thank Marcel for assisting Lawrence and Fred in organizing the train cars for this coming Saturday.
Until next time, stay safe everyone!
Cheers, Mike Hamer, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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