Inaugural Session of the Season - Part Two
As promised, there will be multiple postings from our opening session of the season. It sure felt like the opening day of baseball!
Saturday, July 10th dawned bright and early with a cloudless sky with blue hues above and that glorious sight of iron rails below!
It was exhilarating for all in attendance to finally gather in a safe manner in larger numbers and to once again experience the joy of true train operations!
Yes, it's a steamer's paradise when we choose to run narrow gauge equipment.
And there's plenty of variety to go around.
Various colour tones to whet any steam aficionado's appetite.
We even find joy in following the trail of this "steam wannabee" as his train traverses the line from west to east!
Of course, all rolling stock adheres to the narrow gauge theme and this Continental Oil Company tankcar proves no exception.
As does this Port Orford Coast wooden boxcar.
Who does not find a place in their heart for this lovely logo!
This lovely car originates from Richard Smith's Port Orford Large Scale Railroad based in Port Orford, Oregon on the "Left Coast" of the continental USA.
A trio of narrow gauge cars awaiting pickup in Northland.
Interesting lading here.
As found within the confines of this fine looking gondola.
Just as Bernie had done in the first posting, Ron snaps a picture of "me" snapping a picture of "he"!
Ironwood's western end basks in the morning sun awaiting the onslaught of trains from both directions.
This next batch of pics comes from Bernie. He has captured me capturing him. My photo of Bernie appeared in the previous blog entry.
Fred offers up his appreciation for everyone's warmest of thoughts and special gifts he received on his most recent "historic" birthday.
The crowd listens attentively.
Henk offers up a few words of wisdom to the assembly.
Bernie captured the crew of 301 down in Mount St. Helens. Ron and Paul have taken the siding track as Passenger #1 will pass in short order.
In the distance, Bernie found Len working the east end of Ironwood.
Engineer Len controls the power while conductor Doug takes advantage of the shade offered up by the umbrella near Spruce.
The crew drills one of the trailing sidings; the team track, the freight house and/or Larabie Fuels.
It's most definitely a beautiful morning for the crews!
Railfan Mike has appeared. He must've snuck out from the dispatch booth to catch some of the action with 318.
301 arrives town after completing their work at Mount St. Helens.
The ardent red-shirted railfan captures the meet of 301 and 318.
Thanks to Bernie, Bill, Doug, Lawrence, Andrew and the rest of the "Wednesday Work Crew" for their efforts in designing and installing the new siding here at Ironwood last summer. It has aided in alleviating much of the typical congestion that results during a train operating session and offers the dispatcher greater flexibility in creating effective train meets.
Some of the power found outside the engine house in Craig Leigh.
Mike snaps an image of Len's latest acquisition, the Connie he purchased from Doug M.
Later in the morning, Marcel finds Ironwood to be clear of traffic as he is about to set out a car at Ironwood Brick, a facing industry. He began his day in Firgrove as the "full crew" aboard 302. When he reached Nelson Yard, he took over the reigns of 312, the train you see now.
Is it a black bear? Is it a moose? Perhaps a deer frozen in the headlights? No, it's a water tower!
Meets galore! Love it! The Watkins Siding meet is to the left where 304 is approaching us hugging the fence line. To the right, Marcel goes about his switching chores unhindered by the approach of the passenger train Moe is driving. (Marcel indicated to Moe that all wheels on his train were copacetic on the slow runby.) Thank you, Bernie, for the great set of pics!
Speaking of Bernie...
...we catch up with him at Douglas Yard...
...in Craig Leigh...
...blocking another outgoing train.
Bernie on video in and around Douglas Yard.
I also snagged a few pics of our pre-ops meeting which is vital to the day's session.
While joy and laughter abound, we take safety very seriously and we review our safety measures accordingly.
It's very early in the session.
318 had work to complete before departing Glen Hammond. We catch up with them at the pedestrian crossing.
They are now en route to Spruce having passed Blockhouse.
Operators must wait at the pedestrian crossing until the tail end of a passing train clears.
It's through the canyon and a long trek up the grade for 318 before rounding the bend and arriving in Spruce.
I managed to capture the video footage of 318. That's our good friend Pat Brennan you hear in the background.
We find Moe in care of Passenger #1.
He is on a slow approach to Ironwood.
The locomotive adds a flare of excitement to the surrounding landscape.
She's a "looker" Moe!
Railfan video at Ironwood.
When you are running some twenty or so trains in the course of two and a half hours, you are bound to encounter frequent meets.
Here we have 304 in the hole anticipating the passage of uphill 327.
This is relatively new trackage where Watkins Siding had been extended a couple of years earlier.
Once the turnout is clear, 304 will deposit a car at the facing siding in Wellington Lake.
Watkins Siding showcasing some video activity.
301 tackles the grade on approach to the big trestle.
A trio of gons is found in the consist.
Along with an IPP&W hopper and caboose.
The crew takes the turnout that will lead them into Nelson Yard.
Some 301 video viewing.
George's diminutive steamer #3 makes the short hop down from Firgrove to work some of the sidings at Bell. Note the colourful Heinz reefer in the background.
We find the locomotive far off to the east of Bell.
George sets the turnouts...
...and his locomotive takes the crossover.
Bell video action.
Steve's climax awaits clearance through the junction.
With clearance granted, he is on his way.
The little #4 is up to the task!
With six car plus caboose in tow they head back to Nelson Yard.
Passing in behind the Bellamy station RP&M 68 is nearly home.
Video detail of the crossing.
Passenger #2 reaches Bell.
It meets 311 here.
Love that stonework on the depot.
Some headend traffic on the passenger train.
Video look at the passenger train.
In this final segment of the posting...
...we catch up with 311 switching the yard at Bell.
Due to the lateness of the hour...
...we discuss annulling the final round of trains.
But, rest assured, it's been a fine morning of train ops!
Let's check the final video action!
Just a few more glances around the railroad finds as at the passenger terminal in Craig Leigh.
Moe's colourful steamer brightens up the east end.
The team track in Peter's Pond holds three cars at the moment.
Gramps is alive and well in St. Helens.
Len and Doug crew 318 into Spruce.
Marcel enjoys a sandwich post-ops...
...while Fred focuses on his ale and Paul repairs a caboose.
As always, we thank Father Fred for hosting us. There will be further pics and stories from this session along the way. John and Barry will be sending me photos from the first session in Belleville as well, so keep a lookout ready for a Belleville posting!
Have a great day everyone and remember to play it safe!
All the best, Mike Hamer, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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