Part Two of Our Fourth Session of the Season
What follows are some more "stills" and "vids" from our 4th session of the season on the last day in July.
In a typical "non-pandemic" year, this would have been our 10th or 11th session by now, weather permitting!
Algoma Central Geep 168 has veered into the siding at Peter's Pond to offer up the main for traffic returning down the Cedar Rock Branch.
The head crewman aboard the 168 peers down the mainline to the west to ensure the switch is returned to the main.
Indeed, we "play trains" all morning long...and we're proud of it.
(Click on the image to enlarge and outside to shrink.)
A great assembly of lads and lasses are spotted in the crew lounge.
It's pre-ops time.
Again, the weather has been in our favour.
From our vantage point in Peter's Pond, we view Mount St. Helens in the distance.
The new safety features remind us of the lip in this location.
Remember...safety first!
The yard in Bell is decorated in red on this day.
CP "Action Red" that is...adorning the 40' boxcar along with the diesel unit up front!
The Firgrove crew have arrived down in Bell and commence with their switching maneuvers.
While the video does not show trains running, it provides an atmosphere of the comings and goings at this busy location.
We certainly do appreciate our Firgrove crew of Len and George.
Train 327 is determined to make Peter's Pond having departed Glen Hammond earlier on its run.
An average day in Nelson Yard. Trains arrive and depart sometimes in an erratic schedule, but, rest assured, when the ore train runs, you will find it in Nelson Yard at some point in the day!
Passenger 2 reaches the junction trackage following the deliverance of a green aspect.
That New York Central two-toned livery certainly stands apart from the train in magnificent fashion.
The sidings at Anderson hold a trio of cars.
Station stop at Bellamy.
It would appear the sign has seen better days.
We have captured video footage of the proceedings.
Moe and Paul have arrived Cedar Rock and begin their switching duties.
Train 301 basks in the dappled shade at Mount St. Helens, protected in the siding awaiting a pass and a meet.
The first train to arrive is Pool Train 15. Robin brings the consist into St. Helens on the downhill grade from the east.
Arriving the station track.
Our zebra-striped handrail.
Train 15 has been cleared into Ironwood.
It's another "meet and greet" in St. Helens as 301 is still tucked safely in the siding.
While 301 is protected, the crew (out of the picture) inspects the ore train as it passes.
That's one long train having picked up more cars in Ironwood.
The meet captured on video.
We are proud to present you with great images which fly the flag of different railroads on loan to the IPP&W and our UP friend does not disappoint.
The ore train has lifted more cars from the Nelson Yard crew, effectively doubling the length of their drag.
Beneath the pines our from Nelson Yard.
Coincidentally, this Ironwood Road transfer buggy is painted in the colour of the Union Pacific making for a fitting end car for this train.
Video replay of the departure out from Nelson Yard.
302 has reached Watkins Siding and takes the left track (directional basis) due to the fact an earlier train was holding the right hand alley way.
Rat 70, a Rat Portage and Mattawa train works the sidings at Anderson with Lawrence in command of prodeedings.
Hi George! Cool cap!
Our friendly Algoma Central unit is hard down to business in Ironwood.
Conductor Steve and Engineer Seanna have all of their moves planned in advance of the ore train's arrival.
We must thank this crew for the assistance it offered the ore train with facing spur lifts.
The main will be cleared shortly for the unit train to arrive.
Video sequence of some of their moves in Ironwood.
Our rolling stock review reveals a colourful bulkhead flat with a load of pipes.
We've seen this covered hopper a few times!
Yum, molasses for the pancakes!
Finding Pat's switcher in Peter's Pond indicates that this must be Train 311, out from Nelson Yard bound for Firgrove.
The crew arrives the Pond after working at the end of the branch.
Ferns grow wild in this moisture laden location.
Such a wonderful logo and paint scheme on the ON 40 footer.
Train 319 switches the east end at Ironwood. Doug is running his locomotive long hood forward on this, his third trick of the morning.
Moe and Paul take a church bench seat at Watkins Siding...
...awaiting their turn in Ironwood.
Moe inspects the power.
All is well.
We admire the green boxcar, yet another handsome paint scheme from the Ontario Northland.
Video footage from Ironwood.
Doug's Geep continues its switching moves.
He approaches his train from the tail end.
That's other glorious paint scheme.
Moe and Paul act as an audience for Doug.
The siding at the location known as Windmill.
The tank cars are resting on the Ironwood Brick siding.
Still more video footage.
With 319 protected in the siding, 304 rounds the bend into town.
The siding tracks to the west of ironwood are filled with cars.
Yet another lovely livery!
Passing the station.
319's power is now ready to proceed out of town toward Spruce.
304's approach to Ironwood as seen through the lens of the video camera.
With 304 out of the way...
...319 can now journey westward. Note the two Ontario Northland boxcars in the background.
Leaning into the curve.
We say farewell to the train.
Video footage of 319's departure out from Ironwood.
The signage around the railroad is helpful for visitors.
The lovely RP&M Drover's Caboose #215.
The railroad is alive with activity in all sectors.
311 operates upgrade from Wellington Lake...
...onward towards Bell.
Down in Rat Portage our Ottawa and Algonquin crew hold the main.
There is always quite a bit of car shuffling needing to be done in this location.
Up in Bell we find that lovely Southern Pacific boxcar.
With its lovely insignia and simple logo, this car still manages to catch the eye of railfans.
Seanna and Steve continue with their efforts in Peter's Pond...
...as Henk begins the tidy up.
Two fraternal twins found at the Ironwood Brick facility.
Cousins of colour are found up in Cedar Rock.
A big smile from Jean...
...and two big smiles from these lads.
Ditto from Henk.
Bernie and Marcel hold court in the lounge.
Mackenzie Lumber in Lilly.
Neighbours, CN and CP, found on the team track down in the pond.
This puppy will see action on another day.
Storage locker...hmmm..."What's this about?" wonders the dispatcher.
Moe is kept busy post-ops cooking up the wonderful burgers Paul Norton brought out.
Thank you so much, Paul...the burgers were awesome!
There's Paul on the left.
Hilarious Henk...
...with a funny look on his face. He did enjoy the burger!
As do these three lads.
These lads as well.
Jean and Lisa enjoying a conversation.
Yum Yum!!!
A great day was had by all!
I leave you with a little guitar ditty I had been working on.
Video of Mike playing the guitar solo in Tracy Chapman's song "Give Me One Reason" as he is just "goofing around!"
With our Drover's Caboose tucked in behind an RP&M train, it is time to say farewell for another day.
I hope you have enjoyed this account from this past Saturday's session. I have more video footage remaining and will save it for one of those "rainy days" when we cannot gather.
Have a fine rest of the week everyone!
Mike Hamer, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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