Session #1 Second Section
Thanks to Bob we got our "first section" for session one underway ahead of this second section.
Here you will see some images from Mike's old "point and shoot" camera as well as some video work.
I purposely kept my radio in my hand beside the camera to allow our readers to listen in on the communication between the dispatcher and trains.
We were fortunate to have a full contingent of operators out for our first attempt at train ops this past weekend.
"Steam rules supreme" in our narrow gauge operations.
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Moe's steam locomotive adds a sprinkle of colour to the mixture of those old time freight cars.
In Glen Hammond we see an eastbound freight staged and ready to take off on its journey to Craig Leigh. Eastbounds are even numbered and this is Train 304. It begins its day at the center of the railroad and proceeds to the eastern terminus. The train one track over facing in the opposing direction is westbound 303 which heads to the western end of the line at Firgrove.
The new Interchange Track in Bell sees eleven cars at the ready.
Four reefers adorn the Brunt's Brewery siding.
We take the pre-ops safety briefing very seriously as George, Doug and Pete listen attentively to spokesperson Fred.
Then the laughter can abound! Pat and Marcel, seated in the center are sandwiched between our two Steve's...while Seanna checks out the trackwork in behind.
A more serious image as the crew listens in as dispatcher Doug reviews a few of the amendments made in the town of Bell. From left to right; Pat, Marcel, Steve, "Iron Ore Bob", Neil (standing) and Dilip, our train master for the session.
The train master generates all of the paperwork required for crews, dispatch, yardmasters and general set-out of equipment. Thanks Dilip!
Doug, John and Moe concentrate heavily on the new focus at Bell as outlined by Doug as Fred sits in the shadows to the right.
Then it's time to get the trains rolling. 304 ambles out from Glen Hammond with Neil at the throttle as Doug and Dilip discuss the intricacies of the RailOps program.
Sid observes the action as 304 glides by. The train will reach Spruce in short order before travelling on to Ironwood, Mount St. Helens and, finally, Douglas Yard in Craig Leigh.
Passenger 32 is underway out from Firgrove with its pilot pointing the way into Bell.
This location is affectionately known as "The Ledges" due to the fact the train hugs the foliated mountainside at the border of Fred's property.
Colorado & Southern #6 holds the honours on the passenger service on this day.
With rerailer hanging below the tender it is the crew's hope that it will not be required on their run.
She is snaking into Bell from the west and passing beneath the behemoth Brunt's Brewing Company.
Here is some video action of 32's descent into Bell.
To view each video click on the white arrow in the center once and then a second time.
The crew threads the needle along the main readying for a station stop.
Bell video footage with Train 32.
Hot on the heels of 32, we find wayfreight 302 gliding into Bell on a slow order restriction thus keeping a safe distance behind the passenger train.
302's work in Bell necessitates a trip down the yard ladder as dispatch has routed them into the yard.
More video footage around Bell.
The third participant in the parade out from Firgrove is the ore train with Bob's 2-6-6-2 handling the chores on this day.
Holding to the west of Bell, the ore train must wait for the crew aboard 302 to finish their work at the Brunt's Brewery before they can progress any further.
Ore train video featuring "Ore Train Bob"!
We thank Bob for videoing much of the action on this day which he posted to Youtube!
A lovely Heisler works the order board for the RP&M and is captured departing the big yard.
Steve, to the right, crews this train with his wife, Seanna, at the throttle and currently out of the picture. Our "other" Steve, in the orange jacket works their companion RP&M train.
Their train is the Nelson Yard-Bell Turn. Steve and Seanna will call in at Rat Portage after crossing the junction then head all the way up to "Busy Bell" where they will terminate their train. They will return from Bell with a new number and work "Rat" once again before finishing their run back in Nelson Yard or Glen Hammond. Other smaller industries en route will have to be dealt with as well.
Western throat video tape at Nelson Yard.
Sid, Dilip and Fred follow the routing of Train 304 through the newly rebuilt pedestrian crossing.
304 finds the canyon leading into Clarke Grade. The track above is the bridge between Spruce and Ironwood.
The lads are pleased with the progress of their train and all is well on the IPP&W.
Pedestrian crossing video reels.
It takes many a person to operate this massive railroad and Nelson Yard acts as the hub of activity. That's skipper Bill reaching down to grab something off the rocks. Bill is the Nelson Yardmaster on this day.
Another view of Train 304 on approach to the newly laid track leading into the pedestrian crossing. At this point there used to be a turnout for the siding at Blockhouse. This siding has now been removed.
Big smiles all around from Fred, Dilip and Sid the Kid!
The ladder at the western end of Nelson Yard.
Ralph Yard in Firgrove is a busy revenue producing area and George and Sid ensure the railroad's business continues to prosper.
Bernie's Connie is spotted over in Craig Leigh. As it passes by my camera I perform a running inspection and all works well.
Connie video action.
Passenger 32 has reached the junction at a location known as Anderson.
With clearance granted the crew sidles through the crossing with its next stop being Bellamy.
Video out from Mercer Siding.
While tourist excursions in the neighbourhood of Rat Portage are few and far between, some "heavy lifting" by diminutive engines can be lensed by railfans who make the journey to this neck of the country.
The shade offered in this area of the line offers some respite from the hot morning sun.
Seanna and Steve on video along the RP&M. They make for an awesome and highly reliable crew!
Number 48 works the passenger area in Firgrove.
Firgrove video reels.
That's one lovely looking combine!
Number 48 ain't so shabby either!
Len toils in the yard but enjoys every minute of his duties!
Continued video of Len's loco.
Speaking of a diminutive engine, this little puppy will take on any role offered its way.
A splash of sunshine to brighten our day!
Video of George's little creature. He tells us it can really pull!
Over in the eastern sector of the railroad we find a crew in Mount St. Helens.
Doug has brought out this lovely looking specimen.
Passenger 32 as seen earlier in Peter's Pond on the main.
Some of our newer industries located down in the pond.
Marcel is at the helm of the passenger runs on this day.
The passenger terminal in Craig Leigh is always a nice place to spot interesting equipment.
Speaking of interesting...this is one interesting lad! Let me introduce you to Skipper Bernie, the masterful man who looks over Douglas Yard.
A trio of cars are ready to go out on the next westbound.
Cattle will soon be on the move.
Bernie's Connie offers outstanding service to crews who require a quick turnaround at Douglas Yard.
She's a "looker" Bernie!
The yard is quiet at the moment.
Another glance at the three amigos!
Two ore cars grace the Northland Ore Dock.
A look back at the passenger terminal area.
Here are some of the new spurs down in Peter's Pond which were put in last season.
Out from Glen Hammond, we find Passenger 32 exiting the Fred Mills Trestle.
The train takes on the big bend at Lilly.
Video footage of Passenger 32.
We quickly discovered that the rails atop the Lawrence Watkins Trestle will require a great deal of attention this coming Wednesday when the work crew gets out on the railroad.
We once again spot George's little engine that could!
Len keeps Firgrove looking clean and tidy as Ralph Yard continues to generate traffic for eastbound runs.
Steve and Seanna work the Hamer Manufacturing facility down in Rat Portage.
Bernie sent along four images, two of which appear here with the other two to follow later. Below is Bernie's caption.
Dilip and Neil bring 304 up to Craig Leigh where they will set out cars for the Northland Interchange. The Douglas Yard switcher has a string of cars from Northland that will be set out for the next freight departing Douglas Yard.
Standing near Mercer Siding, Bernie tracked hie camera over Blockhouse to view the big three big yards in the distance; Nelson, Glen Hammond and Bell. He wrote,
Lots of cars to work before operations started on Saturday morning.
Our ore train has been cleared into Nelson Yard along the Arrival/Departure track.
Bob uncouples from his consist remotely!
Check out how Bob's remote control works in this video of his approach into the yard.
Sid continues to observe the action.
She's a wonderful looking locomotive, Bob!
Continued video work here.
This shot taken much earlier in the day by Bernie showcases 301 on the roll out from Douglas Yard. He srote,
301 departs Craig Leigh with a shiny new locomotive. The yard engine is returning from Northland after setting out additional cars for 301 to pick up.
Bernie continues, The yard switcher conducts a visual inspection of the train as it passes by upon its departure.
Pat Brennan sent these next four images. Mike writes on behalf of Pat,
Pete drives his train over the Pat Brennan Trestle out from Nelson Yard aboard Train 312, his second trick of the morning with crewmate Pat Brennan himself! Bill and Mike continue their work in the big yard at Nelson.
Moe must have encountered engine problems as his Canadian Pacific endcab has come to the rescue. He will be backing onto his train, 303, as 304 holds in the distance at the canyon leading into Hayes Falls. Note Passenger 32 above in the "further" distance at Mount St. Helens. She will be terminating her run in short order at Craig Leigh.
Ore Train Bob poses for the camera! His train is spotted leaving Bell after gaining clearance down to Watkins Siding. He will then find Peter's Pond after a run through the countryside.
Two, two, two...two trains in one - picture that is! Pete, visiting from Nova Scotia, is enjoying working Bell with 302.
Thanks for these four wonderful images Pat!
Bernie holds court with Father Fred.
Sid says "Hello" to our readership.
George has been enjoying the morning's activities from his nest up in Firgrove!
As for me...what a special way to celebrate my 65th birthday...spent with great friends who share my passion for large scale train operations!
Then...following the train session I got to spend more birthday time making music with my talented friends at the Great Glebe Garage Sale later in the afternoon. I've loaned my Fender Stratocaster to a gentleman named Chris Breitner so I could snap the image of the band with him playing my guitar. These lads have formed the house band at Irene's over the years and the fellow on the upright bass, Ken Kanwisher, has recorded with many well-known Canadian artists throughout the years. The sax player, Mike Watkins, was my dentist before he retired and the drummer and keyboard players are the McGuire brothers; D'Arcy and Chris.
A typical pose from Mike!
A much younger version at a street party many, many moons ago!
It's always nice for me to share images of the younger folk Mark sends my way. This is a special photo showcasing the "very young" meeting the "very old" here in Ottawa!
As always, it is with pure joy that the group assembles at the home of our very own unique "Father Fred". Sid in back will attest to this fact!
Thanks for checking in on this latest blog entry showcasing the fun we had during our inaugural session of the season!
I still have enough photos and videos to create yet another entry later in the week!
All the best, Mike and the entire OVGRS crew
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
