Our Annual Invasion From 2004
Paul Norton graciously sent me a computer stick via Father Fred which holds countless photos from the past including progress reports on the various town locations along the IPP&W and RP&M mains.
This blog entry showcases the events taking place from our 2004 "Invasion of Friends".
Thanks Paul for sending these our way!
We catch Fred and Ken at the western throat of Nelson Yard where things looked much different back twenty years ago!
The large tree with semaphore is long gone and the yard itself is more expansive today.
Much hasn't changed at the big curve around Spruce although the fence in back sure isn't what it is today.
I imagine the property across the back fence was the one that belonged to Fred's dear friend Charlie Hammond.
The date reads July 10th, 2004. The visitors are enjoying the train action in Ironwood.
Through the pedestrian crossing.
Fred holds court in the crew lounge as the lads and lasses ready themselves for the morning's (or afternoon's) operations.
During the invasions, a morning and an afternoon session were typically run at Fred's.
Gord visits the ladies as we look over to Nelson Yard, Glen Hammond and Bell from our perspective in the crew lounge before the tables and cabinets existed there.
Mercer appears to be single tracked in 2004 and there seems to be a single wooden trestle at the gut carrying traffic around Lilly.
Note the once-existing passing siding on the downhill (uphill) grade between Spruce and the pedestrian crossing. The log cars are traveling downgrade along the main. The passing siding had been removed many years ago. Note the spruce trees at...well... Spruce!
The rarely seen skeleton cars make their way across the expansive gut heading for Nelson Yard.
I believe that is Carl Swail running a train into Nelson Yard.
we spot the tree before it fell located adjacent to Nelson Yard. Our dispatcher on the day takes a refreshment break.
Getting a beer! Sounds like a plan Freddie me boy!
Ric in Bell departing eastward. My how things have changed!
It's the beloved Ken Brunt Bridge! We miss ya Kenny!
Note the covered bridge along the fence at what is now present day Wellington Lake just east of Watkins Siding.
Ric is running the tourist special past the colourful foliage.
Ric and Doug at Nelson Yard.
With the sun's rays seemingly on a slant I figure it is late in the afternoon.
Gaetan with Bud Nelson, the man Nelson Yard is named for!
We truly miss you Bud!
Gordie and Bud share a laugh or two!
Oh, the good times!
Group photo!
The lads (Ric & Paul) busy themselves in Nelson Yard.
Hmmm...what about the bricks atop the beverage cans? Must be the lads way of keeping the wasps at bay!
It's a visit to the Museum of Science and Technology.
Later on the crew assembles at Doug's place along the Rideau River south of Manotick.
Camaraderie abounds as Fred and Paul entertain our visitors.
The Rideau River offers up a lovely backdrop for the dinner feast.
Everyone certainly is enjoying themselves.
Doug shows Gaetan & Ric his station he has under construction for his outdoor garden railroad.
That's one impressive structure, Doug!
Thanks to Paul for sending these historical images my way! I can't wait to share more!
All the best, Paul, Fred and all our OVGRS friends from around the globe.
OVGRS - Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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