The Saturday Work Crew Is At It Again
A few diehard fans made it out to Fred's place today to begin work on the roadbed in the corner of his property.
While some got down to work in that area, others found other necessary chores to conduct.
Everyone worked diligently and we were done by 10:30 AM.
Bernie is all smiles as we learn how easy it will be to lift the track in the corner of Fred's property.
Note how rotten the wooden subroadbed is.
Malcolm's trusty tiny handheld rake came in handy when the battery on the blower was too low to work efficiently.
There's Malcolm cleaning the track area in St. Helens.
Henk & Bernie inspect the turnout which will be lifted shortly.
Felicity is hard at work raking the grounds around the two storage sheds.
There's a nice smile!
A railroad labourer's work is never done.
More examination is required before we dig in!
Mike & Bernie have pulled the rotted subroadbed and Marcel examines the wood to see if it is still useful for the makings of a guitar!
There's Marcel strumming his new "axe"!
Welcome back to Ottawa, Marcel!
Yes, the wood is totally rotted out.
With the subroadbed removed we consider taking out the planking that acted as the roadbed for the "continuous run loop track" and as a border for the upper level of ground.
The subroadbed is gone but the planking is still there.
Marcel and I have successfully removed one of the metal stakes holding the old retaining wall in place.
Henk, George & Marcel pose for a picture of a terrific trio!
Bernie unscrews some fasteners at the far end of the track near Wellington Lake.
Mike has donated two foam cushions to remain at Fred's for the Workday Wednesday crew to use any time they need a kneeler.
The two "M"'s or the "M&M's" - Marcel & Malcolm.
If you add Mike then it is the 3M Company!
Here we are near Wellington Lake where our track lifting begins (or ends).
Bernie takes a much needed break.
Four bums in the neighbourhood.
Make that five!
Felicity ensures we have a safe location in which to work.
We have now dug down deep enough for the rock to be put in place on Wednesday before we cut and place the new wooden planks to create a new roadbed.
Note that we now decided to lift the subroadbed which supported the "continuous run" track. The turnout is lifted as well.
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"Watch out for the weasel!" Bernie instructs!
A warm cup of coffee goes down well for Bernie on this chilly morning while Malcolm prefers water.
All roadbed in the area is now gone.
Bernie now has green hair!
It's a city of Ottawa work crew with three lads standing around while little ole Mikey gets down to work!
Just kiddin' ya lads! Everyone pitched in to work extra hard on this day!
Even Father Fred was kept occupied pulling nails from the lifted tracks while working in the lounge area under the newly installed canopy.
By now the rains have started but Henk keeps dry in the lounge.
Bernie too!
Workboots were a necessity on this day.
Marcel shares a laugh.
As do Bernie & Henk.
Father Fred enjoys our camaraderie while he keeps at his work on the crew lounge table.
Supervisor Henk kept everything under control.
As for me...seeing as I was behind the camera and didn't appear in any of the pics from this morning, I'll share with you may latest HO scale project.
Custom diesel painter and detailer, Charls Gendron, called me recently asking if I could help an elderly gentleman in southern Ontario build two kits of the same station, one in HO scale and the other in N.
"Sure!" I told Charls and I was then put in touch with a lovely retired military lad named Mac from Guelph.
He and his elderly brother had purchased the St. Marys Station in the two scales from Monashee Laser Engineering.
Mac's granddaughter who is in the Navy but lives in Ottawa delivered the kits to my home last week.
Over the last few days I have dug into the model and have some twenty or so hours put in already.
It's a beautiful train station and with the laser engineering of these craftsman kits, it's almost as easy as putting a puzzle together - but you have to take your time doing so.
Patience is a virtue when you are a teacher as well as when you are a craftsman kit builder or a scratchbuilder.
My next step later today is to focus on the roof of the station before I take on the platform.
That's all from me for now!
And, that's all from Friar Fred for now as well.
Yes Papa Fred is certainly happy with the canopy up so that he can continue with his efforts, rain or shine!
On behalf of the entire OVGRS gang we want to wish everyone a lovely weekend!
All the best from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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