Saturday, July 13th found the lads and lasses enjoying their summer fun as attested to by this "double header" we see!
Indeed, train ops certainly are a ton of fun.
Our narrow gauge sessions allow us to bring out our steamers.
While some may argue that diesels are more colourful...
...this allotment of steam locomotives will hold up in the "colourful" category any day!
Pat and Bernie pre-ops. This tandem will work Craig Leigh this day.
Thanks to Bernie pictured above and the "other" Pat, Pat Brennan for sending along some photos which are included in this posting.
Malcolm also sent along his video footage from the session which can be seen at the link below.
https://1drv.ms/v/s!ApuSckIj0HVCgtdDSZJFGlKbsxMtyw
Thanks to Bernie pictured above and the "other" Pat, Pat Brennan for sending along some photos which are included in this posting.
Malcolm also sent along his video footage from the session which can be seen at the link below.
https://1drv.ms/v/s!ApuSckIj0HVCgtdDSZJFGlKbsxMtyw
Little ole me manages to scramble into the picture with "Pat in the Hat!"
George handles the chores up in Firgrove.
His lovely wife, Lili, has accompanied him to Fred's along with his daughter and her friends.
Pat holds the honours on this July morning of ringing the bell to open the session.
George and Manny.
Lots of lads! Malcolm is in the front seat while Pat, Paul, Andrew and Bernie hold court out back.
Pat, Lawrence, Bill and Paul.
Steve in the foreground with Garry, Moe and Brian in behind.
A wave from Bernie to the cameraman.
Henk has his specialty hat. His lovely wife is proud of him!
Len arrives the meeting with pencil and clipboard in hand.
Bill offers up some sage advice to the crews.
Neil likes what Bill has to say!
So, Bill offers up more advice! Hehehe!
302 is on the near track with Passenger 2 at the station ready to begin its run.
With passengers still boarding, the freight gets the "first out" clearance from dispatch to depart Firgrove and run down to Bell.
Steve and Malcolm have chosen to "double head" their train, Train 302. Should be lots of fun watching the action along the route!
Dispatch cleared 302 onto Track 4 in Bell in order for the crew to best access the interchange tracks. The crew protected their train in order for Pat, aboard Passenger 2,
to gain access to the station track.
While Steve and Malcolm begin their chores in Bell, Andrew and Paul switch out the yard in Glen Hammond aboard Train 327. Odd numbered trains are westbounds while even numbers head east.
Passenger 2 is cleared through to Wellington Lake and on to Peter's Pond.
Slowing for station stop at Wellington Lake.
Back at Nelson Yard, Garry lifts cars from the sidings on the outskirts.
Lawrence and Paul continue to assemble traffic in Nelson Yard. They will later board RP&M Train 65-66, the return run up to Bell.
318 is underway eastbound to Craig Leigh with stops en route at Blockhouse, Spruce, Ironwood and Mount St. Helens.
Speaking of Mount St. Helens, we hear there are two handsome lads hanging out there!
Indeed there are! They have already run around their train to switch the facing sidings.
They are crewing Train 301 to Nelson Yard. They will continue their run aboard 311 all the way to Firgrove, then flow back east to Glen Hammond to complete their day's assignment.
Earlier they awaited their clearance from Craig Leigh to Mount St. Helens.
Pat, the yard master's assistant arranged some lifts for them.
With the lifts on the train, they will receive clearance from the dispatcher and the Craig Leigh yard master will offer up a green signal.
Earlier they awaited their clearance from Craig Leigh to Mount St. Helens.
Pat, the yard master's assistant arranged some lifts for them.
With the lifts on the train, they will receive clearance from the dispatcher and the Craig Leigh yard master will offer up a green signal.
Bernie and Pat work together as a team!.
Garry works the east end of Nelson Yard.
Paul does too...
...with his crew mate, Lawrence.
Below my tower window I spot 318 out of Blockhouse.
Steve and Malcolm have separated their locomotives. One of them will handle the traffic at the interchange while the other works Stuart Yard.
Hey, I spot my own locomotive!
Andrew and Paul will enjoy running her today.
Currently, they work the sidings in Glenn Hammond.
Passenger 2 rounds the bend...
...on its approach to Glen Hammond.
Passenger 2 meets 327...
...then departs for Blockhouse, Spruce and further destinations east.
The dynamic duo at Watkins.
Neil and Brian work the other RP&M train at the western opening to Nelson Yard.
My dispatch board sees three trains currently on the line on the western front with the RP&M crew traversing the junction as we look at the scene.
Three trains battle it out for territory along the eastern front as well.
Pat has found a lovely spot in the shade to stand as he brings Passenger 2 into Spruce while Henk works his train at the other end of town out of sight.
Station stop in Spruce.
Len and Moe have 318 protected in the siding at Ironwood...
...for a meet with Passenger 2.
Len verifies car numbers while young Michael looks on. That's a good name you have, Mike!
Lovely!
Lovely indeed!
A big smile from Garry, the Nelson Yard Master.
The Nelson crew.
Paul and Lawrence aboard their RP&M train.
With a great smile from Paul.
George and Lili...
...along with the young ones, Sonya and Manny.
Paul and Andrew have 327 up in Cedar Rock.
My locomotive handles the chores with ease!
The crew aboard the locomotive!
RP&M Train Rat 70 has requested clearance to back out of Nelson Yard and head forward into Glen Hammond.
Brian will run this train with his crew mate Neil who is out of the image.
Henk and Bill...we meet again!
Their train, 301, arrives the outskirts of Nelson Yard.
Robin arrives the property and visits with Fred as the crews go about their work.
327 has come back down the Cedar Rock branch and found the front of their train down in Peter's Pond.
327 meets 302.
My dispatch board indicates that I have cleared 327 up to Wellington Lake while 302 heads up the Cedar Rock branch at Peter's Pond. Note the two RP&M trains vying for real estate in Rat Portage.
301 has terminated in Nelson Yard. Bill and Henk will soon depart westward aboard 311.
Meanwhile, Pat radios for clearance to continue on his journey aboard Passenger 2 from Ironwood to Mount St. Helens.
Passenger 2 has arrived Craig Leigh. It used to wye to change direction for the backup move over to the passenger terminal.
With two Pats in the picture, the locomotive is now on the head end of Train 15, the Pool Train.
A look at the sidings in Craig Leigh.
Passenger 2 now resides beside Passenger 1 following the departure of the Pool Train.
Fast forward somewhat and we find Pat heading west now aboard Pool Train 15.
Approaching Blockhouse.
Young Michael follows its progress upgrade.
Pat has uncoupled from his train...
...and he handles the headend equipment on the house track in behind the depot.
Back up in Bell, we spot the short hop down from Firgrove arriving the yard.
George will have some switching to conduct.
His locomotive arrives the depot.
Neil and Brian aboard Rat 70...
...down in Rat Portage.
RP&M train 65 is found upgrade out of Pratt's Bottom.
They are instructed to hold RP&M rails for clearance into Bell which is congested at the moment.
My board shows that RP&M 65 has arrived Bell. RP&M 70 is still back in Rat Portage.
327 is westbound at Wellington Lake while westbound 311 hold in Mercer Siding awaiting clearance into Peter's Pone where eastbound 302 is currently working up in Cedar Rock.
327 is cleared into Bell where the crew meets their RP&M counterparts.
327's power.
RP&M 65's power. Once the RP&M crew completes its switching at Bell, they will turn their locomotive and head back down on RP&M rails aboard Train 66.
The view from by tower.
Lots of trains in Bell at the moment.
The yard can manage the congestion...
...and, some crews may step aside momentarily so other trains can work the yard.
Love the locomotive!
Train 15 at Wellington Lake.
327 tiptoes out of the yard to service Brunt's Brewery located across the mainline.
Train 15 begins its work.
Pat sets out some equipment at the west house track beside the station.
Then he returns to his train for clearance onto RP&M rails.
At the other end of the line we spot Moe and Len with 318 in Mount St. Helens.
The stadium crowd!
Malcolm and Steve work Peter's Pond with 302.
Looking good lads!
Pat and Bernie have a clean yard at Douglas.
Pat's power...
...and Bernie's.
The lads are having fun.
As are our visitors!
Bill motions the cameraman to snag a shot over this way!
Ah...the catch!
Pat has run down to Mount St. Helens with the short hop.
In the shade.
Bernie joins him.
327 switches the east end of Bell.
That's a fine looking machine!
Looking good!
The fence does come in handy!
The headend of 302 at Mercer.
The tail end!
Passenger 2 has arrived Craig Leigh. It used to wye to change direction for the backup move over to the passenger terminal.
With two Pats in the picture, the locomotive is now on the head end of Train 15, the Pool Train.
A look at the sidings in Craig Leigh.
Fred and Robin chat it up in the distance as Pat looks out over the passenger area.
Passenger 2 now resides beside Passenger 1 following the departure of the Pool Train.
Fast forward somewhat and we find Pat heading west now aboard Pool Train 15.
Approaching Blockhouse.
Young Michael follows its progress upgrade.
Pat has uncoupled from his train...
...and he handles the headend equipment on the house track in behind the depot.
Back up in Bell, we spot the short hop down from Firgrove arriving the yard.
George will have some switching to conduct.
His locomotive arrives the depot.
Neil and Brian aboard Rat 70...
...down in Rat Portage.
RP&M train 65 is found upgrade out of Pratt's Bottom.
They are instructed to hold RP&M rails for clearance into Bell which is congested at the moment.
My board shows that RP&M 65 has arrived Bell. RP&M 70 is still back in Rat Portage.
327 is westbound at Wellington Lake while westbound 311 hold in Mercer Siding awaiting clearance into Peter's Pone where eastbound 302 is currently working up in Cedar Rock.
327 is cleared into Bell where the crew meets their RP&M counterparts.
327's power.
RP&M 65's power. Once the RP&M crew completes its switching at Bell, they will turn their locomotive and head back down on RP&M rails aboard Train 66.
The view from by tower.
Lots of trains in Bell at the moment.
The yard can manage the congestion...
...and, some crews may step aside momentarily so other trains can work the yard.
Love the locomotive!
Train 15 at Wellington Lake.
327 tiptoes out of the yard to service Brunt's Brewery located across the mainline.
Train 15 begins its work.
Pat sets out some equipment at the west house track beside the station.
Then he returns to his train for clearance onto RP&M rails.
At the other end of the line we spot Moe and Len with 318 in Mount St. Helens.
The stadium crowd!
Malcolm and Steve work Peter's Pond with 302.
Looking good lads!
Pat and Bernie have a clean yard at Douglas.
Pat's power...
...and Bernie's.
The lads are having fun.
As are our visitors!
Bill motions the cameraman to snag a shot over this way!
Ah...the catch!
Pat has run down to Mount St. Helens with the short hop.
In the shade.
Bernie joins him.
327 switches the east end of Bell.
That's a fine looking machine!
Looking good!
The fence does come in handy!
The headend of 302 at Mercer.
The tail end!
Check in later for more pics from the session!
Len checks over his new train orders aboard 303 originating in Craig Leigh.
His engine man, Moe, with throttle in hand.
I catch up with their train taking the crossing between Spruce and Nelson Yard.
They have already worked Mount St. Helens, Ironwood and Spruce.
Their train spears the trestle.
303 terminated at Nelson Yard. The duo is now aboard Train 313, their third and final leg of the morning. They have notified dispatch that they are through the junction and on their way to Peter's Pond.
Bell continues to be a beehive of activity. That's Robin holding the clipboard in the shade.
Hi Robin!
A crowd of crew members are way off in the distance past Nelson Yard.
Malcolm has 312 downgrade at Blockhouse...
...with Train 15 hot on its heels.
In Rat Portage Brian and Neil work the yard aboard Train 67. They will become Train 68 when they complete their work in Bell and begin their return journey home.
Their power.
While RP&M 67 works the yard at Rat Portage, RP&M Train 66 returns from Bell.
Train 314 arrives Bell easbound.
Another great looking meet at Spruce between the pool train and 312.
Malcolm railfans the meet.
312 is through Spruce on route to Ironwood.
Steve relaxes in the shade.
67 arrives the western boundary of Bell.
They are cleared in and take the RP&M cutoff.
With the pool train put to bed, Pat handles Passenger 1 bypassing BLockhouse.
Garry keeps Nelson Yard in tiptop shape as Paul looks on.
319 is spotted at Watkins Siding.
Great looking power, there, Moe!
They have just taken the crossing...
...as they await clearance into "busy" Bell.
Passenger 1 arrives Glen Hammond.
In Craig Leigh we spot 312 on arrival to the yard at Northlands.
Bernie sets the routing for the train as Steve and Malcolm look on.
The power...
...and the glory!
Steve is focused on his locomotive...
...while Pat helps with the turnouts.
That was a fun run, lads!
The icing platform in Craig Leigh.
And the new Imperial Oil siding.
Tons of action at Bell.
314 escapes Nelson Yard.
Paul and Andrew with 314.
Lawrence and Paul with Rat 71 in Glen Hammond.
This strong little beast tells me one thing...
...Henk is nearby with Train 328.
Neil and Brian with Train 68 on their return from Bell.
A lift to the east.
They'll have to run around the car to place it on their train.
Well don lads.
Robin and George.
A shot across the bow at Bellamy looking over to Glen Hammond and Bell.
313's power nearing the end of its run for the day.
Rat 71 working Glen Hammond.
Lawrence oversees the action.
314's crew are eastbound on the final leg of their journey.
313's crew finishing up their last bit of work in Bell before terminating in Firgrove.
Henk's loco again.
His train meets Passenger 1 at Watkins Siding.
313 is away.
Passenger 1 has a set out at the east house track in Bell. This is a facing move so Pat has uncoupled the car from his train and takes the crossing to back onto the siding.
He comes to a stop.
Pat pulls the headend car onto the runaround section of the siding.
Uncoupling from the car, he proceeds forward, throws the turnout and begins backing around the car.
Looking good, Pat!
Almost there!
Pat realigns the turnout...
...in order to grab the car.
Got it! He now pulls the car back.
Throws the turnout again.
Heads back onto the main.
Speeds up.
Enters yard limits.
He tucks the car in on the east house track.
There you go!
Pat backs onto his train and rolls slowly into Bell.
A sweet set of moves.
Indeed.
Passing the car he has just set out, Pat brings Passenger 2 into the station.
Following his station stop, it's upgrade to Firgrove.
Run terminated!
We catch 328 in Peter's Pond.
They must run up the branch.
With a few cars in tow.
Moe watches the action here...
...as he and Len have completed their runs for the day.
Garry rests in Nelson Yard.
Youngster Mike checks things out.
Mike says "hi" to Mike!
Hi Lili! It's so nice to see you and the children out on this pleasant morning!
314 rounds the bend into Ironwood.
They meet 319.
Andrew and Paul.
My locomotive has held up!
Moe and Len relax in the shade!
Ironwood.
The crew of 319 finish up their work in Spruce and will terminate their train shortly in Glen Hammond.
Likewise for Henk and Bill...
...with their work complete in Peter's Pond, they too will terminate their train in Glen Hammond.
Little old me!
314 arrives Craig Leigh where Bernie instructs the crew to cut off their locomotive.
Paul wye's the engine.
Great run boys!
My engine goes to bed.
Robin has enjoyed railfanning the day!
Pat and Bernie relax.
"Can I come over to play?" this stranger asks.
Should we let him in? What d'ya think?
Okay...as long as you don't mess things up.
(He never does...he's the Nelson Yard Master!)
Lee has arrived near the end of the session and has offered this beauty up for sale.
I indicated that I would put the locomotive up on the blog.
Lee is asking $225.00 Canadian for the loco.
You'll have to install your own battery.
Lee also has a battery and charger, not installed he'd be willing to part with.
I believe he said ninety dollars for the two additional parts...but I should verify with him.
Let me know, Lee, if this is the case.
There's Lee in the grey shirt standing near the back.
Bernie captured me per-ops...
and Pat captured Bernie and me post-ops!
Yummy, eh Bernie!
All four of us agree!
What a way to cap off a great morning of railroading!
Now, let's get back to nature.
We say "so long" from Peter's Pond.
Have a great week everyone and remember, our annual "Invasion of Friends" takes place at Fred's in Ottawa this coming Friday and Saturday!
Mike Hamer, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Len checks over his new train orders aboard 303 originating in Craig Leigh.
His engine man, Moe, with throttle in hand.
I catch up with their train taking the crossing between Spruce and Nelson Yard.
They have already worked Mount St. Helens, Ironwood and Spruce.
Their train spears the trestle.
303 terminated at Nelson Yard. The duo is now aboard Train 313, their third and final leg of the morning. They have notified dispatch that they are through the junction and on their way to Peter's Pond.
Bell continues to be a beehive of activity. That's Robin holding the clipboard in the shade.
Hi Robin!
A crowd of crew members are way off in the distance past Nelson Yard.
Malcolm has 312 downgrade at Blockhouse...
...with Train 15 hot on its heels.
In Rat Portage Brian and Neil work the yard aboard Train 67. They will become Train 68 when they complete their work in Bell and begin their return journey home.
Their power.
While RP&M 67 works the yard at Rat Portage, RP&M Train 66 returns from Bell.
Train 314 arrives Bell easbound.
Another great looking meet at Spruce between the pool train and 312.
Malcolm railfans the meet.
312 is through Spruce on route to Ironwood.
Steve relaxes in the shade.
67 arrives the western boundary of Bell.
They are cleared in and take the RP&M cutoff.
With the pool train put to bed, Pat handles Passenger 1 bypassing BLockhouse.
Garry keeps Nelson Yard in tiptop shape as Paul looks on.
319 is spotted at Watkins Siding.
Great looking power, there, Moe!
They have just taken the crossing...
...as they await clearance into "busy" Bell.
Passenger 1 arrives Glen Hammond.
In Craig Leigh we spot 312 on arrival to the yard at Northlands.
Bernie sets the routing for the train as Steve and Malcolm look on.
The power...
...and the glory!
Steve is focused on his locomotive...
...while Pat helps with the turnouts.
That was a fun run, lads!
The icing platform in Craig Leigh.
And the new Imperial Oil siding.
Tons of action at Bell.
314 escapes Nelson Yard.
Paul and Andrew with 314.
Lawrence and Paul with Rat 71 in Glen Hammond.
This strong little beast tells me one thing...
...Henk is nearby with Train 328.
Neil and Brian with Train 68 on their return from Bell.
A lift to the east.
They'll have to run around the car to place it on their train.
Well don lads.
Robin and George.
A shot across the bow at Bellamy looking over to Glen Hammond and Bell.
313's power nearing the end of its run for the day.
Rat 71 working Glen Hammond.
Lawrence oversees the action.
314's crew are eastbound on the final leg of their journey.
313's crew finishing up their last bit of work in Bell before terminating in Firgrove.
Henk's loco again.
His train meets Passenger 1 at Watkins Siding.
313 is away.
Passenger 1 has a set out at the east house track in Bell. This is a facing move so Pat has uncoupled the car from his train and takes the crossing to back onto the siding.
He comes to a stop.
Pat pulls the headend car onto the runaround section of the siding.
Uncoupling from the car, he proceeds forward, throws the turnout and begins backing around the car.
Looking good, Pat!
Almost there!
Pat realigns the turnout...
...in order to grab the car.
Got it! He now pulls the car back.
Throws the turnout again.
Heads back onto the main.
Speeds up.
Enters yard limits.
He tucks the car in on the east house track.
There you go!
Pat backs onto his train and rolls slowly into Bell.
A sweet set of moves.
Indeed.
Passing the car he has just set out, Pat brings Passenger 2 into the station.
Following his station stop, it's upgrade to Firgrove.
Run terminated!
We catch 328 in Peter's Pond.
They must run up the branch.
With a few cars in tow.
Moe watches the action here...
...as he and Len have completed their runs for the day.
Garry rests in Nelson Yard.
Youngster Mike checks things out.
Mike says "hi" to Mike!
Hi Lili! It's so nice to see you and the children out on this pleasant morning!
314 rounds the bend into Ironwood.
They meet 319.
Andrew and Paul.
My locomotive has held up!
Moe and Len relax in the shade!
Ironwood.
The crew of 319 finish up their work in Spruce and will terminate their train shortly in Glen Hammond.
Likewise for Henk and Bill...
...with their work complete in Peter's Pond, they too will terminate their train in Glen Hammond.
Little old me!
314 arrives Craig Leigh where Bernie instructs the crew to cut off their locomotive.
Paul wye's the engine.
Great run boys!
My engine goes to bed.
Robin has enjoyed railfanning the day!
Pat and Bernie relax.
"Can I come over to play?" this stranger asks.
Should we let him in? What d'ya think?
Okay...as long as you don't mess things up.
(He never does...he's the Nelson Yard Master!)
Lee has arrived near the end of the session and has offered this beauty up for sale.
I indicated that I would put the locomotive up on the blog.
Lee is asking $225.00 Canadian for the loco.
You'll have to install your own battery.
Lee also has a battery and charger, not installed he'd be willing to part with.
I believe he said ninety dollars for the two additional parts...but I should verify with him.
Let me know, Lee, if this is the case.
There's Lee in the grey shirt standing near the back.
Bernie captured me per-ops...
and Pat captured Bernie and me post-ops!
Yummy, eh Bernie!
All four of us agree!
What a way to cap off a great morning of railroading!
Now, let's get back to nature.
We say "so long" from Peter's Pond.
Have a great week everyone and remember, our annual "Invasion of Friends" takes place at Fred's in Ottawa this coming Friday and Saturday!
Mike Hamer, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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