Yes, as the title mentions, we are now into the month of October...
...yet the weather does not deter us from getting out to train ops at Fred's place.
This boxcar was green last week, and like the leaves of autumn, it has turned red rather quickly!
No, the home at Spruce is not on fire...that's the steam rising in the cool air as the sun bakes the frosty roof. It would seem the sun baked the chimney away!
The pond is active.
As are our participants, Bill, Doug and Moe with the other Doug in the background.
(Love the hat, Bill!)
Paul and Pat.
Pat and Paul.
Ah, there's the other Doug with "toque on head" standing beside Henk. Paul has joined us on the right.
I am crewing 327 out of Glen Hammond with Paul this morning.
With no work required in the Glen, we are granted clearance to Bellamy "on the double!"
Nelson Yard has its two RP&M crews assisting the yard master in the low morning light.
327 has finished up quickly at the team track in Bellamy and is spotted taking the junction.
327's counterpart in the opposing direction out from Glen Hammond is Train 318 crewed by Paul and Lawrence. We find them taking the curve at Lilly.
Paul has our train running through Mercer with a clear lane into Peter's Pond.
We work the trailing siding up the Cedar Rock branch.
A while later, we find 318 in Mount St. Helens. Paul and Lawrence have everything in control and will head up to Craig Leigh in short order.
Lawrence's clothing provides a hint as to the weather conditions.
302 rides the rails below 318.
302 arrives from the west into Peter's Pond.
302 meets 327.
Upon completion of the meet, Paul engages the throttle and we are underway to Wellington Lake.
We take the subterranean route beneath the mount.
I turn around momentarily to find Paul and Brian aboard 301 in Spruce.
Underway underground.
Garry keeps the tracks alive in Nelson Yard.
We approach Wellington Lake.
Through Wellington Lake we will enter Watkins Siding and await a clear alley into Bell.
Papa Bear in the dispatch hut.
327 in the hole at Watkins.
A clear blue sky along with the evergreens make for a glorious image.
Or...perhaps the beauty in the image is provided by these two lads!
Train 65-66, the Bell Turn approaches Bell from the west.
We have gained entry into Bell from the east.
Both crews work around each other with ease.
Great choreography, Mr. Dispatcher!
IPP&W 327 on Track 3 and RP&M 65 on Track 4.
With our work over in Bell, it's clear sailing upgrade to Firgrove for the termination of our first run of the day.
Paul is a happy soul...no lengthy delays on this routing...so far!
George's diminutive steamer works Firgrove and Ralph Yard.
Paul turns our locomotive at the far end of Firgrove.
Here's George!
We spot Paul and Brian on their second run of the morning aboard 311 at Mercer.
We are now tracking east with Train 304 returning once again to Bell.
Steve has his locomotive turned.
RP&M Train 65 now becomes Train 66.
66 backs up into Track 3 to allow us entry into Track 4 as they have one final move to consider.
We enter the Yard.
We request permission to hold the ladder momentarily in order to spot a car at the trailing interchange track.
66's crew is now on their train...
...on Track 3...
...as they await our clearing of the ladder. They are then on their way. Both crews smile at each other and offer a friendly wave goodbye. That's Steve and Pat pictured above. Our condolences go out to Pat who lost his father at the age of 89 just this past week. We are thinking of you, Pat!
304 has a setout in Stuart Yard.
I snag a second shot of this lovely RP&M car.
We also have a lift at Henk's Stores near the red light district.
We need the yellow car.
We haul both out past the turnout and we eventually spot the brown boxcar back into the industry.
Looking off in the distance we spot a gaggle of railfans.
Why...
...it's Mark and his son! What an awesome team!
Brian and Paul are held at Mercer awaiting entry into Peter's Pond. Bill looks on from his perch on the bench.
With our work complete at Bell, Paul gives a count of the cars to ensure all is good.
Nelson Yard continues to evolve.
304 is cleared into Peter's Pond. We understand that 311 will be working the Cedar Rock Branch so we will be able to mosey into town as our work is based solely at the team track.
Here's Bernie!
My wife, Lisa, and Fred enjoy a grand old chat.
With Mark's arrival, we now have a passenger train on the go!
We meet Mark at Mercer. (Typically, the passenger train would have been granted permission into Peter's Pond ahead of our departure, but we had been working the pond from the station track seeing as the crew of 311 - up in Cedar Rock - had the rest of their train protected on the main.)
Doug and Pat are aboard their second run of the day, Train 312.
They are eastward bound toward Blockhouse and Spruce.
It's "bums up" everyone as 312 works the spur at Blockhouse and Garry works Nelson Yard.
George brings the short hop down to Bell.
Garry studies his list.
Henk and Pat are found at the western throat of the big yard.
Pat is the engine man aboard 312 while Henk will take out Rat 70.
Nelson Yard changes colours every few minutes or so.
Steve checks his clipboard to ensure all cars are "good to go!" for his next RP&M outing.
311 has taken to Track 4 in Bell.
George works the house tracks.
Passenger 1 plies the rails outside Wellington Lake.
312's crew enjoys some sunshine in Spruce.
Looking good, guys!
Our dispatch board indicates that we are heavy at the west end at the moment.
A plaque found in the crew lounge.
312 at Spruce.
Hmmm...an RP&M train is tickling the rails of the IPP&W...hmmm?
Indeed, the crew just wanted a look...but you'd better not touch!
The newly installed wigwag signal at the pedestrian crossing.
Hey...it really works! (Now...is that battery operated?)
304 had been held at Mercer for some time due to the fact cars were not available yet in Nelson Yard for the crew's next train.
The Nelson Yard Master eventually indicates that he is ready to accept us...
...so we head on in to the big yard.
We uncouple from our train and head over a couple of tracks to find our new consist.
In no time we are underway in an eastbound direction as Train 314.
On a "slow order" through the bridge.
Looking good!
Taking the curve at Lilly.
Ditto at Spruce.
Past the depot.
And...what a beauty of a depot it is.
Two of our three illustrious dispatchers captured "In the moment!"
October skies were "blue" and everyone reading this blog posting from afar must be "green" with envy to follow along the fun we enjoy each Saturday morning at Fred's place! Thanks, as always to Skipper Fred for keep that rudder in a forward moving direction!
All the best, Mike Hamer, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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