Ironwood Alive!

Ironwood Alive!

It was a thrill for us all to watch Ironwood come alive with the new passing siding installed.  Lawrence and Bernie look on as Grant navigates one of the three trains currently at this location.  

While it looks like a congested yard in this image, the facts belie the congestion...the event showcased in this photograph is actually well planned and choreographed.

If we study the first image once again, we note that Bernie's TH&B diesel locomotive is working the many spurs at Ironwood while a meet is held between two opposing freight locals hauled by two lovely steam locomotives.  Grant is moving westward along the far left station track while the train in care of the other steam locomotive is Doug's eastbound counterpart.

Yes, a meet of three trains has successfully been accomplished.

This was the desire all along.

Our three able dispatchers will be happy to  note that much greater flexibility in train movements can now be achieved along the eastern portion of the railroad.

Doug had played a significant role in the recent work at Ironwood and here he is at Spruce heading eastward...

...where his train will end up in Ironwood in short order.

I had also managed to snap a couple of images of that first train heading into Ironwood from the east.

In a previous moment, we find Grant enjoying his run.

As with any new developments with trackwork, the little nettles must be ironed out and the best way to determine any track issues is to run a multitude of trains through the new trackage.

Back and forth, back and forth...and the issue was identified and resolved in short order.

I managed to capture a great smile from Grant...

...as he hauled his train into town.

That's a glorious looking Connie, Grant!

At one point in the morning, Paul ran through from the west...

...and I managed to catch the two diesel crews in one shot.

Some earlier shots in the identification process...

...of what was causing a minor issue.

All sorts of freight cars were pulled and pushed...

...through the turnouts...

...with careful observance...

...and then...success!

Earlier in the morning...

...I found Bernie...

...having fun in Ironwood...

...while Lawrence conducted some landscaping.

The new siding looks awesome...

...and the crews will be duly satisfied...

...as we were on this day.

A smile from Bernie...

...to go along with a quick inspection from Bernie and me.

Lawrence in matching mask...

...along with skipper Fred.

Indeed, it is a thrill to see all of the smiles on all of the lads as trains moved freely around this great iron road!

Be sure to check in over the coming days as I will create a number of postings from the hundreds of images I managed to find myself taking on this great train running morning that saw 16 operators arrive and depart the property throughout the morning with folks taking care to social distance, wear masks when appropriate and use hand sanitizer when required.

All the best,  Mike Hamer, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada