Still More Train Running From August 15th

Still More Train Running From August 15th

We continue with this week's series of entries for the blog from Saturday's train running with this opening shot of a meet between UP Extra 3607, the "Ore Train" and Pool Train #15 near the interchange at Bell.  Such a splash of colour!

The ore train is coming off RP&M rails...

...as this brute of a diesel drags the ore cars up the hill...

...out from Pratt's Bottom.

Pool Train 15 continues up to Firgrove on this morning atop IPP&W rails.

Let's review this lovely meeting of two great looking trains.

These crews are veterans of the line...

...and there is a mutual admiration for the role each engineer plays...

...in getting freight and passengers across the line.

Indeed, carload shipments are expedited more efficiently than ever and passenger wait times have decreased considerably...

...as the creative men and women of the IPP&W and RP&M continually strive for improvement.

The roster of passenger cars on the IPP&W is a colourful one indeed with this train showcasing but a sampling of the equipment and how it is kept in excellent running condition.

Be it a "tried and true" iron horse...

...or one of those modern diesels...

...there are always pleasant surprises when railfans flock to these two railroads each week throughout the summer...

...to catch...

...even a "fraction of the action" that abounds trackside.

While we cannot see it, we know for certain there is a smile on Grant's face...because...

...he's in the cab of this wonderful Consolidation!

While the movement of trains seems fast and furious on this morning...

...the pace of the locals offer this railfan plenty of time to follow this train...

...as it reaches Bell.

We are adjacent to Stuart Yard in Bell and the train has taken Track 4.

This train is a treasure to behold...

...even when the sun is not in our favour.

It appears we have a second meet with the ore train...

...with another local freight...

...in Peter's Pond.

The local appears to be conducting a reverse move.

Indeed, engineer Paul is backing his train up into Cedar Rock.

Well, looky here would'ja!

It seems to be "meet upon meet" on this day!
Fred offered up this background information on the Simcoe and Southern steam locomotive now in the stable of Doug Culham.

Background on the “Simcoe & Southern Ontario” locomotive:  (The S&SO is truly a fallen Flag)

  That was a locomotive that was owned by Ray Irving, one of our original group. He passed away a few years ago, but gave me that locomotive, before he died.  He kitbashed it from an LGB mechanism, and a Bachmann Big Hauler, but never fully finished it.

Doug Culham is now its proud owner.  Doug has done the finishing touches, which the locomotive deserved, to make it a good runner…nice work, Doug.

Yes, Marcel and Doug have found each other at Mercer Siding.

From my vantage point, I spin around to catch the gas electric hustling downgrade our from Lilly bound for Blockhouse and Spruce.

Robin follows his train while Doug and Marcel exchange greetings.

Upon a mutual crew inspection...all seems well with both trains...

...and they will both be on their way in differing directions in short order.



The ore train greets the junction with a blow of its horn...

There is something about a long string of identical cars..

...that pleases the eye...

...whether they be ore cars, tanker traffic, a brace of reefers...or, yes, our passenger brethren...

...that creates a sense of awe...

...and inspiration.

This railfan appreciates "going away" shots...

...just as much as "at you" shots.

You cannot question...

...or be disappointed...

...by the creative design...

...and colour...

...of the railroad locomotive!

Fred sent along these next two pictures via e-mail.  (They expanded horizontally a tad, but that's okay.)  Here are Fred's words...
  I just had to share these pictures of my Brother Ted….he is the artistic member of the family !!

These were Ted's words to Fred...

Here’s me in my covid armour; it works pretty well for carving too.
Thanks, Fred and Ted!
And...thank you for checking in on more proceedings from our fun group of train operators up here in Nepean!
All the best, Mike Hamer, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada