End of the Month Train Running

Train Running in the End of September

We have lots of images and stories to share from our recent train running session in the last week of September...



...with this unit tank train stealing the show!

But before we do, I would like to take you back to 2014 for some "Vintage Video" footage I have unearthed!

Vintage Video

Indeed, many of you may recall these gents enjoying the breeze as they traverse the entirety of the IPP&W line!

This blog posting catches up with Union Pacific locomotive #3607 hauling a unit tank train for a little boy who is visiting the railroad.

The young fellow wanted to see a train filled with tankcars only, so we allowed him to do so...however, Marcel explained that this train would typically hold a "barrier car" between the locomotive and the train and a second one between the train and the caboose.

Click on the image to enlarge it to read the thought bubble.

With the sun catching the nose of the locomotive, it's only a short distance into Ironwood.

The crew appreciates the newly ballasted right of way.

Those three dome tanker look awesome mixed in with their single domed brethren.

Enlarge the image to see what Andrew is doing in the distance.
Click on the image to enlarge it to read the message.

Marcel guides his train out from Spruce...

...and curves to the south and west...

...with a verdant hillside backdrop.

We know he's smiling because he's at the throttle!

The train is about to descend Clarke Hill with the little building known as "Clarke's Gable" in the distance.

This triple dome is a close cousin to its locomotive!

The headend has reached Clarke's Gable and the crew wave at the inhabitants as they pass.

Clarke Hill (or Clarke's Hill) is the longest grade on the railroad and is named after the engineer who runs some of the longest trains on the railroad...Mr. Bob Clarke.

The tail end crew wave to the residents in Clarke's Gable as they depart the scene.

The train has bottomed out at Blockhouse and begins its ascent of the ridge up to Lilly...

...which includes the crossing of Brennan Gap over the renowned "Patrick Brennan Bridge".

With another successful crossing of the gap, the crew will take the large horseshoe curve at Lilly and will cross the "Fred Mills Trestle" noticeable off in the distance.

Nearing Lilly, the engines have almost tackled the ridge...

...as the train takes the large horseshoe curve.

Click on the image above to read the caption as the tail end departs the first crossing.
Click on the image to enlarge it to read the thought bubble.

Ditto for this image.
Click on the image to enlarge it to read the message.

You've got to appreciate this glorious Ironwood Road passenger van painted in similar colours to its locomotive!

The train follows a "slow order restriction" due to maintenance work being conducted in the general vicinity of the Fred Mills Trestle.

The railroad's initials adorn the deck girder section of the bridge as the crew enter Nelson Yard territory.

The turnout is set and the train will veer to the right.

Crossing the mainline she recently traversed, UP 3607 enters the eastern throat of Nelson Yard.

The crew slows to a stop in the big yard...

...as we appreciate the tanker traffic once more.

Basking in the sun's glory once again Train Extra 3607 has the junction in the past with Mercer Siding in its future.

A drone shot of the westbound.

Love that tanker traffic...

...with the leaves placed on a few tankcars from our young friend!

Almost through the crossing.

Below the garden.

Making Peter's Pond in short order.

Through the giant giant tunnel bore...

...beneath Mount St. Helens where important work is being conducted.

Seeking solace in the shade!

Through the beautiful Ontario landscape...

...and on into the corners.

Arriving Wellington Lake.

It's at this juncture in our trip we take a hiatus, only to return later with more images and stories from "The Oil Can"!

Take care everyone!  Mike Hamer, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada