September 19th Happenings
The gang gathered at Fred's this Saturday as the sun basked the crew in its' September glow.
Saturday, September 19th dawned a new day and the tree on my boulevard foretold of the coming of autumn in three more days time.
The colours are glorious...many and varied...
...and they mimic the colourful nature of our crew members...
...of which are many...
...and varied!
Yes, it's another Saturday morning and that means trains...
...and maintenance...
...and visits for socializing.
Bernie ensures the trackage through the tunnel and under Mount St. Helens is cleared of any fallen debris from the tall pines.
Mark and Olie brought out these two specimens and actually ran them along the rails!
Lawrence continued with brick removal, renewal and replacement.
Andrew heads over to Mount St. Helens to check in on the area that will require a couple of cable throws.
Paul and Neil hold court in the lounge...
...and enjoy a great discussion.
Andrew checks out the switch throw to the east of Spruce.
That cool looking tunnel!
Andrew charges his locomotive...
...as it resides just outside the engine house in Craig Leigh.
She's a real "looker" Andrew!
Nice indeed.
We investigate what is inside the engine house.
The RS3 and the Gas Electric are housed here.
Two beauties.
They enjoy the sun bath.
Yet another steamer arrives the property!
These two gents are halfway to solving the problems of the world...and we anticipate an update! (Big grin!)
Lawrence and Andrew.
Landscaper Bernie.
The new wider area between Nelson Yard and the main leading upgrade.
There is still more work to be done here.
But, the area is looking pretty good!
Nice clean lines!
We thank Bernie and Lawrence for their efforts here.
The clearer access will allow railfans to capture more images of the trains in this territory.
It's always a hive of activity at Fred's.
Update, please!
Andrew listens in attentively.
We raise a toast to our good friend, Fred Adams, who passed away peacefully late in the afternoon on this very day, Saturday, September 19th with the love of his life, Monique, at his side.
Fred's laughter and smile were infectious. Tom would agree!
He was a lucky man as his partner in life, Monique, loved train running as much as he did.
Fred was a visionary...a dreamer who worked tirelessly on behalf of the railroading community in Ottawa.
(Phot Chris Lyon)
He found joy in the little things in life as well as those things larger than life.
Always curious, Fred would ask questions for understanding and clarity...and he would never need to ask a second time!
Fred and Monique made a great crew when running the trains on my layout and other layouts around the region.
Along with Rick Craig, Peter Cunningham, Bob Hobbs, Joel Racine, Chris Lyon and Jim McSherry...Fred fit in like a glove! You can see him in the checkered shirt beside Peter in the distance in my crew lounge.
Fred was proud of his diorama projects...and rightfully so!
Fred was a visionary...the type of person the Ottawa rail scene needed when we thought we would be going without a train show in the region. Fred and his team ensured this would not happen. We catch him in this image of the ribbon cutting at the Ottawa Train Expo standing between David Chernushenko and Mayor Jim Watson along with Max Keeping and some dedicated young folks in uniform.
Even an earthquake in the Ottawa area couldn't stop Fred from coming up with a pun...Tom Hood's "Tom"-Foolery!
These are two smiles that would light up any room!
As summer mornings...
...move into autumn days this week, please take the time to think of your family members and great friends who make a difference in your life.
Take the time to thank them for all they have done for you.
Until next time, Mike Hamer, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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