Trains of September

Trains of September

We are in the second week of September and Mr. Sun, Mr. Golden Sun...he sure has shone down on us!

CP Extra 8202 blazes into sunlight from the shadows behind the Fallentree Mine.

Simcoe and Southern Ontario Mogul #7 resides in the lee of the Craig Leigh engine house.  The crew holds this track awaiting clearance out from the yard.

In the transition years it is common to find first generation diesels working alongside their brethren with side rods.

The local passenger run arrives Bell as other crews work the sidings in town.

A stealth locomotive has been leased to the railroad as it steams into Ironwood with a short passenger haul.

S&SO #7 has won the coin toss and will be "first out" from Craig Leigh ahead of CP Extra 8202.

The tracks leading to the engine house are occupied with a variety of passenger equipment.

Train Extra #7 threads the needle in Stuart Yard.

CN RS3 #7831 is found downgrade at Watkins Siding.

This Canadian Pacific train slips through the girders atop the deck of the "Fred Mills Bridge" as the crew targets Nelson Yard in short order.

The colour of railroading is evident in this scene of the sidings in West Ironwood.

While many steam engines have already gone to "locomotive heaven" or find themselves stored unserviceable in pergatory awaiting the torch, such is not the case along the route of the IPP&W as evidenced by this westbound train arriving Ironwood.

The accompanying photo showcases beautifully how the track crews of the IPP&W keep their roadbed up-dated.  Road foreman, Bernie Goodman, ensures the line between Mount St. Helens and Ironwood remains in topnotch condition.

The gas electric is more than capable of handling the grade up to Spruce from Blockhouse.

This CN train tunnels beneath Mount St. Helens along an area of the line that has seen recent upgrading.

For those who consider the IPP&W a secondary route, these next two images offer an argument to dispute the fact.  

Revenue is soaring as trains keep to their schedule.

Algonquin & Ottawa locomotive #4 drifts down the hill at Watkins, piloted by Mr. Watkins!

Spruce excites this railfan with its new facelift!

This westbound train pauses on the siding awaiting the passage of another westbound hotshot.

Out from Nelson Yard, CN Extra 7831 hovers atop the mainline located far below at Blockhouse.

Canadian Pacific GP30 #8202 is found tanning itself in the morning sun at Spruce as a tankcar is spotted off in the distance in faraway Cedar Rock.

In a classic pose, our CN crew picks up speed as it crosses the "Patrick Brennan Bridge" heading towards Blockhouse.

Railfans who have gathered for the naming ceremony enjoy the parade of trains that pass throughout the morning.

The appearance of this CNR van indicates the closure of this posting as Mr. Hamer has a busy schedule ahead on this day.  We hope you have enjoyed this accounting of the many fabulous "Trains of September" spotted along the right of way of the IPP&W railroad.  

There will be a number of blog entries upcoming throughout the week!  As always, thanks to Fred from hosting.

Stay safe and enjoy these wonderful days of the ninth month!

Mike Hamer, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada