The Lawrence Watkins Trestle

The Lawrence Watkins Trestle

We thank Bernie for the wonderful photos and Mark for the amazing video footage showcasing the newly installed Lawrence Watkins Trestle 

Bernie headed over to Fred's place on Friday as the temperature rose beautifully and the sun was in his favour.

This would allow Bernie to snap some fabulous shots of the newly installed Lawrence Watkins Trestle which shares Brennan Gap with the Fred Mills Bridge and the Patrick Brennan Span.

While the other two bridges are mainly metal, this specimen is mostly wood.

Being a wooden trestle, water barrels are a "must" requirement.

The Brennan Gap is comprised mostly of stone with little water...only after a strong rainfall.

There is something special in the symmetry found in the trestle bents.

We spot the two barrel platforms.

We see all three spans while looking east geographically on the property.

Looking west geographically.

As you can see, not all of the rail is in place as yet.

A number of OVGRS friends have put their fingers in the pie with regard to the construction of the new trestle.

George made the two plates that rest atop the abutments on either end of the trestle.  He also made up a set of rail gauges that will be of great assistance when Fred goes to put the rail in place next spring.

Brian gave the group his nail pinner before he moved back to the United States.

Chris E. and Doug M. cut most of the ties and lumber for the trestle.

Fred did a masterful job on the deck while working in the open space of "The Board Room" on the dining room table.

Lawrence fabricated all of the bents and has been adjusting them to fit in situ.

Indeed...a true team effort!  The bridge will not be stained.  It will remain in place now forevermore and will withstand whatever Mother Nature throws its way over the next few decades!  (Lawrence tells me the original trestle lasted 25 years!)

Thank you Bernie for all of the above images including the artsy one this sentence is captioning!  Love it!

These next few pics are snipped from a video Mark took.

We find Mark's ONR diesel on approach to the Fred Mills Trestle...

...as Lawrence continues to work fitting the span in place.

Tankcars are on the move...as Lawrence plans his next move.

The caboose tells us it is almost time to go...

...but first...enjoy this wonderful video Mark sent along.

Thanks to everyone involved in this truly magnificent project!  All the best, Mike Hamer, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada