Bernie's Pics From Session #15

Pictures From Bernie From Session #15

As always, I am thankful of those who help contribute to our weekly blog entries and Bernie has graciously contributed images along with Pat and Dilip.

Session 15 took place during the last weekend in September and the jackets worn by our operators are testament to the vitality of our operators willing to run as the temps drop.

Bernie granted me permission to create the captions as he is quite occupied in assembling OVAR's Interchange with our good friend, Mark. 

Dispatcher Bill observes the "goings on" in Nelson Yard as Garry sets out cars before the operations get underway.

Len has things under control on the western front in Firgrove and Ralph Yard.

Doug has graciously exchanged assignments with Bernie to allow Bernie to run on the RP&M.  Doug will handle the chores as the Craig Leigh yardmaster.

Pat sets out the ore cars at the Northland Ore Dock in Craig Leigh.  He will begin his run with the ore train to the west in Firgrove hauling loads along the entirety of the IPP&W all the way here.  Then he will take the MT's (short form for "empties") all the way west toward the mines that will require their services once again.

Our tray for the passenger equipment.

The Pool Train consist is set up in Craig Leigh.  Like the ore train, the passenger run always begins at the west end in Firgrove running west to east as Passenger 32.  Gerry's second trick will be the Pool Train, Passenger 33 that will run all the way west to Bell before swinging onto RP&M rails through Rat Portage.  The train will continue back onto IPP&W rails at Bellamy and continue easterly through the Glen and other points before terminating at this very spot.  Gerry will then run his third trick of the session from Craig Leigh all the way to Firgrove where he started his day.  The trajectory of the passenger runs makes perfect sense!

Pat and Steve are found in Glen Hammond before the session gets underway.  Pat will run Train 304 east to Craig Leigh while Steve will take Train 303 west to Firgrove.

Our west end lads.  They must be sharing a "West Side Story"!!!

Steve and Robin peruse their train orders before starting out as RP&M employees.

Loads of equipment are in evidence pre-ops.

The "Fab Four" 

(At least Pat's Beatle name is "in concert" with his abilities as a drummer!)

Oh, oh.  Here comes their manager, Brian Epstein!  Better get writing more tunes lads!

Steve and Robin check out this photographer!

Garry begins assembling his trains and placing end cars on their respective runs.

Parallel steamers on parallel tracks!  Cool shot, Bernie!

Steve and Seanna are found in the shade near the engine house as they prepare to release their engine out on the high iron.

Barry listens in with the rest of the gang as Fred conducts class in the crew lounge.

Skipper Fred has a well behaved class on this morning.

Except for one student in the back of class!

Train 302 reaches Bell as Doug routes the train into the yard along the ladder to Track 4.

Dilip and Steve have 303 in Bell.

Typically they would have been cleared in on Track 3 which seems to be occupied at the moment.

Rat 62 has reached Rat Portage with switching well underway.  When the lads complete their work here they will return back to the big yard.

Bernie is a happy camper with RP&M Train 61 destined for Bell.  This is a "turn" and he will return back to Nelson Yard aboard Train 72.

Judging by the direction of their locomotive (facing east), Steve & Seanna must be on their third trick of the morning aboard 322.

The ore train encounters no difficulties labouring up the grade here with such a small train.

Len lends us a smile in a rather empty yard on the west end.

Steve checks out his carrying case as Seanna looks on.

Garry organizes his carrier as well.

Some lads relax as Steve and Dilip toil in Mount St' Helens aboard their final run of the day, Train 324.

Easy switching here...for all sidings trail their train!

Some of the lads assist with the picking up of cars ensuring all trains have passed through the towns where they lift the rolling stock.

Bill has survived another session.

Love the shirt, skipper Bill!

Mr. Pat Brennan relaxes after a job well done aboard the ore train.

Barry leans in as he has Fred's ear in on the conversation.

Moe waits for the go ahead to fire up the old (new) BBQ!

Steve has  enjoyed his morning as well.

Bernie captures Fred in a rare moment when he is not talking to...or should I say..."speaking with" one of the lads.  Big smile!

Fred...you know how much we appreciate you hosting us.  

We have only a handful of weekends left to run the trains!

Thanks, Bernie, for all of these fabulous images from the session!

All the best, Mike and the OVGRS gang!  Ottawa, Ontario, Canada