Test Session Before Train Operations
A number of OVGRS operators arrived Fred's property ready to put the railroad through its paces before our inaugural session of the season takes place next Saturday.
It's fortunate that we ran trains across both lines as a few areas of concern arose likely due to the effects of frost action throughout the railroad's winter's hibernation.
The largest area of concern was outside the bend at Lilly on the approach to the Fred Mills Trestle. Quite a "cant" on the trestle was discovered as well.
We start off by visiting the canyon area situated between the pedestrian crossing and the grade up to Spruce where Doug's CP units are found.
You can enlarge images by clicking on them and return to the default look of the page by clicking outside them.
The new trackwork is in but much work will be required to bring the crossing to completion.
This is a shining example of the hard work some of the lads on the Workday Wednesday accomplish each week.
And...the lads sometime "reappear" on the Thursday to complete the job!
Your AB pairing looks great climbing the grade at Blockhouse, Doug!
Mike wanted to get in on the action testing the trackwork after its winter hibernation. A small stretch of track here has narrowed and will require further attention during the next workday session.
Is it a hammer or a Hamer? Hehehe!
By running the large diesel on approach to the Fred Mills Trestle, we are able to determine that the "cant" in the track here must be addressed before train operations commence next week.
She's riding high atop the iron over Brennan Gap.
Some video of Mike's diesel hard at work.
To view the video click on the white arrow in the centre one time and then a second time.
The crew is in discussion of having two wide-bodied steam locomotives piercing the canyon at the same time in this video should the potential passing siding enter the canyon.
A major issue was located between the big curve at Lilly and the approach to the Fred Mills Trestle. Check out the gap in the rails! This section of track was pulled and new rail was cut and inserted into new ties.
The lads check out other areas of trackwork where nails may need to be removed or hammered further down.
We catch Father Fred cutting the new length of rail for the bridge approach.
Skipper Bob made it out with a rather unique locomotive specimen.
Cool shades and nice smile, Bob!
An 0-6-6-0 steam locomotive from across the pond.
Video work of Bob's engine.
Further video of the locomotive.
Meanwhile Doug is captured on video with his AB tandem in Canadian Pacific colours.
Bob runs through Ironwood in this video footage.
As spotted once more on video between Mount St. Helens and Ironwood.
Mike and Pat continue with their efforts while the railroad is shut down in this area.
Mike is marking a short length of track for Fred to cut.
Mike kisses while Fred cuts!
They're still at it!
Smiles all around!
Bernie is Mike's hero offering to sell one of his wagontop B&O 40 footers, a car Mike has been searching for over the past year or so.
Bernie kept the darker brown car...
...while Mike selected the boxcar red specimen! Mike is one happy camper for sure! More on this acquisition later in this blog entry.
We hover over to Craig Leigh where Chris tests the trackwork at the eastern end of the line.
His beautifully painted and weathered Canadian National Geep sure looks handsome with that bright red van.
Nestled on the far track over from the terminal buildings.
Looks great Chris!
Chris increases the throttle in this video taken in Craig Leigh.
On the move in this video segment.
Over near the engine shed we find Steve.
He has brought out his Ottawa streetcar.
The 1003 sure is handsome in those Ottawa colours.
She'll be running along Bank Street at some point on her journey.
Video action of street running!
Through the wye on this video.
Video work through Mount St. Helens.
Lots of video activity on this day!
A gaggle of operators gather near the gap.
Like a city of Ottawa work crew...the lads stand around to watch...
...while the lone lad is hard at work! Hehehe!
Pat is in the process of trying to close a gap at the end of a long segment of rail located halfway along the trestle length.
Bob's locomotive has reached the end of the line...for the time being.
She sure looks "purdy" on Lilly curve.
The parade slows to a stop as the "service interruption" near Brennan Gap continues to hinder train movement.
This CN tandem is poised atop the dry gulch.
Patrons on the streetcar are wondering if they should simply exit the car and begin walking to Bank Street!
The operator is not phased.
More observers assemble near the work area.
Pat ignores their protests and continues with his diligent efforts...so the story goes!
With the trackwork completed Mike takes a test run on this video.
Now this is the best means of transportation to Fred's - that is if you are not carrying a large scale locomotive with you! Big grin!
The Brit locomotive makes a fine impression to railfans nearby Nelson Yard.
On the roll again.
On into Bellamy.
Bypassing the station.
Check out Steve and Seanna's awesome looking carrying case!
Love it!
A number of crews descend upon Peter's Pond.
An impressive display.
Indeed.
Bob, Steve and Chris are deep in conversation.
Lower angle views.
A terrific trio!
Love the variety!
Side on shot.
Aerial view.
Hey...this is so cool! A railroad crossing signal.
Yes, Steve and Seanna are at it again!
Check it out on video!
The final stages of this project find Bernie and Pat hard at work.
We run a few freight cars as evidenced on this video. Yes, we note the curve in the track along the length of the trestle...another item to be dealt with on another "Workday Wednesday".
Fred, Bob, Steve and Seanna discuss electrical themes.
The crew aboard Bob's British locomotive are visible in this low angle shot.
Steve climbs the grade from St. Helens to Craig Leigh.
The doors can open...
...and close!
She gorgeous Steve!
Arrival in Craig Leigh on video tape.
Show us how the doors work on video Steve!
Moe has brought along this colourful steamer.
The sun pops the details on this side of the locomotive.
Moe takes the yard ladder...
...while Pat continues to work in the background.
Moe's steam locomotive as seen on video.
Chris arrives the scene.
A rather quiet looking Nelson Yard!
Low angle views.
Video of Chris's entry into the yard.
Mike guides his D&H GP38-2 back into Nelson Yard in this video.
Steve and Seanna have brought out this little puppy as well.
Doesn't look TH&B'sh to me! Big smile!
The video runby of the steamer.
Aha...there's their TH&B offering.
Love the air tanks atop the locomotive.
The tanks indicate this as being a GP9.
Holding the curve at Lilly.
Awaiting its turn to make the run past the dispatch hut.
On the way on video.
Here's Dilip!
Pat presses down on the bridge to see what can be done with the cant that is found here.
Pat has cleverly lifted the outer section of the bridge.
Smart idea Pat!
Checking the level.
Continued checks.
Let's change scales shall we!
Mike is so pleased with his new acquisition from his good pal, Bernie!
The wagon top certainly adds variety to my fleet of HO scale freight cars.
She's a beauty, Bernie!
Spotted at Rigby Yard in Portland, she'll be on her way into North Dover in a little over two hours' time.
On the siding in North Dover.
Mike loves those freight cars of the fifties!
While most are variations of the standard "boxcar red" colour...the differing tones add variety to the fleet.
Lovely!
On another day we catch the B&O wagontop car on video approaching the New England River Bridge in the state of Maine.
Another railfan snaps a similar video standing on the banks of the New England River.
The train is through Marshall Cut at Milepost 39 as witnessed on this video.
Video capture of the train through the interlocking junction of the Boston & Maine with the Maine Central.
As the train crosses the Salmon River the crew reaches the state of New Hampshire in this video release.
The Boundary Road crossing video captures the train on a slow approach to the curved yard in North Dover.
Video of the arrival in town.
Through the tunnel beneath the main street as seen in this video.
Final video segment of the car now on the North Siding in town as the crew pulls to a stop along the South Siding.
Mark graciously sent along this photo of two of his children watching the changing of the guard at Rideau Hall.
My daughter, Alison, is the manager of visitors' services at Rideau Hall.
She has an office in the main building and a smaller one in the white building located at the Sussex entrance which is pictured in this image.
Thanks for checking in on this rather lengthy blog post of the railroad activities experienced today at Father Fred's place and on my HO scale model railroad.
We look forward to next week's inaugural operating session which kicks of the 2023 season!
All the best, Mike and the entire OVGRS gang!
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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