Session #5 July 8

Session #5  July 8th Narrow Gauge

Thanks to Bernie and Chris for snapping images from our fifth session of the season in my absence.

I was away on vacation in the Maritimes visiting my wife's family.

While I certainly enjoyed a great trip, I thought about my OVGRS friends on the Saturday morning back in Ottawa in the hopes that they were able to get their session in...which they did!

The first four images and captions come from Chris with the remainder of the pics and text from Bernie.

Bernie and Gerry snap a few photos at Spruce while waiting for the pool train to set out a business car, which they will then spot on the house track.

The pool train is patiently idling in Rat Portage while Andrew and Marcel on train 72 switch Anderson. In the background, the Nelson yardmaster is asking the crew of train 71 why they haven't yet left the yard. "We're waiting for clearance through Anderson" reply Steve and Seanna. 

It's either a slow day at Nelson or else the yard is so plugged they can't do anything, but either way Henk and his assistant Bill have time to wander over to Anderson to find out what the hold up is

"There's the problem", says Henk.

Thanks for those images and the fun story, Chris!

The remainder of this blog entry was created using Bernie's voice and eyes.

Andrew and Marcel exchange greetings early Saturday morning. 

By 8:22am, all of the trays for Nelson Yard have been delivered.

Doug and his "other brother" Doug are seen setting out Bell and Glen Hammond cars.

Doug checks off the checklist, while Doug looks on.

Marcel carries out Spruce Station in the early morning rays.

              Billy collecting cans for the Quebec economy.

Andrew at Mount St. Helens. “Where do I begin?”

Chris is trying to hide from the camera. Putting up the umbrellas is a very important task on a sun-filled day.

Empty trays in the eastern sector means things are good to go at Mount St. Helens, Peter’s Pond, Spruce and Ironwood.

Henk is found standing to attention in front of Father Fred. Marcel on the other hand, is quite relaxed.

  Billy, Chris, Fred, Paul and Bob gathering for the morning                                                   sermon.

Paul has things ready to go at Craig Leigh.

Gerry has checked the train orders for 301. He will be conductor for Bernie. Not sure why Pat is in the photo as he is taking 304 out from Glen Hammond. 

As usual, Spruce is a busy place as Pat and Ralph switch 304 and Chris brings Passenger 2 to a stop at Spruce Station.

A closer view of Passenger 2 at Spruce. 304 waits for the passenger to pass before continuing its switching.

Chris calls for clearance to Ironwood. Looks like the dispatcher has left the tower to check up on the action at Ironwood.

Malcolm smiles as he handles 303 with Dilip.

Malcolm and Dilip switching at Wellington Lake.

 Pat and Ralph switching Spruce while Ralph’s friend looks on.

The engineer of 301 assists the Pool Train at Spruce by adding a baggage car to the consist.

Seanna and Steve arrive at Nelson Yard with Rat 61 under the direction of yard master Henk. 

Bob’s beautiful steamer waits at Mercer Siding with the Ore Train. 

Another view of the Ore Train.

Pat and Ralph switch 313 at Mount St. Helens.

Dilip and Malcolm have 314 at everyone’s favorite destination; Cedar Rock.

Felicity and Doug are seen switching Ironwood aboard their second trick of the morning, Train 312.

314 comes down the hill from Cedar Rock as 311 drills Peter’s Pond.

Although the “Pond” looks like a log jam, cooperation and coordination between the two crews quickly had their respective trains on the move...a perfect testimonial to how "The Pond" should operate!

Paul has run local 41 down to Mount St. Helens before the main line trains show up. 

Over at Mount St. Helens, the Ore train pulls through as 314 waits to depart. 

Another view of the action at Mount St. Helens. 

The Pool arrives Spruce.

A surprise visitor was Garry. Here he is with Henk in Nelson Yard.

Seanna and Steve find themselves at Rat Portage..."finally" they gasp!  Big smile!

George has everything in order at Firgrove.

Sid watches patiently as railroaders go about their business.

Steve and Seanna showed off this beautiful locomotive.

Lots of action here. Pat works Spruce in the back while Malcolm and Dilip work Ironwood. Felicity and Doug are on the Ironwood siding await their turn to switch the industries.

The overworked, underpaid yardies at Nelson Yard.

Marcel and Andrew are drilling the local industries at Anderson with their RP&M train...a second glance at this moment in time near the junction.

Andrew checks the manifest as Marcel looks on.

Chris has a big smile as he has successfully completed his passenger runs without injury.

Pat and Ralph in Peters Pond. Their train is on the proper track for switching Cedar Rock.

Big smiles from Doug and Felicity. They handled 302/312/321 on this fine weather day.

Andrew’s beautiful eight wheeler.

Father Fred smiles from his seat in the corporate office. Thanks to Fred for another great day.

     And...what a way to end the day with super chef Marcel at the grill

Thanks so much Bernie and Chris for sending along your images to enable us to keep up with the blog entries showcasing the amazing times we enjoy in Fred's backyard each Saturday morning.

Bernie did send videos my way which I am unable to download at the moment.  Hopefully we will be able to sort that issue out and send out a second blog entry from this amazing session!

All the best, Bernie, Chris and all the OVGRS gang!

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada