More Views From the OVGRS
On the 15th of August last season in 2024 a large gathering of folks made their way to Belleville to visit Barry's and Bonnie's home to run trains in the great outdoors.
This was just past the midpoint of our operating season.
Folks arrived from Ottawa, Kingston, the United States and from localities in and around the Belleville area.
But...before we get started...here was an information sign for all countries outside Canada's borders last night when the Blue Jays took on the Dodgers in Game One of the World Series! 😎😀😎
A large gathering at Barry's it was indeed!
We catch a train on the run through Cumberland.
This Conrail unit caught this railfan's attention!
The "Consolidated Rail" group was formed on April Fool's Day in 1976, and was a government funded private company created to take over a number of bankrupt railroads in the northeastern United States.
It was a welcome surprise to see an Ottawa Central unit far away from home!
It was a "run what ya brung" affair so it was interesting to see a 'look back' to the past with this steam locomotive holding down a job, currently working the trackage in Orleans.
Chris was in on the trip as I recognize his master work with his Canadian National Geep alongside the van sitting on the ready track in the big yard.
Barry enjoyed offering up his Rio Grande power for one of the visitors to run.
They had to be careful stepping out on the walkway of the unit as their were no stanchions in place!
The gardens were as beautiful as ever!
This Rutland boxcar blended in magnificently with the floral pattern in back!
The East Broad Top steam locomotive hauls lading around the Bypass tracks.
I always love to spot interesting flatcar loads and this pairing of Corvettes is a special one!
Activity abounds in Barry's backyard!
Some of the lads take a break over the lunch hour before running the trains once again in the PM hours.
Chris & I are switching the near track aboard Train 601 as a train passes by on the main.
Here is our power in the foreground.
Train meet video.
The TH&B van has cleared the turnout.
This allows us to back down the main and into the yard.
It's a crowded house down in the big yard!
Back-up video.
Later in the morning we are traveling 'light' back to the main yard at Ottawa after finishing up our run with our second run of the day, Train 603.
Under the gantry.
Running past Cora's Corners.
Video of our light move.
We travel past the stock yard.
Here we enter the big yard at Ottawa.
Video of our return to Ottawa Yard.
Indeed, Chris & I truly enjoyed our day back in 2024 at Barry's & Bonnie's home!
And...Barry's smile tells us that he enjoyed the day as well.
You'll recall that we railfanned Brockville on the way back home after eating fish'n'chips!
VIA made its presence known with this Ottawa bound train.
As well as trains coming in from Ottawa.
All the while we caught Toronto to Montreal trains flying by at speed!
Here is a previously shared video from the day.
Before we leave Barry's session, I would like to share a few pics and vids from my afternoon steamer run with one of Barry's visitors, Roger.
We are heading for West Ben aboard Train 604.
Steam excursion video work.
Train 604 now enters Ottawa Yard.
Two CN hoppers in Halloween colours greet us!
Ottawa Yard entry video.
Two days later on the Saturday, August 17th in Ottawa, sadly we were rained out!
But, the weather system moved on and Sid & Ralph were able to gather once again to enjoy running trains in Fred's backyard!
Yes indeed...it was "Steam Days" in Ottawa!
The lads all gathered round the patio.
Pat is all smiles as he keeps Sid in stitches with his great humour.
Our "Father & Daughter" team of Chris & Olivia will enjoy the morning's train running - crewing together on the same three trains...302/312/321.
I spot my "Ironwood & New England" steamer taking to the junction in care of RP&M Train 71.
Train 303 and 304 have cleared out from Glen Hammond leaving the lads in Nelson Yard all alone to conduct their work.
If it's a car-themed shirt...
...so it must belong to Grant!
That car was driving so fast it caught me out of focus with my camera!
Ralph & Sid enter Bell with their passenger run...hidden in behind them.
This smaller depot at Bell has been moved over to Peter's Pond and has been replaced by a much larger stone station.
Passenger #1 is seen arriving the station track at Firgrove.
It must be near to the end of the session as all cars have been packed away by the two yardmasters in Firgrove; Len & George.
Our train, PR&M 72 has found its home rails as IPP&W Train 314 leans into the outer curve on the outskirts of Bell.
We begin our descent into the valley.
It's a downhill breeze for us all the way to Pratt's Bottom and beyond.
Train 72 video footage.
I hear the train!
"Headlight"!!!
'Thar she be's!'
We are tucked safely into the siding in Rat Portage.
Tunnel vision video clues.
Comber Chairs is receiving this boxcar laden with varnish and glues for the chair factory.
Video work of our setting out of 'said' car at Comber Chairs.
Our set out is complete and we pull away from the Comber siding.
My crewmate, Gerry, informs me we have one more setout at this end of town along the team track.
Set-out video fun!
With this double-header running the ore train, Grant must be around once again!
The ore train's arrival with empties is captured in this video moment.
Len is making up the final train out from Firgrove on the day.
Once assembled, he will place the consist on the departure track across from the station.
Train 322 assembly is found on video.
RP&M Train 72 meets its colleague, Train 73 in Rat.
Upon 73's arrival the gates open for 72's escape!
Arrival and departure video taken down in Rat Portage.
Pool Train #33 hustles downgrade out from Bell passing through Pratt's Bottom bound for Rat Portage.
RP&M Train 72 is on approach to the junction.
Video along the RP&M.
Meanwhile, high above the escarpment at 'The Ledges' the engineer aboard the ore train conducts a 'sweep' of the system heading back east with ore empties bound for storage.
Train 72 slows down on approach to Nelson Yard as is ordered to hold momentarily.
Escarpment and junction video efforts.
Train 72 creeps past the yard engine on approach to Nelson Yard.
The crew will have one more trick to run on this morning before calling it a day.
Arrival on the A/D track.
Nelson Yard arrival video.
We take a quick gander around the grounds to find St. Helens busy with traffic at its four industries.
At Spruce we spot some flats and gons in Bravo Lumber and a tankcar over on the Charlie's Fuels track.
The Culham Coal Company seems to be doing a brisk business.
It would appear the safety railing is in need of some repairs.
"Where's the Workday Wednesday crew when you need them!" 😎😎
Our radio and pencil holder manages to hold up nicely to all the 'wear and tear' of the many sessions we go through each season.
Ralph & Sid must be nearby as they usually bring along some treats for the crowd to enjoy!
Bernie is all smiles after another successful train operating session.
Olivia, Felicity & Seanna are too!
Bernie and grandson, Marcus, are having fun 'playing trains'!
Jill joins in on the fun as well!
But Marcus doesn't need any assistance from the adults at all!
Well...I know what I'll be doing tonight!
Indeed..."Go Jays Go!!!"
Thanks for checking in on this blog entry.
Yes, the Rideau Navigation System closed following the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend just as our OVGRS train ops season closed.
Both seasons for the two groups will open once again next May!
"Harrumph!" indicates Father Fred.
No more train ops in the backyard until next year.
Oh well, we do have so much to be thankful for...especially being part of the greater OVGRS family!
More blog postings will come your way throughout the off-season.
We are the OVGRS of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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