Workday Wednesday September 23rd

WDWD Sept. 23rd.

This will be a shortened blog entry as I had to arrive Fred's at 7:00 AM but leave by 10:00 AM.

I was performing at the seniors' residence in Orleans where OVGRS member Doug Hayes now lives.

Therefore the images are few and far between from me!

 When I arrived Fred had the tea on as he was busy working on the ore cars.

He was adding weights to the inside of the hoppers.

Then we discussed how couplers sometimes become damaged.

The plastic containers for the ore cars have tapered sides.

This means that only three can fit on the bottom row before we add the cardboard to allow four to fit on the upper row as the sides of the bins 'expand' upwards.

We also have to 'angle' the bottom row cars in order to protect the couplers.

Once a car is placed on the upper row, it does not need to be angled as the tapered sides now offer 'just that much amount of room' for the car to sit at a perfect 90 degrees to the sides of the box.

Here are three ore cars resting nicely on an angle in the bottom row of their bin.

Here we see Freddie working on the placement of the stack for the Nelson Yard switcher.

Fred is clearing out the former glue that had solidified in the recessed chamber that houses the stack.

I am filing the base to remove excess material as well.

The stack is 'offset' from its base so we ensured that it was placed in the proper orientation.

Alas, Fred tells us this locomotive has caused grief with its ability to charge and may have to go to the Fedak engine facilities in due course!

Pat arrived later in the morning.

I had done much of the raking outdoors, so I imagine he may have gotten the lawn mower out to cut the grass after I left.

I had also leveled the rocks located in Goodie's Gulch for safety of the workers who must toil there over the next few weeks.

Chris, Bill & Bernie arrived and we solved some of the world's problems in the boardroom.

Pat also made it over...Go Canada Go!

After I left...Fred tells me the lads dealt with all of our standard maintenance issues that we work on each Wednesday!

And...Pat & Bernie sent me many more photographs to lengthen this entry!

Bill advised us to snip a bit more of the rail leading across the Lawrence Watkins Trestle.

These next number of photos along with the video come from Pat!

Here we see Bernie using his Dremel tool to do so as captured by Pat in this video effort.

This is the location where the track had been binding - which resulted in a 'vertical kink' in the line.

We did cut the rail back last week, but it was determined that more rail was needed to be removed.

We spot Bill about to install the newly cut rail.

It's coming together nicely.

Bill is now filing the rough edges - while leaning over quite far across the Fred Mills Trestle!

The finished product!

Much better lads! 

Thanks for all the photos Pat! 👍👍

Before I left, the lads were looking into jacking up the benchwork at the eastern end of Douglas Yard.  (geographical west)

Could we get this old jack to work?

Not a chance!  Oh well!  😠😡😠😈😢

The lads would just have to "make do" with some other method.

Here we see Bernie cutting a new board to replace the old fascia at the location in Douglas Yard.

More pics from Pat and Bernie to come!

In goes the new fascia!

Looks "jolly good" Bernie!

Some shim was installed at the Lyon Supply spur at Anderson.

Another item off the 'to do' list...Check!  👌

Dara brought his locomotive out for a test run.

Dara is a very happy camper!!!  

😀😁😎😁😀

Bernie sent me this next batch of pictures.

Yardmaster Paul has been complaining for some time now about cars rolling out from Douglas Yard.

So...it's time for the lads to do something about it!

Here we see both Pats dealing with the situation along with Bill, Chris & Bernie.

Fred was kept busy working on the ore cars...so the entire crew was brought into action on this day!

It's bloody tricky work, but Pat is up to the task!

Chris lends a helping hand as our other Pat readies a patio stone to go beneath the yet-to-be installed support.

Chris gets ready to put it in place.

A bit of cleanout is necessary for the concrete footing.

After a bit of figuring out how it works...Chris gets into action with the jack.

Yes, it's finicky work...but someone's gotta do it!

Stone dust is required.

It is a coolish morning yet when you are working hard you heat up quickly!

Pat plays dentist and readies the job with the drill.

Hey!  No more "rock'n'rolling!"

The yard is now level!

Yabba dabba doo!  👍👍👌👌👍👍👍

Meanwhile, back over at Goodie's Gulch, Bill makes some minor adjustments to the track work.

Traffic will now be able to run smoothly over to Lilly.

Bill always has a great train shirt on.

Bernie made a new sign for Fred's model train shop located at Anderson.

Lovely Bernie!

The new fascia is in place.

Looks great lads!

But...will Paul even notice?

And on the Saturday morning at our next train ops...indeed...he did notice.

He is most appreciative of all the hard work the WDWD crew put forth to ensure his yard is in great working order.

So-o-o...look forward to our next blog entry when we showcase the happenings during our 17th session of the season.

Here we see Joanne ringing the bell to call the pre-ops meeting to order on that following Saturday morning.

And...here we see Joanne & Craig handling the switching at Spruce like "seasoned" pros!

And check in over the next few days where you will see more pictures and videos of their train and others from the 17th session.

We spot the crew entering our yard at Ironwood where Robin & Mike held down the fort as the Ironwood Switch crew.

When you check in on the next entry you will also see video work of Dara running his new locomotive with his newly acquired passenger cars!

There are always interesting items on the boardroom at Fred's place!

This shot was snapped back on the Workday Wednesday morning.

Seanna & Steve sent this image our way as they have traveled to Englehart for the ONRHTS convention!

Such a great photo!

It's time for some old 'black & whites' once again!

This is the wye that used to exist down in Peter's Pond.

Here is the original engine house.

Another engine house at ground level.

A distant view of the engine house.

This train has reached the depot located where today's dispatch cabin is anchored.

The gate for the fence to the backyard neighbour's property is seen to the right.

This is a westbound passenger train.

Fred and the lads worked hard on this day.

Fred's smile is one of appreciation for the members of the WDWD crew.

And...he is included in that group!

We are the Workday Wednesday crew of the OVGRS

We call Ottawa, Ontario, Canada our home!