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American Invasion
For years, the Ottawa Valley Garden Railway Society has hosted a series of operations sessions on a weekend in July.
It started in the late nineties, with Ken Brunt from Pennsylvania coming up to visit and operate on Fred Mills’ Ironwood Peter’s Pond and Western Railroad in mid-July
. While the IPP&W hosts regular operating sessions each weekend during the warmer weather, this has become an annual event that is now referred to as the American Invasion - as many of the visitors are coming from “South of the Border”.
I used his shed as a model for Mills Fuels.
Click on a picture to view a larger version and step through all of the pictures for that year.
Canada 2004
When I read about this on the forums, the 2004 session sounded like it had been a great time and I resolved to find out more about it. In September 2004, Jean and I visited Doug & Barb Matheson in Manotick. While there, we not only got a great tour of Ottawa, but we were also able to attend one of the regular weekend operating sessions on the IPP&W. This was the first time I had ever operated in any scale and I was hooked.
Since that time, we have made it a point to attend whenever possible!
September 7. Our visit gave us a chance to see the beginnings of Doug's layout and a live view of his gorgeous handiwork.
September 7. Jean also enjoyed the visit.
September 8. We got a great tour of Ottawa with Doug and his wife Barb. (Jean is in the middle.)
September 10. It was our first opportunity to enjoy an operation session on Fred Mill’s Ironwood Peter’s Pond and Western Railroad. Here Gordy and Doug prepare the switchlists for the coming operation session.
September 11. Fred and his crew from the Ottawa Valley Garden Railroad Society enjoy operating sessions every Saturday from May through September.
Trains start at either end of the railroad and switch cars along the way before terminating at the opposite end. Since there are a number of trains running, a dispatcher controls traffic. Two way radios are used for communications and to get permission to proceed to the next stop.
Two person crews are the norm. For this session, Doug was the conductor and I was the engineer. The conductor is responsible for making sure that cars are switched correctly, while the engineer “drives” the train. On the IPP&W, there is no track power; all the engines are powered with battery and use remote controllers to set speed and direction.
September 11. I really enjoyed operating a train.
American Invasion 2005
Our first official “American Invasion”. This event started about five or six years ago with a visit by Ken Brunt from Pennsylvania.
Since that time it has grown every year, and attracts a number of Americans.
July 15. It's great to see old friends and make new ones. That's Ken Brunt on the far right.
Here’s Ric Golding from Carlyle, Illinois. He and his wife Jan have made the trip a number of times. Ric also hosts an event twice a year at his own home.
This year, the IPP&W had some live steam operation as well. Tom Bowler from upstate New York was there. It helps to have radio control when operating steam on grades.
July 15. Every year, the crew adds some sort of improvement to the layout. To the left, my Shay and hopper pass the new facilities at Craig Leigh.
Doug works the yard at Craig Leigh.
Fred claims he doesn’t really care about the garden aspect of outdoor railroading, but to the right you can see that he has done some nice work on the appearance of the layout.
July 15. We also got a chance to run out to Dave McCurdy’s layout where he is recreating the D&RGW in his backyard. Lots of big rocks!
July 16. It’s not all railroad operations. There’s food and lots of socialization.
July 17. On our way home, we stop by Doug Matheson’s place for a look at his progress.
July 17. Doug's railroad is still under construction.
American Invasion 2006
This year was our second Invasion, but it’s been going on for over 5 years.
It starts with a “free run” session on Friday on Fred Mills’ IPP&W.
This is a chance to run your own train, but you’re on your own, as there is no dispatcher or switch lists.
July 13. Jean and I travel up early for a couple of nights in Ottawa.
We had great weather.
July 14. There's always something new on the IPP&W. This year there are some new building flats at Craig Leigh.
July 14. Here, Ken Brunt from Pennsylvania prepares his live steam Ruby, while Doug Mattheson from Ottawa offers advice.
I brought my 10-wheeler and some freight cars to run.
July 14. It's a free run day, so you can basically run whatever you like. No trains are scheduled.
July 14. They didn’t want us to go hungry, so they had plenty of food on hand. It was roasted over an open barbecue for about six or seven hours. Mike Steele did the cooking AND the preparations.
Everyone enjoyed watching double headed live steam Shays pull 17 hoppers around the railroad.
Frequent stops for water are a necessity.
Frequent stops for water are a necessity.
The live steam requires a lot of monitoring.
July 14. Fred enjoys doing some of the cooking.
It smelled delicious, and tasted even better.
July 15. On Saturday, Doug provided an operations briefing and a dedication of the new Post Office at Craig Leigh.
July 15. Visitors were presented a ceremonial envelope to mark the occasion.
Jean was the engineer, and I was the conductor for train #451, a through freight out of Craig Leigh, bound for Fir Grove.
Another long train.
American Invasion 2007
Out 3rd Invasion; we feel like we are regulars now.
We add an extra day to our trip to stop by Doug's layout befoe we visit the IPP&W.
July 19. This year we arrived early so we could run a bit on Doug’s Northland Railroad. I've brought my boxcab and a few cars to run.
Jan Golding ran her train. It’s complete with a female engineer and fireman.
It's not just running trains; there's time for socialization as well.
July 19. We also enjoy Barb's garden.
It's hard to find a restaurant that will seat this many as a group.
July 20. Friday is typically the start of the Invasion, but it only brought LOTS of rain.
January 20. The hoppers that Fred had set out the night before were completely filled with water.
Even though all of the cars are set up, it's just raining TOO MUCH to operate.
But it's dry inside, where it's time to socialize again.
July 20. Fred saved the day by quickly arranging a trip to the Canadian Transportation Museum, complete with a private tour.
Here Jean and Ken Brunt enjoy one of the exhibits.
Jean and me inside the museum.
July 20. The tour is over and so is the rain. Back to the railroad!
I got a chance to run my live steam Shay, while Jean watches.
July 20. I brought my log cars from Virginia.
July 21. Saturday is operations day! Ric Golding was yardmaster at Craig Leigh. Once again, there were some new buildings added to the layout since our last visit.
Doug gives the operations briefing.
Jean and I share a train. I’m the conductor, while she is the engineer. Here, Ralph Dipple watches her move the train.
July 21. The layout gets busy quickly.
My favorite engineer.
Some decorated cars commemorate this year’s Invasion.
July 21. The awning provides a gathering point and shelter from the sun.
In the afternoon we visit Dave McCurdy's RR to check on his progress.
My boxcab takes a siding to let Ric Golding’s motorcar pass.
July 21. Then it's back to the IPP&W for more trains.
More trains and more food too...
American Invasion 2008
This was the year of operations. I know, it’s always about operations, but this year we operated a LOT.
July 17. We arrived at the Northland Railroad (Doug Matheson's) on Thursday afternoon. It wasn't long until a discussion arose. Here, Ric, Gaetan, Peter, and Doug discuss something very monumental.
There's food and talk.
I did get a chance to run the drop bottom gondolas that I had made for Doug, along with the original built from a Don Winter kit. Doug has done a lot of work on his railroad since our last visit. It's always fun to see the changes and run my train around while we renewed old acquaintances.
July 17. Ric runs his train past mine waiting in the siding.
Through a bridge on the Northland Railroad.
There's more progress every year.
July 17. That evening we all sat down for some wine followed by a great barbecue. Gaetan had fun playing with the electric wine opener, though it did take him some time to master.
Another view of the garden. The Rideau river is nearby.
July 18. Friday dawned rather cloudy, but we were prepared for our first operating session. Ken and I helped to set out the cars in preparation for the session. All of the cars are stored in color coded trays to make it easier to place them in the correct location.
July 18. There's a lot to do to get the RR ready for an operating session. Here Gord and Fred set things up.
Gord Bellamy was preparing to run Nelson Yard. Bill Scobie and Doug discuss trains in the background.
Jean was engineer and I was the conductor for train 302/312. This is a way freight out of Fir Grove headed to Nelson Yard. 302 terminates there and changes to 312 for the run to Craig Leigh. Here we pull in to Nelson Yard, running light. We had some neat challenges, such as doing some local moves involving facing points Lots of fun!
July 18. Ken is working his train at the siding at Peter's Pond.
Lunch time!
After lunch, we headed over to Dave McCurdy's. Again, a lot has changed since we visited last year.
July 18. I got a chance to run my Mogul around the point to point layout. It's over 6 scale miles of track in 1:20...a bit more in 1:22!
These are some big rocks.
My motor car seems even smaller on this huge layout.
July 19. Saturday is the "traditional" day for operation and we were pleased to see clear skies and cooler temperatures. There was some time for a bit of chatting before we got going.
The operating crews were attentive to Doug's briefing before we got started. From left to right, (and excusing spelling!) that's Metin, Doug Hayes, Fred Mills, Ralph Dipple, Jan Golding, and Nicole Charette.
Roger operates with his live steam locomotive.
July 19. Once again, Jean and I ran train 302/312. We had some interesting match-ups as we all seemed to arrive at Ironwood Junction at the same time. Both Ken and Nicole are waiting for permission to move from the dispatcher.
After lunch, Ric talked our hosts into yet another operating session
We decided to stick with 302/312. I was pleasantly surprised to see how operations is different each time, even though we were running the same train. This time, it seemed it was busier at Spruce. Here, Jan had everyone pull into a siding so she could run the high priority private car on to it's destination. Meanwhile, Ken tries to finish some switching before he has to clear the main to let Jan's train go by.
July 19. Later, Jean and I took a thru freight, (455?) and had a totally different experience. Lots of fun running all the trains.
For supper, we had 4 different chili dishes, along with some venison and other goodies. What a great time!
The day finishes with more chatting!
American Invasion 2009
This is one of those events that just keeps getting better over the years. Perhaps it’s because we get to renew old acquaintances while making new ones. Or, maybe it’s the joy of operating on a great garden railroad.
July 16. We start with a Thursday afternoon session on Doug’s Northland Railroad. In addition to 25 yards of soil, Doug’s layout also sported a fancy new sign.
I run some of my stock across the steel bridge.
While it is currently “only” a basic loop, he has a grand vision in mind. For operation, the loop will be operated in a point to point fashion.
July 16. Stakes have been placed to indicated the path of a future logging line. To get to the lower level, there will be an 8 percent grade, so this line will operated by geared locomotives, such as the Shay. Ken and Roger study the layout.
A comparison of my upscaled 10 wheeler to a Bachmann Consolidation.
It was a time to renew old acquaintances and form new friendships. Here Don Howard, Terry Foley, Gaetan Charette and Fred Mills discuss the latest in operations. Terry came from England to visit the railroad and participate in the events of the weekend.
July 16. Ig (Terry's "pet") and Fred Mills relax.
After running trains on Doug’s layout, we all gathered for another great barbeque at his patio overlooking the river. It was the start of another great Invasion.
Fred, Barb, and Gordy.
July 16. Terry, Nicole, and Ig.
Ig takes a nap.
July 17. Operations was expanded this year from previous sessions. Friday, we started with standard gauge operations on the IPP&W. This meant that we used more modern rolling stock, and most of the trains were powered by diesel engines.
July 17. A nice sunny day.
Almost ready for the crew briefing.
Ric Golding typically assumes the yardmaster duties at Craig Leigh and this year was no exception. Somehow he manages to not only perform this task but is also often seen at the grill helping to cook the food, along with his wife Jan.
July 17. Even though it's a "modern" operation, we still allow live steam.
As usual, Jean is the engineer, while I act as the conductor. What this means is that Jean operates the train, controlling speed and direction. I take care of throwing the switches and uncoupling the cars.
Ken with his train in Spruce. Some operations are fairly simple when you just drop off a car. Others require that the engine “run around” the train to move a car on a facing point switch. Here, he's meeting another train and it has taken the siding while waiting for him to clear the main.
July 17. Terry and Gaetan with their train. All in all it’s great fun and often quite challenging to figure out how you’re going to switch a particular siding, while keeping the main line clear.
There are lots of trains to choose from. You might choose a through freight that travels from one end of the layout to the other, with very limited switching in between.
We held two operating session that day, each lasting over two hours. Somehow we managed to squeeze in a meal and a few beers in between the sessions.
July 17. Jean and I ran way freights, as there is a lot more switching on them and I really enjoy doing that.
July 18. Saturday was a day for narrow gauge operations, and we got the "traditional" group photo.
It does get rather crowded. In this shot, our train is running light out of Nelson Yard so we were able to sneak in behind John's live steam train for a meet at Mercer with Ken and Don's train.
July 17. There's always plenty to eat and drink.
It does get a bit cooler towards late afternoon.
American Invasion 2010
This year we went up early to run and work on Doug Matheson’s Northland Railroad.
July 14. We started with dinner at Doug's house. Here Jean and Gaetan relax before dinner.
Barb and her dog.
July 15. There's progress every year, and the entrance to Doug’s garden railroad is very inviting.
July 15. We got an opportunity to work on the raised loop section. Here Doug performs some work on the switch.
My new parlor car in front of Doug's station.
Along with my new Mikado.
July 15. It turned into a rather large gathering and Doug provided a great barbecue. Here the crew relaxes in the garden prior to dinner. Left to right: Lela, Jean, Fred, Stu, Jim, and Sue.
July 16. Then it's over to the IPP&W. This year, you can use this switch stand to throw the model switch.
July 16. The crew gathers.
Ironwood Junction is across the aisle; Spruce is in the foreground. Brad is hidden in the dispatcher shed...
At this point, Nelson Yard is empty. Nelson Yard is new this year and it's a fun place to work.
July 16. Gaètan switches his freight. In the background you can see the hole in the fence cut to extend the yard lead at Rat Portage.
The new diamond, protected by clamps.
Ken and Chris down by Peter's Pond.
July 16. There's always time for a break.
Jean acts as the engineer while I am the conductor. Here we're switching Spruce...
Jan Golding poses with her engine (the Bachmann Industrial Mogul) next to my parlor car in Craig Leigh.
July 16. A view of the parlor car.
After a great dinner, Mike Smithson brought over his scratchbuilt locomotive. He's been working on it for 7 years and it is unbelievable.
Ric Golding seemed to do most of the grilling...
July 17. Saturday morning and the crew prepares for narrow gauge operations.
My engineer.
Some rain comes and we temporarily halt operations.
July 17. Taking some shelter from the rain.
Operation resumes when the rain stops.
Busy at Nelson Yard.
July 17. At the end of a busy operations session there is always good food and a good time.
American Invasion 2012
This year we decided to spend a few days in Quebec City before the Invasion, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
We got to Doug’s place early afternoon on Thursday and set to running a few trains.
July 16. We spend a night in upstate New York, before heading up to Quebec.
It's fun to just walk around the little town.
July 17. It's raining in Quebec City, but we don't let it dampen our fun.
July 17. Somewhere in Quebec City.
July 18. The rain is gone.
July 18. A sunny day in Quebec City.
From inside an old fort.
July 19. Soon, it's time to leave and head to Ottawa.
July 19. We get to Doug's place. There are new improvements every year.
Jean, Nicole and Martha catch up on events.
I brought an RS-3 to act as my “visiting” locomotive.
July 19. The crowd gets bigger each year.
July 20. Friday morning we head over to Dave McCurdy’s huge layout.
I brought my 10-wheeler and my parlor car.
July 20. There's a lot of layout to run on.
My big car looks small on this layout.
Dave uses the turntable to turn my parlor car.
July 20.
That afternoon, it’s over to Fred’s IPP&W.
The turntable at Fir Grove.
July 20. We get to do a little bit of switching.
July 21. Saturday morning, and it’s time to set out the narrow gauge cars.
Once again, Jean acts as the engineer; I’m the conductor.
July 21. A look at Nelson Yard.
Bob and I take out the next train.
Ric's boxcar makes it around in the afternoon.
July 21. The end of another great day.
American Invasion 2013
This year’s Invasion started a bit differently. Instead of going to Doug’s we find ourselves starting at Fred’s on Thursday afternoon, and we also operate there on Friday and Saturday.
Sunday morning we head over to Doug to operate on his Northland Railroad. That afternoon we headed south to the Finger Lake Live Steamers in New York for a couple of days.
July 18. We arrive too late to operate, but not too late to socialize.
The future site of the sludge works, right next to Peter's Pond.
July 19. Friday started off looking nice though quite warm for Canada.
July 19. Jean and I take out a train.
Pretty soon the heat drives everyone into the shade.
Peter's Pond has been changed a lot this year.
July 19. Gary and I stage a meet with the passenger train.
The skies darken and the rain begins.
The rain finds us seeking shelter.
The rain finds us seeking shelter.
After the storm, there's some clean up to do.
July 19. We thought it was done, but the rain returns and we call it quits for operations.
July 20. The next day is a lot nicer. I have set up my Shay to hold different couplers so that it can be operated on many layouts.
My trusty engineer, Jean and Ric Golding. Our train approaches Iron Wood.
January 20. It's so much nicer than yesterday!
The siding at Peter's Pond has filled up.
July 21. My Hotel Rossean building flat has been installed on Doug's Northland Railroad.
July 21. A lot of work has been done on the garden.
The shady path is inviting.
Meanwhile, there’s a bit of discussion at the port end of the railroad.
July 21. My RS-3 gets put to work placing cars.
I operate the passenger train.
Doug likes to run long trains.
July 21. My train heads down the steep hill to the quarry.
But lunch ends the operating session.
Barb has a great looking garden!
July 21. That afternoon, we head to the Finger Lakes Live Steamers for some more trains.
These trains are a big enough to ride on.
There's a lot of track to ride on.
July 22. The next day, we pass this sunflower field on the way to the track.
Ken and Jan get ready for the passenger train operations.
Operations are VERY different as we are simulating a passenger terminal. It gets quite hectic switching the passenger cars.
July 22. Some big live steam.
Ken and Jean get ready for a ride.
The yard is full of passenger cars.
American Invasion 2014
This year’s Invasion starts in Belleview Canada.
Next we head to Ottawa to run on Fred Mills' IPP&W on Friday and Saturday and over to Doug Matheson's on Sunday morning.
Jean has back surgery scheduled for the following Thursday, so we leave Canada on Sunday and head home.
July 16. We drive to Belleview and spend the night there.
July 17. Thursday morning, Barry gave us a tour of the railroad before we started operating. It's quite a bit different from Fred's, as there is no dispatcher; but, no wrecks so everything worked out.
It's quite the impressive layout - even more so considering that it was built in one year!
We're waiting for everyone to listen up...
It's quite the impressive layout - even more so considering that it was built in one year!
We're waiting for everyone to listen up...
And the tour begins... The town of Boyce is off to the right.
July 17. Then it's down to Cora's Corners. There's a wye here that is used to turn locomotives from either end of the railroad. Quite clever.
From West Ben, you can take some steps over to Cumberland.
Here's a look at Cumberland.
July 17. The line goes up and around the pool to the right. Here we have HAYES FUELS and TATTERS ALL WAREHOUSE. TRISTA CENTER is up at the side of the house.
Then it's down to Kamaron City.
From there, through the tunnel with a waterfall over it.
After that, there's a small peninsula housing PICTON INDUSTRIES
Barry shows us the town of BELLEVILLE.
I brought my little 25 Ton Boxcab up to run and it did very well.
We started with Train #11, Boyce to Belleville. Barry prepared switch lists for all of the runs.
We started with Train #11, Boyce to Belleville. Barry prepared switch lists for all of the runs.
July 17. Here we are ready to leave BOYCE. Paul and Doug watch us depart, while Ric and Jan wait for us to leave.
Leaving WEST BEN we cross the bridge over to CUMBERLAND.
There's a bit of work to do in CUMBERLAND. It was a sunny day and the umbrellas were much appreciated.
July 17. Over at HAYES FUEL we meet John and Stu and wait for them to finish switching before we move in.
After we completed our run to BELLEVILLE, we took Train #12 BELLEVILLE to TRISTA CENTRE.
July 17. Train #12 approaching the tunnel to KAMARON CITY.
Ric was apparently available for autographs.
Even Ken showed up a bit later in the day, to be greeted by Johnny Chuff Chuff.
July 18. Day 2 was back at Fred's place on Friday morning.
The crew begins to assemble.
The crew begins to assemble.
Colin delivers the safety briefing. (It must have worked, no locomotives were harmed.)
I HAVE to go visit the building I made for the IPP&W. Fred has hooked it up to a water supply and it looks pretty neat. Plus, no leaks!
July 18. Jean and I are taking out Train #302 which goes from Ralph to Nelson Yard.
Bill is the yardmaster in Ralph and makes up our train. (Friday is "standard" gauge operations, but I decide to use my NG switcher. After all, it is really modeled after a 25 Ton SG locomotive.)
One of our stops is at Peter's Pond, and it's quite crowded, but we keep the main clear.
July 18. We back up the spur with the tank car to drop. But, first we must open the gate. That's my Sludgeworks in the background.
The tank car is delivered to the Sludgeworks.
As we try to get the cars back in their original places we meet an opposing train coming through Peter's Pond.
July 18. Once it has passed, we can put our train back together and proceed to our next stop.
Our next train is #312 and goes from Nelson Yard to Craig Leigh - Douglas Yard.
Leaving Nelson Yard, our first job is to switch the Block House.
July 18. There's also work in Spruce, but at least there's an umbrella to help keep things cool.
Two of the sidings in Spruce require some work to get to...
But at least there's a passing track that allows for easy run around.
July 18. While Jean takes a break, Bob and I team up to take a train. We use his locomotive; it looks nicely weathered here as we prepare to leave Glen Hammond.
Meanwhile, Jane acts as a dispatcher for the railroad.
Bob runs after the train, with Bell in the background.
July 18. When the runs are done, it's just a great time to sit around and socialize. Here, Fred talks to Jane and Jan while Andy and Ric come up between Cedarrock and Spruce.
July 19. Day 3, or Saturday, was for narrow gauge operations.
Once again, we start with the crew briefing.
Once again, we start with the crew briefing.
July 19. Jean and I take a train out of Glen Hammond. (I forgot to take a picture of the switchlist...)
We get to Peter's Pond again, but headed a different direction this time.
We first have to spot some cars at the Cedarock team track.
July 19. The gates must be respected!
Bell has become a lot tougher to switch over the years. That single track with all of the cars on it is called Stuart Yard. It was full when we got there.
I'm sure somebody will post the "official" group picture sometime, but here we are just a bit before that was taken.
July 19. Once again, Bob and I team up for a train after lunch. This time it's the ore train. Since I still have my 25 Ton critter out, I decide to use it.
It's pretty easy at the beginning with just a few empties.
It's pretty easy at the beginning with just a few empties.
Although not everyone seems excited about it.
Once we start exchanging the empties for loads, it starts to get a bit more interesting. Our train crosses the diamond as it approaches Nelson Yard.
July 19. Gord gives us a few more loads at Nelson Yard.
Rounding the bend as we approach the blockhouse...
14 cars, no restless riders. 1 conductor and we ain't carrying any mail...(We were supposed to have 15 cars, but the coupler broke on one of them.)
July 19. It still fits in the siding at Spruce as we meet another train.
Before we arrived at Spruce, we discovered that the little loco couldn't handle the grade, so Bob brought out a helper engine.
Here we are passing through St. Helens.
Here we are passing through St. Helens.
Leaving Douglas yard with empties poses no problems. (Of course it IS downhill)
July 20. Day 4, Sunday. We visit Doug's Northland Railroad in Manitick.
His garden just gets more lush every year!
His garden just gets more lush every year!
Paul Norton and Jean enjoy the panorama.
Way down at the other end, Ken and Grant wait to take out their train.
July 20. Looking back towards the entrance...
Doug completed his car float over the winter.
Andy and I are going to team up to take out a long train, while Fred will observe.
July 20. There's 18 cars in the train, and it's heavy pulling, but Andy's diesel isn't bothered by the grade.
Passing the station at Rosseau.
We didn't need a helper for the grade, but it sure is nice to have for the switching here, so I bring out my RS-3.
July 20. We finally make it down to Crown Point, while Doug looks on.
Here we pick up another train and head out.
Switching Sequin Falls.
American Invasion 2015
This year we're only doing the Ottawa session. It starts with standard gauge operations on Friday morning and is followed by narrow gauge operations on Saturday. On Sunday, we head over to Doug's for another standard gauge operations.
July 17. Of course, there's a lot of socializing before you start a session. Here Jan and Jean catch up while Gary looks on.
Before we started, we had the traditional group photo. Here's my view of the occasion. We gathered in a corner by the town of Bell.
Jean and I started with Train 302. It starts in Firgrove, then Bell Junction, Peter's Pond and ends up in Nelson Yard.
July 17. Jean is the engineer and takes the train through Bell. I brought the RS-3 up just for the Standard gauge operations. To the right of Jean is Glen Hammond, then far right is Nelson Yard.
Next, we ran up to Peter's Pond. Here we helped the train ahead of us do a bit of switching; it's a lot easier when there's a locomotive on either side of the cars.
Peter's Pond is the home of Norton's Fishery (complete with a giant fish), as well as a number of industries that are only reached by a single track that goes up to the left. There's no runaround up top, so you want to plan your moves ahead of time.
July 17. One of our destinations from Peter's Pond, was my infamous Sludgeworks...
After we left there, it was on to Nelson Yard where we became Train 312. The train leaves Nelson Yard headed to Block House, Spruce, Ironwood, St. Helens, and finally ending up in Craig Leigh.
Here, Train 312 is switching Block House.
July 17. While we were switching Spruce, Fred had to perform some emergency repair on a switch in Ironwood.
Later on, I helped Ken and Hank work in Nelson Yard.
I let Jean have the camera while I took out some other trains...
July 17. It was sure fun seeing old friends again...
Here, Doug talks with Nicole. Behind Doug is Gaetan (almost hidden), Fred, Ric, and Jan.
Here, Doug talks with Nicole. Behind Doug is Gaetan (almost hidden), Fred, Ric, and Jan.
Plenty of time to socialize between trains...
L-R: Barry, Paul, Leila, Nicole, Ed, Diane...and somebody's knees...
L-R: Barry, Paul, Leila, Nicole, Ed, Diane...and somebody's knees...
Doug ran dispatch for some of my trains. Ric also had a turn...
July 17. It got a bit wet on the last run, but I was able to finish the train before everything got put away. (This was Train 68 out of Nelson Yard)
It was a tad cooler up there... Here, it's down to just Ken and Gary.
July 18. Saturday was a bit warmer. Also, time for Narrow gauge operations. I brought my Shay for this one.
July 18. Switching Ironwood.
Terry showed up with Ig.
Later, Jean and I took out the ore train. It starts in Firgrove, picking up all the empty ore cars on the way, and ending up in Craig Leah, with 15 cars. There, it gets the loads and reverses the process.
July 18. A good view of part of the railroad: Jean rests at the top of Peter's Pond. The ore train is making its way up to Spruce. Leila and Chris are switching Ironwood. Way in the back, Stu sits near Mt St Helens.
The ore train passes through Ironwood.
The ore train picks up the last 5 empties and starts to back up to get the caboose in Ironwood.
July 18. In Craig Leigh. Jean prepares to depart. Ken was the yardmaster.
At the end of the day, John, Fred, and Ken relax.
July 19. On Sunday, Jean and I headed over to Doug and Barb for a bit of standard gauge operations. Jean always has to check out Barb's beautiful flowers.
July 19. Paul and I took Train #211. It was 16 cars long and I used my RS-3 as a helper.
And so ends the Invasion...until next year!
American Invasion 2016
We drive up Thursday and start with narrow gauge operations on Friday morning. Next we do standard gauge operations on Saturday. On Sunday, we head over to Doug's for another standard gauge operations. Sunday afternoon is spent driving down to visit the Finger Lakes Live Steamers. On Monday they have #1 gauge operations and ride on in two different scales.
July 15. Another great visit! 2016 marks the 12th year we've operated on the IPP&W. An even dozen visits - and it is always a great time. This year we drove up on Thursday and headed over to Fred's on Friday morning for a narrow gauge operating session.
Ready for some operations!
Ready for some operations!
I check out my "Sludgeworks" and it seems to be doing just great.
Jean and I take a walk around the layout to check everything out. Here Jean has Cedar Rock on her right, and Spruce on her left. You can just barely see the new station in Spruce (lower left).
July 15. The first thing to do is to get the car trays out of the shed and start distributing the cars. Nelson Yard is in the center of the picture, with Bell in the background against the fence.
The new signals are in place and they ended up working out VERY well. These signals protect the "diamond" a place where tracks cross over each other.
Once the cars are in place, it's time to choose a train - there's a signup list and a clipboard for each train.
July 15. Jean and I took out train #301 to start (we ran about 4 or 5 total that Friday). #301 starts in Craig Leigh and terminates in Nelson Yard.
Craig Leigh is busy this morning. That's Ken and Mike in the middle, by the shed.
Our first stop is at St. Helens, and we only have one setout.
July 15. Then it's on to Ironwood.
Eventually we get to Nelson Yard - it's a busy place as well.
We get a new train. One of our stops is in Bell. It's a 3 way meet, but there is room for our train...as Steve and Seanna look on.
July 15. Once the other trains leave, we're able to complete our switching.
Eventually we get to Douglas Yard in Fir Grove.
Unfortunately my Shay broke and I had to run the next train with my RS-3.
July 15. After we run a few trains, there's time to relax and socialize.
Since the crew was still hungry, we decided to have dinner at Montana's steakhouse.
July 16. Saturday was standard gauge operations. As always, there's a bit of setup to do. Here, Jim prepares to take his locomotives out of Craig Leigh.
July 16. One of our trains today is #318 - going from Glen Hammond to Craig Leigh.
There's a bit of work to do in Glen Hammond before we can proceed.
After we switch Block House, we head up the grade to Spruce.
July 16. We take the siding while Seanna's train passes.
Once her train clears we can do our switching in Spruce.
We have to wait until Ironwood is clear before we can proceed. Mike photographs the progress while Nicole looks on.
July 16. Once they leave, we get clearance to Ironwood and start our own switching.
Then it's on to St. Helens for some more switching before we terminate the train in Craig Leigh.
In between trains, Ric gets a chance to show me his plans for his ride on live steamer. It looks to be quite the project.
July 16. Later, Jean and I take out the passenger train (#1/#2) - it runs the length of the railroad in both directions.
Here's the train coming into Peter's Pond. We stop for 1-2 minutes at each passenger station on the layout.
The passenger train terminates in Craig Leigh, then turns and goes out in the opposite direction.
July 16. This is the train coming to the station in Ironwood. Next, it was time for a casual dinner at "Local Heroes", a sports bar.
July 17. On Sunday we head south a bit to operate on Doug's Northland Railway. (Ken, Gaetan, John, and Doug)
The railroad is definitely a GARDEN railroad.
July 17. Trains are set out for later switching operations.
Doug has cleared the front of his house and replanted flowers.
He's also built a new garden area, closer to the river.
July 17. The back of the house still looks great.
I'm taking train #211. There's a bit to learn.
And quite a bit of work to be done.
July 17. Page 2 of the switch list.
First, I get the cars off of the car float.
Moving along...
July 17. It's VERY lush...
Headed up the grade towards Rosseau...
It's a long stretch of bridges...
July 17. Going by the station. It was built in 2004 and still looks great!
My RS-3 stops working, but I get another locomotive and continue my run.
Putting everything away means all of the cars go into storage sheds. It's easier to run them along the track rather than carry them. After a great lunch we say good bye and drive down to New York.
July 18. On Monday we visit the Finger Lakes Live Steamers. They have a #1 gauge track, and two ride on tracks: 1" scale, and 1 1/2" scale. We get a ride on Ric & Jan's 1 1/2" scale railbus.
Jean goes first with Jan driving.
Then, they decide to trust me and I get to drive around the loop. I snap some pictures along the way...
July 18. There's always something new being built...
Later, Jean finds a juvenile Cedar Waxwing in the bushes...
It wasn't sunny all day. Rain interrupted the operations several times, but shelter is nearby.
July 18. After one of the storms, Jean and I operate on the #1 gauge using Car Cards.
Ken and I head out on the 1" gauge...and I get to be engineer.
It's pretty much just follow the track as the switches are set for the correct direction. They're sprung, so you can easily go through them in the opposite direction.
July 18. Our destination is the interchange. Here they have set up an Inglenook siding switching problem.
The object of the Inglenook Sidings shunting puzzle is fairly simple, the order for the crew being: "Form a departing train consisting of 5 out of the 8 cars sitting on the sidings".
There's 8 car cards in a bin nearby. You randomly draw 5 cards and must build the train in the order the cards are drawn. Naturally, it's different each time.
The object of the Inglenook Sidings shunting puzzle is fairly simple, the order for the crew being: "Form a departing train consisting of 5 out of the 8 cars sitting on the sidings".
There's 8 car cards in a bin nearby. You randomly draw 5 cards and must build the train in the order the cards are drawn. Naturally, it's different each time.
This time, I'm the engineer and Ken is the conductor. These trains don't stop as quickly as the smaller scales!
It's a lot of fun as it requires one to think ahead a bit. It's very different operating in the ride on scale as you REALLY have to take momentum into account.
July 18. After we complete the puzzle, Roger took us over to a new section of the "layout". They plan on more operations in the future.
Then Ken asked if I wanted to do the puzzle again and I enthusiastically agreed. This time, Ken was the engineer.
This time it's very different from the first, but we manage to complete it fairly quickly.
I really enjoyed it and look forward to more operations in the ride on scale!
I really enjoyed it and look forward to more operations in the ride on scale!
July 18. On the way back to the motel, we drive by the gorgeous fields of sunflowers.
It was sure a great four days of operations!
It was sure a great four days of operations!