Saturday, December 27, 2008
Annual Visit to Larkspur Lines
Fred, Ron and I braved the ice covered highway to visit Merrickville to do our annual visit to the hobby store for the post Christmas sale. After, we returned through Smith Falls and visited the CP station to see prototypes at work. Then again back to Ottawa where we and the wives and family sat down to a fun evening of food and drink. Photos to follow tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Jan to May 09 Schedule
January 9th
Layout: Shadetree & Nepean
Host: Don Leger
Date and time: January 9 starting at 8 pm
By invitation 8 people maximum
Email dgleger@rogers.com to confirm your intent
January 16th
Layout: Vancouver Island Logging
Host: Jim McSherry
Date and Time: 16 Jan 09 19:30 - 23:00
By Invitation: 10
Call 613-745-2287 or email j10000q-jimfng@yahoo.ca to confirm your intent.
January 23rd
Layout: Boston and Maine
Host: Mike Hamer
Date and Time: 23 Jan 09 20:00-23:30
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-526-1988 or e-mail cf580@ncf.ca confirm your intent
January 30th
Layout: OLOR
Host: Bill Meek
Date and time: January 30 starting at 8 pm
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-521-3234 or e-mail wmeek@ca.ibm.comTo confirm your intent
February 6th
Layout: Clearwater Valley Railway Co.
Host: Ron Newby
Date: 6 Feb 09 20:00By Invitation: 8 operators max.
oapsry@magma.caTo confirm your intent
February 13th
The Canada Southern
Host: John Mitchell
Date: 13 Feb 09 8pm to midnight
By Invitation 10
613-521-3059 email to: mitchel2@rogers.com
February 20th
Layout: CPR/B&M Connecticut River Line
Host: Dave Primeau
Dates: 20 Feb 09 1930-2300
Open 7 (First come, first served)
Call 613-837-1188 or e-mail david.primeau@sympatico.ca to confirm
February 27th
Layout: Boston and Maine
Host: Mike Hamer
Date and Time: 27 Feb 09 20:00-23:30
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-526-1988 or e-mail cw580@ncf.cato confirm your intent
March 6th
The Canada Southern
Host: John Mitchell
Date: 06 Mar 09 8pm to midnight
By Invitation 10
613-521-3059
email to mitchel2@rogers.com
March 13th
Layout: Shadetree & Nepean
Host: Don Leger
Date and time: March 13 starting at 8 pm
By invitation 8 people maximum
email dgleger@rogers.com to confirm your intent
March 21st
Layout: Vancouver Island Logging
Host: Jim McSherry
Date and Time: 21 March 09 19:30 - 23:00
By Invitation: 10,
Call 613-745-2287 or email j10000q-jimfng@yahoo.cato confirm your intent.
March 27th
Layout: OLOR
Host: Bill Meek
Date and time: March 27 starting at 8 pm
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-521-3234 or e-mail wmeek@ca.ibm.comto confirm your intent
April 3rd
Layout: Boston and Maine
Host: Mike Hamer
Date and Time: 03 Apr 09 20:00-23:30
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-526-1988 or e-mail cw580@ncf.cato confirm your intent
April 10th
Layout: Clearwater Valley Railway Co.
Host: Ron Newby
Date: 10 Apr 20:00
By Invitation: 8 operators max
email oapsry@magma.ca to confirm your intent
April 17th
The Canada Southern
Host: John Mitchell
Date: 17 Apr 09 8pm to midnight
By Invitation 10
613-521-3059
email mitchel2@rogers.com
April 24th
Layout: Shadetree & Nepean
Host: Don Leger
Date and time: April 24 starting at 8pm
By invitation 8 people maximum
Email intent dgleger@rogers.comto confirm your intent
May 1st
Layout: Vancouver Island Logging
Host: Jim McSherry
Date and Time: 01 May 09 19:30 - 23:00
By Invitation: 10:
Call 613-745-2287 or email j10000q-jimfng@yahoo.cato confirm your intent
May 8th
Layout: OLOR
Host: Bill Meek
Date and time: May 8 starting at 8 pm
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-521-3234 or e-mail wmeek@ca.ibm.comto confirm your intent.
Layout: Shadetree & Nepean
Host: Don Leger
Date and time: January 9 starting at 8 pm
By invitation 8 people maximum
Email dgleger@rogers.com to confirm your intent
January 16th
Layout: Vancouver Island Logging
Host: Jim McSherry
Date and Time: 16 Jan 09 19:30 - 23:00
By Invitation: 10
Call 613-745-2287 or email j10000q-jimfng@yahoo.ca to confirm your intent.
January 23rd
Layout: Boston and Maine
Host: Mike Hamer
Date and Time: 23 Jan 09 20:00-23:30
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-526-1988 or e-mail cf580@ncf.ca confirm your intent
January 30th
Layout: OLOR
Host: Bill Meek
Date and time: January 30 starting at 8 pm
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-521-3234 or e-mail wmeek@ca.ibm.comTo confirm your intent
February 6th
Layout: Clearwater Valley Railway Co.
Host: Ron Newby
Date: 6 Feb 09 20:00By Invitation: 8 operators max.
oapsry@magma.caTo confirm your intent
February 13th
The Canada Southern
Host: John Mitchell
Date: 13 Feb 09 8pm to midnight
By Invitation 10
613-521-3059 email to: mitchel2@rogers.com
February 20th
Layout: CPR/B&M Connecticut River Line
Host: Dave Primeau
Dates: 20 Feb 09 1930-2300
Open 7 (First come, first served)
Call 613-837-1188 or e-mail david.primeau@sympatico.ca to confirm
February 27th
Layout: Boston and Maine
Host: Mike Hamer
Date and Time: 27 Feb 09 20:00-23:30
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-526-1988 or e-mail cw580@ncf.cato confirm your intent
March 6th
The Canada Southern
Host: John Mitchell
Date: 06 Mar 09 8pm to midnight
By Invitation 10
613-521-3059
email to mitchel2@rogers.com
March 13th
Layout: Shadetree & Nepean
Host: Don Leger
Date and time: March 13 starting at 8 pm
By invitation 8 people maximum
email dgleger@rogers.com to confirm your intent
March 21st
Layout: Vancouver Island Logging
Host: Jim McSherry
Date and Time: 21 March 09 19:30 - 23:00
By Invitation: 10,
Call 613-745-2287 or email j10000q-jimfng@yahoo.cato confirm your intent.
March 27th
Layout: OLOR
Host: Bill Meek
Date and time: March 27 starting at 8 pm
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-521-3234 or e-mail wmeek@ca.ibm.comto confirm your intent
April 3rd
Layout: Boston and Maine
Host: Mike Hamer
Date and Time: 03 Apr 09 20:00-23:30
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-526-1988 or e-mail cw580@ncf.cato confirm your intent
April 10th
Layout: Clearwater Valley Railway Co.
Host: Ron Newby
Date: 10 Apr 20:00
By Invitation: 8 operators max
email oapsry@magma.ca to confirm your intent
April 17th
The Canada Southern
Host: John Mitchell
Date: 17 Apr 09 8pm to midnight
By Invitation 10
613-521-3059
email mitchel2@rogers.com
April 24th
Layout: Shadetree & Nepean
Host: Don Leger
Date and time: April 24 starting at 8pm
By invitation 8 people maximum
Email intent dgleger@rogers.comto confirm your intent
May 1st
Layout: Vancouver Island Logging
Host: Jim McSherry
Date and Time: 01 May 09 19:30 - 23:00
By Invitation: 10:
Call 613-745-2287 or email j10000q-jimfng@yahoo.cato confirm your intent
May 8th
Layout: OLOR
Host: Bill Meek
Date and time: May 8 starting at 8 pm
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-521-3234 or e-mail wmeek@ca.ibm.comto confirm your intent.
2008.... A success
The LVN was host to the FNGers 12 December 08. We had fun doing the Switcherama...a concept to promote short train orders with crews using a 4 axle unit and van. Here are some of the action shots.
Well this fall has sure been great. There was a layout booked for every Friday night and we are booked solid to the end of May 09. Folks have reported a good time was had by all. In many cases there were double sessions with slide nights and layout building. Thanks again to all the hosts.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Into the Hills
Nine of those longest part of the FNG were out on the 7th at Jim McSherry's Vancouver Island Logging layout. For those who hadn't been over for a while, the biggest changes were the developing scenery. This is the view across the Victoria/Nanaimo yard to the log dump (in the foreground) and the hills behind Bright mine.
Here Mr Hamer is taking additional pictures; I hope they turn out, because my attention was quickly diverted attending to various glitches that showed up after the long period of inactivity. As a result my list is short. Rick is in the background, perhaps checking out traffic at the Victoria Lumber yard.
Stanley is keeping an eye on Dave, who hasn't operated Ladysmith, as he switches cars in and out of the wharf area.
Stanley, Mike and Gerry are working on a train, while John chats with Mike M.
And here he is.
Dave and Bill were presented a real challenge, when Mike and Gerry brought in a very long train.
The most recent work has been building the spline roadbed from the mid level - 6" above the 50" mainline - to the log loading area at 64". Track laying will resume once a couple of double slip switches have been made and installed.
Here you see Gerry making up a train. The lighting is angled towards the layout, so you may find it a bit difficult to see how much concentration he is applying to his efforts.
Here Mr Hamer is taking additional pictures; I hope they turn out, because my attention was quickly diverted attending to various glitches that showed up after the long period of inactivity. As a result my list is short. Rick is in the background, perhaps checking out traffic at the Victoria Lumber yard.
Stanley is keeping an eye on Dave, who hasn't operated Ladysmith, as he switches cars in and out of the wharf area.
Stanley, Mike and Gerry are working on a train, while John chats with Mike M.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Friday Night Group (FNGers) Schedule 2008-09
Fellow FNGers. This is the schedule for this year. It is a working document so any changes from the host can be directed to me by email cnlyon@sympatico.ca .
At present you will see single sessions. However, there are so many members of the FNGers that double sessions can appear. This will allow more folks to get involved. Sessions can be by invitation or open as noted by each host. It is the host's responsibility to notify the invitees. Invitees are encouraged to notify the host of their intent as soon as possible so they can ensure maximum participation. Open sessions must be confirmed by those interested in coming as space is limited and is on first come first serve basis.
I encourage those FNGers without layouts to host work sessions or slide nights.
November 7th
Layout: Vancouver Island Logging
Host: Jim McSherry
Date and Time: 07 Nov 08 19:30 - 23:00
By Invitation: 10, open: 0
Call 613-745-2287 or email j10000q-jimfng@yahoo.ca
to confirm your intent.
November 14th
Boston and Maine
Host Mike Hamer
Date and Time: 14 Nov 08 20:00-23:30
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-526-1988 or e-mail cw580@ncf.ca
to confirm your intent
November 21st
Lyon Valley Northern
Host: Chris Lyon
Date: 21 Nov 08 19:30 -23:00
Open: 10 (First Come First Serve)
Call 613-837-8522 or email cnlyon@sympatico.ca
to confirm your intent
November 28th
Palmerston CN (work Night)
Host: Fred Adams
Date: 29 November 0800 to midnight
By Invitation 4
fmadams@rogers.com to confirm attendance
December 5th
The Canada Southern
Host: John Mitchell
Date: 05 Dec 08 8pm to midnight
By Invitation 10
613-521-3059
mitchel2@rogers.com
December 12th
Lyon Valley Northern
Host: Chris Lyon
Date: 21 Nov 08 19:30 -23:00
Open: 10 (by invitation)
Call to confirm intent 613-837-8522 or email cnlyon@sympatico.ca
December 19th
Clearwater Valley Railway Co.
Host: Ron Newby
Dates: 19 Dec 08 20:00 - 23:00
By Invitation: 8
oapsry@magma.ca
January 9th
Layout: Shadetree & Nepean
Host: Don Leger
Date and time: January 9 starting at 8 pm
By invitation 8 people maximum
dgleger@rogers.com to confirm your intent
January 16th
Layout: Vancouver Island Logging
Host: Jim McSherry
Date and Time: 16 Jan 09 19:30 - 23:00
By Invitation: 10, open: 0
Call 613-745-2287 or email j10000q-jimfng@yahoo.ca
to confirm your intent.
January 23rd
Layout: Boston and Maine
Host: Mike Hamer
Date and Time: 23 Jan 09 20:00-23:30
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-526-1988 or e-mail http://www.blogger.com/ to confirm your intent
January 30th
Layout: OLOR
Host: Bill Meek
Date and time: January 30 starting at 8 pm
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-521-3234 or e-mail wmeek@ca.ibm.com
To confirm your intent
February 6th
Layout: Clearwater Valley Railway Co.
Host: Ron NewbyDate: 6 Feb 09 20:00
By Invitation: 8 operators max.
oapsry@magma.ca
To confirm your intent
February 13th
The Canada Southern
Host: John Mitchell
Date: 013 Feb 09 8pm to midnight
By Invitation 10
613-521-3059
mitchel2@rogers.com
February 20th
Layout: CPR/B&M Connecticut River Line
Host: Dave Primeau
Dates: 20 Feb 09 1930-2300
Open 7 (First come, first served)
Call 613-837-1188 or e-mail david.primeau@sympatico.ca to confirm
February 27th
Layout: Boston and Maine
Host: Mike Hamer
Date and Time: 27 Feb 09 20:00-23:30
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-526-1988 or e-mail cw580@ncf.ca
to confirm your intent
March 6th
Host: John Mitchell
Date: 06 Mar 09 8pm to midnight
By Invitation 10
613-521-3059
mitchel2@rogers.com
March 13th
Layout: Shadetree & Nepean
Host: Don Leger
Date and time: March 13 starting at 8 pm
By invitation 8 people maximum
dgleger@rogers.com to confirm your intent
March 21st
Layout: Vancouver Island Logging
Host: Jim McSherry
Date and Time: 21 March 09 19:30 - 23:00
By Invitation: 10, open: 0
Call 613-745-2287 or email j10000q-jimfng@yahoo.ca
to confirm your intent.
March 27th
Layout: OLOR
Host: Bill Meek
Date and time: March 27 starting at 8 pm By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-521-3234 or e-mail wmeek@ca.ibm.com
to confirm your intent
April 3rd
Layout: Boston and Maine
Host: Mike Hamer
Date and Time: 03 Apr 09 20:00-23:30
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-526-1988 or e-mail cw580@ncf.ca
to confirm your intent
April 10th
Layout: Clearwater Valley Railway Co.
Host: Ron Newby
Date: 10 Apr 20:00By Invitation: 8 operators max.
oapsry@magma.ca
To confirm your intent
April 17th
The Canada Southern
Host: John Mitchell
Date: 17 Apr 09 8pm to midnight
By Invitation 10
613-521-3059
mitchel2@rogers.com
April 24th
Layout: Shadetree & Nepean
Host: Don Leger
Date and time: April 24 starting at 8pm
By invitation 8 people maximum
Email intent dgleger@rogers.com
to confirm your intent
May 1st
Layout: Vancouver Island Logging
Host: Jim McSherry
Date and Time: 01 May 09 19:30 - 23:00
By Invitation: 10, open: 0
Call 613-745-2287 or email j10000q-jimfng@yahoo.ca
to confirm your intent
May 8th
Layout: OLOR
Host: Bill Meek
Date and time: May 8 starting at 8 pm By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-521-3234 or e-mail wmeek@ca.ibm.com
to confirm your intent
At present you will see single sessions. However, there are so many members of the FNGers that double sessions can appear. This will allow more folks to get involved. Sessions can be by invitation or open as noted by each host. It is the host's responsibility to notify the invitees. Invitees are encouraged to notify the host of their intent as soon as possible so they can ensure maximum participation. Open sessions must be confirmed by those interested in coming as space is limited and is on first come first serve basis.
I encourage those FNGers without layouts to host work sessions or slide nights.
November 7th
Layout: Vancouver Island Logging
Host: Jim McSherry
Date and Time: 07 Nov 08 19:30 - 23:00
By Invitation: 10, open: 0
Call 613-745-2287 or email j10000q-jimfng@yahoo.ca
to confirm your intent.
November 14th
Boston and Maine
Host Mike Hamer
Date and Time: 14 Nov 08 20:00-23:30
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-526-1988 or e-mail cw580@ncf.ca
to confirm your intent
November 21st
Lyon Valley Northern
Host: Chris Lyon
Date: 21 Nov 08 19:30 -23:00
Open: 10 (First Come First Serve)
Call 613-837-8522 or email cnlyon@sympatico.ca
to confirm your intent
November 28th
Palmerston CN (work Night)
Host: Fred Adams
Date: 29 November 0800 to midnight
By Invitation 4
fmadams@rogers.com to confirm attendance
December 5th
The Canada Southern
Host: John Mitchell
Date: 05 Dec 08 8pm to midnight
By Invitation 10
613-521-3059
mitchel2@rogers.com
December 12th
Lyon Valley Northern
Host: Chris Lyon
Date: 21 Nov 08 19:30 -23:00
Open: 10 (by invitation)
Call to confirm intent 613-837-8522 or email cnlyon@sympatico.ca
December 19th
Clearwater Valley Railway Co.
Host: Ron Newby
Dates: 19 Dec 08 20:00 - 23:00
By Invitation: 8
oapsry@magma.ca
January 9th
Layout: Shadetree & Nepean
Host: Don Leger
Date and time: January 9 starting at 8 pm
By invitation 8 people maximum
dgleger@rogers.com to confirm your intent
January 16th
Layout: Vancouver Island Logging
Host: Jim McSherry
Date and Time: 16 Jan 09 19:30 - 23:00
By Invitation: 10, open: 0
Call 613-745-2287 or email j10000q-jimfng@yahoo.ca
to confirm your intent.
January 23rd
Layout: Boston and Maine
Host: Mike Hamer
Date and Time: 23 Jan 09 20:00-23:30
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-526-1988 or e-mail http://www.blogger.com/ to confirm your intent
January 30th
Layout: OLOR
Host: Bill Meek
Date and time: January 30 starting at 8 pm
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-521-3234 or e-mail wmeek@ca.ibm.com
To confirm your intent
February 6th
Layout: Clearwater Valley Railway Co.
Host: Ron NewbyDate: 6 Feb 09 20:00
By Invitation: 8 operators max.
oapsry@magma.ca
To confirm your intent
February 13th
The Canada Southern
Host: John Mitchell
Date: 013 Feb 09 8pm to midnight
By Invitation 10
613-521-3059
mitchel2@rogers.com
February 20th
Layout: CPR/B&M Connecticut River Line
Host: Dave Primeau
Dates: 20 Feb 09 1930-2300
Open 7 (First come, first served)
Call 613-837-1188 or e-mail david.primeau@sympatico.ca to confirm
February 27th
Layout: Boston and Maine
Host: Mike Hamer
Date and Time: 27 Feb 09 20:00-23:30
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-526-1988 or e-mail cw580@ncf.ca
to confirm your intent
March 6th
The Canada Southern
Host: John Mitchell
Date: 06 Mar 09 8pm to midnight
By Invitation 10
613-521-3059
mitchel2@rogers.com
March 13th
Layout: Shadetree & Nepean
Host: Don Leger
Date and time: March 13 starting at 8 pm
By invitation 8 people maximum
dgleger@rogers.com to confirm your intent
March 21st
Layout: Vancouver Island Logging
Host: Jim McSherry
Date and Time: 21 March 09 19:30 - 23:00
By Invitation: 10, open: 0
Call 613-745-2287 or email j10000q-jimfng@yahoo.ca
to confirm your intent.
March 27th
Layout: OLOR
Host: Bill Meek
Date and time: March 27 starting at 8 pm By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-521-3234 or e-mail wmeek@ca.ibm.com
to confirm your intent
April 3rd
Layout: Boston and Maine
Host: Mike Hamer
Date and Time: 03 Apr 09 20:00-23:30
By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-526-1988 or e-mail cw580@ncf.ca
to confirm your intent
April 10th
Layout: Clearwater Valley Railway Co.
Host: Ron Newby
Date: 10 Apr 20:00By Invitation: 8 operators max.
oapsry@magma.ca
To confirm your intent
April 17th
The Canada Southern
Host: John Mitchell
Date: 17 Apr 09 8pm to midnight
By Invitation 10
613-521-3059
mitchel2@rogers.com
April 24th
Layout: Shadetree & Nepean
Host: Don Leger
Date and time: April 24 starting at 8pm
By invitation 8 people maximum
Email intent dgleger@rogers.com
to confirm your intent
May 1st
Layout: Vancouver Island Logging
Host: Jim McSherry
Date and Time: 01 May 09 19:30 - 23:00
By Invitation: 10, open: 0
Call 613-745-2287 or email j10000q-jimfng@yahoo.ca
to confirm your intent
May 8th
Layout: OLOR
Host: Bill Meek
Date and time: May 8 starting at 8 pm By Invitation 11 (Invite only - no open)
Call 613-521-3234 or e-mail wmeek@ca.ibm.com
to confirm your intent
Sunday, October 26, 2008
FNGer 2008-2009
The group is now back in session and there will soon be more entries to this blog about the operating sessions in the Ottawa area. LVN hosted on the 24th and there will be more soon.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Operations at the Lyon Valley Northern
The FNGers were over to the LVN to conduct two steady hours of operations
Here Stan and Joel are switching out the grain terminal.
Later, Normand working with Mike Hamer moved bulkhead flats from the siding to lift onto their mixed freight local.
You can see Ron and Andrew working the Stbd coal mine in the distance. Joel and Stan are busy shifting their locomotives onto a 12 car set of BNSF hoppers
Her is Andrew throttling up his coal drag while Ron watches to make sure the turnouts are clear at the other end of the classification yard.
Ron and Andrew wait as Stan backs his BC Rail locomotives into the yard.
Bobby did an oops, accelerating instead of stopping, which caused an accident in the container terminal. Everyone came over to take part in this highlight of the night. The O scale figure was knocked clean over by these HO cars. Deadly deed did not go un-noticed
Stan and Joel are hard at work pulling these grain cars to the flour Mill
Here is Bobby enjoying these pair of GP60Ms
Of course the beavers really had a good time and had moved to the VIA station near Hamer curve. They really enjoyed kabitzing with the passengers and watching the main line action.
Here you can see Bill and Jim operating Richmond yard: the time saver. They did it their way yet it did get done and done well.
Mike and Normand were busy switching the Cement plant
From this Angle you see the NAR SD38-2 about to latch onto a cement hopper as the BNSF Coal Drag goes by on the main.
Here Stan and Joel are switching out the grain terminal.
Later, Normand working with Mike Hamer moved bulkhead flats from the siding to lift onto their mixed freight local.
You can see Ron and Andrew working the Stbd coal mine in the distance. Joel and Stan are busy shifting their locomotives onto a 12 car set of BNSF hoppers
Her is Andrew throttling up his coal drag while Ron watches to make sure the turnouts are clear at the other end of the classification yard.
Ron and Andrew wait as Stan backs his BC Rail locomotives into the yard.
Bobby did an oops, accelerating instead of stopping, which caused an accident in the container terminal. Everyone came over to take part in this highlight of the night. The O scale figure was knocked clean over by these HO cars. Deadly deed did not go un-noticed
Stan and Joel are hard at work pulling these grain cars to the flour Mill
Here is Bobby enjoying these pair of GP60Ms
Of course the beavers really had a good time and had moved to the VIA station near Hamer curve. They really enjoyed kabitzing with the passengers and watching the main line action.
Here you can see Bill and Jim operating Richmond yard: the time saver. They did it their way yet it did get done and done well.
Mike and Normand were busy switching the Cement plant
From this Angle you see the NAR SD38-2 about to latch onto a cement hopper as the BNSF Coal Drag goes by on the main.
It was a great night and we had Beer, pop, tea, coffee cake and cheese curdes after. All was done by 22:00 as we were on the road the next day to Kingston for their railroad show and the NMRA SLD meeting.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
A Snowstorm-delayed Session Satisfies
A trainful of railfans arrived at Mr. Hamer's last Friday night, ready for a long-delayed session on the B & M. Mike was proud to show off his latest purchase...a Boston and Maine Rail Diesel Car equipped with interior lighting and sound. Mike purchased this commuter engine from local modeller Michel Boucher. The train was captured approaching the New England River Bridge after having exited Marshall Cut.
Here we see Mr. Hamer, making up a train at the duckunder entrance to the layout room. The yard at this location poses as both Lowell Junction (south) and Portland (north) depending on train movements. 
Rob is Mike's crewmate and they seem to be really enjoying themselves outside the trainroom. Along with Mr. Hamer, he is blocking the traffic for train MP3, a hotshot manifest freight.
B&M Alco switcher #1170 is busy working the north siding in town in the shadows of the large Phillips Furniture Factory. The crew aboard this Black Beauty is kept busy throughout the evening spotting and lifting cars from local industries and setting out traffic for mainline trains.
Here's Jim in the layout room. While the image is dark from this perspective, Mike's layout was designed using the old museum trick known as the shadowbox technique.
This "going away" shot was taken by a local railfan out near the inbound end of Marshall Cut at Milepost 39. The FT AB pairing #4217 are seeing their last days along the B&M as they will be traded in for parts to produce the latest purchase of GP9's in the new Bluebird paint scheme. Today, the engines are hauling outbound B&M train MP3 originating in Mechanicville, NY and terminating in Portland, Maine.
Bob's all smiles! Who wouldn't be...when you're operating trains with the boys of the Friday Night Group.
Close up shot of milk car: The local crew has just placed this milk car on the milk track leading into Marshall Creamery...a busy facility in North Dover. Milk trains are found on the headend of passenger trains due to their quick requirements to get to market.
We spot Ron working the town switcher as he is standing near the Boundary Road location on Mike's layout. Boundary Road is located on the outskirts of the town of North Dover.
Joel is Ron's crewmate for the local switcher job in town. Judging by all that traffic on the sidings in North Dover, they will be kept rather busy today. Joel is perusing the scene in an attempt to spot a particular freightcar.
Later on in the session, Fred is at the controls and he's all smiles thinking that he's got the challenges of the task well in control.
Howard is caught studying some of Mike's latest handiwork with craftsman structures. Looks like Howard, a craftsman modeller himself, is suitably impressed.
Here are the lads watching excerpts from the feature length film The Secret Trains Of New York City which included scenes from ten local layouts.
There were also just a few calories consumed - but we were all very disciplined and watched our waistlines closely.It was an evening worth waiting for.
A Friday night Teaser
A Friday Night TeaserBefore you get to see all the shots and thoughts, we need your input. Because our layouts are typically well lighted, often with 5K flourescents, we tend not to use flash taking pictures around the layout. That can be a problem with people not on the layout since the light falls where it's intended - on the layout - not in the surrounding area where all the photogenic participants are.
We then can have heavy shadows that make it difficult to see all those smiling faces. Even on the layout, since we don't set up extra lighting for these sessions, details can be lost. But ... we have Photoshop. We can colour correct, apply auto contrast and auto levels, and adjust the brightness/contrast settings. Even so, I personally find that fill flash is required to eliminate enough shadow to see the full gloriosity of those smiles.
The problem arises because different folks see different brightnesses, probably due to the differences in our monitors. I suspect it varies too between work and home for the same reason. So ... here are two sets of shots: a train full of happy railfanners and a happy host.
Let's have some feedback on preferences for the brighter or darker pics. Just click on the Comments link and say something.
Thanks all. Now comes the session (well, after Photoshopping them all). Jim
