Large Scale Central

2014 AMERICAN INVASION OF OTTAWA

Conventions, Shows, Clubs and Get-Togethers
#1

Every year since 1998, American friends have come to Ottawa to take part in railroad operations on garden railways in the National Capital Area. Over the years the event has become known as the American Invasion of Ottawa, although it now includes railroads in Belleville, Ontario and Clyde, New York. This year’s event will be held from Thursday, July 17th to Monday, July 21st.

“The Invasion” will officially begin on Thursday morning July 17th at 10AM at Barry and Bonnie Birkett’s garden railroad on 12 Boyce Court, Belleville, Ontario, K8P 5P1 before moving to Ottawa. Visitors arriving in Belleville on Wednesday however, can e-mail Barry at [email protected] or call him at 613-697-0497 for a preview visit of his railroad. Lunch will be provided for a small donation, so Barry and Bonnie would like to be contacted so they have a rough idea of how many people to expect. They will provide drinks for our American guests, but Canadian guests are asked to bring their own preferred beverage. The Belleville event will end around 5:30 PM.

On Friday and Saturday July 18th and 19th both narrow and standard gauge railway operations will be held on the IPP&W and RP&M Railroads at Fred Mills’ (613-713-1911) at 36 Starwood Road, Nepean, Ontario, K2G 1Z1. Lunches of grilled hamburgers or hot dogs will be provided for a small donation. There are a number of restaurants in the area for supper, although food can also be ordered in if the guests prefer.

Sunday July 20th is a travel day so guests and OVGRS club members can make their way to the Finger Lakes area of New York. But visitors that wish to drop in at Doug Matheson’s (613-692-4041) Northland Railroad at 2524 River Road, Manotick, Ontario, K4M 1B4 in the morning are welcome.

Monday July 21st passenger train operations are held at the Finger Lakes Live Steamers club facilities at 302 Clyde-Marengo Road (AKA Whiskey Hill Road), Clyde, New York 14433. There are also ride-on trains there to enjoy. Some visitors might also enjoy the large Premium Outlet Mall just a mile west of the Whiskey Hill Road at 655 New York 318, Waterloo, NY 13165.

ARTICLE: A Master Index for the J&B RR
#2

Thanks for posting that, Paul. Hoon ose who might turn up, eh?

tac
Ottawa Valley GRS

#3

Jean and I are certainly planning to attend.

This is a great video from last year’s event:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6q2KQcKmJg[/youtube]

What a blast. We are sure looking forward to this.

#4

Martha and I will be there Friday and Saturday…looking forward to it!

#5

Jane and I are planning on arriving in Ottawa on Thursday afternoopn/evening…

We will be there Friday, Saturday at the IPP&W & Sunday Morning at Doug’s…

We Plan on being down at the fingerlakes on monday, then heading back to Illinois…

We are going to pass on Barry & Bonnie’s layout this year…

#6

Thank goodness for Chris. He does an extraordinary job of documenting that event.

#7

Ken Brunt said:

Thank goodness for Chris. He does an extraordinary job of documenting that event.

As you say, a great job indeed.

Me, I think it’s amazing how he used the ‘doesn’t look a day older’ filter to such great effect.

I hafta say, though, that my heart went out to the poor soul who’d had to ‘cut down’ his 4000’ track to a mere 1500’ - life sure is hard on some folks, ain’t it? :wink:

tac
Ottawa Valley GRS

#8

We actually leave for event training tomorrow. Have a scheduled “Goat Tying Class” Tuesday evening. Yes, these are some of the requirements for us to be able to get to this year’s event. Has something to do, with tying up an “olde goat”. Then underway Thursday headed south to a rodeo over the 4th of July Weekend and then headlights are pointed north. Planning on crossing in to “the Land of the Maple Leaf” at the west end of Lake Superior, probably sometime next week, schedule is still fluid. Serious packing started today. GOD willing and the creek don’t rise, to high, we’ll be at Barry’s on Wednesday or Thursday of the appropriate week, I hope.

#9

Looks like it is going to be a lot of fun… Waiting for the new videos and photos…

#10

Im hopping to do the same as last year. The day after the Finger lakes event anyone passing through Northwest NJ is welcome to stop by. Sounds like Ric will be stopping again (not sure what day yet, still in planning stage). Hopefully Ken and Jon can make it and maybe add a few more to that list.

#11

Sounds like a plan. Got the car fixed last week. Good thing I didn’t risk it last month - both tie rod ends were about to fall off, plus ball joints and ant-sway bushings all around. Cost a fortune but now it rides like new again.

#12

I spoke with Ric. He plans on stopping by July 22 Tuesday. Anyone passing by is welcome to stop by for the day of more fun and trains. Last year we all had a great time.

#13

I think I could handle that…:wink:

#14

I’ll see if I can get a vacation day. Shouldn’t be a problem.

#15

My reservations are made.

I think we all better top off our batteries and maybe bring spares.

Anyone want to buy some live steamers?

They are getting too heavy after belly button hernia operation.

Accucraft C16 Bee #268

Accucraft Mason Bogie - green

#16

Good post, Paul.

I’m looking forward to seeing everybody. I plan to arrive at Barry amd Bonnie’s on Wed the 16th, then drive on to Ottawa for Friday. Looks like Barry will be my passenger for this leg. I haven’t yet finalized plans to accompany the Yankee Invaders back home on the Monday, but that’d be fun and I’m taking my passport along just in case.

See you all in a couple of weeks. Cheers!

#17

Headlights pointed north, today. In search of the cooler temps and our Canadian friends. Ahhh, the joys of travel and friendship. Everyone stay safe as all of us move to and from Ottawa.

#18

Have fun Ric. See you in NJ on the flip side. Did you remember to ask Jan about reservations for Bob’s? It’s Minuteman Campground. Very nice place, 5 Mins from Bob’s.

#19

Getting excited about the invasion. Went to check out what Im bringing, and the battery in the SD45 is dead. Argh! Time to replace it.

#20

Bob McCown said:
Getting excited about the invasion. Went to check out what Im bringing,

That’s always a challenge, what to bring, what not to bring. I usually bring 3-4 engines, just in case. Someone always asks if they can use one of them…:wink: