The latest BLOG is now posted, for the July 7th operations…just go to the last listed link, and hit the latest entrée…
Steve is off “Flying” in circles…!!
Fr.Fred
Padre,Friar,Father Fred (what ever “nickname” you prefer these days ) Are their any pictures of you “Operating” on this Operations Blog?
Rooster I once handed my Revo transmitter to Fred and he promptly threw it back at me, says he doesn’t know how to work them. Here’s the link to the standard gauge ops from last Saturday. http://gardenrailroadottawa.blogspot.com/2018/07/session-6-standard-gauge-july-7th-2018.html
Here’s the link to Malcolm’s video https://1drv.ms/v/s!ApuSckIj0HVCgdlI4MOcqleG74jT5w
Fred’s our Social Director.
But we also put him to work.
Misplaced cars are brought to him so he can tell us their proper place.
We also bring him damaged cars to repair, and advise him any broken switch throws.
He is also our Grilling Chef’s helper.
As for running trains, that only happens under blue moons.
All the jobs that are given to Fred are essential it seems. Not only that he is ‘mine host’ on all the occasions when his friends gather at his place for a grand train ops time. (https://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)My regret is that I am too far away to join the fun and hospitality, but I always look forward and give thanks to the guys that post pics here.
Alan;
I wish you could get here, and share in the fun.
Yes, as you and Paul point out; there is more to the “Operation” of a railroad, than what meets the eye.
On most occasions; if I took up a throttle, and crewed a train; someone else would not have the opportunity, or a visitor/friend/child might not get the attention they deserved. Preparations for lunch would take someone else away from operating. Emergency repairs, would also take someone away from operating.
Over the years, just seeing a great group of people; all friends, having fun operating the railroad; gives me more pleasure than the person asking “Does Fred ever operate a train”, could allow himself to understand.
The railroad is here, every day of the week, and I can operate a locomotive, pulling a train, any time I care to. My locomotives have the old Aristo throttles, which I know very well how to use. I do often run/operate a train, but I don’t make a big deal of it.
Last night, just before Midnight; I spent two hours preparing new signage for a few of the sidings. Earlier in the day I had worked to get 6 new freight cars into service. There is a lot to do, to keep a railroad operating well, and it takes more than just me to work behind the scenes to accomplish it.
Thanks, Alan, Paul, and Steve…we do joke about it often, and I get “Noised” by Paul on occasion…he seems to be able to time the noise rather well !!!
Fred Mills
When I have folks over for ops sessions, I won’t run trains, either. If anything, I act as Division Super, making sure everything goes smoothly. SWMBO makes sure everybody gets fed. Like Fr. Fred, I can run anytime.
The “Authorities” at the Border have let us in again. We are progressing north with much haste. Okay, a little haste.
Friday morning, be there or be square. The “Invasion” has begun.
I’ll find out tomorrow morning whether I’ll be allowed in or not. It’s always an adventure…(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)
Lately its not the getting out of the US that’s been the problem, its getting back in. A few weeks ago we were #3 car at the border and we waited about 40 minutes for our turn, and then 10 or so minutes being questioned, and I’m not shady looking like you lot. 
Bob McCown said:
Lately its not the getting out of the US that’s been the problem, its getting back in. A few weeks ago we were #3 car at the border and we waited about 40 minutes for our turn, and then 10 or so minutes being questioned, and I’m not shady looking like you lot.
My photo I.D. has the old beard and mustache, but they figured that out. Yours probably still has a long ponytail. I think the only question is our association with a certain individual from the Philadelphia suburbs. (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)
Ric Golding said:
I think the only question is our association with a certain individual from the Philadelphia suburbs. (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)
And I keep warning those Customs guys about that individual, too. (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)
I’ve been cornvinced to make a return visit to the US Border, on Sunday, hoping that the Police State will allow me to visit with FRIENDS, at The Finger Lakes Live Steamers, all day Monday.
I’ll try to behave myself…and renew my membership…
Fr.Fred
Fred,
There are a good many folks, here anyway, that will send you a postcard if you don’t make it back to Ottawa. (https://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-sealed.gif)
Ken Brunt said:
Ric Golding said:
I think the only question is our association with a certain individual from the Philadelphia suburbs. (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)
And I keep warning those Customs guys about that individual, too. (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)
Rooster: makes notes to himself these “guys” ain’t getting any younger and neither is he.
Just a short note, to let anyone that might care;
The Invasion of Friends, operating weekend went very well. Mike’s Blog, will give great pictures, along with links to videos by Malcolm. An addee feature may be videos/pictures from Moe’s drone.
The weekend continues with the annual Monday at The Finger Lakes Live Steamers…tomorrow.
I’m just heading for bed, after the Saturday “End-of Operations” roundup, with a nice dinner at a local restaurant, and great conversations, and sharing of thoughts, under the canopy/IPP&W Summer boardroom.
All clean-up is complete; dishwasher on…and stuff put away.
The whole thing, was truly; A GREAT MEETING OF FRIENDS…Thank you everyone.
….and it seems…we do it again next year only a week later. MAKE NOTES OF THE DATES…soon to be posted.
Fred Mills
I was challenged with being “Yardmaster” at “Nelson Yard” on Friday and “Craig Leigh Yardmaster”. If you like to switch, there is nothing better. Really cool! I’m always impressed as to how the choreography of putting the trains together and how the flow progresses. You start and think it is going to be a nightmare to do all the work and all of a sudden, its over. Years of fine tuning have really made this a fun experience. I thank everyone for letting us participate.
.
Today, we operate on the excellent trackage at the Finger Lakes Live Steamers. I participated in a practice session a week ago and its a great example of “Passenger Ops”. Its going to be fun to see how it flows, this morning.
Ops or oops?
David Maynard said:
Ops or oops?
Does it really have to be an either/or situation?(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-foot-in-mouth.gif)
Bruce Chandler said:
David Maynard said:
Ops or oops?
Does it really have to be an either/or situation?(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-foot-in-mouth.gif)
I have never been to one, so I dunno.
I guess not