As of Saturday, August 10th, 2019; the IPP&W has had 12 operations this 2019 season, with more to come, on each Saturday morning, weather permitting.
For pictures of past operations, go to the OVGRS web page, at: www.ovgrs.org/ and hit on “News and happenings” then hit on “Mike’s Blogs”…a rather active blog spot…
Fred Mills
The IPP&W is back into full operations. It took a while, before it was safe to avoid the Virus Threat.
So far we have had 6 Saturday operating sessions in a row…the Storm Gods have been co-operating…
Saturday, August 14th is ahead of us, and the railroad is in good shape. New cars have been added to both fleets (NG and SG) and much upgrading of the railroad was done during our long shutdown.
Check out “Mike’s Blogs” on our web page link at: www.ovgrs.ca Mike posts blogs after every operation, showing masses of photos, and short videos. All operators have had their two shots of vaccine, and space themselves sensibly.
Fred Mills
The latest “Mike’s Blog” has been posted…see it through the link on the OVGRS web page at: www.ovgrs.ca
lots of pictures, and short videos…It’s more than just long trains going roundy-roundy; it is actual switching; meets of trains on a single track main line; passenger and freight trains, and friends enjoying actual “Hands-on” model railroad operations, including radio communications between operators and a dispatcher, who controls meets, and arrival/departures. It is an attempt at modelling the operations of a 40-50’s era, small railroad…not a transcontinental.
We OPERATE EVERY Saturday morning, weather permitting…The main purpose is to have enjoyment, and fun.
I’m posting to this thread, for only one purpose; to share our enjoyment of the hobby, with others, in case they might be interested.
Fred Mills
Fred Mills. said:
The latest “Mike’s Blog” has been posted…see it through the link on the OVGRS web page at: www.ovgrs.ca
lots of pictures, and short videos…It’s more than just long trains going roundy-roundy; it is actual switching; meets of trains on a single track main line; passenger and freight trains, and friends enjoying actual “Hands-on” model railroad operations, including radio communications between operators and a dispatcher, who controls meets, and arrival/departures. It is an attempt at modelling the operations of a 40-50’s era, small railroad…not a transcontinental.
We OPERATE EVERY Saturday morning, weather permitting…The main purpose is to have enjoyment, and fun.
I’m posting to this thread, for only one purpose; to share our enjoyment of the hobby, with others, in case they might be interested.
Fred Mills
Thanks for posting this, Fred. You are very fortunate to have Mike do this job - a job he does VERY well.
Love the RDC’s. Another year without making the trip to Ottawa. Its hard to deal with. Thank you Mike for documenting the operations. As always, it is done in a first class way. All the best to our friends up north.
But what if the enjoyment is watching a train, or several trains run around and through the layout? According to my nephew (engineer onUP) running down the track is actual hands on operations of a railroad.
Pete;
There is no offence meant to those that get their enjoyment out of just plain watching trains run, back and forth, or roundy-roundy.
What is being enjoyed on the railroad here, is the “Operation of a railroad” which includes the demonstration of what a railroad is actually doing, as a part of the transportation industry.
Most of the group find that having fun is actually having “Hands on” experience of picking up, and delivering cars, by a local freight train.
We have offered to have days of just plain “Running” but few are interested, so we don’t do it, although on non-operating days, anyone of the group is free to run a train, any way they choose.
There are many ways to enjoy this hobby of MODEL RAILROADING, and we respect all aspects of the hobby.
From our supposedly limited experience, we find that visitors when handed a throttle, soon find that OPERATIONS, are an enjoyable experience, and they come back again and again, to enjoy the friendship, comradery, and frustration free operations. We also promote, two person crews, so socializing is a valuable part of the experience, leading to a rather pleasant environment.
Keep the fun in Model Railroading…
Fred Mills
duplicate posting erased
Another Saturday…another Enjoyable operating day on the IPP&W. (21/08/2021)
In spite of a rather HOT morning; all went extremely well.
This coming week, we will be operating on Barry Birkette’s railroad, in Belville Ontario, on Wednesday, then back to the IPP&W for our regular operation in Ottawa, next Saturday.
Lots of action here in Eastern Ontario, Canada. All OPERATORS have had their two shots, to protect us all from the Virus. We care about our friends and associates.
Fred Mills
Fred Mills. said:
The latest “Mike’s Blog” has been posted…see it through the link on the OVGRS web page at: www.ovgrs.ca
lots of pictures, and short videos…It’s more than just long trains going roundy-roundy; it is actual switching; meets of trains on a single track main line; passenger and freight trains, and friends enjoying actual “Hands-on” model railroad operations, including radio communications between operators and a dispatcher, who controls meets, and arrival/departures. It is an attempt at modelling the operations of a 40-50’s era, small railroad…not a transcontinental.
We OPERATE EVERY Saturday morning, weather permitting…The main purpose is to have enjoyment, and fun.
I’m posting to this thread, for only one purpose; to share our enjoyment of the hobby, with others, in case they might be interested.
Fred Mills
Fred,
I’ve been away for the last 5 weeks and want to catch up on Mike’s blog but can’t find the link on your club website. Please print a direct link here. Thanks
Fred Mills. said:
link to Mike’s Blogs: https://gardenrailroadottawa.blogspot.com
Thanks for the link, Fred.Wow, Barry’s place has really grown up since we were there. Looks like LOTS of fun!
UPDATE; Saturday, September 4th, 2021 Another Saturday operation on the IPP&W/OVGRS…and again, as usual, reported on Mike’s latest blog… https://gardenrailroadottawa.blogspot.com
…yes, EVERY SATURDAY, weather permitting…only one rain-out so far, thanks to the good natured “Canadian” Storm Gods !!!
Mike has promised a “Second Section” later on in the coming days, as usual…WE DO POST PICTURES thanks to Mike Hamer.
If you go to the link, and you want to see Mike’s blogs from the past; they are all available there…
The OVGRS web page now has been updated to have the link to “Mike’s Blogs” prominently featured on the home page. www.ovgrs.ca
Fred Mills
The plans for operations on the IPP&W Railroad are to start sometime near May 24th, 2022, depending on how fast Spring decides to arrive in Eastern Ontario, Canada. Spring upgrades, and maintenance will take place, as soon as the snow has melted, and the frost has left the ground.
All is well…
Yes; all is well. The enthusiasm for opening the railroad for operations is building steadily.
Ahh yes; some may not appreciate the way we in the OVGRS, and IPP&W railroad approach our enjoyment of MODEL RAILROADING.
Our approach is slightly different than the average GARDEN RAILROADING, outdoor group.
The OVGRS is dedicated to MODELING “The OPERATIONS” of a shortline railroad.
So, as a railroad, in order to be successful, we need to have a purpose, and operate the railroad like a business. A business has to grow, and is never “Finished”.
Each Spring, we start our year with any needed maintenance of the track and roadbed. We also have to consider finding new businesses to serve as customers. The planning for new sidings, and improvements to the track plan take place, so when the snow and ice disappears, we are ready to build and repair.
Spring is just a few weeks away, and the IPP&W RR, will be alive and well for another great year of MODEL RAILROADING.
I hope others will be inspired to have plans for a GREAT 2022 with us.
Fred Mills
The Spring maintenance gang, on the IPP&W/RP&M have started early. The Summer Office/Boardroom is up and ready. The refrigerator, is ready to be stocked, and the cupboard is ready for glassware, and mugs. The coffee, and tea pots are ready. All lights are installed.
Raking and general clean-up are started. The dispatchers’ magnetic board has been upgraded.
As soon as temperatures improve to above +15C, the cleanup will be finished, and several siding projects will be started.
All is well, and looking good for a middle of May OPERATIONS start-up. From then on, it will be EVERY Saturday morning, weather permitting.
Fred Mills
First operations on the IPP&W (OVGRS) is this coming Saturday morning, May 21st.
All is well, and the weather may co-operate !!
The IPP&W is now operating EVERY SATURDAY morning, weather permitting.
UPDATE…
Here we are in 2023, and have just kissed July a fond good-by.
August has arrived and Saturday mornings are hosting enjoyable operations on the IPP&W/RP&M railroads.
Continuous Blogs can be found on the OVGRS web page at: www.ovgrs.ca. Look for the link to “Mike’s railroad Blogs”.
We are averaging 18-25 “Friends”, joining in and operating the railroad, as we have been doing for over 30 years.
The railroads are alive and well; more and more new industries are being served. The track is constantly being upgraded and maintained by a dedicated crew.
Even Mother Nature, and The Storm Gods seem to co-operate with few Saturdays with rain…Sunshine, friendship, and the sharing of knowledge along with good cheer, rein over our Saturday mornings.
Visitors are welcome…just let us know you are coming, PLEASE.
The OVGRS CREW