Each spring OVGRS members undertake a major track work project, and this year Bell was the site chosen by management. Bell is situated in the southwest corner of the IPP&W Railway on the mainline south of Fir Grove.
Bell, with its facing point switching moves and limited space, has always been a challenge. Last year when it became an operational interchange junction with the RP&M Railway, it became a bottleneck. The management of both railways quickly realized that a makeover was needed to handle the increased traffic more efficiently. The reconstructed yard at Bell is now longer and wider than before. To minimize material costs, labour, maintenance, and keep the switch points free of debris; switching yards are no longer ballasted. To improve the appearance of the switching yard, the deck was stained a warm brown colour.
The corner of the yard has also been widened to allow wider radius curves.
Closest to the hedge is the mainline track to Fir Grove, the western terminus of the IPP&W Railway. In the center is the RP&M mainline to Rat Portage. On the inside is the interchange spur which will allow the exchange of cars between the western ends of both railways.
More pictures will follow when the installation of the track and switches has been completed.