 |
|
| Steaming Days - Sept 22/23, 2001
Two days of action were held at the track in conjunction with the Hamilton Model Engineers "Engines in Miniature" weekend. The weather co-operated both days to allow the spectators to see plenty of engines at work. This was also the first time in several years that rides on the elevated track were available to the public. There was a large turnout of club members to help with the track activities as hundreds of spectators came out to see the action and go for a train ride. Moore's Station was a very busy place this weekend. |
 |
 |
|
Jack and Ted McJannett with steam fans of all ages |
Jack and Ted McJannett were out both days with their 3-1/2" Pacific. With Jack at the throttle and Ted as conductor, they gave rides to many happy spectators of all ages. Tom Stewart had his 4-3/4" Pacific out on Saturday and his 4-3/4" Atlantic out on Sunday. Different club members took turns being engineer or conductor during the weekend as Tom just likes to build them not drive them. Dino Lusa was also out on Saturday giving rides with his 4-3/4" Atlantic and Cliff Bartlett had his 4-3/4" Speedy out on Sunday to give many rides to the spectators. |
|
|
| With two trains on the track at the same time giving rides, the action was continuous and was kept running smoothly with the help of dispatcher Les McCunniff. Doug Huculak and Ian Kerr-Wilson from the museum did a great job both days as station masters. Most of the members involved were happy to be giving rides again and enjoyed the challenge of keeping their locomotive running all day with a heavy passenger load. Over the weekend other members were out to run their own locomotives. New member Frank Dely had his new 3-1/2" pacific out to work out some of the bugs and Aubre Whitehouse had his 4-3/4" 0-6-0 out for it's maiden run. | 
Action at Moore's Station as viewed from the crossover bridge |
|
|
Moe Shaput works his Mikado across the Savile Trestle |
The 7-1/4"ground track also saw lots of action during the weekend with Saturday being the busiest. Moe Chaput had his big CPR Mikado out for both days and Harry Savile had his Consolidation running all weekend. Ron McKinley and his Hercules, Michael Guy and his Romulus and Linc Johnson and his Diesel were out on Saturday. Although the 7-1/4" track can't carry passengers from the general public yet, there was still lots going on with club and family members to keep everyone busy and entertained. Even the local TV station sent a cameraman out on Sunday to catch some of the activities. Sundays action was especially interesting as Moe's Mikado and Harry's Consolidation were double heading most of the day pulling all of the available cars loaded with gravel and bricks. |
|
|
| There was also a special display of large-scale locomotive action. Scott Pearson had his 16" gauge Mogul running on a short length of temporary track to the east of the 7-1/4" trestle. This engine was rescued from the scrap pile and rebuilt by Scott. It is oil fired, well-finished, runs great and easily had the loudest whistle there. | 
Scott Pearson with his 16" gauge oil fired Mogul |
|
|
 |
Dedications and BBQ
After the track action was over on Saturday the large number of members, family and friends gathered to honor past members as several dedications were made. Two trees planted by the city, one between the steaming bays and the other by the entrance to the track, have plaques placed at the base which indicate that they are dedicated to the memory of Eric Wootton and Garth Drew. Family members of both Eric and Garth were on hand as Bob McDowall remembered the contributions of these two long time club members. Eric was a true craftsman and helped many members to become better model engineers while Garth was recognized for his work in constructing the elevated track and his efforts to keep the OMLET at the GHLS track. I think both would be proud of the way the GHLS members have continued to maintain and expand on what they started. |
|
|
| The newly completed pedestrian Crossover Bridge was dedicated as the Elizabeth Carbin Bridge in memory of Elizabeth Carbin as recognition of the financial contribution by the Carbin family toward the construction of the bridge. The 7-1/4" trestle that was build by Harry Savile and largely financed by the Savile family was dedicated as the Savile Trestle in memory of Harry's father Douglas Savile. The club has also received a certificate in recognition of a donation made by the GHLS to the Ottawa Experimental Tree Farm in memory of Douglas Savile. |
 |
|
|
 |
After the dedications, everyone moved to outside the museum wood shed for a BBQ. Bob McDowall slaved over the hot coals to cook hamburgers for everyone and there were lots of side dishes and delicious deserts. There was a special treat for a few members who stayed till after dark as Moe Chaput fired up his Mikado for a nighttime train ride. Every car available was hooked up and all cars were loaded to make the Mikado really work. The weather was perfect and everyone enjoyed the wonderful sound of the Mikado working upgrade with of a heavy load and just a hint of wheel slip on the dew covered rails at the crest of the hill. This was the perfect end to a great day of steaming action. |
|
|
| Track Work
The pedestrian Crossover Bridge is now completed. The final touches were completed Saturday morning just in time for the weekend steaming day activities. It got a good workout as hundreds of spectators used the bridge to get to Moore's Station for a train ride on the elevated track and to get a great view of all of the action on both elevated and ground tracks. The bridge that has been named the Elizabeth Carbin Bridge, was designed and built by Steve Moore with help from many different club members. All involved in its construction are to be commended for a job well done. |
The completed Elizabeth Carbin Bridge |
|
|
 |
New Members
We have two new members to welcome to the club. Eberhard(Abe) Dietrich from Grimsby who is building a 4-3/4" Atlantic and Hank Verhoeve, also from Grimsby, who is interested in all aspects of live steam. |
|
|
| TSSA Update
The TSSA has taken steps to try to resolve the problems of applying the Amusement Device Act to miniature locomotive activities when the public is involved. The TSSA has indicated that it is interested in discussing this issue with the different model engineering societies in the province. Discussions will be held to determine if a different approach to the registration and inspection process can be found that will satisfy the unique requirements of our hobby and the requirements of the TSSA safety mandate. Hopefully the efforts of the GHLS members to obtain a permit have demonstrated that our hobby can be operated safely and a set of province wide operating rules and standards can be used to self-regulate our hobby in the future. |
 |
|
|
Upcoming Events
|
|
|
|
|
|
|