In the previous posting we learned of the "shake, rattle and rolling" that went on around North Dover. You'll recall that I climbed a hill on the outskirts of town to capture an image of train D5, "The North Turn" when the ground started shaking. Well, the following day I got a call from Stan and Jim asking about that particular railfan spot, so we decided to check the site out again. This time I chose to climb a tall tree overlooking the Salmon River where I, again, captured the North Turn as it worked North Dover. Lucky for me this train is a five-day a week job!
My image (above) shows the 1223 about to cross the Salmon River on the outskirts of town. The white building in the background is the local legion hall that was erected on pilings over the shoreline of the river. Nestled in my perch with my legs straddling the crotch of a tree limb, I was kinda nervous in case another tremor might hit. I do admit the lengths we railfans go to for an image is pretty extreme at times! Stan and Jim went ahead of the train and Stan managed to take this shot of the same train after crossing the river.
Jim surprised me, tellin me that he managed to lens a couple of the red butterdish milk cars that had evaded me the day before. Boy was I ever excited! We agreed to swap some images after our film was developed at the lab! There's just something about the uniqueness of these red cars that attracts us railfans.
After a while the three of us were pretty hungry and decided to head into town for lunch. We knew of a good parking spot beside the team track where we could stroll across the tracks from the platform and head to a favourite restaurant."Hey, isn't that Peter Cunningham's truck over by the team track!" Jim shouted. It sure was. We found Peter and he joined us for some noontime food and drink.
Of course, the story is fictitious, but the quake was real...and I tell you...some of the operators visiting my home that night were shaken out of their boots, for sure!That's Jim and Stan in the picture to the left...all tuckered out after a great day of railfanning in New England! Indeed, the crew lounge is a comfortable place where many ideas are shared. In fact, a large chunk of Jim's "Esquimalt and Nanaimo" layout was brainstormed and designed here in my crew lounge with the valuable input of the "Fellows of the Friday Night Fraternity!"
Thanks to Peter for bringing his nicely weathered truck to grace the layout for the session. It looks fabulous, Peter! Thanks to both Peter and Mike M. for donating their red milk cars for the evening as well.
The final image of the posting shows Stan, Dave and Peter at the duckunder entrance to the layout room. (I hope Peter is paying attention to his train as I see he has the throttle in his hands!)
Dave is a valued member of the Friday Night Group having been born and raised near Boston. He offers valuable insight for we "Canadian" New England modellers when needed! Hey Dave, isn't it wonderful how we can "beam" you straight into a session whenever we want! (grin)
Cheers, Mike H.
















































