Photos - Trackwork - Bellamy | Show Menu |
written by Paul Norton
pictures by Doug Matheson
Many sections of the Ironwood, Peter's Pond and Western Railway are over a dozen years old. The railway has been designed to endure the climate extremes of the Ottawa area. Temperatures range from -40 C (-40 F) to 35 C (100 F). The railway is covered with snow and ice from December to March, endures frost heaves and rains during the spring, thunderstorms in the summer and more rain in the fall.
On most Saturdays mornings during the spring, summer and fall, the railway is a busy place. Members of the Ottawa Valley GRS run a variety of large scale motive power and rolling stock. It is not uncommon for six or more trains to be operating over the 700 foot mainline. Operating sessions, alternating between narrow gauge steam and standard gauge diesels, also test the reliability of the railways mainline, switches and yard trackage. Despite the severe climate and heavy usage, the IPP&W track work has proven to be reliable and trouble free.
Most of the mainline is lightly nailed to 2 inch, pressure treated lumber. Sections are fastened together with a small piece of the lumber and deck screws. The result is a very sturdy road bed that endures frost heaves and heavy rains without failing. Ballast is added for scenic effect only.
The railway also features three large yards. These yards are basically raised decks, covered with fiberglass screening, track, switches and ballast. The result is a sturdy and flat operating area, that does not hold rain water. Two of the more recent yards have been deliberately built at a comfortable standing height for adding or removing motive power and rolling stock, or switching during operating sessions.
Although there are many ways of constructing roadbed, this method has proven to be reliable and trouble free for our garden railway group. The following is an example of this track laying tecnique.
Early in May '04, an MOW crew began work on the new industrial area of Bellamy just north of Glen Hammond.
The main line was temporarily severed, as new roadbed and switches were installed.
Road bed was carefully prepared (Pentox) in order to prevent deterioration.
IPP&W Vice President, Gordon Bellamy oversees the rail bending operation.
President, Fred Mills (aka Father Fred, Friar Fred) inspects the roadbed to ensure it meets IPP&W standards.
Fred and Gord ponder the alignment of the new industrial spurs and team track.
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Last Modified 1/13/06 2:27 PM