I finally completed the second large potato field in Rosedale; there are a total of 107 rows of potatoes -- it took a long time to "plant" all those rows, but I think the result is worth it. Since potato farming is so important to the Carleton Railway, the potato fields are more than just scenery -- they provide a visual context for the railway's existence. In the photo, it is early morning on the farm as the sun rises in the east.
Life looks very peaceful at Big Lake, York County, as the Nor'Easter from Boston crosses the bridge on the way toward Fredericton via the CPR Gibson subdivision.
I finally "planted" the big potato field in Rosedale last weekend. The first photo shows the beginning of process, and the second photo is the finished field. There are 98 rows of potato plants.
In February I was glad to host a 12-person group from PEI and Moncton for a day of operations. Then the following week a smaller group from the Amherst, NS area were joined by some locals to operate the Carleton Railway again. Here is the PEI/Moncton group:
2023 has been an amazing year for the Carleton Railway. Monthly operating sessions resumed in January with an average of 7-8 people at each session during the winter months. The "Fundy Rail Fest 2023" convention in May meant that I did a lot of work to get the railway ready. 24 people attended the two operating sessions, and another 25 or so came for the open house. During the summer and early fall I made major changes to the timetable and to the train orders, and I worked to improve the ways the two major yards work. The results have made a big difference. The last two operating sessions (November and December) have been the most enjoyable so far, with 14 crew members in November and 15 in December. The train crews are also becoming more familiar with the railway. I am looking forward to a good year in 2024. The next operating sessions will be January 16, February 20, and March 19.
Since January, the Carleton Railway has been hosting a monthly crew to operate the railway. The monthly operations have helped me to identify problems so I can adjust/improve the schedule, fix troublesome freight car problems, and make the railway operate more prototypically. Thanks to the many people who have been part of the crew so far in 2023. I am hoping more will be able to join us in the coming months!
The next operating sessions are schedule for November 21, December 12, January 16, February 20, and March 19. Please email me for more information -- new crew members are very welcome.
