Logging Operations part 2

[Shawn]

I started this thread last summer with the portable sawmill etc.... I decided to bring it back under a new thread. I have been working on the loader/spar tree. Its turning out to be a fun project. I still have some detailes to work on but so far this is what I have. Im sure it needs a little improvments but not sure what yet. Next is to add either a high line to the spar tree or just do a simple log skidder using the spar tree. Either way both will be easy to do just waiting for ozark delivery. The cables need to be tightened but I have to secure the steam donkey to the ground to keep it tight. The steam donkey is a bachmann one but I made a wooded skidder for it.

 

[Tony]

Shawn good effort
I'm not sure if you have built it based on a real crane you have seen if so ignor this post
but it looks very much like wot us brits call a Derrick Crane except the Jib / boom (lifting arm) should be pivoted at the base of your tree and longer than the height of the winch block also it should be a knuckle joint at the base so the whole thing can slew sideways
Tony
ive done a quick search for picture this was the closeest i could find

('

')

 

[Shawn]

Thanks Tony. I never seen one like that but its pretty cool looking. There were so many types in the US for logging. A lot of them were just thrown together then taken apart and moved to another locatrion. Most of the loaders were made using non cut trees rather then cut lumber.

 

[beavercreek]

Very very nice Shawn. The logging operation looks just right set in the clearing. There is a kit of the crane that you have freelanced and although the kit has various nice white-metal bits and bobs, your one captures the real 'make do' and bodge-it' mentalitly of the logging crews and their 'techinical' supoort.
Very sweet

 

[C&S]

Hi Shawn,

Your logging camp looks great with a lovely backwoodsy atmosphere. I agree with Tony that some sort of sideways movement on the crane arm would make operations easier. I think, too, that the donkey engine would have at least two winches - one for the slewing motion and another for luffing (moving the arm up and down) assuming the rope to the claw is a fixed length. Otherwise add a third winch for raising and lowering the claw.

Somewhere I've got an article cut out of an old magazine that details all this stuff, but as I've never modelled a logging operation it's deeply buried. If I find it over the week-end I'll post a copy.

 

[C&S]

Well that was an easier search than I expected. Hope this drawing shows up OK. Credit for it goes to James W. Sabol. The entire article was in Model Railroader, August 1966 edition.

 

[Richie]

Hi Shawn
Looks great Given me some ideas for my log yard that i'm about to start on was also going to replace the plastic skids for wood on my Bachmann log skidder too . Yours looks very nice with the wooden skids

 

[trammayo]

Nice looking project Shawn - something really different but authentic.

Have seen the modern high lines on TV - very scary (and truly dangerous bits of kit!

Mick

 

[Shawn]

Thanks guys
Giles thanks for the attachments. I was looking all over for something detailed like that. Its amazing how many different ways things were rigged up. I do High Angle rescue as part of my job with the park service. A lot of the highline stuff is the same that we use in rescues. Except we use the high lines to get a victim across and out of ravines/waterfalls.
Im just waiting on a few more pulleys and plan on adding another to the claw as well as for the side to side movement. Keep the ideas coming every little bit helps. Thats why I love these forum sites. I also just got a great book by kalmbach books called the modelers giud to logging railroads. Great book that I think you would find interesting. I tried replying to your PM but it would not go through saying it was blocked. Didnt want you to think I was ignoring it.

 

[nico]

thats look like a great project