My little offering to this thread.
My first image shows a similar type of log loading to that Henry has used in his short log wagons. I made this up may years ago, probably when I lived in Leagrave. Originally they were glued but over time that failed so I hammered small mains wire flat and wrapped it round the load to simulate a Strap. This has worked reasonably well, the logs can be removed for Loads one way empties the other. I have around 6 of the bundles so 3 can be loaded into this type of open and perhaps 4 or 5 in a bogie open. Note that at some time some sort of insect has taken a fancy to the inside of some of the sticks. Below you can see where I have crudely wrapped the wire at the bottom of the load. This was done in a simple U shaped Jig made out of wood with the sticks placed inside and the wire wrapped on.
The next load is somewhat similar and in fact a bit big for the wagon shown, normally they get loaded to Swiss Stype Log Wagons with just a couple of Stakes on them. These logs came loose with the Swiss Wagons (Bought from a very nice gentleman of this site) and I subsequently secured them with my now normal method, which is to use Pike Wire Fishing Line and Crimps to hold the complete thing firm. In the picture below you should just be able to make out the Crimps which are an easy squeeze to make all secure. Needless to say the wire is pretty strong. As each of the 3 Wagons I bought had a good load the sticks have all been dealt with in a similar way.
The next load is similar to the one above and is an earlier one made for my Bogie Wagon. This has a hole drilled through each of the bottom logs with some brazing wire nailed through to keep a good secure bottom load. The rest were then placed in declining heaps on top with the fishing wire crimped on. I used this wagon as a Jig in this case. I have 3 or 4 of these loads.
My methods of securing the sticks though different have all been succesful,in allowing trains to be properly replicated with Loads one way and Empties the other. For me a very important thing to do.
I have used varying types of wood in these loads, but found that Elder Cuttings work very well. Relatively new growth say a season or two tends to chuck out quite long straight sticks.
I have written some of this before but it was in the old Central days and the pics have been lost so thought it worth repeating.
JonD
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