Seen this set up on an HO layout, & was wondering if anybody would know who would make one or know where plans for one can be had to make one. I want one for my logging railroad which is in one of my rooms of a 5 room layout.
I don’t know how familiar with logging practices in general. It truly is an interesting subject to learn and research.
In the real world, each skidder and spar tree setup would be customized for the location. My recommendation would be to consult several books on logging to understand how the various components were rigged together to perform the needed work. Our sponsors at Kalmbach offer both a “beginner’s” introduction to logging, and several .pdfs of articles about logging that have appeared in Model Railroader over the years. There was a special logging issue of MR in 1964 (I don’t recall month) that detailed many of the logging practices over the years.
The skidder and spar pole were just one method of extracting logs from the woods - and it really needed suitable topography and a suitable tree in the right location to be a spar pole. Other methods would be used in other locations, depending on era, region, and topography.
Two Yahoo groups that specialize in logging are 4L (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/4L/ and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/modelloggers/. Both are active groups that can point you towards additional resources.
As for specific models, I believe KMP has a spar tree and skidder kits in HO - available through Jay Cohen and other dealers. Consult the Walters catalog for additional makers of kits and details - it’s a good browse.
Fred W
Our host, Kalmbach, offers a book on logging railroads, which offers a wealth of information on logging practices and logging railroads.
The book´s title is: “The Model Railroader’s Guide to Logging Railroads”
A good investment if your are into this field of MRR activities!
I agree. IMO, this book provides an excellent overview of the subject for beginners with plenty of photographs and diagrams. Peter Smith, Memphis
Rio Grande Models has lots of logging-related parts and kits useful for constructing a log-loading scene.
… This Vancouver Island, B.C. skidder has an interesting/unusual roof:
Mark
Great thread.
Mark, Where on Vancouver Island is this skidder located? I live on the Island and can’t recall seeing this one. It would be a great modelling project. [:)]
Mark, do you mean that the multi-stepped roof is what makes it interesting? Or what…?
-Crandell
Yes, typical skidder roofs were simpler, one-level affairs.
It is at the McLean Sawmill National Historic Site, near Port Alberni. There is an operating, steam-powered sawmill with long pond and related equipment and structures.
Mark
+1 for the Kalmbach book. Good entry-level explanation of logging gear and techniques.
Guess I’d better get back out there, seeing as I live in Port Alberni. [
] I just donb’t remember seeing it.
Walk beyond (fron the sawmill) the earthen log-pond dam a hundred yards or so and you’ll find the skidder, plus another one without roof or boiler, as well as this
… as well as another surprise or two.
Go thisaway