I am new here and this is my first post, does anyone know where I can get just the HO rail. I want to model a logging operation and from the pictures of there temporary track I could use the ties and rail separate from each other. I found the ties but I an having trouble finding the rail. I would like code 83 nickel. Thanks David
Micro Engineering is a good source for rails.
David, first off, welcome to the forum. You’ll find a plethora of information, tips, ideas, etc. here. I’ve used Microengineering’s code 83 track, and frankly, I’d consider using that instead of laying your own track, unless you’re quite proficient at it.
Unfortunately, ME code 83 track looks nothing like the temporary track used in the woods by logging lines. The OP has the right idea with handlaid. And it actually takes very little skill to hand lay track; turnouts take a little more. Mostly, handlaid track takes patience to make sure everything is in gauge.
Unless one is modeling a diesel era logging operation, light rail, no tie plates, and minimal ballast was the rule on most logging lines. My book on the Caspar Lumber Co (California coastal redwood logger) states and shows that rock ballast was used only in critical areas that did not drain well. Everything else was dirt ballast. As the OP insinuated, most logging lines relaid some of their track every year to better reach the new cutting areas.
For the OP: model rail is sold by the 3ft piece or 99ft bundle at better hobby shops. Unfortunately, most places charge relatively high shipping if you have to order it from a distance. Proto87 Stores (http://www.proto87.com/) sells ME rail in half as well as full lengths, and smaller quantities up to full bundles, all at better than retail prices. Andy’s shipping is quite reasonable. He also sells near-scale spikes which are better than anybody else’s very small spikes - but they are more expensive. ME micro spikes (closest to scale and the most common spikes in an LHS) are particularly uneven in quality. Some batches are pretty good, other batches have no point whatsoever, and poorly formed heads.
I would recommend code 70, 55, or 40 rail instead of code 83. No logging l
Thank You Fred W for the detailed responce and all for taking the time to respond.
That is the place i was looking for I also looked for your book but i guess it is out of print.
Ill be using a PFM stock shay and climax from the late 70’s, The climax is as new . So I was looking for that era theese loco;s were used.
I was thing of using the flex track on the lower section but haven;t decided yet. The photos i have found state as you say about the tempoary track and i found a couple that interest me on modeling. I suspose I should buy a book on this logging idea. I didnt know about the track size.
I am still in the planing stage and I think I will start with a shelf style of a picture of a camp and loading place that looks interesting , that will be easy to work on and hone my skill level , Its been a while since i have done this and looking forward to getting started but there is some more planing to go yet and need kits and material for the simple buildings.
As far as being time consuming, that doesn’t bother me and i am not planing on any massive amount of track, just up to the logging camp with some switch backs, probably have a small yard with a shop, water, fuel station, saw mill some place and a tie cutting place all steam but start with the logging camp first.
I will take pictures as I go along but not sure how well it will be. Thanks again all. David
WTG Fred!
The book I was referring to is Mallets on the Mendocino Coast by Ted Wurm. It seems almost every logging line of any substance or logging region has had a book written on it. You can find the books used or new. Finescale Railroader’s annual on Logging, Mining, and Industrial has featured several articles on the West Side/Michigan-California Lumber Co (California Sierras) in most recent issues. April 1962 Model Railroader had an article on the Graham County RR in North Carolina that was still using 2 Shays for logging operations at the time.
Rail logging did vary significantly from region to region. Northern New England, North Carolina/Tennessee, the Deep South (Florida, Alabama, East Texas), California Sierras, Northern California Coast, and Pacific Northwest all had distinctive logging operations. Even New Mexico had logging railroads. Wood was mainstay of America’s 19th Century economy, and that lasted into the first half of the 20th Century.
The Caspar was a standard gauge line with 1 Shay, 1 Climax, and 2 2-6-6-2 Mallets. The Caspar Shay was about 25T; your PFM B-2 is a little oversize, and so best represents about a 50T Shay. MDC/Roundhouse repeated the size error with their B-2 Shay. The Caspar Climax started out as a 50T 3 truck but later was converted to 2 truck. The golden age of geared locomotive production was 1900-1915. A lot of improvements and changes were made in the 1920s, which was the last good decade for most steam logging railroads. There is a lot of great information on geared steam locomotives at http://www.gearedsteam.com. Also, there are sites specific to Shays and Cl
David,
Welcome to the Forum - if you are into trains, you came to the right place.
Sounds like you are looking to handlay your track. That’s a brave move - in my humble opinion. There are a couple of companies that put out some really realistic track that will fit your needs, and you might want to consider them. If money is an issue, I’m fairly certain you could save a bundle by laying your own, but it really is a lot of effort that requires precision work and patience.
In any case, stay in touch with the Forum… lots of experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm here!
As you are in the planning stages of modeling a logging operation, I strongly recommend you see Marty Bradley’s “Oakhurst Railroad” at www.OakhurstRailroad.com. Great pictures of track and details on building a helix. The best logging railroad I have ever seen.
Alan Graas, Yosemite Nat’l Park, CA