Large Scale Central

A "set out" logger's cabin for the Little River Rail Road

Modeling
#41

Ric Golding said:
Thanks, Doc. I didn’t think all of those pictures came from Townsend. I am also amazed about the size of quarters not only for the crews, but for a family. There are many stories of the people who grew up in these humble surroundings.

I had read that the Little River Lumber Company even preferred families live in their logging camps as they were not as rowdy and the workmen were more dependable who had families to support. Management even went on to build Churches and small community centers out in the logging camps. Here is a picture of a simple frame Church above Tremont on the Little River RR main line.

(http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg412/DrGrab/3522HouseSalvationAbove.jpg)

Doc Tom

#42
Ken Brunt said:
Another weather-proofing technique you might try is using Boiled Linseed Oil. I douse all my scratch built switches with the stuff before I install them. Helps keep the wood from drying out too much and warping.
Another good idea. Thanks Ken.

Doc Tom

#43

A little more work done on the “set out” cabins for the Little River loggers.

(http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg412/DrGrab/DSC04633.jpg)

Lars, the Swede, was getting bored with the company photography sessions and wanted to practice his axe swings. Art, the company bookkeeper, wanted to keep tabs on how many board feet is going in to the cabin so he can figure how much he can charge the future occupants per month in company scrip. And Timmie, just loves having his picture taken.

(http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg412/DrGrab/DSC04632.jpg)

Doc Tom

#44

I love it Tom. The old photos are really neat to look at. I would image after working all day the guys would eat and crash for the night. I guess they really didnt need anything big just soemthing to sleep in.

#45

Forgot Something. Paul Bee and his logging crew had an enjoyable chat with Boss Crumb and wanted to thank them for getting the set out cabin offloaded and placed at the log landing.

(http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg412/DrGrab/DSC04641.jpg)

(http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg412/DrGrab/DSC04637.jpg)

It seems they forgot something in the construction. While the four walls and door look pretty tough, without a roof the upcoming winter snows could be hard to deal with even for these tough loggers.

(http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg412/DrGrab/DSC04639.jpg)

So after a few choice expletives Boss Crumb set the set off cabin back on the flat for a trip back to the shops.

(http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg412/DrGrab/DSC04640.jpg)

Doc Tom

#46

Ah, who needs a roof? Looking good!

#47

Like someone told me one time…“roofs are really over rated…;)”

#48

The boys figured out how to place and tar-paper a roof and are feeling pretty good about finishing the set out cabin for the loggers up the Little River. Here are a few shots of the 1:20.3 model outside of 1:20.3 Townsend Tennessee and compared to the prototype shack at the Little River RR museum in prototypical Townsend Tennessee.

(http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg412/DrGrab/DSC04643.jpg)

(http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg412/DrGrab/DSC04644.jpg)

]

(http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg412/DrGrab/DSC04404.jpg)

(http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg412/DrGrab/DSC04645.jpg)

(http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg412/DrGrab/DSC04647.jpg)

(http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg412/DrGrab/DSC04405.jpg)

The completed shack was last seen heading up the line on a flat car to shelter the loggers at Elkmont from the coming winter snows.

(http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg412/DrGrab/DSC04648.jpg)

Here is the prototype doing the same in the 1920’s.

(http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg412/DrGrab/DSC04392.jpg)

Thanks for looking and HAPPY NEW YEAR. Doc Tom

#49

And a Happy New Year to you? When are you going to add knot holes? I think that’s all you are missing!

#50

Tom the cabin looks great. Will be a great addition to your layout. The Little River and Kittatinny Mt boys have a lot in common.

#51

Them boys will think they’re in the big city now! Great work Doc.

#52

Thanks guys for the feedback. I agree Shawn, the Hillbillies of Tennessee and New Jersey are quite similar. It is amazing that the logging industry is quite the same throughout Appalachia. Doc Tom

(http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg412/DrGrab/APA-465-2.jpg)

#53

Doc,

Your shanties are really coming along, but you’ve got a few to build to equal what’s on that train.

#54
Ric Golding said:
Doc,

Your shanties are really coming along, but you’ve got a few to build to equal what’s on that train.


Right you are Ric. This first one took several weeks to build and I am trying to think of ways to do a few more a little quicker so I can model a “string town” of shacks along the tracks. The next ones will not have a fully modeled interior and I am thinking of using insulation foam board for a core and wood sheathing. If you know of references for this type of Large Scale modeling I would love to take a look at them. I could find very little on researching the Internet.

Doc Tom