Large Scale Central

Backwoods Wrecker

Modeling
#1

Here’s a wrecker I built. Copied from an old SOO line wrecker from the late 1800’s. I found the drawings in my drawing binder.

Made from a 27’ boxcar, the backshop went to work and built the wrecker. As per the prototype, the wrecker did not have any winches on board, but relied on an auxiliary means of raising and lowering the hook. Sometimes even a switch engine would pull the cable thru the car. The would use cribbing and any other means of securing the car so it wouldn’t take a nose dive. The boom does not swing. It is used to re-rail that have derailed, or to lift cars to put new trucks under them.

#2

Oooh thats an interesting prototype.

How did they keep the original from tipping over off the track while trying to right something that has derailed? Even small crane cars had hooks and chains at the corners that could be secured to the rails and tensioned to prevent tipping.

#3

That’s how they did it, Vic. They hooked it to the rails and clamped it down.

I haven’t figured out my clamps yet.

#4

John your RR shop certainly has some amazing equipment that they turn out. Would you happen to have a family photo of all your custom builds?

What is the height of the derrick? Do you have any tunnels or low clearances it would catch on?

Nicely done.

Todd

#5

Another unique piece of equipment nicely built.

#6

Todd,

Go to Albums. I’m on page 2. All the builds are there. Click on them for an enlargement. It’s the one with the yellow boxcab on the cover.

#7

Jon Radder said:

Another unique piece of equipment nicely built.

Agreed!

Nice work John!

#8

John,

Nice car. I like how it is set up to swap ends with the boom with out having to turn the car.

Although I wonder how many guys it would take to relocate that boom timber on that narrow roof,

could be pretty tricky.

I have a picture in my gonna build someday files of a boom car from a local railroad circa 1910 or so

that is a stiff leg derrick on a flat car that looks pretty cool.

Rick

#9

Very interesting piece of equipment, nicely modeled!

#10

Rick, you would have thought the backshop would have used a flat car. It probably would have been easier to build. I have no idea why SOO would use a box car. SOO wasn’t a backwoods short line.

Anyway, another conversation piece on the shelf.

The drawings for this model appeared in a 1980ish Model Rail Craftsman, but I won’t post them here.

Not after that deal with Tom Yorke and the Surrey Parker loader drawings.

#11

Quick question John, about the bent strip that holds the beam down on the front support…

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/jebouck/wrecker2rs.jpg)

I need to make a bunch like that for bunk hold downs on the skeleton log cars I’ve had on the back burner for a couple of years loosely based on these photographed by Cale Nelson at the Cradle of Forestry…

(http://lsc.cvsry.com/LogCars/CaleNelson_LogCar-03.jpg)

So here is the question - is it simply hand bent brass? I’ve had a devil of a time getting consistent results with hand bending. I was considering building a fixture to stamp them since I’ll need a bunch.

#12

Yes and no, Jon.

It’s 1/4 x .016 brass. (easy to hand bend).

I drilled the holes while it was flat. I marked the bend points and used my little vise to slightly bend them. I adjusted for a better fit with flat needle nose pliers. The secret is to use a tiny square while in the vise, to keep the crease perfect.

#13

What I find more interesting in this photo is what you don’t see. Look closely to the right of the wrecker and to the upper left of the photo. Notice the switch point. I think this is the first time I have ever see a switch little own a cross over built on a Bridge. That took a bit of engeering for sure. Nice work on both the bridge and car.

Dan

#14

That came out great John. I love how you build things you dont normaly see being built. I always love the unique stuff.

#15

Really neat!