Large Scale Central

Log Disconnect Capacity

Prototypes
#1

I have a software program (RailOP) that allows the listing of weight. It converts ounces to tons and sets capacity for hauling by motive power. After our current OPs Session I have decided to make the tonnage a little more accurate.

Would anyone have an idea of a somewhat standard set (pair) of disconnects capacity? How much tonnage do you think a pair could carry? Remember fresh cut trees would be heavy wtih moisture, so i think it could be quite a bit.

Thank you in advance for any effort, energy or thought that is put into this question.

#2

Ric,

I would assume the capacity of disconnects would be much the same as for any log car since it’s the trucks that actually carry the weight.

From a Climax catalog reprint (they made log cars too):

Two narrow gauge cars available, No.1 and no.3 (nos. 2 and 4 were standard gauge)
No. 1 - 10 tons, 18" wheels.
No. 3 - 15 tons, 18 or 24" wheels.

Weight of various green logs per 1,000 bdf.

Southern Yellow Pine - 8,000 to 10,000 lbs.
White Pine (Michigan) off stump - 6,000 to 7,000 lbs.
White Pine (Michigan) from water - 7,000 to 8,000 lbs.
Norway Pine (Michigan) - 7,000 to 8,000 lbs.
White Pine (Penna.) bark off - 5,000 to 6,000 lbs.
Hemlock (Penna.) bark off - 6,000 to 7,000 lbs.

Weight of lumber: (1,000 bdf.)
Yellow or Norway Pine - Dry: 3,000 lbs. - Green: 4,000 to 4,500 lbs.
White Pine - Dry: 2,500 lbs. - Green: 3,500 to 4,000 lbs.

Might be of some help for you rabid rivet, er splinter counters. hehe!

#3

I’m sure that it would be quite a lot. I’ve seen pics of disconnects with logs 15-20 feet in diameter on them, or 3 logs of 5-6 feet in diameter. I wonder how much they weigh per boardfoot?

#4

Remember in ye olde days, the roosters were made of wood. (that’s the draw bar between the disconnects). You wouldn’t want to snap that or you’d have a hell of a wreck. :slight_smile: :slight_smile:

#5

John, et al,

It was also common practice to make the roosters from a section of rail, especially where HEAVY log loads were expected.

Bob C.

#6

That’s great info. So I’m thinkin

15 tons per set or 7.5 tons per disconnect wouldn’t be toooo out of sink with the imaginary world.

I appreciate the inputs, thank you.

#7

I remember many years ago my Dad got a bunch of yardsticks someplace that in addition to measuring length (they were actualy about 42" long…) they had a scale for calculating board feet contained in a log … the idea was to measure the diameter with the wooden rule (I suppose “Yardstick” is a misnomer here) and the number you came up with was the board feet per 8’ log, 16’ log, 24’ log, etc… the inches were on top, and there were three or four length scales beneath.

One of those big logs you see in all the old Westside photos would have … well, a lot!

Matthew (OV)

#8

Well, men - Page 79 of my copy of ‘Rails in the mother Lode’ shows a Westside Lumber Co Heisler Number 4 with a consist of fourteen flats - the fust two [note there was no safety car], have the bulky bottom fifteen foot sections of a tree measuring about six feet in diameter, and all the others have similar-sized sections of tree. I calculate that there is enuff wood there to make 1,895,345 wooden legs [for one side only] of a size suitable for a medium-tall man.

Or, to put it into perspective, three tooth-picks for every man and woman of voting age alive in the world on Christmas Day 1953.

tac
www.ovgrs.org

#9

I doubt if many will dispute your calculations Tac.

All I will say is that it is a helluva lot of lumber. lol.

#10

There is one other point to keep in mind, it is on who’s track you were rolling on as well. In the woods on your own track you would load them to the max and beyond, but on someone else’s main Line (Class 1) you would not run disconnects and would limit the load to what they told you and would secure the load as well. Once again check Mr. Labbe’s book on Logging RR.

Paul