Large Scale Central

Logging Cars

Modeling Rolling stock
#1

I’m considering putting together a string of logging cars to pull behind the Shay. I like the basic look of the Russell style cars in Cale’s photos from the Cradle of Forestry, except I’d probably not do the vertical timbers…

I’ve been unable to locate plans for any type of log car anywhere. Since it’s a pretty basic car and mine would be free-lance anyway I thought I’d just draw them up myself. I’ve been playing around in Visio trying to guess at basic dimensions, but I’m stumped on length. a 24ft car (less coupler) looks too long. Would these have been as short, or shorter than 20 foot ? This is an ad for a similar car that I found in stuff I’ve been collecting…

#2

Jon, I spent a couple hours on the net this morning searching for skeleton log car plans to no avail. I did find lots of pictures of them as well as the Russell ones. It seems to me that the Russell cars were quite short, 24’ and less. Where as the skeleton cars were upwards of 30’. I think it was a regional difference. In the east they would cut shorter logs and the west longer.

#3

Jon,
How detailed do you need the plans?
I’ve some Generic plans around here somewhere.

#4
Jon Radder said:
I like the basic look of the Russell style cars
Me too but I'm kinda biased When will they be done? ;)
#5

Thanks Randy. Still playing around with dimensions. I’m thinking about 22 foot long, plus couplers with bolsters set back 4’ 6" from the end beam and about 6 foot wide. Hartford made a kit of these once…

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/jrad/_forumfiles/Hartford_Model.jpg)

#6

Garden Railroad had a set when they came as the center fold!

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/smcgill_pics/DSCF0028.jpg)

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/smcgill_pics/DSCF0022.jpg)

Sean

#7

Don’t be saying centerfold Sean, you’ll get Rooster all excited. :slight_smile:

#8

Hmm… I wonder if I have those.

Nope - July/August 1993 - before I got into Large Scale.

Again in August '99 in 1:20 - might have that one.

#9

I made mine from a Don Winter kit

(http://www.jbrr.com/assets/images/LogSkeleton.JPG)

#10

SO… You guys that built them. How long and how wide are they ???

#11
John Bouck said:
Jon, How detailed do you need the plans? I've some Generic plans around here somewhere.
Generic works. I'm not planning on much in the way of details.
#12

Hey there Jon, I found a good deal on some bachmann logging cars. I have already weathered them and may add some more details down the road. Also, the couplers on the truck will go and I will convert them to link and pin.[

" border=“0” alt=“Photobucket”>](http://photobucket.com)Matt

#13
Jon Radder said:
SO... You guys that built them. How long and how wide are they ?????
Yeah guys ???? How long and how wide??? OH and are they Russell's ??

How did I do Jon?
:wink:

#14

Those look great Matt :smiley:

#15

Log cars are easy, ya don’t need no stinkin PLANS.

(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j371/AlleghenyValley/RussellMich-Cal1.jpg)

Just use Cal’s pix or the Climax catalog cuts.

(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j371/AlleghenyValley/13.jpg)

(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j371/AlleghenyValley/11.jpg)

Or something else

(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j371/AlleghenyValley/5f43_1.jpg)

Building in batches of 3 at a time seems to work well, too (Yes, these are still for sale)

(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j371/AlleghenyValley/P2190002.jpg)

Those were 11" long, and the same width as an Aristo c-16 tender. Log cars tended to be summat narrow to keep the weight inside the gauge and the car on the rails.

#16

Thanks Jon!

#17

3 3/8" square pieces wide, by however long ya wanna make’em.

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh58/rgseng/101_0195.jpg)

#18

Jon I did a combo between the Bachmann and Cals pictures. There are plans I found that were very nice. Just found the link http://www.lauriegreensweb.com/New%20skels/21%20foot%20skels.html Here is mine.

(http://i55.tinypic.com/2ir9945.jpg)

#19
Jon Radder said:
John Bouck said:
Jon, How detailed do you need the plans? I've some Generic plans around here somewhere.
Generic works. I'm not planning on much in the way of details.
They are the GR plans. Look like you got it covered with those posted plans.
#20

Thanks Mik - Those are great!!! I’ll save that when I get home tonight. They confirm exactly what I had deduced by measuring the pictures - 22 Foot long :slight_smile: I’ll be using 24" wheels, but I don’t think anyone will measure :slight_smile:

Thanks everyone for the responses. We are going to have a spring teaser this week, followed by winter again on the weekend. Perhaps I might be milling some lumber over the weekend.