A narrow gauge logging tram transported the timber harvested from the Dark Cypress swamp area to Brownwood, MO where it was transferred over to the Frisco. Using very few photos I'm going to try to model a part of this logging tram's operations and show some prototype scenes. No claim to strict prototype but it will be "in the spirit" in order to try and preserve the history of the region. The era will be 1915 or so to coincide with my Zalma Branch. This will be modeled in On30 on a fairly short, 15' long shelf layout. Tonight I finished the first of a 3 pack of Boulder Valley Models log bunks. They're resin kits and very fun to build.
Thanks fellas! These kits make it easy to produce a good result. Very good resin castings lend to the overall detailing.
Jim, Your weathering and aging patina is amazing, sure like to look at your modeling. Just great modeling.
There is a lot to be said for O-scale stuff. Your work continues to amaze me. Question - why not link & pin couplers for your backwoods theme? Just wunderin'.
Wow that looks great!!! Makes me almost ashamed of my Bachman log cars. Link & Pin couplers are great for On30. Only thing though is they have to be uncoupled by the magic floating hand in the sky. I use L&Ps to couple my set of V-skips, because they stay as a unit train. Seeing your post makes me want to tinker more with my trains. I have a unopened SR&RL caboose at the house that might get painted at Frisco & Cherokee #59
Good. I hope it inspires you and others to do some kind of modeling project. I also have the Boulder Valley Models Shay kit to convert my HO Bachmann 3 truck shay into a small On30 2 truck shay. I will modify it to look very "backwoodsy".
So here's the progress on the Boulder Valley Models Sidewinder Shay kit. I started by modifying the 3 truck set up into a 2 truck setup. This first phase includes removing the HO scale cab, boiler and tender body. The rear 3rd truck tender is also removed and not used but the truck is used to replace the rear locomotive truck. Now the fun of assembling the resin kit parts is beginning. I'm not going to use the kit's cab or tender because I'm making it an old open cab loco with homemade wood box on the rear for the firewood. This will look more "in the spirit" for a prototype photo I've seen of an area logging tram.
More progress. I finished the backhead details and got some painting done. Those danged valve handles have to be cut out of a sheet of resin. Tedious work on some of these detail parts but I like the results. Next I'll scratchbuild the fuel bunker and long roof. I'll be using a Tsunami light logging decoder in this eventually.
I've added the whistle and pop valve and mounted the body to the mechanism with two screws. I think it's starting to take shape now. Just thought I would share a quick pic. I need to engineer the wood bunker and roof structure. Still thinking of a good way to mount them but keep the bunker removable to access the decoder area. I think this little Shay will be my favorite logging tram loco.
Looking very good! you may have already thought of this and I am not able to draw a plan on here, but I am thinking of a post in the corners of the bunker and screws from underneath?
Me too! I need to make the base from styrene so that I can use the self tapping screws provided in the kit. To be continued.
That Shay is isn't even finished and I can tell it will look great. Just an idea, and I'm not 100% sure it if fits the era you're modeling, but a early corrugated tin roof on the engine would look great. Another idea I had was a small wooden keg for use as the Injunear's seat.
