Steam Donkey Engines

[weekendrailroader]

Hi all.

I just thought that I'd see if anyone else on this forum is into modeling steam donkey engines. For those who don't know, a steam donkey engine is a type of powered hoist, using everything from winches to gypsy spools to reel in rope or cable. They were most commonly mounted on large wooden sleds and were used to pull logs from place to place with their cable (the engine itself remained stationary, unless it needed to be moved to a new location). Several of these engines could be mounted onto one sled or railroad car to form a "unit". These engines were also commonly used as the power-source for pile-drivers, McGiffert and Decker log loaders, and "slide-back loaders".

So far, I've made two donkey engines in HO scale, and I am currently working on constructing a "unit" with both a yarding and a loading engine.

http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=12019&stc=1&d=1232229048

 

[mdcustom]

Built a couple of them in the past for clients. When we were out on the West Coast last year for the Narrow Gauge National Convention we stopped by Camp 18 and shot a series of photos of their collection. Some of the pieces were really amazing in their size. The first shot shows the piece that they were using to power the spar tree. The logs that form the skid are nearly 6' in diameter.

Matt

 

[weekendrailroader]

Aaahhh yes, Camp 18, one of the great logging museums of the Pacific Northwest. I've been there myself a couple times. I think I got pictures of most of their equipment, although I'm know I missed a few things, including the "hidden" section.