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What type of switchstands / turnout throwing mechanisms would be seen on a prototype logging railroad? Pictures anywhere?
- Jack C
- Jack C
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- Jack C -
Morning Jack,
What era are you modeling?
1890 - 1900 is my time frame and I ask the same question. I like the looks of the harp switch stand. Will it fit my era and are there others that would fit as well? id=size4> id=teal>
Nelsonid=teal>
P.S. Remember, be courteous to one another.
id=teal>
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Hi gents,
A few search results:
pic http://www.sbhrs.org/museum/Artifact...arp_switch.htm
pic http://www.discounttrainsonline.com/...m229-8407.html
ref http://www.burger.com/csswitch.htm
pic http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/vck/ridgpics.htm
pic http://www.cannonballltd.com/cat_pics/pt26400.jpg
pic http://www.mendotamuseums.org/raypix/pashous.htm
From Olive Branch
Cid
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With a lot of turn-of-the-century logging operations, trackage was hastily constructed on crude roadbeds. Frequently, the switches were constructed the same way and were operated with simple throwbars. Many times they didn't bother with switch stands or indicators. I just went through one of my books and couldn't find a single photo of a switch or switchstand. (Came across several photos of wrecked lokies at switching locations, though!). I'll check some of my other books when I get back home.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm a busy man. I have a railroad to run.
http://homepage.mac.com/michael21/CMS-RR-Co./
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Thanks for the links Cid.
Nelsonid=teal>
P.S. Remember, be courteous to one another.
id=teal>
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Good info, thanks. I'd noticed a lack of switchstands in a lot of the logging photos. Makes sense that they'd not install them on the "quick and dirty" tracks.
Modeling the early 1900's. I'll probably use harp stands around the more permanent facilities, yard, sawmill, etc. and just go throwbars out in the woods.
- Jack C
- Jack CComment
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Hi guys,
I noticed on one of those links re the harp stands that they were used with "stub type" switches. I believe that this switch had no "points" but actually aligned the rails at two different places, if I'm getting this right. Has anyone seen a template or diagram of this??
If my logging section ever gets built, I think at least one of these suub switches will be a "must have" just to be somethin' different!!
From Olive Branch
Cid
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Cid...
Model Railroader had an article on a three-way stub switch in April 2001. A quick look at their index revealed 20 more articles over the past 65 years or so (!). See the magazine index at www.trains.com .
Andrew
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Hi and Thanks, MasonJar, that helps.
From Olive Branch
Cid
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Hi Jack,
I've seen most logging roads use a simple throwover lever connected directly to the switch blades. I have a video on the Cass Scenic and they seem to still use them in tourist service. West Side lumber used a similar style as well.
I suppose the reasoning is that a switch stand is more likely to be damaged by logs and/or branches, bark, etc. hanging off the loads, not to mention camp cars (15 foot or more wide) donkeys and other large loads that might strike a switch stand.
Russ
Moss Lake Lumber Co.
Russ
Moss Lake Lumber Co.Comment
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I think Russ has it right. Altho' stub switches are cool to look at on a model RR, I don't see them used much in a logging environment in my dozen's of reference books. Maybe because of the weights involved? Stub switches and harp stands are more widely seen in the mid to later 19th century when RR's were "new"........(!?!) (I gotta admit however, Boone Morrison, on my favorite logging layout uses harp switches on his HOn3 layout, so what do I know!)
Edited by - Bucks Owin on 07/22/2002 11:29:48
Edited by - Bucks Owin on 07/22/2002 11:33:28
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This raises the whole question of clearances on logging roads compared to common carriers. Consider a large steam donkey of the '20s. It's up to 20' tall to the top of the stack, and sitting on a 5' tall sled. The average boxcar of the time will probably be 15'tall and 10'wide. That donkey wont make it through a tunnel (not on the first try anyway). I had this sort of encounter with my model donkey, a log train and a tunnel on a club layout some years ago.
What this means to us loggers is that if you plan on running large equipment in your log trains and have used the NMRA clearance gauge, then you may have a problem. Try a mockup of a donkey using 2 1/4" dowels for a sled and a chunk of broom handle for the boiler.
Bet you'll be surprised how big things become.
Russ
Moss Lake Lumber Co.
Edited by - mosslake on 07/23/2002 08:27:50
Russ
Moss Lake Lumber Co.Comment
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