Portable Saw Mill

[Larry C]

Over the past few years of modeling I realized there are two things I really enjoy building; one is anything that has belts and pulleys and the second is creating scenes or dioramas. That being said I've decided to follow my passion and build what I enjoy. I was a little torn as to where to start this thread since everything will be scratch built but in the end they will be dioramas.

Now that I have an On18 small layout I decided to take my old On30 layout and utilize that for a place to display my dioramas. I replaced some of the foam and at some point the entire thing will get a coat of brown paint just to make the base look better.

Ok, let's get down to business shall we. I thought it would be fun to build a scene with a portable saw mill that a logging company might use and this is of my own design:



This is what I'm starting with; 2 pieces of half inch foam, that I acquired free of charge for my local trash transfer station, that I glued together to keep all the bases the same and to give it more strength. This diorama measures 15 x 9 inches. Decided to step out of my comfort zone and try my hand at laying the track myself. After ordering a set of Kadee HO scale track gauges I set to work. The ties are grained and colored 3x10's for a beefier looking tie and the rail, which has been rusted on the sides, is by Atlas. All of the scenes will be built in On30.



This is a refurbished small flat car that I had on hand. The wood is grained and colored using 4x12's for the sides and 2x10's for the deck; this will serve as the log car.

Next I'll start building the machines and of course I'll still be working on my On18 layout as well. Thanks for stopping by for a look and please leave your comments and/or suggestions; they are appreciated.

 

[Jerry]

Larry sounds like a fun project.
I haven't forgotten your package.

I'll be back pictures haven't showed up yet.

Jerry

[Rick]

Larry, this will be an interesting project for me to follow along.
Good start and have fun building it.

[Larry C]

Thanks guys. Rick I assume the photos finally showed so Jerry can see them.

[Jerry]

Nice photos!!  Holy! Moly!  Now he's hand  laying track!! 

Jerry

[Larry C]

Thanks Jerry; I thought I'd give hand laying track a try. I couldn't imagine doing an entire layout though; very time consuming.

[friscomike]

Howdy Larry,

This looks like a fun project, expanding your skills with hand-laid track.  Nice work.

Have fun,
mike

[Larry C]

Mike thank you; I thought I would give hand laying track a go.

[Larry C]

Started building the machines:



First up is the table saw made entirely from the parts bin. The lumber used was 6x6's for the frame, 3x12's for the top, and 1x10's on the bottom to support the legs; also added some NBW's and nail holes in the appropriate places. A simple design and I also removed the "rust" from the saw blade.



This is another view.

Next is a set of "dead rollers" which will go directly behind the table saw:



The frame for this was built the same as the saw with all the wood being grained, colored with chalks, and clear alcohol. The rollers came again from the parts bin. The pillow blocks are from Sierra West left over from the belt line kit I bought for the large saw mill and the rollers themselves are pieces of 1/16th inch painted brass rod. Again I added a few NBW's and nail holes in the appropriate places.



Here's another view of the dead rollers.

Since the saw mill will be portable the next task will be to build a big "sled" to mount the table saw on as well as the dead rollers. Also need to figure out a portable power plant to operate the saw. Thanks for looking in and leaving all your great comments and/or suggestion so stay tuned.

[Rick]

Larry, both look very good.

[Larry C]

Thanks Rick.

[Jerry]

Larry a very nice job on both those pieces.
Your doing some really nice work on this adventure!!

Jerry

[friscomike]

Howdy Larry,

The saw and dead rollers look well-made.  Congratulations on this interesting build.

Have fun,
mike

[Larry C]

Jerry and Mike thank you both so much; your comments are appreciated and keeps me going.

[Philip]

Off to a great start Larry!