Product Close-ups
Product Close-up: Bachmann Log Skidder on Flat Car
May 5, 2010
By Jon Miller |
Author
Bio
Bachmann Industries has introduced their Item #95699 "LS" Log Skidder w/Crates (Non Operating) on 20' Flat Car. At the same time they offered the Log Skidder Item #92699 as a separate sale item. Both items have proven to be popular, especially with operators who are running logging operations.
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 BACKGROUND: Bachmann Industries has introduced their Item #95699 "LS" Log Skidder w/Crates (Non Operating) on 20' Flat Car. At the same time they offered the Log Skidder Item #92699 as a separate sale item. Both items have proven to be popular, especially with operators who are running logging operations. Log skidders were an integral piece of equipment used by loggers to move logs from the woods for yarding and loading on log cars for movement to mills. TABULATED DATA: The skidder comes mounted on Bachmann's 1:20.3 twenty foot flat car. The flat car is the painted unlettered version Item #95670. The flat car measures 11 3/4" long over the end beams. Width is 3 9/16" measured at the end beams. Body mounted plastic couplers are mounted at the same height as couplers on cars with truck mounted couplers. This is a small flat car even though listed by Bachmann as being 1:20.3 scale. In fact the flat car is slightly smaller in length and width than a HLW 1:24 scale flat car. Skidder Measurements: Length of frame: 7 1/2"
Width of frame: 2 3/4"
Steam engine and drums: 4 7/16"
Width of engine and drums: 2 3/32"
Boiler Height 5 13/16"
Boiler Diameter: 1.49"
Height: Base of skidder to top of stack: 6 7/8"
SKIDDER AND FLAT CAR: 
Right side view.
A closer view showing cylinder detail. It should be mentioned, once again, that the skidder is non operating. The drums, steam cylinders, and all operating controls are molded in one piece and do not move. There are four small pegs molded to the skidder beams that align with holes in the flat car deck. The skidder and tool boxes are held in place by the black wires that tie them to the car. Removing the wires frees the skidder and tool boxes from the flat car. No cement is used to attach either to the flat car. I found the supplied flat car to be too small for my taste. The skidder and tool boxes were removed and mounted on a scratch built twenty-two foot 1:20.3 flat car.
Following are additional pictures of the skidder showing its detail and mounted on the twenty- two foot flat car. 
Skidder mounted on the scratch built flat car. 
Skidder with the Bachmann 1:20.3 caboose for size comparison. 
This rear view shows a barrel in place on the stack rack. A stack rack was used many times when moving the skidder. The stack would be removed and placed on the rack. This reduced the height of the skidder.
Having the stack stowed on the rack protected the stack from damage when moving the skidder either on a flat car or through the woods. This helps eliminate damage that could be caused by low branches and other low clearance obstructions. 
Note the boiler detail. A whistle cord has been added. The pop valve and whistle have been brass painted. The water sight class has been painted white for highlight. A stack damper has been added. 
These two pictures show the engineer's side of the skidder. There is a throttle rod that goes to the valve controlling steam to the cylinders. 
In addition to weathering the skidder detail items such as tow chains were added to the skids. 
This is the capstan side. Chains were also added to the skids at this end of the skidder.
WRAP UP: The skidder on the flat car or the skidder by itself are well detailed and will make a nice addition to any logging operation. Given its detail this is one piece that begs for weathering and added detail. Note that NBW castings have been added for more detail. Tool boxes have had hasps and pad locks added. The skidder can be removed from the skidder base for ease in weathering or adding detail. There are six Phillips head screws that attach the skidder to the skids. Given their economical price several of these well detailed skidders can be added to any layout without breaking the bank. Now, let's yard some logs!
| Donkies |
| Another nice new item report, this time on a key piece of equipment in logging. There were on average three logging skidders (donkies) for every logging locomotive a company operated. |
| Rick Henderson - 05/05/2010 - 05:32 |
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