Saginaw and Manistee: Big Wheels and Loading Operations; Steam era Log Trains (Updated 12/30/21)

SAGINAW AND MANISTEE; BIG WHEELS AND LOADING OPERATIONS; STEAM ERA LOG TRAINS 

COPYRIGHT; ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (5/10/22)

    One of the things about a blog, in contrast to a printed book, is that new information can be posted in a matter of moments. A book would require publishing an updated edition. Not that I would begrudge publishing a book- thus entering the pantheon of other notable authors. Until such time, once it is researched and reviewed, I will continue to provide information. 

    Recently I came upon a treasure trove of historic photographs in the public domain.  All photographs in this post, unless otherwise noted, are courtesy of USDA, U.S. Forest Service, and Coconino National Forest.  

   In the early years Big Wheel logging was a common method of transporting logs. The following series of photographs documents this procedure. 

Once the big wheels are placed near the logs, a little finessing is necessary to make sure they are in the proper spot. Note the spring board over the tongue and axle. This would indicate that this set of wheels is a different design than the slip-tongue system. 

 

    The teamsters are making sure that the load is raised in the proper position. The lift chain has been wrapped under the load, and the tongue is in position to be pulled forward by the horse team. The springboard has been placed in a position to stabilize and support the tongue. Note the one brave soul intently watching the chains that are wrapped under the logs. In today's world, this process would violate a number of safety regulations. Then again, it was a matter of getting the work done as quickly as possible. Sometimes you just got to do what you got to do. Another example as to why logging has, and always will be, one of the most dangerous occupations.

This photograph shows a team pulling the tongue forward, raising the log load and placing it in position to be moved to the railhead. A team of two horses, and two men worked together to move the logs.

    Once the lifting process has been completed, the logs are transported to the railhead and load-out. Note the other set of big wheels trundling in the background. Over and again, this process is repeated until quitting time. That does not mean that the teamster's work is done, as the horses must be led back to the camp, then fed and watered. They took great care of these animals; they worked hard, just like their handlers, and were deserving of their oats and hay. The Loader appears to be a Barnhart machine.

    Barnhart loaders, one of three types known to have harvested in this area, had a curved roof, with a graceful curle above the sidewalls. The early designs had a  fixed boom, secured by a number of braces attached to the structure. Later designs had a boom that could raised and lowered.

                                                                    **************

    

 

    A Saginaw and Manistee log load-out, circa 1922, most likely along the Bellemont Line. Engine #3, a side rod locomotive, is in charge of the train. The steam loader is an American Loader.  Russel log cars were used during this time period. The drive mechanism of the loader can just be seen under the loader housing. The small wheels allowed the loader to move from one car to another, on rails mounted on the log bunks. 

    The American Loader had a more boxy appearance. This particular design had an adjustable boom, which was able to move in a lateral direction. Functional, basic and easily patched together after the not uncommon accidents along the line (the third type of loader was the McGiffert, which is pictured in the Collier Logging Museum section.)  

    A large volume of logs is being harvested in this area, thus justifying the Company's investment. It is worth noting the short train, often consisting of about five cars. Once the cars are loaded the train is moved to the main track where additional loaded cars are waiting. The engine then would saunter through the woods to the connection with the Santa Fe Railroad, where the Santa Fe would then take the cars to the mill in Williams.

    There has been some discussion, and certainly a degree of disagreement, as to how the cars were loaded. Were the rails separate and then placed on the log bunks, or were the rails permanently mounted? This photograph is captioned "1928- Log loader on log bunks. Loader traveled on rails, mounted on log cars." This is conclusive evidence that the rails were mounted (spiked or bolted); the loader moved from one car to the other. The log cars appear to be 20-foot Russel cars. Although not a Saginaw train, the operations and equipment are similar. Photograph taken on the Mescalero Indian Reservation, Lincoln National Forest. 

"Loaded train leaving the area."

 The engine is a Heisler locomotive. As can be seen, the loader was brought out along with the train. Tucking the loader near the engine reduced the chance of it swaying and tipping the loads.