The McGiffert Log Loader

For some unknown reason, I just like making the unusual pieces of machinery that seem to be about in the logging area. I chose to make the McGiffert log loader because I liked the look of it.
A friend of mine sent me some drawings of this beast, along with it’s history, After reading about it I became fascinated with it, and needed to have a go at Scratchbuilding it These are the drawings I had sent.

So here, for those who may want to tackle one of these, is how I made mine.

Making the templates for 0n30

The first job was to make templates of the front and rear iron work, so after determining the height and length of it by comparison to other O gauge stock I set about on the computer to make the first stage of the McGiffert log loader. Drawing 1 shows the computer templates of all pieces needed.

The next step was to transfer the printout onto plasticard or Cardstock. (I used 1/16th card stock for the main frame) As I needed approx eight cut-outs for each end, I had no alternative but to have a lot of patience cutting this damn card with a craft knife. A few were spoilt, and a few choice words were indeed spread around, but I got there in the end.

Making the end pieces of it was quite straight forward once all the pieces had been cut out, luckily, they all went together properly. Once these were made, I had to make the side pieces to make a sort of oblong box shape. As each part was made, I painted and weathered it.

Photo 3 shows the completed lower part with the wheels in the raised position.

The next stage was to make the sides and roof, to fit on top of the base. Again I used the computer to draw out the side pieces, then plasticard to make it up. The roof was plastic corrugation.

The next task was to make the jib,  made from ¼” hard wood from a template again drawn up on the computer first.

The wheel arrangement was made all in one then fitted underneath afterwards.

Next I had to make the pistons to assist the jib to move left & right.

Once completed, these were fitted inside the cab.

Whilst this photo was taken before completion, it will give you an idea of how it all goes together.

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