HARTFORD PRODUCTS, INC.
Quality kits and parts for
#1 (G) Gauge

Kit builds either the Barnhart log loader version (shown) or a skeleton log car version. The prototype for this model is on display at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum and was developed from factory blueprints. Code 148 rail must be supplied by the builder for the Barnhart version or purchased separately.

Numerous plans and kits of 3 foot narrow gauge disconnect log cars have been available to model railroaders for many years, but virtually all are "re-gauged" versions of standard gauge or 42" narrow gauge prototypes. Fortunately, HARTFORD PRODUCTS located a nicely restored pair of true 36" gauge disconnects, which had been used by the L. E. White Lumber Co. in Mendocino County in northern California until about 1916. The kit includes unsprung link and pin couplers and steel wheels.

This kit replicates the "home made" log cars made from timber cut by the New Mexico Lumber Company and outfitted with used D&GR hardware - trucks, couplers, brake rigging, etc. It was operated on a number of logging lines, which supplied the D&GR system with ties and lumber for construction for quite some time in northern new Mexico and southern Colorado. With its low-slung profile it presents a quite unique appearance. We found it an unusual and intriguing prototype to present for your modeling pleasure. This kit includes unsprung link and pin couplers.

This kit is a highly accurate model of the only log cars used by the Ely-Thomas Lumber Co. on their narrow gauge logging operation in the mountains of West Virginia in the 1940's and 1950's. While its origins are obscure, it may have started its life as an American Car and Foundry Pattern No. 20 log car. Information to develop the kit comes from photographs and measurements taken by HARTFORD PRODUCTS of three examples restored at the Cradle of Forestry Museum. It is the perfect companion to your Ely-Thomas Shay, or other logging locomotive. This kit includes brake super detail.

Little is known about the history of this truly unique skeleton log car; only one photograph is known to exist. It is believed that a string of these cars were hurriedly built and added to Carter Brothers 4 foot swing motion trucks after the 1906 earthquake that destroyed much of San Francisco. These cars were used to haul freshly cut logs from the Boulder Creek area - perhaps from the Dougherty's Mill - to a yard on the South Pacific Coast line, from where they were shipped on to San Francisco. HARTFORD PRODUCTS will greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who has more complete information and/or photographs of this car. This kit includes Carter Bros. Trucks.