Dismantling the logging arch yesterday went really well, thanks to our awesome volunteers – Chris, Skip, David, Todd, Walt, John, Lance, and Paul. We’ve identified a few original pieces of eastern hardwood, surprisingly – most of the logging arch’s wood has been replaced at some point with western softwoods. Those original pieces will serve as patterns for the new pieces and ultimately wind up in a display about the logging arch’s construction and reconstruction. We’re working on sourcing the necessary materials now.
and ready to be taken apart
It’s really weird, seeing just the two steel rims standing there, with no wooden spokes and no axle – you really have to use your imagination to picture the sheer massiveness of the wheels now! Fortunately, we have our little quarter-scale model to help!
The work on the axle and hubs will be done in Manitoba, by wheelwright Brian Reynolds, who has a lathe big enough to turn those gigantic hubs. The spokes and felloes (rims) will be done right here at the Museum, with local wheelwright Chris Jenson, so you will be able to drop in and watch. We’ll keep you posted on when that’s going to happen!
That photo gives a pretty good idea of why we need to rebuild this machine. The spindle – that’s the rounded narrow part on the end of the axle, pretty much right smack in the middle of this photo – is what goes through the wheel hub and holds the whole thing together. As you can see, this one is sagging – barely still connected to the rest of the axle. The one on the other end of the axle is in better condition, but you can see just how close to collapse the logging arch was.
We can’t wait to see it all rebuilt and back in working condition! Special thanks to Columbia Basin Trust, Creston Community Forest, Canfor, Jake Philipsen, and the many community funders whose support has made this project possible!
For more articles about the logging arch: