Art & Words by
HOWARD B. TAYLOR

This type of early logging locomotive was built in a blacksmith shop on Coos Bay. At least three similar roads were in use there. Gravity brought the logs in on these narrow gauge lines. The logging was done with oxen, hence the snipped and peeled logs. These logs are of the grade prized as peelers today and used for plywood face stock material. The rail bed is a combination of cross and lateral planking from cull logs.

An attempt to utilize all material coming out of the sawmill was made by using waste for roads. Many millmen were afraid to burn waste as required by law as it was impossible for them to control the fire. The sawdust was often piled so close that it obstructed the machinery. In 1934-36, I saw much slabwood stuffed under the railroad where ties were pumping water. About 1944, I saw a repeat of that performance. This time though, the manager listened to his engineer and saved the road with coarse, clean hard rock. This type of roadbed will work with this type of train. Sorta.