I had to stop for a detour to this log-hauling site, currently occupied by little notices in the bush to say where things used to be.  So not a lot to see there. Interesting – though Sally found it easy to contain her enthusiasm.  But then there was this train, which I’m sure you’ll find as interesting as I did (Sally too, actually).

The whole gadget was driven by an old Fordie engine, which drove two shafts, fore and aft as well as its own wheels. These shafts powered the wheels of the fore and aft log jinkers, effectively giving the whole contraption an 8-wheel drive capability.

The brakes were just beams, organised so a lever clamped them to the side of the wheels.  The train ran on timber rails down some fairly serious slopes.

Not surprisingly things went wrong more than a little, and the drivers were expected to jump off in time to save their lives and if possible the cargo.

Makes todays’ obsession with Occupational Health and Safety look a bit weedy I reckon.