Fieldtrip to steam donkey (North of Haywire Bay)

Saturday February 26, 2000

Present on the fieldtrip:

Museum members: Brian Crilly, Richard Parker, Tom Oldale, Norm Evans, Les Shelton, Mike Clark, Rudi van Zwaaij

Steam donkey committee: Greg Voysey, Howie McKamey

Others: Kraig and Sandra Urbanoski, Suzanne Clark

 We left the Shingle mill at 9 am in two boats. After a short boat ride we tied up at a cabin, and started on the 45-minute hike on an old overgrown road. The weather cooperated and we had dry weather.

The steam donkey was an awesome sight and everybody was enthusiastic about the prospect of bringing it out of the woods this summer. A lot of photographs and some video were taken. Discussion centered on how to get the donkey out. Greg and Howie are both involved in logging with helicopters, and felt fairly comfortable that we could airlift the steam donkey in two or three turns. The boiler would have to be lifted by itself, and the frame and drums last. For ease of handling, it would be preferable to fly straight to the A-frame. The research on the weight of the unit is still on going, but early indications are it to be in the 35,000 pound range without the wooden skids.

The next step is to finish the research on this Empire model, and organize a work party to document and disassemble the parts for flying. A work party early in the year is preferred over later in regards to the fire season in the woods, as torches may have to be used to cut some of the bolts. Rudi will write a project description that can be send to potential companies that may be interested in helping with the project. Greg will contact helicopter logging companies.

We talked about painting of the steam donkey. Some felt it would be much nicer to leave it in its natural state. Brian suggested to sandblast and clear coat the metal to give it some protection. Brian will check if Pacifica has a warehouse where we can do this work.

The roof structure is another thing to consider. Building a new roof structure is probably a good thing to protect the steam donkey. However, we need to take into consideration the likelihood of vandalism, and have to build something that is somewhat vandal proof and possibly sacrifice some of the authenticity of the current roof structure. Documentation of the existing roof structure still needs to take place. The current structure is rotten and is not worth saving.

 Information collected on the steam donkey:

Empire MFG. Co. Ltd. Vancouver

Model (or serial No.?): Empire No. 357

No of drums: 3?

Boiler diameter: 6 feet (approx. 190 cm)

Boiler height to the upper rivets: 10 feet

Boiler overall height with chimney is 7.0m

Metal frame: Length: 16 feet

Outside Width: 6½ feet

Overall width including outside cylinder: 9 feet

Cylinder size: 10 x 16

Wooden skids: length: 16.6m (54 feet)

Width: 3.4m (11 feet)

Diameter: 1-1.2m (3½ feet)

Wood: Douglas Fir (still fairly sound in places)

Roof structure: wood frame with tin roofing

Rudi suggested leaving a plaque at the site after we remove the steam donkey. Maybe a brass plaque that can be bolted to the adjacent rock bluff. We need to consider if this is worthwhile, and decide on the writing.

The party returned safely at the Shingle mill at noon. The steam donkey committee decided to meet later in March to discuss the next steps of the project. We thank Goat Lake Forest Products and Weyerhaeuser for supplying the boats for the trip.

Rudi van Zwaaij, President

PS. Thanks Sandra for the great photographs!

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File: museum/donkey project/workparty-may6