Fordson shovels

[Ray Dunakin]

During my recent Nevada trip I saw a lot of interesting old equipment. There were two Fordson-powered shovels that I especially liked. Someone like Gordon or Ken might find them of interest as a subject to model...





There are more pics including a lot of detail close-ups, here:

http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Fordson_Shovel.html

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[Craig_H]

Ray,   That's a interesting looking shovel    Craig

[eTraxx]

Just the weathering .. the beautiful rust (which looks more like gun browning) and the yellow is worth studying

[lab-dad]

DAMN!
We need to get a supply of those 1/16 tractors!
Have to look for some more McKinsey kits.
That is cool!
-Mj

[Chuck Doan]

Thanks Ray!

[chester]

Very cool machines Ray thanks.

[NORCALLOGGER]

Ray,
Thanks those are really cool.
I have seen Fordson tractors, and the tractors adapted to; road graders, locomotives, hoisting engines, construction elevator, various farm equipment and even a snow mobile  but this took me by total surprise.  Hmmm I have a 1:16 diecast Fordson and wanted another shovel, maybe.
Later
Rick

[Ray Dunakin]

I've been doing a little research on these things... the two I saw in Tonopah were made by Universal Power Shovel (formerly Wilford Power Shovel). Later the company switched to using McCormick-Deering engines.

Here's a brief YouTube video I found showing a restored shovel in operation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8-EKNSzQDY&feature=related

[lab-dad]

More details on the shovel operation would be helpful.
Looks like the drive is done through the axles, no biggie there.
I am "assuming" the bucket is operated off the PTO.
Must be some sort of complex system to operate the bucket, lift, and rotating.
I really would like to do one of these......
-Marty

[Ken Hamilton]

This definitely has a great "WTF Factor" that would translate into a kool model.
Thanks for the pics, Ray.

[Chuck Doan]

I think Rio Grande Models make one in HO.

[lab-dad]

I am going shopping for the Frodson tractor this week (NNGC)
I have a bucket and a winch.
I would appreciate any information that is available.

I need to find a good source for tracks, I'm guessing the military guys will have the best!
Just not sure what to look for.
II guess I will try the MIG forum for info........

-Marty

[chester]

Marty,
   From what I've observed, there's a big difference between military type tracks and construction crawler tracks. Of course if you're going to go with the shop built look, I guess anything goes.

[marc_reusser]

Marty,

Responded to the track issue over on MIG....still getting around to the pics.

I think these tracks would be a cinch and no brainer for PAP.  (There is actually an Aussie mil. kit and aftermarket parts maker that uses PAP exclusively for their tracks and detail parts).

You would probably have to improvise, reverse engineer a bit on them.....first find the parts you will use for the road wheels, sprockets and return rollers...get them assmbled and aligned, the do some "interpreteation" to get the tracks to look like thoose in the photo, but fit into and over the roller components.


Marc

[lab-dad]

Well I got "fired up" and started this thing.
I had a casting of a bucket so thats what i started with.
Lots of little pieces in this thing, something like 25 pieces and then the NBW's....
Neat thing is the bottom "hatch" actually works!
I think up next is the boom to hang this dipstick on.
Scale is 1:48 (sorry Russ for not stating)
-Marty