10.11.12 Straddle Truck

Prototype Information

Hyster Straddle Truck

A straddle truck, also known as a straddle carrier, is a self-propelled industrial vehicle with a large, elevated frame designed to carry heavy, bulky loads—such as lumber, steel, or containers—underneath its chassis between its wheels. These versatile machines offer benefits like improved stability, tighter turn radii, and efficient movement for material handling in various industries, including container terminals, lumber yards, and refineries.

In 1913, Harry B. Ross built the first straddle truck at the Stetson-Ross Machine Works in Seattle, Washington. Mr. Ross’ invention revolutionized the movement of lumber around mill yards, and would be replicated in later years by Gerlinger, Hyster, Yale, Caterpillar and a host of others.

The operator typically sits in a cabin above the frame, with clear visibility and controls for lifting and driving operations. Lumber packages are assembled on carrier blocks. The straddle truck moves over the lumber package (the straddle part), lifts the package off the carrier blocks, and carries its load to its destination. Locating the load under the truck helps distribute the load weight across its wheels. 

The WWSL

The Olympic Peninsula Logging Company uses straddle trucks at their Sawmill lumber yard,

This straddle truck will be a kit-batch project as I build the Sawmill section. 

Reference

https://rootsofmotivepower.com/logging-equipment/lumber-carrier-ross-straddle-carrier/

Addendum: Here is a straddle carrier build I found on https://forums.kitmaker.net/t/trucks-around-the-yard/46469/48.  Nick Haskell is the  talented individual. It's 1/35 scale. That's ok. I'm looking for kit- and scratch-building techniques and Nick certainly knows his stuff!

Addendum 2: I recently headed over to the Wiseman Model Service web site for some Shay parts and 'lo and behold!' I find he has a HO scale Gerlinger straddle lumber carrier advertised! It's the perfect start to a kit-batching!