Rivarossi HO log cars

[bigcreekcowboy]

I recently bought a large lot of Rivarossi log cars and they look beautiful (and more prototypical) to my railroad. But I have not figured out how to put the chain on them. I previously used flat cars with log bunks that were easy to load and unload, I made up bundles of logs and glued them together so it was quick and easy to load/unload by hand at either end of the layout. I have toyed with the idea of gluing the log bunks solid and then forgeting the chain. Any ideas? 

[bigcreekcowboy]

I am thinking someone out there has expreance with these cars. 

[7j43k]

bigcreekcowboy

I have toyed with the idea of gluing the log bunks solid and then forgeting the chain. 

 

I had a quick look at photos of log cars, and most of the ones showing the Rivarossi style car don't have chains.  So it would seem preferable to leave the chains off, anyway.

 

Ed

[mlehman]

Ed,

I probably have the cars you're referring to. Mine have only the folding fingers on the end of the log bunks. Those work well for me.

However, maybe these are older cars? IIRC, Rivarossi did some differntly detailed versions or perhaps an entirely different car in the past. Maybe someone else has pics or info or the original poster can refer us to a pic of cars like his so we're all on the same page?

[7j43k]

Mike,

Maybe the chain "detail" comes and goes.  My recollection is that Rivarossi only did one car.  And, of course, painted it variously.  

I fairly quickly found some help for OP if he still wants to use chains:

http://www.coastmans.com/store/p93/Rivarossi_Skeleton_Log_Cars_-_Pair_-_Simpson_Lumber_Co..html

 

Ed

[7j43k]

Well, so much for recollection:

What I believe is the earlier model (2349):

 

And the "later":

 

 

 

Ed

[Timman]

I have the smaller log car and it appears that the chains are held together with a 1/4 "long 1/16 diameter spring. The spring has two loops at either end that can accept one link. Connect opposite ends of spring to either end then slide logs into loop formed by chain. In older pics you just see the spring on the under side it nestles between rails.

[redroverma4748]

There are three ways to secure the logs. The first is to glue the four adjustable posts into a fixed position that will hold the logs. These posts are adjustable and weren't meant to hold the logs in place without the chains. However, the finished product just isn't as attractive without the chains. The second way is to thread the chains in between the posts and the rail the posts are mounted on and then lock the chain in place with the adjuable posts. This worked with the pair of cars I bought in 2017 because the links in the chain were large enough to be locked. The chains with two cars I purchased recently had smaller links and this apporoach didn't work. The last way is to thread the chain inside the post and use the pins that were provided to secure the chain by placing the pin through the hole in the post and then through a link in the chain and then through the hole on the other side of the post. I put the pin through the 3rd or 4th link in the chain on each side. I think this is the way it was meant to be set up despite the lack of instructions. This required some patience and a steady hand, but the finished product is worth it.

[trainnut1250]

Do you intend to have the loads be removable? If so then most chain arrangements are not going to work if they require attachment to the car. One suggestion is to glue the chains to the log bundles in the correct placement to align with the chain hold downs on the car and not have them attach to the car. Not perfect but it can be made to look good.

2. Other option if the logs are not to be removeable is to follow Redrover’s suggestions and permanently glue the logs and chains to the cars. The option of using the folding fingers on the bunks should be approached with caution because the fingers can end up accidentally sticking straight out of the bunks extending the width of the car and snagging scenery, trees, etc…(don’t ask – LOL!!!!)

 

Guy