Just needs the packed mud that always builds up between the bolts on the tracks and the cleats. Well done. Wayne
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Thanks Wayne - building up the soil on the tracks slowly - started on the Cat tracks but not on the arch tracks yet . ( except the bottom )
Cheers- RT
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Looks great Richard. I would only suggest you need some wood chips around the tree base - they’ve just cut it down - and the road looks too clean, more crushed in slash.
From earlier in the blog.
cheers
Michael
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Agreed Michael - still a work in progress. I like to move forward slowly- seems easier to add more if needed than to remove . Thanks for the clues .
Cheers- Richard
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I would also suggest lowering the lifted end of the log so that the log hangs more horizontally, compare with the photo above. I believe that the drag resistance is greater when the log is lifted high and the weight gets concentrated to a small area. Lower it by half the log diameter?
If the log swings forward at the current height it will bang into the struts …
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Thanks Robin - the shorter the scope ( length of cable out beyond the boom ) the less chance of the log swinging fore and aft . If the log were near horizontal it would become a battering ram if it fetched up then released . Anyway , too late to change - the cable is fixed to the drum .
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See what you mean, choosing between two evils …
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Calling this one done…
One often repeated mantra is “ an artist knows when to stop “.
I don’t know if I am an artist but I am content with the base at this point - I suppose I could go on and on adding materials but I don’t know if that would improve it and the mojo was beginning to fade . One sure way to screw up a creative work is to carry on when your heart is not in it .
The last thing I think it needed was a splash of color so I added a can of oil along with a funnel and red rag .
So here it is -
Thanks all for the interest , critique , compliments and suggestions. This has been a most enjoyable project with considerable new skills to try .
Time to clean up the bench and shop , sit back and ponder what’s next.
Cheers- Richard
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The red rag was a nice addition!
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Brilliant work Richard! 
Just needs one thing… outdoor photos with a forest backdrop. No one would ever guess it’s a model. 
—mike
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Thanks Mike ! You know LBI - no forests nearby .
Thanks for all the support and comments along the way .
Cheers-RT
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Fantastic result, a masterpiece – and what Mike said, even with just sky behind it daylight would make it look even more awesome 
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Thanks for the kind words Tim - I guess I’ll have to try some outside pics .
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Magnificent - a Masterwork.
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Beautiful work! Thanks so much for taking the time and effort to share it with the rest of us. I’ve really enjoyed following along!
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Great finish! As an old cat skinner, I always enjoy seeing construction equipment projects. Wayne
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Thanks Wayne - Did I pick the right oil for the pony motor ? LOL
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I’m old enough to have run some cable rigs,ha ha, but as far as the oil goes, anything works and was put in whatever cans we had handy! Great work. Wayne
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My late brother in law had a heavy equipment company and a sand/ gravel pit mine . I had been operating a small Kubota 4x4 loader for the construction company I worked for .
While visiting my nephew after his dad ( my brother in law) passed he said he had something to show me - out back in the sand pit was a new Cat D 6 with the elevated drive sprocket. He tossed me the keys and I got to play in the sandbox for an hour with it . FUN !
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Now that’s the way to play in a sand box!
Ken
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