LOGGING IN THE DOUGLAS FIR REGION. 219 



when loaded cars are descending the incline, and a low speed for pull- 

 ing up locomotives, yarding engines, etc. There are two sets of 

 brakes — one operated by hand, the other by steam. This minimizes 

 the danger of losing control of the load. Both brakes have tre- 

 mendous holding power. The steam brake is so arranged that in the 

 event of the steam line's becoming disconnected, the brake would 

 be automatically thrown on, thus stopping the engine. This function 

 of the brake is controlled by a 1,400-pound weight. In other words, 

 when the engine is cold the brake is set, it being necessary to use 

 steam to lift the weight. The hoist is strongly made throughout, 

 weighs approximately 35 tons, and costs $6,500 f. o. b. Portland. 



The lowering line is wrapped around the gypsy four times, so that 

 either end can be moved up or down the incline. It consists of IJ 

 inch Warrington construction wire rope, which has an approximate 

 strength of 98 tons. The stress on the rope in operation amounts to 

 about 29 tons, giving a factor of safety of 3.35. A lubricant, con- 

 sisting of pine tar and skid oil, is applied to the line three times a 

 week. This keeps the line in good condition and greatly prolongs its 

 life. 



It has been pointed out that this line leads through sheaves on a 

 tower at the head of the incline. To reduce further the friction and 

 wear on the line, suitable rollers — 10 in number — are placed at points 

 where heavy breaks in the grade line occur and where the line comes 

 in contact with the ground. These rollers are made of manganese 

 steel, with the ends higher than the center, to keep the line traveling 

 in the center of the track. 



In hooking the load to the incline cable, a bridle with a choker 

 hook spliced in each end is placed over the load. A long strap with 

 an eye splice in each end is then passed under the load, through the 

 chokers of the bridle, and back over the draw head of the flat car. 

 A heavy clevis is used to fasten the incline cable to the bridle. To do 

 away with any side pull that may result from the tightening of the 

 cable, a short piece of chain is fastened around the draw head over 

 the bridle ends. This brings the incline cable pull to the center of 

 the track. If this were not done, the line would not travel in the same 

 place each time, and so it would be impracticable to place track 

 rollers. 



Electric bells, located at the top and bottom of the incline, are 

 used for a signal system. These are supplemented by telephones at 

 the bottom, at the passing track in the center of the incline, and in 

 the lowering engine house, thus affording communication for the 

 entire length of the line and increasing to a great degree the effi- 

 ciency and safety of the operation. 



The operation of the incline is briefly as follows : A 9^ by 10-inch 

 yarding engine, located about 75 feet from the hoist from which it 



