11 hours ago
A Tribute Born from Ashes
In the aftermath of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, one logging family lost not only their equipment but also two crew members. The devastation erased an entire logging side operated by Ross & Sons Logging, leaving behind memories, grief, and a deep sense of loss. Decades later, a heartfelt initiative emerged to honor the legacy of one of the survivors—an 85-year-old father who had once led that operation. The idea was simple yet profound: build a scale model of the tower and equipment he once operated, a tangible tribute to a lifetime of labor and resilience.
The Original Logging Setup
Before the eruption, the crew worked a timber patch near Hanaford Lake, just behind Coldwater Ridge. The equipment lineup included:
The Emotional Weight of the Past
The eruption claimed the lives of two fallers—Tom Gadwa and Wally Bowers—and destroyed all machinery. The family hiked into the blast zone two days later, traversing miles of hot ash in search of survivors. The father, a seasoned logger, later flew over the site with the National Guard, confirming the total loss. The emotional toll was immense. He had also helped search for neighbors lost in the blast, including a newlywed couple whose bodies were later recovered.
The Model Building Initiative
Years later, volunteers proposed building a scale replica of the lost equipment to present to the father. The project aimed to:
Modeling Parameters and Suggestions
Logging towers like the Tillman 110 were once common in steep-slope operations. The Skagit BU 80C was a workhorse yarder, known for its cable control and rugged build. The Link-Belt 108 Zephyr, often used for right-of-way loading, was a favorite among operators for its smooth swing and compact footprint.
Recreating these machines in miniature is more than a technical challenge—it’s a way to preserve history, honor sacrifice, and reconnect with a lost era. For the father, receiving such a model would be a moment of reflection, pride, and healing.
Conclusion
This project is not just about building models—it’s about rebuilding memory. It’s a tribute to a man who endured tragedy, led crews through danger, and shaped the forests of the Pacific Northwest. Through scale modeling, his story can be told again, not in words, but in miniature steel, paint, and craftsmanship. And for those who contribute, it’s a chance to be part of something deeply human.
In the aftermath of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, one logging family lost not only their equipment but also two crew members. The devastation erased an entire logging side operated by Ross & Sons Logging, leaving behind memories, grief, and a deep sense of loss. Decades later, a heartfelt initiative emerged to honor the legacy of one of the survivors—an 85-year-old father who had once led that operation. The idea was simple yet profound: build a scale model of the tower and equipment he once operated, a tangible tribute to a lifetime of labor and resilience.
The Original Logging Setup
Before the eruption, the crew worked a timber patch near Hanaford Lake, just behind Coldwater Ridge. The equipment lineup included:
- Tillman 110-foot tower, painted yellow, stabilized by six 1⅜-inch guy lines
- Skagit BU 80C yarder, painted blue and white
- Link-Belt 108 Zephyr crane, mounted on a Clark rubber undercarriage
- Manitowoc 2300 shovel, used for loading and clearing
- TD-24 and TD-20 crawler tractors, used for equipment relocation
The Emotional Weight of the Past
The eruption claimed the lives of two fallers—Tom Gadwa and Wally Bowers—and destroyed all machinery. The family hiked into the blast zone two days later, traversing miles of hot ash in search of survivors. The father, a seasoned logger, later flew over the site with the National Guard, confirming the total loss. The emotional toll was immense. He had also helped search for neighbors lost in the blast, including a newlywed couple whose bodies were later recovered.
The Model Building Initiative
Years later, volunteers proposed building a scale replica of the lost equipment to present to the father. The project aimed to:
- Recreate the Tillman tower and Skagit yarder in 1/25 or 1/50 scale
- Include a model log truck, preferably a Kenworth, Peterbilt, or Mack from the era
- Possibly add the Link-Belt crane and Manitowoc shovel, depending on builder availability
- Fund the effort through donations, compensating model builders for time and materials
Modeling Parameters and Suggestions
- Scale: 1/25 offers better detail and part availability; 1/50 is more space-efficient
- Materials: Resin, brass, and styrene recommended for durability and realism
- Color accuracy: Yellow for the tower, blue and white for the yarder
- Guy lines: Use braided wire or thread to simulate tension cables
- Base display: Include terrain features like ash, stumps, or a timber deck for context
Logging towers like the Tillman 110 were once common in steep-slope operations. The Skagit BU 80C was a workhorse yarder, known for its cable control and rugged build. The Link-Belt 108 Zephyr, often used for right-of-way loading, was a favorite among operators for its smooth swing and compact footprint.
Recreating these machines in miniature is more than a technical challenge—it’s a way to preserve history, honor sacrifice, and reconnect with a lost era. For the father, receiving such a model would be a moment of reflection, pride, and healing.
Conclusion
This project is not just about building models—it’s about rebuilding memory. It’s a tribute to a man who endured tragedy, led crews through danger, and shaped the forests of the Pacific Northwest. Through scale modeling, his story can be told again, not in words, but in miniature steel, paint, and craftsmanship. And for those who contribute, it’s a chance to be part of something deeply human.
