- A 30th Anniversarty Kit -
Kit Concept, Design, and the Pilot Model Constructed by Brett Gallant
Special Thanks to Ken Karns
3D CAD Artwork by Jim Murdock, Emery Jackson, Karl Allison, and Brett Gallant
Names, Logos, Design, and Photographs Copyright Brett Gallant

the HO and O Scales

Deer Creek Land and Timber Company

Backwoods Tie Mill

Designed, Created, and Featuring 3D Printed Details!

Three sawmill kits? Yeah, I love logging and sawmills, spent 30 plus years researching, modeling, and producing sawmill and related kits. Might even call it a bit of an obsession… The HO Scale Twin Mills and O Scale Sawmill Project kits have won more awards than any other kits ever. That makes me very proud and here we have number three! I always wanted to model a small backwoods tie mill and have been collecting prototype photographs and speaking with logging historians in preparation for this kits release. Recently Ken Karns and I were discussing how a small mill would be the perfect addition to a current modeling project he was working on. Turns out this was the final incentive I needed to finally start this long anticipated project.

SierraWest Scale Models Backwoods Tie Mill

The Backwoods Tie Mill is the first kit I have simultaneously released in both HO and O Scales. The Tie Mill was created from the ground up in the SierraWest 3D Printing era allowing complete freedom to produce any part I wanted with no limitations on story telling and scene formation. While all of my kits currently shipping have been significantly updated with 3D Printed parts, creating 3D Printed details specifically for the Tie Mill, while it was in development, was paramount to its conception and design. Keep this in mind as you study the photographs. I enjoy telling stories and the many new details created for this kit bring storytelling to the forefront! Many of the wonderfully detailed scenes would not have been possible to the level of accuracy represented here without the mastery of this amazing technology, especially the sawmill machinery itself.

The Backwoods Tie Mill is a prototypically accurate mill that would be right at home anywhere small narrow gauge or light industrial railroad lines were being constructed or repaired. Meticulously researched over many years, she is based upon several favorite prototype photographs and interviews conducted with logging historians. The rolling adjustable feed table, large saw table, and dead rolls machinery is very unique. Combining prototype pieces from Oliver Machinery Company located in Grand Rapids Michigan, and Dixie Manufacturing from St. Louis Missouri, appropriate for modeling anytime from 1920-1960. The Tie Mill could be operated by just two men but was most efficient when there was additional support preparing the logs and removing the completed ties.

The Backwoods Tie Mill is powered by a small Eagle Manufacturing Model F Tractor with its unique transverse radiator, manufactured in Appleton, Wisconsin. Modified to represent a permanent power source with the wheels removed. These versatile power plants were widely used in saw milling, rock crushing, grist milling, threshing, and silo feeding. Eagle tractors were very popular with nearly 2500 units manufactured. Eagle advertised "the only valve-in-head, heavy duty, slow speed engine that burns kerosene perfectly". With two speeds forward, two and three miles per hour, the Eagle Model F was unsurpassed for its belt power. The perfect companion to a small tie mill. Despite the eventual shift to gasoline and diesel tractors, the Eagle was a vital link in the mechanization of small industry throughout North America in the early 20th century.

My modeling passion is creating prototypically detailed scenes like the one's found in the many railroad history books we collect. I want my dioramas to evoke nostalgic memories and feelings reminiscent of the photographs found in those books. Combining castings, laser cut components, and the scenery is the very definition of diorama modeling and a true art form. I love it when non-modelers "get it" discovering the scenes narrative among the various components. My goal is to teach customers how I achieve these results and am so pleased to be able to combine my manual and online video tutorials for an awesome combination. I consider myself a teacher, cheerleader, and mentor as well as a kit manufacturer. This is so important to me.

The wonderful landing area scene located in the front of the diorama is where the logs are delivered and prepared for the saw table. A Wade Drag Saw bucks them as needed to length then they are placed upon the small rollway. Many tools clutter the scene and create the story of a busy millsite. One of my favorite details is the small man-powered big wheel. Small logs where chained to the bottom of the frame then it could easily be rolled to the landing area.

The Eagle power plant is prominent in this photograph. What an awesome detail and is a single piece 3D Printed part. Your modeling time is spent painting and weathering, then creating the fantastic scene supporting it. There are many crates filled with logging block frames, pulleys, and clevices. A small pile of propane tanks can be seen near the sawdust pile. This was used as a fuel source to burn the sawdust that was not hauled away.
The Maintenance Shed is constructed utilizing individual siding over a laser cut wall frame. The laser cut walls create a very accurate frame that is fast and easy to construct. However, it retains the prototypical appearance of a hand-made one. You are then able to concentrate on detailing the siding. Instructions are provided leading you through every phase of construction including tool selection, assembly, weathering and aging, diorama composition, and scenery creation and application. It is of the utmost importance to me that the techniques I develop and utilize are reproducible for modelers of all experience levels. When you view the pictures of the Tie Mill please remember this. SierraWest kits are unique in the level and amount of detail provided. Since all four sides are fully detailed, you have a ton of flexibility in placement and view-ability on a layout. Be sure to visit the “University” link on my website for updated supplier listings and short technique videos. Many, many customers have used my techniques, building a SierraWest kit, and won best of show awards at major national shows. I am very proud of them!

Yes, ALL the incredible details pictured are included! I spend most of my production time creating the many parts found in my kits. I take their quality very seriously and make the finest detail parts available. Study the diorama, notice how realistic the clutter appears. The many scenes are created using individual components like cans, wrenches, gears, bottles, etc... Weathered and painted separately then glued in place. This allows you to concentrate on creating more realistic appearing scenes with natural variety and unique storytelling. Making it your own by arranging the clutter as you desire is a simple and enjoyable process.
A prominent feature of the Tie Mill diorama are all the logs. These are not included in the kit. The logs are simply twigs that have been cut and ripped on my table saw. Save that sawdust to use all around the mill! Another prominent feature is that awesome MACK AB Flatbed truck. It is included in the kit along with the small tank sitting behind the seat. This tank might be "filled" with kerosene for the Eagle power plant in order to re-supply the elevated oval tank located in front of the small maintenance shed. This is such an important scene and I just had to make a new truck for it! These MACKs are also available separately, just scroll down below to order an extra truck. Also be sure to scroll down and check out the small Cletrac Crawler Tractor 3D Printed kit. The Cletrac is the perfect addition to this diorama or any logging diorama.

Please Read the Following BEFORE Ordering
All Sales Final
All Details Included as Pictured
Kit DOES NOT INCLUDE the Scenery and logs, these are just twigs
Kit INCLUDES the MACK AB Flatbed
purchase additional MACK Flatbed Truck kits below
Purchase Cletrac Crawler Tractor kits below

O Scale kits begin shipping in July
HO Scale kits begin shipping in August

O Scale Backwoods Tie Mill
$285.00 plus shipping and applicable taxes
Kit 316 | Reserve Now
Everything Pictured is Included Except Scenery and Logs
The Diorama Measures Approximately 15" x 8"

A $25.25 Deposit is Due Now, Upon Checkout
Balance Due + Shipping Upon Shipment
Click the Buy Now button to pay your $25.25 Deposit.
Once your kit is ready, a balance due notice will be emailed.
Deposits are non-refundable.
(deposit does not include shipping and/or taxes)

First Time Ordering?
click here to learn about lead times and policies

HO Scale Backwoods Tie Mill
$265.00 plus shipping and applicable taxes
Kit 214 | Reserve Now
Everything Pictured is Included Except Scenery and Logs
The Diorama Measures Approximately 9" x 5"

A $25.25 Deposit is Due Now, Upon Checkout
Balance Due + Shipping Upon Shipment
Click the Buy Now button to pay your $25.25 Deposit.
Once your kit is ready, a balance due notice will be emailed.
Deposits are non-refundable.
(deposit does not include shipping and/or taxes)

First Time Ordering?
click here to learn about lead times and policies

I founded SierraWest in 1995 and have been a one man operation since day one. I make everything by hand to my exacting standards and know you will be pleased with your kit! I will never sacrifice quality for speed and always provide exceptional customer service and support including fast response to emails and phone calls. I am always here if you have any questions so please feel free to contact me anytime before or after you order. Thank you sincerely for you support!

Here are just a few of the features of SierraWest kits:
- Award Winning Board on Board Modeling Techniques -
- Learn My Techniques for Detailing Wood Siding,
Windows and Doors, and Roofing Materials -
- Large Assortment of New Castings and Realistic Clutter -
- Unique, Incredibly Finely Detailed 3D Printed Parts -
- Comprehensive Fully Illustrated Instructions -
- Thoughtful Time-Tested Techniques that You
Can Replicate to Advance your Skills and Confidence -
- Signs Meticulously Researched and Reproduced
for Historical Accuracy and Time Period -

The Cletrac Crawler Tractor

Manufactured by The Cleveland Tractor Company
Cleveland, Ohio

Shipping Very Soon

Cletrac, originally known as the Cleveland Tractor Company, was a manufacturer of crawler tractors, founded in 1916 by Rollin H. White. The company was known for its innovative and advanced crawler designs, particularly the Model W 12-20, which was considered advanced for its time. During World War II, Cletrac produced the M2 High-Speed Tractor for the military, which was widely used for moving aircraft and heavy equipment at Army Air Force bases. In 1944, the Oliver Corporation acquired the Cleveland Tractor Company and phased the Cletrac out of production. This diminutive crawler (about 2" long in O Scale, 1-1/4" long in HO) is the perfect companion to our Backwoods Tie Mill and would be at home hauling smal logs to the landing area.
The Cletrac 3D Printed kit includes a single main body with fully assembled and detailed tread assemblies, separate engine compartment hatches with a detailed engine, and a control cluster. Also included a selection of pulleys and chain for you to rig up just about anything. As with all SierraWest 3D Printed kits, assembly is very straightforward allowing you to focus on painting and weathering. Instructions can be downloaded from the SierraWest website with the provided link. This was such a fun project and I am certain you will find a home for this classic little crawler on your layout, diorama, or in your collection.

O Scale Cletrac Crawler Tractor Kit

HO Scale Cletrac Crawler Tractor Kit

The MACK AB Flatbed Truck

Manufactured by The Mack Brothers Company
Allentown, Pennsylvania

Shipping Very Soon

The Mack Model AB was first introduced in 1914 with more than 55,000 units produced. This medium-duty truck’s simple yet classic styling made it a very popular truck and the design remained relatively unchanged until it was discontinued in 1937. They were made in 1.5-ton, 2-ton, and 2.5-ton capacity ratings. Depending upon the gear ratio, the AB had a top speed of 13 to 25 miles per hour. The inspiration for this shortened frame version is based closely upon the CHB Models classic white metal kits produced by Charlie Brommer and myself for many years. The AB Flatbed Truck kit includes an easy to assemble body and bed, the tank behind the front seat, stripwood, details and a selection of blocks and brass chain for you to rig up just about anything.
As with all SierraWest 3D Printed kits, assembly is very straightforward allowing you to focus on painting and weathering. Instructions can be downloaded from the SierraWest website with the provided link. This was such a fun project and I am certain you will find a home for this classic piece of Americana on your layout, diorama, or in your collection. Logs and hose not included.

O Scale MACK AB Flatbed Truck Kit

HO Scale MACK AB Flatbed Truck Kit