Wooden scale models of forestry and log driving
Ragnar’s wooden scale models depict people, tools and structures from forestry work. Log-driving dams, winch rafts, timber hauling and coffee breaks appear in full scenes and close details. The logging and log-driving models were made for the Norwegian Forestry Museum’s site at Sørlistøa. A concept illustration of map projection onto a terrain model appears below.
The exhibition at Sørlistøa includes winch rafts, a log-driving boat, a traditional forest cabin, a timber-marking crew and the release of water from a log-driving dam. Around 40 human figures are modelled on former log drivers from Osen.
Log drivers and timber form part of a larger model of work beside the water. Figures and structures depict a historical working environment through woodcarving.
The model depicts work at a log-driving dam, with timber and structures along the channel. Human figures place the dam within a working scene.
A detail of the log-driving dam model shows structures, working surfaces and figures. The angle makes the relationships between its components easier to see.
A large model depicts logs, log drivers and structures along a shaped river course. The overview brings together work on the timber and along the banks.
Two log drivers guide timber with long pike poles. This detail of the larger model shows their stance, tools and work on the logs.
A log driver stands on timber holding a long pike pole across his body. The carved figure shows his tool and stance within the log-driving scene.
A winch raft with crew, tools and equipment is recreated as a scale model. The overview shows both working areas and everyday life aboard.
This overview shows the winch raft with rowing boat, winch, ropes and crew. Figures at work and rest create a detailed model of log-driving life.
Log drivers work at the winch’s long bars on the raft deck. Hands, bodies and equipment show the crew gathered around the mechanism.
The close view gathers the crew around the winch and ropes on its drum. It shows how working poses relate to the raft’s equipment.
The winch-raft crew pause for food and drink. Cups, boxes and equipment make this break part of the model’s story of working life.
A closer detail shows three workers taking a coffee break on the raft deck. Small objects and postures add detail to the larger scene.
A logging crew works among timber, stumps and trees. The larger scale model brings several tasks together in a continuous woodland setting.
Forestry workers rest beside a simple shelter wall among timber and stumps. The carved scene presents the break as part of everyday woodland work.
A log driver bends forward to split firewood for the coffee fire. The close view shows his hands on the axe and the wood before him.
Workers mark logs laid out in a working area. The woodcarving depicts the tools, figures and arrangement of the work.
Another detail of log marking brings the figures and timber closer. Working poses and tools become clearer in this section of the model.
A timber haulier accompanies the horse and its long load of logs. The model depicts horse-and-sled transport as part of historical forestry work.
The photograph shows the timber-hauling model beside a small building and trees. The surroundings place horse, driver and load within a wider woodland setting.
Two log drivers stand on a raft of bound logs. The model reveals the arrangement of the timber and the workers’ positions aboard.
A complete view of the nativity scene for Åmot Church shows people and animals beneath a tall arch. The wooden group combines the Christmas subject with woodland and wildlife.
This concept illustration shows a carved terrain model with a map and contour lines projected from above. It explains how landscape and information about historic trapping sites can be combined. The image is AI-generated.
AI-generated concept illustration based on the description of Ragnar’s work. It illustrates how the system works and is not a photograph of the finished model.
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