Logging, mining and fishing are what sustained Vancouver Island in it's early years. This steam donkey is a remnant of that era. The steam donkey, or donkey engine is the common nickname for a steam-powered winch, or logging engine widely used in past logging operations. Originally fuelled with wood it created steam with water from nearby streams and represented a big improvement in logging power in the early 1900's. The steam donkey signalled the end of the era when horses or oxen dragged logs over 'skid roads' constructed of small logs. For more information on steam donkeys visit: http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Steam_donkey

To see more images of this months Iron & Steel Challenge click here: Iron & Steel - June 2009