Dennis Raper converted a Resin Unlimited Franklin pulp-forwarder into a Franklin 170XL grapple skidder. He used the front half of the resin model and scratchbuilt the rear section, including the grapple and boom. The resin model was built to articlate in the middle and oscillate. Dennis put clear palstic behind the screens to simulate the Lexan glass in the cab and added lines to the grapple, changed the limb-risers, and added Dennis Aust tires and wheels. He also added planetaries on the wheels and of course,some grime and weathering and wear marks. The Bell "Super-T" dangle-head tree cutter in the background was featured in Photo Gallery 390.

Posted January 24, 2010