Aren't we all. But I want a model that will fit in a 7"x8" footprint that can be serviced by a single track. More stipulations. It would be operated by less than a dozen men, so something mid-sized -- but not just a headframe like the Fanny Rawlins. I have seen a vague picture of an older N Scale Architect kit [pre laser-cut] of the Black River Mine that might be about right. Has anyone built this kit? Any pictures? Any suggestions for other mines? I would scratchbuild one if I had good pictures. I have searched Google images for pages but haven't found anything satisfactory. At present I am using the Pola coal mine from Jack Work's design.
You probably want N scale, but in HO I use these two structures:
This one is a Campbell kit, reworked sideways to take up less space
This is a stamp mill with mine access at the upper level.
www.oakhurstrailroad.com
"Oakhurst Railroad" on Facebook
It is a Grandt Line "East Terrible Mill & Mining Co." in a somewhat modified building arrangement.
Has anyone built the Fanny Rawlins mine? It looks a lot like the gold mine that appeared in the January 1975 Model Railroader. However, it is a hydrocal casting and I've never done one of those. How are they for quality?
Kalmbach will provide reprints of articles from older mags to the tune of $5. They come as copies on 11x14 paper -- ads and all from back then.
IIRC one of the ads on the reprint I got was from Mantua for a new loco kit for $25....
-Dan
Builder of Bowser steam! Railimages Site
Post a picture when you get one ... either what you are building from ... or the completed mine ...
Railpub (www.railpub.com) is a good source for old publications. You get the entire issue for about the same price as an article photocopy.
Kalmbach still had a copy of the magazine available for $5.50 plus shipping. It is supposed to be in the outgoing mail today. Thanks.