Need help on small mining layout!

[Anonymous]

I'm new to model railroading and am building a 5' x 3.5' N-scale layout on foam core board, very similar to the one featured in "N Scale Model Railroad that Grows" by Kent Wood and Ric LaBan (Kalmbach Publishing). I really like the idea of a mining theme, as I think the scenic opportunities on such a layout are endless (plus, after visiting the old Arco gold mine in Idaho Springs, CO, I've always wanted to do a mining-themed layout :-)). Anyways, I'm not very good at kitbashing, and don't feel like experimenting with it at this stage of the game. I'm looking for the perfect mine structure to put on my layout. I like the one in the Cornerstone series by Walthers, but it's just too big for the small size of my layout (and it takes up 3 yard tracks- seeing as my industrial yard only has 3 tracks, I wouldn't have any room for any other structures. I am not willing to do this, as I wanted to put a fuel and shipping depot in the yard, in addition to a grain elevator) . Unfortunately, I still want the mine to be a major focal point of operation, so something like Shocase Miniatures Grover Cleveland mine is too small. Any good recommendations? I really like the mines featured on pages 86, 93, and 96 of this year's Great Model Railroads 2005 (Kalmbach Publishing). Unfortunately, I don't think these are offered in N-scale. If they were, I wouldn't know where to find them. I have the newest N & Z Walthers catalog, and think that the mine structure made by JV models might be what I'm looking for, but the picture shown is really crappy. Has anyone had any experience with this kit? Any ideas or suggestions you guys have would be great. I'm new to this, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!

[Jetrock]

First of all, don't be afraid to kitbash. It really is just about the only way to get the "perfect structure" you're looking for.

[chutton01]

Your timing is excellent, as the April issue of MR has the very article you are looking for - this part of the turtle creek series, Jim Kelly cuts the Walthers New River Mine down to size (1 loading bay) - although this is for HO, the cutting guides included can be readily scaled for N scale. Also tips on weathering, painting, and detailing the resultant smaller mine building.
This is a good article for learning about kit-bashing, and building a model you seem to need.

[Anonymous]

I'm planning a huge mining complex for my new layout. Unfortunately the space available seems too limited for what I would like. My solution is to model much of it as background flat structures with the hope of fleshing it out in the future. The hoist house & the tipple will be complete stuctures & the huge separator mill buildings can be flats.

Wayne

(Edited to bump post over the anti-social threads.)