In the latest Trains magazine email, I saw Tom Nanos’ picture of what he identifies as the Bethlehem (Pennsylvania, not Palestine where my ex is from!) steel blast furnaces.
Has anyone seen or know of this complicated and fascinating structure being modelled? It seems like it would have unlimited visual interest and potential if you’re an industrial or city modeller.
Well I’m sure there are others, but one that I know of…The Lehigh and Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum (http://lkvmrr.com/; formerly know as the Lehigh & Keystone Model Railroad Club) has been working on a Bethlehem Steel section for some time now. As of my visit last December it was over half finished, so I suspect it may be done this year for their Holiday open-house. I will be visiting this year and will take some photos.
I grew up in Pennsylvania and lived in Bethlehem for several years while in grad school (2002-2009). Took a lot of photos of the steel (what’s left) over the years. It is one of my favorite subjects. Someday when I have the space for a real layout, a massive steel mill area will be a major focus.
They have done a great job of preserving aspects of the steel, especially the blast furnaces, with the advent of the Sands casino on the property. In fact they’ve built a fantastic amphitheater at the base of the blast furnaces, with them as the backdrop, and lights that shine up on the furnaces during performances. It’s great. Busy mainline freight (NS I believe) still runs right by it.
By the way, the L&KVMRM is spectacular, if you ever get a chance to visit it is well worth it.