Hi all, upon extensive consideration I have come to the conclusion that I’m am going to have to postpone building a layout till I have enough space so I’ve decided to build a 2x4 mine diorama instead. So I need some help finding some structures such as the mine itself I see that there are some out on the market but I want to kitbash them to create something unique. Any help would be appreciated.
Gidday Steven, have you subscribed to the "Model Railroader All-Time Digital Archive??
If not, do so immediately!!!
“Why?”, you may ask.
Because along with lots of other really Good Stuff, it contains scale drawings and build articles of mines and associated mine structures; more than enough to fill yer boots!!
Cheers, the Bear.[:)]
Steven,
Good advice from the Bear.
In addition to articles and plans on mines, check the ads out for mine structures that might be suitable. There have been a bunch of mine kits released over the years. You could go to the trouble and expense of tracking one that suits down on ebay, but most were simple structures and easy to scratchbuild, so don’t limit yourself to what a kit does
Hey Steven:
Sorry that reality has put a damper on you plans, but that’s life.
I’m going to second Mike Lehman’s suggestion about scratch building your own mine. Scratch building is a lot of fun, and it is very rewarding, and it is relatively cheap too.
Here is a small mine structure that will sit towards the back of the HOn30 part of my layout:
Obviously this is a very small mine but it suits the space that I have available. Like Mike said, mines are relatively simple structures so they are easy to scratch build. If you want more detailed suggestions, please ask.
Regards,
Dave
I am surprised that you have yet to discover Google. I typed ‘HO scale mine’ and turned up more stuff that I can read in a day. Plus Google Images is loaded with stuff.
Once again, how about doing your own research and then come here with questions? Starting off with…“so I need some help finding” and “I want to kitbash…any help would be appreciated” kinda throws the burden on others.
You need to kickstart such a project. Time to get going.
Rich
What changed your mind about building a layout?
Its a shame to see all the time and effort members provided you with your track plan and structure ideas just go to waste.
Steven,
Did you receive your Kalmbach coal railroading book in the mail yet??? R-E-A-D it! It’s going to answer a lot of your questions and will probably have suggestions as far as kits and kitbashing. You can then come back with specific queries relating to what you’re interested in.
To be blunt: It’s getting to be a total waste of time for any and everyone to answer your questions when you’re just going to scrap your B-unit kitbash/steel mill/logging/diorama plans for something else 2 days later.
Steven,
I have Kalmbach’s coal railroading book and it is excellent. I think you will find yourself reading it cover to cover several times. I look forward to you channeling all that youthfull exhuberance to something tangable. As you build your diarama take lots of photos. I’m sure all the fellows on the forum will be interested in your progress. If you subscribe to MR Video Plus, you might check out the Olympia Logging Series. The staff built a logging diorama. Basic construction should provide you lots of tips and ideas.
HABS-HAER
Search for the type of mine you want. Thousands of pictures and plans.
If I were to build a mine diorama, I’d make it two levels. The first would be obvious one on top, with a New River Mine kit or something similar. Below that would be a dimly-lit underground mine scene. Walthers has recently released a set of non-operating narrow gauge tracks and cars which would make nice scenic elements both above and below.
Back in the olden days, I would prowl the halls of the old red Smithsonian in DC. They had there a stunning cutaway model of a mine with more galleries than a kid could follow.
I do not recall the scale. Coal, I’m pretty sure.
Ed
Chicago’s Museum of Science & Industry has had a working coal mine exhibit, that You actually go down the elevator shaft, board a tram/train and ride to the working parts of the mine. Has been up and running since 1933. I must have gone into it at least 30 times and still enjoy it. My first experience was 1951.
http://www.msichicago.org/explore/whats-here/exhibits/coal-mine/
You really don’t have to buy any books to find info, unless of course You like the books. There is literally hundreds of free videos and info out there, right at Your finger tips. Even Long History channel videos of all kinds of mining operations on Youtube, all free.
Hopefully…You will at least start this idea!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCsAI6ItU60
Take Care! [:D]
Frank
Frank, I’ve been there a few times with the kids, when they were young. That museum is an awesome place. That’s the first thing I thought of when I read about Mr.B’s idea, which I think is a really great idea.
Mike.
And, a bit off topic, but the U-505 is also must see exhibit. So cool to walk through a captured German U-boat.
Rich
First I want to build a layout but I am just going to POSTPONE a layout till I have more room/experience, second I want to start with a kit and add on and maybe mix a few kits, third the underground level is genius that’s why I start these threads because I would have never thought of that I might take it one step further and make the mine tracks operable, fourth my books still haven’t arrived.
Your right, Rich, the sub is cool. And don’t forget the model railroad set up. We toured the sub at the Manitowoc, WI. maritime museum, and the space those crew members excisted in, amazing.
And, Steven, maybe you can build your 2’ x 4’ diorama as part of a future layout, as a modular unit, attached to other modulars, like the clubs do.
Mike
Mike, we went in the Fall after the kids were all back in school. We also picked a weekday when there was no admission discount. That paid off because we darn near got a personal tour of the sub, hardly a soul around.
Rich
That’s right I’m probably going to build it as a module.
Hang in there, Steven. Whittling ones dreams down to something doable is part of the process. Thank goodnness most of the skeptics didn’t have the internet when they were at this stage in the hobby or there might have been some rather odd results in evidence. As it is, their own sometimes embarassing excursions into dreaming future layouts are hdden by the sands of time in the non-digital world.
Mr. Beasley mentioned the non-powered light railway that Walthers is bringing in. Look to HOn30 (MiniTrains, formerly AHM/Roco?) for some operating light rail equipment. It turns sharply enough you can work in some operations on even a tiny layout. This website is a excellent source of ideas for thinking small.