How’s that for a view of the support structure!
Here’s another view. I was going to comment that your steel beam scenario (while surely tongue in cheek) was highly unlikely, because most tipples were hastily erected affairs that usually disappeared as soon as the mine played out. The masonry work on my rig would have been just as unlikely. I’m also not sure if that’s what came with the original kit, because mine also came in a “Junque Box” collection purchased at a train show.
I would suggest either some thin Plastruct steel beams, maybe an 1/8th of an inch max, or some rough cut timbers.
And as long as we’re talking about weathering cars…
This is one of my favorites. A good way to simulate heavy rust is to put a drop of CA glue on the surface, and as it sets up, tease it into a rough surface with a toothpick. Then dab some dark rust colored paint on it.
The Beano wagontop on the left was done with that method. On my layout that car would be very close to it’s 40 year retirement age, so it’s weathered a lot more heavily than most of my other rolling stock.
Lee