i have had this kit for two years and have finally assembled it. this is part of my process to have the main elements of my new layout prepared before forming a trackplan (36"X72"). this thing is huge by my standard but part of the theme of my plan. i did not want any large hills on this layout. now, the question. THE CONVEYOR FROM THE COAL STOCKPILE IS TWO SHORT TO REACH THE GROUND LEVEL I WOULD LIKE AND THERE IS NOTHING IN THE KIT TO MODEL THE PIT HOPPER THAT FEEDS THE CONVEYOR. ALL SUGGESTIONS ABOUT RESOLVING THIS PROBLEM WILL HELP. thanks david
That's because it doesn't go to the ground. As you can see from this photo of the real thing, the tube actually continues up and over the ridge, leading to where the coal is dug out of the ground.
This was my solution for cramped space. Parts of the secondary hopper were used to create the mine entrance. Second shot.
* Note the little white shed to the right. It's the mine's scale for weighing the cars as they are filled. The railroad charges by weight for shipments.
thanks to all. tony h, like what you did. that fits what i am trying to do. you see i worked at a surface mine with a prep plant in north alabama. there, trucks dumped the coal into a hopper at ground level. i will also plan to model a cut with dragline on a bench. trying to compress all of this so as not to overwhelm my small space is the challenge.
I have the same model and plan on using it for my coal operation. I'm wondering and will look into whether or not we can get extensions to the tube. I thought about the men trapped in the Utah mine and almost had second thoughts about putting one in. I can only wish for a better outcome but I really don't know what to say. Time and survival needs seems to of run out. My thoughts and prayers are of the families and these men. Asking for a miracle...not much else you can ask for. Sad...
rickh, the prototype for new river was a surface mine as the one on my layout will be. while open pits do not have the same level of danger of entrapment, they do have danger of collapsing digface and heavy equipment. i worked for several mining operations, all surface mines. i don't think i have the courage for underground mines. i always thought "drift mines" like crandall canyon were safer than shaft mines, how wrong i was. david