Coke:
What did I miss? You made the statement "For some reason mines and mills rarely were built next to each other." All I was attempting to do was to point out that in some cases the mills and smelters were fairly close to the mines. The mines on the Ibex branch were only about six miles from the mill.
"Since you are one of the recognized experts on all things narrow gauge" Not sure, but I think I was just insulted. I have never claimed to be an expert on the narrow gauge, just a student who tries to find answers outside of the $65 picture books.