Re: Loading from an ore bin (pics)

Here is another map that Dave Grandt shared of the Omega siding on the RGS that sheds some further details of the facilities at this location. Now after reviewing the RGS Story VI pages 254/255 the Omega ore bin chute was in the rear so ore was likely shipped by wagons or trucks. The good news for us modelers is the tram was apparently steam or air powered? (note compressor notation in boiler building which could have been used to pump water from adjacent Leopard Creek) so the siding was more likely used for boiler fuel (coal) and inbound mining materials (transported to the mine via the tramway). The Sanborn map notes that Omega is "closed" circa 1922 which fits with the decline in US radium production following the discovery in the Belgium Congo of a much higher grade ore (pitchblende) during this time period. Dave Dye's earlier post with a ROW map also showed a derail on the Omega siding which makes sense given that it faces North on the 3% grade to Ridgway. In a letter to fellow modeler Dave Adams from the late John Maxwell he notes that the tramways didn't look like they had been in service during WWII when he viewed them in 1946. Maxwell had several maps of these locations in his files but sadly they remain unavailable.

And here is another somewhat related Dave Grandt photo of what I think is the Detroit Mine ore bin near Silverton with what was probably the boiler used to power it. Anyone have a track layout of this location with the ore bin indicated? I also found this ad which dates from 1911 which is also interesting as well.

Rod









Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/26/2016 11:34PM by rod.