The last scene on the new Duckunder Terminal Railway is nearing completion, but before I post photos of it next week, here are some shots of the various parts of the intricate scratch-built details of the coal tipple, chutes, and elevators. This final scene is of the Hogtoe Hollow Semi-Anthracite coal mine. It's an underground mine with two lifts, one for the miners and their tools and mine timbers, and the other for lifting the coal out of the ground. The high quality of the coal produced here, which is actually bituminous, explains why the company can boast it's "semi-anthracite" (there's no such thing). The mine produces just two grades: lump, and everything else. The C&O has the exclusive right to ship its product using a trackage rights agreement over the Duckunder Sub, now part of the N&W, as explained in the history posted earlier.
Adjacent to the mine is a large coal wharf servicing the Duckunder mainline, along with water supplied from a tank high on the nearby mountain.
Hopefully George Lasley will add much explanation about how he built each piece in this magnificent scene. Hope you enjoy the photos.
Oh, one last thing: George and I will not be able to complete this scene owing to the biggest train show of the year here in Raleigh, the 30th annual Model Train and Railroad Expo at the NC State Fairgrounds this Saturday and Sunday. George Lasley is the Grand Poohbah of this show and has been for three decades! If you find yourself in Raleigh this weekend, come visit George and me at the show, and we will tell you more about the Duckunder concepts and realizations.
