Pennsylvania Coal


Coal was one of the three primary sources of revenue for the New York Ontario & Western Railroad.  The other two were milk and people.  Since the coal deposits were in Pennsylvania, a branch line was built from Hancock to Scranton.  No models exist for the early mines but that was a non issue since available space would have prohibited an accurate representation of what used to be.  The kit placed here is merely a suggestion  of an old coal mine.


Early O&W coal cars were built from wood reinforced with iron channel braces.  No kits exist for these early cars.  This car was built from scratch using basswood scribed sheathing and structural shapes over plans drawn from pictures.  Wire was bent for the ladders at the ends.   Champion decals were the source of the lettering.   Since a coal car has no roof these models presented a challenge.  Built from light wood, these cars would never stay on the tracks.  Messy coal would be needed to solve the weight issue.  The cars might not have the strength to carry a full load so they are nothing more than display models.


These loaded more modern steel cars are being pulled from the mine.  They are plastic models where all that I did was paint and letter them.  The loads are also plastic built to hold steel balls hidden beneath the coal.  That extra weight will keep these cars on the tracks when the trains are actually running.

The tank engine is a combination of two different models that were likely manufactured as much as eighty years ago.  The boiler and cab were taken from a Varney Dockside.  The Varney motor, frame and wheels were judged to be of poor quality when compared to a more recent design from Mantua.  Their operating valve gear was the real selling point.  A Mantua Shifter was the source of the motor, frame and wheels.  A fair amount of cutting away and filing resulted in a surprisingly tight fit.  This work was done while I was still in high school. 


There are any number of explanations for why the scenery was never finished in this area.  The layout was built on framework that was only three feet wide.  In most locations I can reach across three feet but this mine is on the highest point on the layout.  It is uncomfortable to reach to the far edge for the length of time required to place the bushes and trees.  Besides, other areas needed building while this spot at least suggested what was in mind.  The auctioneer will be here in two days.  The process of moving on will then begin in earnest.

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