Mine Train at Independence Mine State Park - Alaska
Posted by: 
NorStar
N 61° 47.492 W 149° 16.934
6V E 379664 N 6853069
This static display of a mining train is a consist of a battery operated locomotive and several hoppers that operated at the former Independence Mine that operated at this location.
Waymark Code: WMB58Q
Location: Alaska, United States
Date Posted: 04/06/2011
Views: 9
Near Palmer, in the Talkeetna Mountain Range, is the Independence State Historical Park, where visitors can walk around the ruins of a gold mine. One of the artifacts at this location is a static exhibit of a mining train. This exhibit is an entire train that included a locomotive-powered by batteries, and several hopper cars.
The train runs on narrow gauge track, approximately 2 ft-wide [don't have the exact gage]. They stand approximately 4 ft high. The train was in operation at the mine in 1940. It allowed for faster removal of coal, as well as getting people to and from the mine. The water tunnel was where the train entered the mountain and traveled up the slope to the mine shaft entrance. The train transported the ore to the smelters in the facilities below. The mines closed soon after World War II, so the train wasn't used for long.
Today, some of the original track on trestles still exist, but in twisted ruins, much like a wild wooden roller coaster ride. Some portions by the water tunnel entrance have been restored, however. The train stands to one side of the mine facility. There is an interpretive sign that provides some information about the train. The train usually made 3 trips a day, carrying about 50 tons of ore at a time.
Hours could not be obtained on the web site, and likely vary widely in the year due to the amount of daylight available in a month and the weather.
Park Site:
(
visit link)