Hello ladies and gents, I was surfing around the web today and came across a picture of a narrow gauge consolidation that belonged to the US Potash Co in Carlsbad, New Mexico. I was pretty interested after seeing this locomotive and tried to research the railway but only found very little (such as when the railroad was established/scrapped etc.) I was also unable to find any information on 20th century Potash mining other than the most generic operation is carrying the Potash ore from the mine to the mill. I was wondering if anyone had anymore information on the operations of this railway or any narrow gauge Potash hauling railroads of the 20th century. I haven't even been able to locate many other photos of this operation that show the mine/mill/or rolling stock used to transport the ore. All I've really been able to find is information on modern day processes in Canada. So if anyone can fill me in on any info or direct me to any information on 20th century processes (or info on the railway/any other ng potash haulers) I would greatly appreciate it. I'm thinking this could be an interesting alternative to gold/silver/coal mining as far as layouts are concerned. Thanks again -HL
Boxcab, I was in the same boat as you and am extremely curious now as well! I'm considering contacting the RailGiants museum to see if they may be able to offer up some info. I love learning about this kind of stuff! -HL
I was kindly directed to this site http://www.dannyraythomas.com/bookV...road/legacy_of_the_death_valley_railroad.html which has essentially answered most, if not all, of my questions regarding the railroad and its operations. From the authors writing, it looks like the mine was no different than any coal/gold/silver mine of the era...but that refinery may prove challenging to capture in a layout. Regardless, I may have to seriously consider an operation like this for a shelf layout I'm hoping to start in the *hopefully* near future. -HL
When working for the ATSF as an engineer in the 70's on the old Slaton (Texas) division, the daily extra 715 train carried that potash from Clovis NM to the Houston ports. Was usually a unit train but the yardmaster's at Clovis and Lubbock would sometimes add additional Houston bound freight. The return extra 517 would have the empty hoppers plus whatever westbound cars the yards could pack on and stay within tonnage ratings. Usually had six axle units for the loaded train, but on the return trip power was as likely to be a string of well worn F and 1st generation hood units. Robert
There's an active potash mine in Potash, Utah. A local, based out of Grand Junction, heads that way every Sunday. Tends to be a 12 hour or more trip for the crew. Great place to rail fan, plus it's only 20 miles from Moab. While it isn't narrow gauge, you can get a good idea how badly potash rusts the cars and mine equipment. Plus it's a fantastic way to spend a Sunday.
While not potash but gypsum; in Plaster City, CA there is a 3-foot narrow gauge railroad where the rails still shine, by US Gypsum. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40KCxkVNTdY John
Thanks for all the extra info on US Potash and similar operations. I'd love to take a trip to both Utah and Plaster City to check out the other operations (I love those WP&Y diesels). For now I'll just be researching and figuring out what to do for this layout (whatever industry it may serve) that'll hopefully be under way within the next century! Thanks again -HL
Something interesting I thought I might add as I'm researching this industry. It appears the CURRENT price for potash is around $320 per metric tonne. Seems like you'd have to haul a good amount of material out of those mines. Then again with Potash being basically a Potassium salt, it seems to make sense. Some might also find it interesting that the United States currently imports about 85% of our Potash. -HL
From what I've read, Canada is both the biggest producer and holds the largest reserve currently. The largest area of production seems to be the Saskatchewan area. -HL
