Chalk Creek Branch Alie Bell Mine

[Randy Rieck]

Here is a picture of the Alie Bell before the tracks were removed.

The Alie Bell was located at milepost 158.3 just above Romley.  The picture is looking downgrade and shows the harp switch stand for the coal spur that had the capacity of 2 cars.  The ore spur is just beyond the ore house and had the capacity of 3 cars.  The power house with the tall smoke stack is below the grade just opposite the ore house.  When do you suppose this picture was taken?

My wife found this picture while look at real estate listings in the Nathrop area.  The Alie Bell is listed for sale at $325,000 in case you are interested.

[Chris Walker]

After reviewing  http://c-sng-discussion-forum.41377.n7.nabble.com/Modeling-Romely-Apline-Tunnel-St-Elmo-td7099i20.html  I first though early on since there is a Harp visible, even on that backwater line there was a majority of switches upgraded with Rotary switchstands.... but I would hasten to add that there is no specific evidence that all switches received the Buda/Elliot switchstand.

[Jim Courtney]

Great photo.

I'd guess 1890s, but there really isn't anything to specifically date the photo.

Note that the "power house" is actually labeled as as a "compressor house", to generate compressed air for operating the drills.

The pile of pipe in the foreground looks a bit large for compressed air piping, perhaps it is stock piled ventilation pipe, as discussed in the Blue River branch thread.