Looking for N scale coal handling equipment

[Ed Kapuscinski]

As I've done more research into "modern" anthracite mining I'm learning that it's frequently more about front end loaders and less about conveyor belts.

So that's gotten me thinking: are there good sources for mid 80s (or lets be honest, 70s) big a$$ machinery?

I think I'm going to need at least two good big front end loaders and probably some dump trucks.

Aside from the ancient Bachmann stuff, what's out there?

@cfritschle ?

[Point353]

As I've done more research into "modern" anthracite mining I'm learning that it's frequently more about front end loaders and less about conveyor belts.
So that's gotten me thinking: are there good sources for mid 80s (or lets be honest, 70s) big a$$ machinery?
I think I'm going to need at least two good big front end loaders and probably some dump trucks.
Aside from the ancient Bachmann stuff, what's out there?

Look at what GHQ and Railway Express Miniatures have to offer:
https://www.walthers.com/products/layout/vehicles/scale/n-scale/manufacturer-name/ghq-railway-express-miniatures/in-stock/y/show/120?match=AND

[randgust]

The GHQ log loader has a great tractor, but hey, this is N scale.   So they make the log loader and the excavator both in HO, but only the log loader front end in N.

This is the HO one.   http://www.ghqmodels.com/store/61003.html

Now, the coal equipment I've seen working train loadings (Clearfield area) are just MONSTER buckets, because coal is generally lighter than rocks.  So if you married up either a scratch or a Bachmann bucket to one of those GHQ log loaders, you get the drift.   The GHQ log loader is a beautiful model.

[wazzou]

The GHQ log loader has a great tractor, but hey, this is N scale.   So they make the log loader and the excavator both in HO, but only the log loader front end in N.

This is the HO one.   http://www.ghqmodels.com/store/61003.html

Now, the coal equipment I've seen working train loadings (Clearfield area) are just MONSTER buckets, because coal is generally lighter than rocks.  So if you married up either a scratch or a Bachmann bucket to one of those GHQ log loaders, you get the drift.   The GHQ log loader is a beautiful model.

It's a nice model and used to be offered with a bucket but I think it is both too small and too new.
I've seen someone post photos of models that were done on the Photon, I believe, that would be closer to filling the bill.

[mmagliaro]

Showcase Miniatures has excellent dump trucks - and they have one bigger triaxle one, if that helps.
https://www.showcaseminiatures.net/n_scale/n_scale_vehicles/

[Bendtracker1]

Here is something I ran across on eBay a while back.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/N-scale-wheel-loader-equipment-1-160-model-railroad-train-vehicle/293086275342

[DeltaBravo]

Here is something I ran across on eBay a while back.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/N-scale-wheel-loader-equipment-1-160-model-railroad-train-vehicle/293086275342

Looks like two or three of these Ed and you are all set.

[John]

We could print one of these ..

[samusi01]

Don't know how applicable this is to your prototype, but it'd be an eye-catching feature:

https://www.3000toys.com/Weiss-Brothers-4100-XPC-Mining-Shovel/sku/WEISS%20BROTHERSWBR022-1801

[Missaberoad]

You could use a fleet of the GHQ ford's with the coal dump body... And the old Magnuson models Mack coal truck...

[John]

[sirenwerks]

For 70s/8s, Shapeways is your best hope. The cabs from the Showcase GMC, Athearn Mack R, and Atlas L9000 would be good starting points, but you'll need bigger dump bins or trailers. Madaboutcars on Shapeways also has a 60-61 and 62-66 Chevy C50 cabbed trucks that might work, if you want to go older. I don't think third axle had hit yet, at least not in PA.


There a guy on Shapeways - Micro American Rail Prototypes - that has an older era CAT 980, but it's in Z. Maybe you can convince him to do it in N, and add a cab to it, because his is cabless. He also has a couple other machines you might like. It would be nice to get some late 60s - 70s machinery...

[cfritschle]

While it has been established that the GHQ Cat IT 18F is too new and too small (on the left in the photo below) the Maruka Komatsu loader (on the right) could possibly work.



I would check your prototype photos to see if Komatsu looks anything like a 1970s vintage loader.  I operated a Massey Ferguson wheel loader in the early 1970s, but I cannot remember if it looked much like the Komatsu. 

[garethashenden]

The recent MTL construction equipment loads set features two Trojan bucket loaders. They’re more ‘60s/‘70s than ‘70s/‘80s but heavily weathered ones could be appropriate.

[Wlal13again]

The R Model Macks from Athearn are right in line for that time, job and area. IF you can find some..