Posted By ThinkerT on 01/13/2008 3:47 AM
"So...are you contemplating modeling some sort of (fictional) interchange between the (extended Copper River Railroad) and Klondike Lines? Or do you intend to keep them separate?
"As for myself, I always thought that if the old White Pass and Yukon had extended another couple hundred miles to the active mining areas (not nec gold, but other metals - like Tungsten, or some such), it might very well have stayed in business.
"In the meantime I find myself alternately entertained and depressed by the actions of the state government regarding the natural gas pipeline. Haven't heard anything about an attendant rail route being built as well, though."
"So...are you contemplating modeling some sort of (fictional) interchange between the (extended Copper River Railroad) and Klondike Lines? Or do you intend to keep them separate?
"As for myself, I always thought that if the old White Pass and Yukon had extended another couple hundred miles to the active mining areas (not nec gold, but other metals - like Tungsten, or some such), it might very well have stayed in business.
"In the meantime I find myself alternately entertained and depressed by the actions of the state government regarding the natural gas pipeline. Haven't heard anything about an attendant rail route being built as well, though."
The original KMR plans called for extending that line all the way to Whitehorse--over ten times the distance that the KMR ultimately achieved. That would have linked up the narrow gauge KMR with the narrow gauge WPRR and probably vastly expanded the mining potential in that region. As it was the Keno Mines operated for years, sending ore trucks to Whitehorse where the ore was off-loaded on to WPRR ore cars. Once that ended in the early 80s the WPRR almost went completely out of business. Now, of course, it has an all new life as a tourist railroad to Lake Bennett, no longer reaching Whitehorse. My intention is to tie in the KMR with the WPRR on this model. That does not show up yet on any of my plans, but it is a logical extension of the KMR, and historically reasonable given the announced intentions of the original KMR investors at the turn of the century. Actually, had that happened, come to think of it, that might have saved Grand Forks from total extinction. Well, maybe not.
Posted By mhutson on 01/13/2008 4:38 AM
"Very interesting stuff, Ron. Thank you. "
Cheers,
Matt
Thank you for the kind comment. Fortunately, his story is not quite over yet (to say the least).
--Ron in CC
"Very interesting stuff, Ron. Thank you. "
Cheers,
Matt
Thank you for the kind comment. Fortunately, his story is not quite over yet (to say the least).
--Ron in CC
Posted By flatracker on 01/13/2008 9:51 AM
"A wonderful history lesson Ron! I guess my age has something to do with it, but I love hearing about the old days and what went on, as well as the great pictures from the past. It is so much more interesting to me.
"Thanks for all your trouble and time!
"I have read your book "Legacy of the Chief" twice now, and plan to read it again this winter. I think more people sould buy it, if they are interested in the history of that part of our country. I have really enjoyed it! "
"A wonderful history lesson Ron! I guess my age has something to do with it, but I love hearing about the old days and what went on, as well as the great pictures from the past. It is so much more interesting to me.
"Thanks for all your trouble and time!
"I have read your book "Legacy of the Chief" twice now, and plan to read it again this winter. I think more people sould buy it, if they are interested in the history of that part of our country. I have really enjoyed it! "
This is probably what I love to do best--relate these old stories. The Kennecott model has become a great tool for me to talk about the railroading past that intersects so nicely with my own Native heritage right here at the CRD in Copper Center.
When the occasional tourist bus somehow ends up at the CRD, I give them a story like no other they have heard during their Alaska-Yukon visit. It's all true and very genuine since I am linked directly to the events in many cases either by having been there or because of my ancestry.
I have long contemplated writing a second book which revolves around the history of the KMR, Grand Forks, Klondike City and Dawson. Of course, it would have to be a historic adventure novel with the KMR right there on center stage or at least playing a strong supporting role.
Although the book you refer to is out of print I see there are still soft-cover copies available at a good price at Amazon dot com. I still have a few of the originals that I sell here at the CRD and on line as well, but I am not here to sell that book. However, I do appreciate your comments greatly.
--Ron in CC
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