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Sparta |
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Sparta Area Mines and TrackSparta is just a wide spot in the road, but on the rails, it is in the heart of the mines running between Virginia and Biwabik. Matching USG maps to known DM&IR maps and track, it was difficult for me to tell what's what. Frank King had a very inspirational shot in his Locomotives book, serving to provide vision for the mining I will build for this same region. The photo shows a ditch in the foreground with a pipe running under the track, a dirt grade crossing, a mine spur with an abandoned track that ends in a dirt pile near the auto (far right). The mine spur curves to the left, and holds a string of cars awaiting loading, all lying against the base of a large overburden pile. The main line disappears behind the train, but there is a junction cutting off straight just above the auxiliary water tank, while the main completes an S-curve into the woods. The track is under CTC control for this junction. The photo is rich with details!
... at least Frank claimed it was Sparta. I had a hard time finding the same place on the USG map.
The map shows the former D&IR X-Branch lying north of the DM&N tracks moving East toward Deep Lake. In this version of the map, it appears the Missabe re-laid the tracks at the junction to accommodate expanded mining at the Genoa, and it renders a sweeping S-curve for the train pictured above. There is also a hint of the grade for the spur right where the power lines cross the old grade. Thanks to those who took the time to write to me! |
