Can anyone provide me with some detailed information or a good website with information about the Erie Mining/LTV railroad? I know what they had for locomotives and about 75 miles of track. But can anybody provide a map of their trackage? Also any other info, I haven't been able to find much on it. What condition was the track and what type of facilities did they have. Also what is the current status of the trackage? On another note 70+ miles of track, would be a helluva candidate for a "mainline" steam operation off the general system, you could run as much as you wanted without any interference of the Class 1's. Or a current candidate for an EBT like setting. I don't know just starting looking up pictures and my thoughts ran wild, always been interested in the operation.

Working heavily against the "mainline excursion railroad" proposition is this description of Taconite Harbor, Minnesota, the Erie Mining's dock city, that I found at http://www.trains.com/ctr/default.aspx?c=a&id=421 :

"It is about as desolate a place on the lakes as you can find. Carved out of Lake Superior's rugged North Shore in the mid-1950's, its sole function was to provide a place to load the Erie Mining Company's taconite pellets into lakeboats. The pellet plant was 75 miles inland at the mine, so an industrial railroad hauled the pellets to the dock. Aside from a general store a couple of miles away at a 'place' called Shroeder, there was nothing for miles and miles but the Great North Woods."

I just looked at the maps. The East Broad Top looks downright urban and prosperous by comparison with this area.

Agreed, you also wouldn't have any interference from any people in the area, especially during the 10 or so months of winter this area experiences.

As for track maps, I suggest purchasing the Steam Powered Video atlas of Minnesota.

Chris.

Yes it is desolate in the winter, but as remote as the Erie Mining terminal of Taconite Harbor is, it is on the north shore of Lake Superior on Hwy 61, and the north shore is the Holy Grail of destinations for Minnesota tourists in the summer. They all flock to up north, and the north shore, all the way to Canada, is a major destination. I don’t know if Minnesota could carry such a railroad attraction, but half the state goes there each summer.

Its definately a "powerball fantasy" for me haha. But in all seriousness theres land, lots of track, facilities, scenery. It would be a large feat but if several groups located there from wherever it has some serious potential. But is there any good source of history or anything of this line, other than a purpose built railroad that has now fulfilled its purpose? Have they started scrapping and tearing up yet?