on the demand for coal. The fan wasn’t converted to electric
power until after WWII when electricity reached the area.
The model is based on the fan house at the Number 5 tipple at
Robertsdale on the EBT, and was a typical design that was used
at the mines of the Broad Top field. It was of concrete block
construction, and had two large screened openings for the air
to enter and exit. Photographs show this fan house was located
up against an opening in the hill similar to a mine entrance,
and drew the air in through one opening and exhausted it out
the other.
The fan house was located northwest of the tipple, higher up
the slope. A substation was placed nearby after the fan house
was converted to electricity.
11
11. Fan house constructed using Monster Model Works
concrete block laser-cut basswood and Ron Pearson’s
plans from Robertsdale No. 5 tipple.
Lite and Narrow Column - 8
12
12. Monster
Model Works new
kit developed from
Ron Pearson’s
plans. Note the
differences in
the foundation
and the screened
opening, as the
kit is designed for
universal usage.
The model was constructed using Monster Model Works con-
crete block sheets. This material is easy to work with, as it is
laser-etched basswood. The concrete block pattern is taken from
a photograph and cut into the 1/8” basswood; it is very realistic.
I drew the walls on the plain side of the material. I then cut
the pieces out with a saw. There are only three openings in the
building, and they were removed as well. The corner pieces
were measured against the peaked walls and cut to match
the angle of the roof. The same was done for the bump out
on the front of the building. You may have to sand the two
pieces to get a good tight fit. I used the corner pieces to line
the door openings and then used Scale Scenics brass mesh for
the screened openings. The man door is a Grandt Line 5131
casting. The floor is Monster Model Works cracked concrete
that was prepainted with Floquil Aged Concrete before glu-
ing in place. The entire building was painted with Floquil Aged
Concrete before the roof was added.
The roof is 1/32” basswood with BTS French Shingles applied. The
roof was painted weathered black.
MRH-Oct 2014
