Andrew Kolb Coal Shed, Melrose MN - HO

GC Laser’s model of the Andrew Kolb coal shed is an accurate model of the prototype located in Melrose MN and served by the Great Northern. From the time the railroad arrived at a place into the 1950’s, the local coal dealer and his facility was crucial to personal survival in the winter since coal was the default source of domestic heat. Everyone needed coal to survive the winter. After 1894 the most common source for coal hauled by the Great Northern on the east end of its system was Pittsburgh Seam coal which arrived in Allouez, Wisconsin as back haul cargo in iron ore boats. Coal was transported in box cars and drop bottom gondola cars. Box cars were most common until the 1910s, when 40-foot steel drop bottom gondola cars became more common. Coal was moved from rail cars into the shed by wheelbarrow using transfer boards placed to span the space between the rail car and the shed. Because this particular shed was set far enough away from the tracks to drive a wagon or truck beside t