Things are rolling along nicely for the Kimberley Underground Mining Railway this summer. Good rider numbers and terrific weather are helping the KUMR to another successful season.
If you'd like to ride the train and appreciate the scenery without a stop in the underground tunnel for the mining display, this weekend and next are what you should aim for.
On August 24, 25, and 26 and again on August 31, Sept. 1 and 2 at 10 a.m., KUMR will be running a 15 km scenic train ride up the Mark Creek Valley, through the tunnel and past some beautiful valley views to KAR and back for the bargain adult price of just $12, kids $8. This trip will not include stops underground, at the resort or the Powerhouse, and will replace both the Express Train and the Early Bird Special trips.
This is a great opportunity to experience the train ride if you haven't already done so.
Another piece of Sullivan Mine history that shouldn't be missed is the power house. The talented KUMR volunteers Sever Rondestvedt, John Daigle, Larry Tuck, Phil McCleod, Curt Norman, and John Wiggin have put their collective heads together and have the 120 year old Rand Compressor (Pelton Wheel) running again.
KUMR president Mick Henningson says that the wheel developed some problems earlier in the summer.
"When it was first running early in the season, the very dry hemp rope began to fray in a couple of places and it had to be shut down and the rope repaired. Fortunately our team of volunteers did some research, put their heads together and came up with an amazing "witches brew" of chemicals that was sprayed onto the rope to moisten and preserve it, so we are able to run the compressor again: hence the strong but pleasant ambience as you enter the Powerhouse."
If you haven't seen this giant machine in operation, you need to come on our Mining Tour (11:00, 1:00 and 3:00 daily) and check it out. The underground part of the tour includes demonstrations of various other mining equipment as well.