Kaolin

[csxnscale]

Hi,

Part of my rolling stock consists of Kaolin tankers and hoppers. As I understand the tankers are used to transport Kaolin powder mixed with water (I think it is called slurry).
My question is, is Kaolin a mining business and if so has anyone pics of this sort of mines ?

Thanks,
Paul

 

[Tyson Rayles]

Hi, kaolin is a type of clay that is mined all over the world near as I can figure. Usually in a open pit type operation like a rock quarry. Just go to any search engine and type and kaolin and you should get plenty of sites. Wilkerson is one that I know has pics of the mining and rail operations.

 

[Vic]

Kaolin is also know as "white clay" Like Tyson said its mined all over the world. Its used in everything from cat litter to printing inks. Kaolin mining is a big industry in Central Georgia. Kaolin can be shipped dry in hoppers, bagged in boxcars or in slurry in tank cars. There are several shortline railroads in Ga. devoted to shipping kaolin.

Something interesting....the "old folks" for a springtime tonic would eat some "white clay" (kaolin)....The local farmer's market has it for sale every spring...Lord knows what it did/does.....but it is the main ingredient in Kaopeptec (for diareaha) and Pepto Bismol for up set stomach!!!

Tyson...this might be just what one needs after eating too many collard greens LOL!!!!!

 

[Tyson Rayles]

Vic I would guess there is more Kaolin mined in Ga. than any other state. I think most people would prefer a "spring tonic" of Jack Daniels instead.

 

[60103]

Paul:
A few years ago, Railroad Model Craftsman had an article on the kaolin industry. I'll see if I can find it in my files.

 

[csxnscale]

Thanks for reply.
Here is a pic of a kaolin hopper.

Paul

 

[Tyson Rayles]

Yep! Looks like its been hauling Kaolin, nice job!

 

[ajroland]

Kaolin Industry

I have some maps of Kaolin Plants if you need them. Just let me know and I'll email them to you.

 

[Ralph]

If memory serves Model Railroader's articles (and now a book of the collected series of articles) about their Clinchfield layout had Kaolin plants on it and perhaps a description of the prototypic industry (?)
Ralph

 

[csxnscale]

Thanks ajroland and Ralph, but I have met a guy who works in the Kaolin branch, and he has given me pic's taken from a plant in Brasil, both aerial shoots and shoots from ground, that was all I needed,

Thanks again,
Paul

 

[Ralph]

That's great! First hand info from a good source!
Ralph