Modeling Copper Range Plows

The Copper Range's snow plows, No.1 & 2 were built by Russell. Both plows are of wood construction. As seen in the photos below, the plows have round windows. The Calumet & Helca's plow was of similar construction, though has both round & square windows.

Fortunately for C&H modelers, the recently re-released HO Scale model of a B&M Russell snow plow, made by Northeast Short Line (NESL) nearly perfectly matches.

As for us Copper Range modelers, it takes a bit more work. The NESL plow makes for a great starting point, and even a good stand in when painted. I recently purchased one, and I plan to kitbash it with new sides to model the round windows of the prototype. Look for this article in the future.

Snow Plow Photos

Photograph No. Acc-22-8-6-1979-005-009 "Railroads - Copper Range"
Date & Photographer unknown. Herman Page Collection, Michigan Tech Archives & Copper Country Historical Collections, Michigan Technological University, Michigan.
http://digarch.lib.mtu.edu/showbib.aspx?bib_id=632727# Accessed 2 Jan 2011.

Photograph No. Acc-22-8-6-1979-005-010 "Railroads - Copper Range"
Date: 1964, Photographer unknown. Herman Page Collection, Michigan Tech Archives & Copper Country Historical Collections, Michigan Technological University, Michigan.
http://digarch.lib.mtu.edu/showbib.aspx?bib_id=632728# Accessed 2 Jan 2011.

Please note, while the comments posted on the archive's page seem to indicate this plow still exists in Calumet MI, they are incorrect. I have posted two comments myself, however they have not yet been approved (at the time of publication). The plow located in Calumet MI is a C&H version, while similar, the most notable difference are the windows, which are square on the C&H version, and round on the Copper Range shown in these photos.  A photo of the C&H plow located in Calumet can be found here: http://digarch.lib.mtu.edu/showbib.aspx?bib_id=598953#

Photograph No. Acc-22-8-6-1979-005-001 "Railroads - Copper Range"
Date & Photographer unknown. Herman Page Collection, Michigan Tech Archives & Copper Country Historical Collections, Michigan Technological University, Michigan.
http://digarch.lib.mtu.edu/showbib.aspx?bib_id=632720# Accessed 2 Jan 2011.

Quincy & Torch Lake (3 foot narrow gauge railroad) plow being loaded onto a semi trailer.
Date unknown, Photographer is presumed to be James Baakko. Josh Baakko collection.
My dad (James) found this photo while cleaning and sent me it. He's not completely sure when it was taken, or if he took it.

Young Josh Baakko standing with Soo Line "SCOW 81" near Michigamme MI.
Date unknown, approximated 1994, Photographer Ann Perrault, Josh Baakko collection.

Within a few years of this photo, Wisconsin Central removed the plow from the siding. Several times while passing the siding, MOW equipment would be stored here. The siding looks to be gone, though I have not been to the area in over 10 years. A small cleared dirt path shows on Bing maps: http://tinyurl.com/SCOW81BING

©2011/2020, Josh Baakko, https://www.modelrailroadtips.com

Photos © as noted