I've seen this structure from the highway several times and decided to finally get a little closer (before being interrupted by a passing train).

Does anyone on here have an idea of what this building/structure is/what it was used for? My guess is a coal house but I could be way off...

We used to have a coal barn on the property where I work and it looked just like that. Right along the train tracks.

Yeah, they are used to fill the coal hopper cars.

I would agree with the answers given so far...I was thinking a colliery at first, but according to Wiki, looks like the technical term would be a tipple...
(If I, in fact have my facts straight at all. 😕)

Posted by EsseXploreR We used to have a coal barn on the property where I work and it looked just like that. Right along the train tracks.

Posted by Howie Dunnet Yeah, they are used to fill the coal hopper cars.

Posted by Cfourexplore I would agree with the answers given so far...I was thinking a colliery at first, but according to Wiki, looks like the technical term would be a tipple... (If I, in fact have my facts straight at all. 😕)

Much obliged guys. It opens some more questions in regards to that specific one, but at least I know what I can search for when I'm digging around.

The correct nomenclature is a "Tipple" it appears.

https://www.atlaso...morden-mine-tipple

Huh. I learned something new today.

That's a cool looking thing - and a great photo. I love posts like this.

Of course you need to climb it...

Looks like one of them 6-legged iron cows out to graze. Feel free to approach, they're intimidating but docile.

Posted by blackhawk Of course you need to climb it...

Oh, that will happen.

Posted by Laythrom Oh, that will happen.

yeah climbing it would be nice id like to see wath's inside!

Posted by Laythrom Oh, that will happen.

I was funning with you.
It may or may not be safe to climb depending on it's condition.
Be careful with any anchor bolts going into the concrete that are supporting what you're standing on.
Corrosion can be near to impossible to detect and they can fail with no warning... sometimes one after another. *pop-pop-pop etc*

Posted by blackhawk I was funning with you. It may or may not be safe to climb depending on it's condition. Be careful with any anchor bolts going into the concrete that are supporting what you're standing on. Corrosion can be near to impossible to detect and they can fail with no warning... sometimes one after another. *pop-pop-pop etc*

you are totaly right but if he (she) takes the precautions it could be awsome to see pic of it

Posted by blackhawk I was funning with you. It may or may not be safe to climb depending on it's condition. Be careful with any anchor bolts going into the concrete that are supporting what you're standing on. Corrosion can be near to impossible to detect and they can fail with no warning... sometimes one after another. *pop-pop-pop etc*

Well, I definitely do not plan on jumping onto my own petard; not as crazy as I was growing up. I have a pretty good track record of 'knowing when to hold them, knowing when to fold them; knowing when to walk away'. Sorry, I had to; that damn song has been stuck in my head this morning for some reason.

Posted by Laythrom Well, I definitely do not plan on jumping onto my own petard; not as crazy as I was growing up. I have a pretty good track record of 'knowing when to hold them, knowing when to fold them; knowing when to walk away'. Sorry, I had to; that damn song has been stuck in my head this morning for some reason.

The Gambler is a favorite.

Concrete is witchy.
It can last from thousands of years or become unstable in a few decades or less depending on many factors.
Fasteners anchored into concrete are complete wild cards, lol load test to determine their integrity
So any ladders, catwalks, structures etc anchored to concrete can be solid or just waiting for that extra 20 pounds of loading to snap loose.
Rarely do you get any warning other than subtle visual clues... if any.

The concrete in the pic looks in good shape.
The fasteners and their anchors may or may not be.
I see a lot of surface rust and the structure has had prolonged/repeated exposures to water and freezing cycles, not good.

Be extremely careful if you attempt to climb it... bug out if not sure!


https://www.concre.../concrete-history/