Friday, October 2, 2015

Big Brutus

 When Handsome Husband told me he wanted to visit one of the largest steam shovels in the world, I thought he was kidding.  'Not interested at all, I politely went to this museum with him.
  

I am so glad I did!  This little museum was fascinating.  Well, OK.  Brutus isn't exactly "little" and I learned tons (pun intended) about the history of Southeast Kansas and its mining heritage.  Brutus is a restored steam shovel from the era when strip mining was prevalent.


Just so you can understand the scale of this steam shovel, take a look at the photo.  See Handsome Husband on the left?  He is 6'3".


Now check out the same angle a little further back.  He's in this photo, too!  Can you see him?  He is still in the same spot.  I don't remember the stats, but Brutus is one big steam shovel!
 

Here we are in the dipper.

 
There were portions inside Brutus we could visit but other parts were blocked from entry.
 


All the strip mined land has been reclaimed and is now habitat.  The view from the driver's seat was beautiful.

 
I don't know what to call this monstrous room, but it is about the size of a gymnasium.

 
The museum featured lots of photos of the miners and their families.  This plaque was hanging inside Brutus.
 
 
Can you see me inside the track?
 

 
Here is the museum's link:  http://www.bigbrutus.org/  If you are anywhere near Southeast Kansas, I recommend visiting Big Brutus.
 
Where have you been lately?
 
;-)  -Marci

3 comments:

  1. HOLY COW!!!!!! I have never heard of Brutus and was not aware of that size at all. Its like a ship! So cool!

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  2. WOW - that is amazing & great pictures!
    Thanks
    Angie
    PS - Please check your email ASAP - about the Great Blog Train Giveaway this Wednesday - I need to hear back from you today if possible - thank you

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  3. MY GOODNESS!! So Brutus is his own museum! That is amazing! So glad you shared with us at Merry Monday. I love seeing things like this. It's so cool to have been restored and opened for visitors.

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