Well, for close to seven decades I've got by with two to three hours of sleep a night so probably a good chance you'll catch me awake ! 😊 Been a good show, thanks ! Thanks for sharing and take care. 👍
2-3 hours?!? Man, I wish I could operate on that amount of sleep... I can do that (or even no sleep) for a couple of days, but then it catches up to me. That's a gift you have. Add up all of the hours of your life that you were able to be productive rather than wasting time laying around being unconscious (sleeping) and you've almost had another lifetime that many people miss out on. That's wonderful. Thanks for the comment. Glad you enjoyed the series...
Well , since I've worked Graveyard Shift most of my working life , I'm wide awake . Only problem is , now that I'm Retired my body-clock is still wound backwards , - up all night & sleep during the day . < Doc > .
This series has been absolutely amazing. I've so enjoyed the whole process. Duane - you are an absolute gem, sir. A true gift to the art of storytelling!
Yeah, no kidding. And he has spent lots of time underground. I was never a tour guide, but while I was active duty I gave tours all the time. The best guides are the employees. How simple do you think I am?
What a blast this series has been! It would be amazing if someone where to pump some money back into this mine and do the prospecting as Fuller suggested. Thanks again for some great entertainment and to Duane for his knowledge and eloquence. Look forward to the next adventure!
Wow, nothing short of amazing here!!! This wasn't a series, it was an adventure! It was quite a privilege not only for you to see this mine, but to be led around by someone as experienced as your guide. It was also quite the privilege for us as well, I can't thank you enough - not only for filming here, but taking us with you to all these fantastic mines!!!
Here's hoping these guys hit a sweet pocket and put this gem back to right! There HAS to be more pockets! The thickness of the quartz vein is mind boggling! California's geology is totally unique, from this vein to the gargantuan pegmatites of the San Diego area, it can't be beat!
This series was absolutely incredible. Tons of knowledge from Dwayne and the passion he has for this place is obvious. He almost chokes up a few times when recalling times of yesteryear. A True Miner, Great Job!!
Your videos are always learning experience but this series was X10. Your guide was excellent. He spoke with exuberance and expertise, and made the mine come alive with the ghosts of “old timers”. Thanks for this series !
I'm afraid so... However, I have some stellar material in the video backlog still. I'll do a few shorter videos next since we just did such a long series.
The "Generator" at 20:23 is actually what is known as a "Motor/Generator" or "MG" set. The hoist motor probably runs on DC current. The MG uses the AC power in the the mine to spin a DC generator armature to supply DC power to the Hoist motor. AC in, DC out, using the resistors to control speed, and for dynamic braking for slowing. The new stuff uses three phase AC and VFD (Variable Frequency) drives to control speed. Lots of old elevators still use MG sets for power.
Just trying to imagine the responsibility of a hoist operator. This shit is soooo interesting to me. It's honestly emotional seeing how the guide feels about it all....well...just rusting away, cus hes so passionate about it.
Sad to see it come to the end but what a amazing story and journey back in time thanks to you and a special thanks to Duane what a gift he has for story telling
I have found those resistor banks out in the desert and couldn’t figure out their function. In retrospect they were always associated with a hoist. Now I know. So this is also how they slow down freight trains, I have seen the glow at night emanating from those giant vents atop the locos as they descend Cajon Grade. Thank you guys for sharing your knowledge with us-a really entertaining and educational ride through 16 to 1 mine.
Thanks for the Tour The deepest mine i ever worked in was the Con Mine in Yellowknife N.W.T The 1st shaft went from surface 0 down to 2300 Ft Level Then you trammed about a 1/3 of a mile to the 2nd Shaft that went down from 2300 to 4900 ft level with levels every 200 ft So 4900 ft below surface total At 4900 ft level you could hear the rock bolt heads bust off every so often from the pressure
Man, that's incredible! It is hard for me to get my mind around being 4900 feet down and the pressures that exist down that far... Thank you for sharing that.
@@mishellefoxx Hey m foxx My main job was tramming on the 2300 level the haulage level All the ore, waste rock and material for the mine went through the 2300 level On the 3 to 11 PM shift we went down to the 4900 level and hauled ore to to the shaft which was then skipped up to the 2300 level Hot🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 down on the 4900 Had to eat salt pills to retain water cause you sweat so much
@@bobcalgarycanada8582 Woah. I never would have thought it would be hot at that level. Was it the machinery and exhaust that created the heat, ir were you in a volcanic area or something? What an interesting job. Totally out of my realm of experience.
@@mishellefoxx It was hot because because of the depth underground It gets hotter and hotter the deeper you go I worked in that mine in that mine in 1973, 74, 75, & 77
More please this was an amazing series so much history to share and this guy was all for it! Hope you can find another miner to do a series with because this was amazing!
Thank you very much. I'm happy to say that I do indeed have another series in the bag where a miner takes us around a very unique historical mine... I also have another mine that Duane showed us around. It's a lot smaller than the 16 to 1, but has a lot of really interesting features. I'm going to do a few shorter videos before those though since we just did such a long series.
Best mine exploration series yet! You can really tell Duane loves the 16 to 1 and wants to show it off. Its very interesting to see all the different artifacts still in place and hear from someone who knows what they are. The ride on the mine train were awesome! Great job!
The electric panel and probably the motor were built in (General Electric) Schenectady's building 273 in the large motor / generator shop. At one time the largest manufacturing building under one roof in the world. The electric motor works are gone now but the large steam turbine shop is still working.
Fortunately, there are three other mines in the backlog that are of a similar style to this (Duane or another experienced miner shows us around the mine).
I started with watching abandoned places, then the exploration of caves, and naturally onto exploring mines. I am an unusual woman in as much as I have done many jobs over my lifetime, including building bus fabrication, etc I never thought I would have found anything like this so fascinating, but I do. I especially liked the historical part of the videos looking at the old machinery. And I was really surprised to see that the mine had a ballroom and actually conducted wedding cermonies! I sure am a lady who loves her crystals too! This series of videos of the 16 to 1 mine I have really enjoyed, thank you for sharing this.
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed that 16 to 1 series because that was a lot of fun for us to visit... Haha, I had the same experience as you in that when I was younger I would not have ever thought going around old mines would be so interesting, but now here I am!
Well, then you're awake late too! Thank you very much. I'm really glad you enjoyed the series and found it interesting... Fortunately, there is another very impressive mine that Duane showed us around as well.
Glad to see the hoist guy kept a pudding snack pack in the cabinet! Lol! That electrical setup was far out. I can’t imagine how loud it was working that hoist and then the hum coming from circuitry. Would of loved to see down through to the skip. Thank you for the tour. It’s the best! I appreciate it.
Thanks, Heidi! Haha, yeah, the pudding tells us that he had his priorities straight... And, yes, it must have been incredibly noisy in there when that hoist was working.
I continue to to be amazed by the ingenuity, perseverance & skill of these miners... To even get that heavy and massive machinery into the hoist room is a feat unto itself.
awww I'm gonna cry...this the last one ! it's amazing just how noisy electrical power can be ! hope Duane and all the rest have a good long lives....maybe a return visit someday ?? thanks for a AWESOME series of vids !! I think the best place you've ever been to !!
Fantastic video series! I live in mine country here in northern sweden, but here they tore everything down... Some open cast mines that are water filled, but a lot of underground stuff, allmost all with vertical shafts, so its all concreted and waterfilled... Great to see some old school stuff before its all rusted away!
Great video, I really loved the neat little hoist, I say little because where I worked the Dome Mine which closed over 18 months ago, had way bigger hoists, like a 15' diameter cable drum.
I know you've had very many accolades about this series but I've got to add mine- WOW! To explore a working mine and it's history with a miner who knows everything about it and how all the equipment works and worked was just mind blowing. The photography was perfect and the comments were great. You really outdid yourself on this one. Your the king.Long live the King!
Thank you very much. There's enough negativity out there that accolades are ALWAYS welcome. This was a great experience for us and I'm glad to hear that you found it as interesting as we did...
Pretty damn cool, really enjoyed this series. Absolutely mind-boggling how much material was dug out by hand and transported to the surface by the miners. Your host was really knowledgeable and interesting to listen to. Thanks, for a job well done.
Thank you very much... We had a great time with this one. Fortunately, there are three other mines in the video backlog in this style (Duane or another experienced miner showing us around their mine).
RUclips very kindly put your channel into my recommended list. Needless to say, I have been on a binge watch. Just finished up this series, loved it. I'm a retired mechanic, have been underground a few times for my work. Not a big fan of it really, but one does what one had to do. It still amazes me to see a mine where the miners have chewed away at the rock for years, just like a big piece of swiss cheese. Well, must go. More episodes to watch.
All I can say, is "What a Great Trip" Duane deserves a brew, or two. I can only presume that any ore from the 16 to 1 is trucked up to the mill at the 800 level?? A real eye opener.
that is incredible ...imagine the heat from running 100 skip in one shift. Would be cool to see them rehab it and fire it back up ....great job getting it on video
Thank you, Jeff. It is hard to even imagine how much heat that hoist must have been cranking out on the day they ran 100 loads, but the operator must have been sitting up there in his underwear and still sweating like crazy! And, yes, I'd love to that enormous hoist fired up again too...
@@TVRExploring I doubt they would spend the time digging all that out and trying to recondition it (Seems very corroded and rusty), from the time it sat down there. Probably not worth their time. Let alone the time required to dig out the shaft and fix all the lines.
My father was a coal miner for some 20 years (and his father before him for most of his life), and then, due to health reasons, spent a few more years working as a hoist operator on surface. I'll never be able to visit the mine he was working in as it was backfilled a long time ago (but I was able to visit him a few times when he was working at the hoist, which was amazing, also due to the fact the hoist was a beautiful piece of early 20th century steam hoist eventually adapted to pressurized air), but this series (and other similar videos) really puts the things he often talks about into perspective. And it was of course especially nice to hear the guide talk about the importance of hoist operators. Thank you for this amazing series!
WOW. Thanks for a truly interesting video series. This brought back a lot of good memories for me - in the old days, I worked as a underground miner for NJ Zinc in the (now closed) Sterling Hill mine. I ran the 1570E stope for quite a while. Good stuff! Keep it up - and be safe!
That was a lot of fun to watch. I would hate to work in there, all that water. Sad all the moisture destroying all that hard work for us to enjoy and the cave ins suck too. To them, it was a job, to me, a testament to the need to eat and feed your family so strong, you would risk your life underground to survive. Thank you muckers, i love to see your hard work. The framing and shoring, the carpenters were amazing men as well. Kudos to the investors who try to make a buck as well or we would have no mines to explore.
NO THAT'S IT ! We want more, I didn't even get to see you blow anything up ! I can't believe you finished the hole mine. Thanks again for the show. I can't wait to see what happens next. I wanted you to know that I told Frank Schlichting from Exporing Abanded Mines to see you, he is coming to the US to explore mines in California. I thought you would have better knowledge of the situation. Thanks again for the show.
This was a truly spectacular series. This was so much better than the garbage you get on TV. Thank you for going to the effort of recording this for our enjoyment.
At 20:30 the motor on motor generator your guide is talking about is actually a motor driven generator. One side is an electric motor that drives a generator. The generator side produces more power than the motor side uses thus generating power. Hope this helps.
Not much nap time concerning your videos. The complexity of this mine surpasses anything that I could have imagined. It must take a special breed to deal with this day in day out. No way am I setting foot in that death trap! The Loneliest Mine in Nevada is more my speed. Many thanks for the tour.
It is amazing the amount of time and money that was spend creating all of the structures and workings of that mine. It is surprising that there wasn’t more accidents with all that stuff underground. Heck just the electricity and water would make me nervous. Thanks for showing us these things that most people will never see except on video
Thank you for watching. Yes, we're frequently amazed by how much work is put into underground mining - the heavy equipment, the forest of timber supports, etc.
I'm actually sad that's over. Damn, that was a great series. Just couldn't believe the quartz in there. And all that ginormous equipment. Very cool bunch of videos, thanks for putting that up. That was really great to see.
Leaving me awestruck by the way these hardrock miners went about their livelihoods. What an amazing experience this series of videos are.Enjoyed immensely. Saved to my faves!
That's awesome that you did that! Probably easier to keep track of all of the points in the mine if you watch it straight through like that... I'm glad you enjoyed it.
We feel very fortunate to have connected with Duane. Fortunately, there is another mine he showed us as well. Furthermore, there are also two other mines where knowledgeable miners showed us around their mines that I have on tap as well. I'm going to do a few shorter videos first though to give people a break from this long series.
The wooden Dräger box is to test the breathing apparatus. It has a whistle on it when releasing pressure. The machines have to be tested regularly by MSHA regs. The oval metal canisters have the carbon dioxide scrubbing chemicals. I bet there is a BA in each of those cases on the floor. Oxygen rebreathers good for 4 hours.
Justin, Duane has some serious miners cred. 💪 Epic series well done 👍 and I thought working as a lift operator top side at Mammoth was pretty hard. Every time I’ve been in a mine by the operators stations... the smell is just the same as riding a wooden rollercoaster. That smell of grease... In time the earth is going too show it’s bounty. The riches in the quartz based minerals is $$$$. Goodies Never Say Die! Some investors with the capital could stand a chance to make some money.
Yes, Duane is awesome! We feel very fortunate to have been able to connect with him... Did you read the description below this video? There is some serious untapped potential in this mine!
Wow late to the game but thank you for this series of educational and entertaining videos. You inspired me to start digging in the backyard, so far uncovered a large concrete tank with lids on it, does not smell so good. LoL. Thank you!!!
Damn, it's all over, great series. Thanks first to you for making the video, 16 to 1 for allowing you to do the video and lastly Duane who was the guy who explained it all. Without Duane's knowledge of the mine and mining in general it would still be good but he put it over the top. Very interesting and impressive mine. THANKS !!!!!
Most epic series on any mining operation ever. 100% AWESOME! Thank you TVR and 16 to 1 company for sharing this crazy work of nature's art and sheer will of man! Now lets go get some pizza.
January 01,2020 gold price today $1517.00 per ounce. Another great video. One thing I have to add,at the start of the video you fell behind to show us something,but Duane continued on and talked. Anytime I am on a tour I always stay as close to the guide as I can to make sure I get my money’s worth.
Why would you hook two electric motors together? One of the things it would do is isolate two circuits electrically, not sure what the benefit of that is in a mine though... If you're prone to shorts it would stop you tripping everything out I guess could be a reason. You could use it instead of a transformer for stepping voltage. You might also do it for the hell of it, just for fun :) Presumably the resistors were there to assist with braking? Once you stop putting power in you dump the return through them and they add mechanical resistance to the motor to stop it spinning. Seems like a modern system would probably capture that energy rather than just effectively burning it off, would be massively more efficient and then the hoist operator wouldn't cook in his seat. Been a really good series, amazing to even be let in a working mine let alone to be taken on a practically complete tour of it.
Thank you very much. I appreciate you coming along with us on this series... Fortunately, there is another mine that Duane showed us around that is also very impressive. And I have some other quite good series in the video backlog still. I'm going to do a few shorter videos now since we just did such a long one though in order to give people a break.
Hi, wow the machines around the hoist operator belong in a museum really, how scary it must have been to see those resistor banks glowing red though. It's hard to imagine how much heat that would have kicked out, I guess if someone wanted to lose a few pounds then becoming a hoist operator would do it lol. That timber with the brass tags on, wow some miners really were not that popular, as Duane said though it really should go to a museum to be preserved because that's a lot of years of miners coming and going who worked that mine, it's better than a piece of paper as a tally to who worked there. Thank you once again for all of your hard work, those can't have been the easiest of conditions to film in for that length of time. xx
Thank you, Sue. Haha, no, those were definitely not the easiest conditions to film in! Yes, it really would have been something to see that hoist operating - the resistor banks glowing red, the crackling of the 4,000 volts, the hoist itself spinning around... And, yes, it would be criminal if that timber with all of the brass tags on it does not end up in a museum!
I am rather sad to see this end. I have truly enjoyed walking through this mine with you. It is amazing to think that all of this is truly and actually one mine. And the tour guide was astounding! I sure hope you get to see more of this mine at some point. And I hope they find more gold to keep them open. I wonder if it could be worth it to go open pit. Just to pull the dregs out. But, I know it wouldn't be, in the end. Most of it is already gone.
Yes, it is an extraordinary mine... If you read the description below the video, there is actually still quite a lot of gold down there that is untouched. The vein at this site is tall and narrow and so it is not really conducive to being open pitted.
Dude, i've been putting off watching this video all day because I know its the final video. Thank you for the series, this has seriously been some of the coolest vids to watch on youtube lately. Hopefully your hard work paid off with lots of new subscribers such as myself :) Thanks again my friend
Wow, just one excellent adventure after another, awesome history... This points out how critical each cable, timber, rivet, weld, bolt, nail and support is to the guys down below. Incredible walk and tour through the underworld !!!
I must say Justin, i have been a subscriber to your channel for some time now, but this explore of the 16 to 1 mine is the best mine explore video/series/production that I have ever seen. Kudos to you and for Duane to reach out to you. Duane is as much of a treasure as the mine is. That place is just incredible. it sounds like you got in there just in time to document it. Who knows how much longer they can or will keep it going. You've been doing a fantastic job with this channel, but this time you have way outdone yourself. It's cool to see that your fellow RUclipsrs are following and commenting on the job you do. I think this is absolutely the best mine explore channel out there. Probably one of the longest running as well. What i'm wondering though, is how in the hell were you able to video tape in North Korea? I am an Army Veteran and I spent 18 months in Dongduchon South Korea. 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Casey. I spent 45 days TDY on the DMZ back when there was still a midnight curfew throughout the entire country. Seems a lifetime ago. I think if I heard correctly, you're a freelance war reporter? Is that correct? Still North Korea doesn't open it's borders to just anybody. Russia, Israel, Chechnya, Italy........... must be an exciting profession to say the least. Anyways thanks for all your wonderful videos, and sharing your adventures with us. Fascinating stuff for sure.
Thank you very much for the kind words. That means a lot to me... Yes, we were incredibly fortunate to connect with Duane on this one. Unfortunately, I am not optimistic about the future of the mine either and so I agree that our visit was very timely. Actually, North Korea is amazingly easy to go to... You can only go on a guided tour since they want to manage what you see, but they run those tours all of the time. It is one of my favorite trips that I have been on. They don't care what you film or take pictures of in any of the areas that they take you.
@@TVRExploring That is interesting. I would have never guessed that. When I was there Kim's father was still alive and running things. I didn't get to spend any time north of the border, so to speak. Most of my time was out in the field learning to soldier in some of the most inhospitable weather i have ever been in. From a flooding monsoon, 100 percent humidity in 90 degree temps, to 75 below zero with the wind chill in the winter. It was insane. They called it the last great place to learn how to soldier for just those reasons. Thanks for the reply, and the works you share.
is this mine still running? excellent series, well presented. tips, powerful uv light to find and follow calcite easy assuming it is glowing type, $8k minelab detector, volunteer crews for equipment refurbishment, and housekeeping? scrap iron i beams for bunding and other hi load uses. we used compressed air to transfer fines down plastic hoses, using a venturi, like a giant vacuum cleaner, shuttering the stope above the drive, pumping the waste above, and by adding a small amount of cement dust, creating a pillar, a bit like dry spraycrete. ffs use a shaker table, it will save a fortune in lost gold
Thanks for an awesome in-depth run of this mine complex. Both the filming and the information provided by your enthusiastic tour guide and miner made this a great experience!
Thank you. Fortunately, there are three other mines in the backlog that are of a similar style to this (Duane or another experienced miner shows us around the mine).
The "2 motors connected together" thing is most likely a motor - generator. If they needed DC for something, it was an old way of making it. They also exist for converting single phase to 3 phase, different frequencies.
@@TVRExploring I heard that you maybe will be meeting up with Frank (exploring abandoned mines) soon when he visits USA, you 2 are the best mine explorers on youtube , best footage, best history info, can't wait for that if it happens
Thank you for the kind words. Yes, I spoke to Frank on the phone this afternoon... Normally, I am overseas this time of year, but it looks like I'll be around longer this year. So, it's a happy coincidence that he'll be in the U.S. for a while too. We both want to see it happen.
Thank you. All of the different locations will probably make sense when you run through the series a second time... I'm glad you enjoyed it enough to watch again.
Let's see who is awake now...
Well, for close to seven decades I've got by with two to three hours of sleep a night so probably a good chance you'll catch me awake ! 😊
Been a good show, thanks !
Thanks for sharing and take care. 👍
2-3 hours?!? Man, I wish I could operate on that amount of sleep... I can do that (or even no sleep) for a couple of days, but then it catches up to me. That's a gift you have. Add up all of the hours of your life that you were able to be productive rather than wasting time laying around being unconscious (sleeping) and you've almost had another lifetime that many people miss out on. That's wonderful. Thanks for the comment. Glad you enjoyed the series...
Well , since I've worked Graveyard Shift most of my working life , I'm wide awake . Only problem is , now that I'm Retired my body-clock is still wound backwards , - up all night & sleep during the day . < Doc > .
I should be sleeping but I can't; this upload makes the insomnia worthwhile!
I'm awake getting ready to go to work! Not complaining just explaining! Lol
This series has been absolutely amazing. I've so enjoyed the whole process.
Duane - you are an absolute gem, sir. A true gift to the art of storytelling!
The tour guide definitely knows his stuff about his mine. He seems like he's spent a LOOOOOOOT of time down there.
Jason Coleman tour guide is miner
Yeah, no kidding. And he has spent lots of time underground. I was never a tour guide, but while I was active duty I gave tours all the time. The best guides are the employees. How simple do you think I am?
@@jasonwcoleman250 wut?
I was thinking the same, everything about everything.
It's always great to see a guy who loves his job so much, it seems like its his hobby
“Frankenstein! He lives!” Duane is so awesome! He really loves that mine.
What a blast this series has been! It would be amazing if someone where to pump some money back into this mine and do the prospecting as Fuller suggested. Thanks again for some great entertainment and to Duane for his knowledge and eloquence. Look forward to the next adventure!
Thank you. Yes, it seems almost tragic to me that the recommendations from Fuller have not been pursued and that all of that is still unexplored.
Wow, nothing short of amazing here!!! This wasn't a series, it was an adventure! It was quite a privilege not only for you to see this mine, but to be led around by someone as experienced as your guide. It was also quite the privilege for us as well, I can't thank you enough - not only for filming here, but taking us with you to all these fantastic mines!!!
It is a shame about the hoist room turning to rust. Thanks to Duane for giving us his insights into this phenomenal mine.
It is a shame... I'd love to see some big money come in and rehab everything. It is tough operating in California though.
Miners are a special breed of people. Got to be THE toughest job ever. You're either born to it, learn it or it will break you.
Here's hoping these guys hit a sweet pocket and put this gem back to right! There HAS to be more pockets! The thickness of the quartz vein is mind boggling! California's geology is totally unique, from this vein to the gargantuan pegmatites of the San Diego area, it can't be beat!
This series was absolutely incredible. Tons of knowledge from Dwayne and the passion he has for this place is obvious. He almost chokes up a few times when recalling times of yesteryear. A True Miner, Great Job!!
Your videos are always learning experience but this series was X10. Your guide was excellent. He spoke with exuberance and expertise, and made the mine come alive with the ghosts of “old timers”. Thanks for this series !
NO not the Final!!! fantastic show thanks
I'm afraid so... However, I have some stellar material in the video backlog still. I'll do a few shorter videos next since we just did such a long series.
The "Generator" at 20:23 is actually what is known as a "Motor/Generator" or "MG" set.
The hoist motor probably runs on DC current.
The MG uses the AC power in the the mine to spin a DC generator armature to supply DC power to the Hoist motor.
AC in, DC out, using the resistors to control speed, and for dynamic braking for slowing.
The new stuff uses three phase AC and VFD (Variable Frequency) drives to control speed. Lots of old elevators still use MG sets for power.
Great series. Sad to see so much go. You could tell it was getting to him at the end.
This guy is so full of knowledge,he's so full of energy you can see he loves his job. I've learned a lot from these videos
Duane is awesome.
3.15.2021 Binge watched this entire series... SO UNBELIEVEABLY AWESOME!!!! Now I have so many questions. GREAT HISTORY STORY. THANKS.
You're a champion! That's awesome! Yes, this was a phenomenal mine to visit...
Just trying to imagine the responsibility of a hoist operator. This shit is soooo interesting to me. It's honestly emotional seeing how the guide feels about it all....well...just rusting away, cus hes so passionate about it.
Sad to see it come to the end but what a amazing story and journey back in time thanks to you and a special thanks to Duane what a gift he has for story telling
Justin , a big THANK YOU to both you and Duane for this fabulous tour through the famous 16 to 1 Mine , I truly enjoyed the series . < Doc > .
Thank you, Doc. Coming from you that really means a lot to me...
I have found those resistor banks out in the desert and couldn’t figure out their function. In retrospect they were always associated with a hoist. Now I know. So this is also how they slow down freight trains, I have seen the glow at night emanating from those giant vents atop the locos as they descend Cajon Grade. Thank you guys for sharing your knowledge with us-a really entertaining and educational ride through 16 to 1 mine.
Thanks for the Tour The deepest mine i ever worked in was the Con Mine in Yellowknife N.W.T The 1st shaft went from surface 0 down to 2300 Ft Level Then you trammed about a 1/3 of a mile to the 2nd Shaft that went down from 2300 to 4900 ft level with levels every 200 ft So 4900 ft below surface total At 4900 ft level you could hear the rock bolt heads bust off every so often from the pressure
Man, that's incredible! It is hard for me to get my mind around being 4900 feet down and the pressures that exist down that far... Thank you for sharing that.
Wow. 4900 ft underground. Somehow gives me the Willie's, and I'm sitting in my apartment! Kinda crazy. 😳
@@mishellefoxx Hey m foxx My main job was tramming on the 2300 level the haulage level All the ore, waste rock and material for the mine went through the 2300 level On the 3 to 11 PM shift we went down to the 4900 level and hauled ore to to the shaft which was then skipped up to the 2300 level Hot🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 down on the 4900 Had to eat salt pills to retain water cause you sweat so much
@@bobcalgarycanada8582 Woah. I never would have thought it would be hot at that level. Was it the machinery and exhaust that created the heat, ir were you in a volcanic area or something? What an interesting job. Totally out of my realm of experience.
@@mishellefoxx It was hot because because of the depth underground It gets hotter and hotter the deeper you go I worked in that mine in that mine in 1973, 74, 75, & 77
You miners were so generous with your time, thanks again!
More please this was an amazing series so much history to share and this guy was all for it! Hope you can find another miner to do a series with because this was amazing!
Thank you very much. I'm happy to say that I do indeed have another series in the bag where a miner takes us around a very unique historical mine... I also have another mine that Duane showed us around. It's a lot smaller than the 16 to 1, but has a lot of really interesting features. I'm going to do a few shorter videos before those though since we just did such a long series.
Best mine exploration series yet! You can really tell Duane loves the 16 to 1 and wants to show it off. Its very interesting to see all the different artifacts still in place and hear from someone who knows what they are. The ride on the mine train were awesome! Great job!
Thank you very much.
The electric panel and probably the motor were built in (General Electric) Schenectady's building 273 in the large motor / generator shop. At one time the largest manufacturing building under one roof in the world. The electric motor works are gone now but the large steam turbine shop is still working.
Wow, thank you for sharing that. The knowledge of those watching these videos continues to impress...
By far my favorite viewing series! Thank you Duane.
Fortunately, there are three other mines in the backlog that are of a similar style to this (Duane or another experienced miner shows us around the mine).
Absolutely the most fact filled Hard Rock Mine Series Ever!
I started with watching abandoned places, then the exploration of caves, and naturally onto exploring mines. I am an unusual woman in as much as I have done many jobs over my lifetime, including building bus fabrication, etc I never thought I would have found anything like this so fascinating, but I do. I especially liked the historical part of the videos looking at the old machinery. And I was really surprised to see that the mine had a ballroom and actually conducted wedding cermonies! I sure am a lady who loves her crystals too! This series of videos of the 16 to 1 mine I have really enjoyed, thank you for sharing this.
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed that 16 to 1 series because that was a lot of fun for us to visit... Haha, I had the same experience as you in that when I was younger I would not have ever thought going around old mines would be so interesting, but now here I am!
Justin, this series is so awesome. Please never stop doing this as long as you are able to.
Thank you. Glad you found it enjoyable and interesting... I'll keep doing these as long as I can.
I'm in Cali. This series is definitely the best mine series I have seen. Thank you for sharing this mine experience with us.
Well, then you're awake late too! Thank you very much. I'm really glad you enjoyed the series and found it interesting... Fortunately, there is another very impressive mine that Duane showed us around as well.
Another one from California! I'm up too!
he definitely would of made Huel Houser proud
@@aaronkeeth651 How funny! I think I made a comparison to Huell Howser on one of the other videos. He was such a California treasure, wasn't he?
Fabulous job. And the gentleman who gave you the tour was incredible.
Thank you. Yes, Duane (the guy showing us around), was awesome...
Glad to see the hoist guy kept a pudding snack pack in the cabinet! Lol! That electrical setup was far out. I can’t imagine how loud it was working that hoist and then the hum coming from circuitry. Would of loved to see down through to the skip. Thank you for the tour. It’s the best! I appreciate it.
Thanks, Heidi! Haha, yeah, the pudding tells us that he had his priorities straight... And, yes, it must have been incredibly noisy in there when that hoist was working.
I continue to to be amazed by the ingenuity, perseverance & skill of these miners...
To even get that heavy and massive machinery into the hoist room is a feat unto itself.
You're right about that!
awww I'm gonna cry...this the last one ! it's amazing just how noisy electrical power can be ! hope Duane and all the rest have a good long lives....maybe a return visit someday ?? thanks for a AWESOME series of vids !! I think the best place you've ever been to !!
Thank you. Yes, this is an incredible mine! I'd love to return to see the lowest levels of the mine when they have finished pumping those out.
Fantastic video series! I live in mine country here in northern sweden, but here they tore everything down... Some open cast mines that are water filled, but a lot of underground stuff, allmost all with vertical shafts, so its all concreted and waterfilled... Great to see some old school stuff before its all rusted away!
Thank you... Yes, aside from the desert areas like Nevada, very few mine shafts are not flooded or otherwise inaccessible.
Great video, I really loved the neat little hoist, I say little because where I worked the Dome Mine which closed over 18 months ago, had way bigger hoists, like a 15' diameter cable drum.
Haha, 15' diameter? That's insane... I'd love to see something like that.
I know you've had very many accolades about this series but I've got to add mine- WOW! To explore a working mine and it's history with a miner who knows everything about it and how all the equipment works and worked was just mind blowing. The photography was perfect and the comments were great. You really outdid yourself on this one. Your the king.Long live the King!
Thank you very much. There's enough negativity out there that accolades are ALWAYS welcome. This was a great experience for us and I'm glad to hear that you found it as interesting as we did...
Pretty damn cool, really enjoyed this series. Absolutely mind-boggling how much material was dug out by hand and transported to the surface by the miners. Your host was really knowledgeable and interesting to listen to. Thanks, for a job well done.
Dang, sad to see this epic series end, awesome work TVR, thanks much!
Thank you very much... We had a great time with this one. Fortunately, there are three other mines in the video backlog in this style (Duane or another experienced miner showing us around their mine).
RUclips very kindly put your channel into my recommended list. Needless to say, I have been on a binge watch.
Just finished up this series, loved it.
I'm a retired mechanic, have been underground a few times for my work. Not a big fan of it really, but one does what one had to do.
It still amazes me to see a mine where the miners have chewed away at the rock for years, just like a big piece of swiss cheese.
Well, must go. More episodes to watch.
Thank you for your interest and for the comment... The "Swiss Cheesed" underground workings are amazing to me as well.
This was SUCH AN INCREDIBLE SERIES pleaas do more stuff like this. Active mines are just as interesting!!
All I can say, is "What a Great Trip" Duane deserves a brew, or two. I can only presume that any ore from the 16 to 1 is trucked up to the mill at the 800 level?? A real eye opener.
that is incredible ...imagine the heat from running 100 skip in one shift. Would be cool to see them rehab it and fire it back up ....great job getting it on video
@Ask Jeff Williams That would be so cool to see
Thank you, Jeff. It is hard to even imagine how much heat that hoist must have been cranking out on the day they ran 100 loads, but the operator must have been sitting up there in his underwear and still sweating like crazy! And, yes, I'd love to that enormous hoist fired up again too...
But why is that transformer or coil humming so loud? Willing to bet that with time that's gonna cause some problems....
@@TVRExploring I doubt they would spend the time digging all that out and trying to recondition it (Seems very corroded and rusty), from the time it sat down there. Probably not worth their time. Let alone the time required to dig out the shaft and fix all the lines.
My father was a coal miner for some 20 years (and his father before him for most of his life), and then, due to health reasons, spent a few more years working as a hoist operator on surface. I'll never be able to visit the mine he was working in as it was backfilled a long time ago (but I was able to visit him a few times when he was working at the hoist, which was amazing, also due to the fact the hoist was a beautiful piece of early 20th century steam hoist eventually adapted to pressurized air), but this series (and other similar videos) really puts the things he often talks about into perspective. And it was of course especially nice to hear the guide talk about the importance of hoist operators. Thank you for this amazing series!
Thank you for sharing that. Yes, this was an incredible mine...
Wow, so much awesome content in this series. Thanks to you and Duane!
WOW. Thanks for a truly interesting video series. This brought back a lot of good memories for me - in the old days, I worked as a underground miner for NJ Zinc in the (now closed) Sterling Hill mine. I ran the 1570E stope for quite a while.
Good stuff! Keep it up - and be safe!
That was a lot of fun to watch. I would hate to work in there, all that water. Sad all the moisture destroying all that hard work for us to enjoy and the cave ins suck too. To them, it was a job, to me, a testament to the need to eat and feed your family so strong, you would risk your life underground to survive. Thank you muckers, i love to see your hard work. The framing and shoring, the carpenters were amazing men as well. Kudos to the investors who try to make a buck as well or we would have no mines to explore.
NO THAT'S IT ! We want more, I didn't even get to see you blow anything up ! I can't believe you finished the hole mine. Thanks again for the show. I can't wait to see what happens next. I wanted you to know that I told Frank Schlichting from Exporing Abanded Mines to see you, he is coming to the US to explore mines in California. I thought you would have better knowledge of the situation. Thanks again for the show.
Thanks for watching. I'm glad you enjoyed the series... Yes, I have been in touch with Frank S.
Amazing series you did a great job of filming everything so very interesting to see a very awesome mine
Thank you.
This was a truly spectacular series. This was so much better than the garbage you get on TV. Thank you for going to the effort of recording this for our enjoyment.
Thank you. Yes, this is a great old mine...
At 20:30 the motor on motor generator your guide is talking about is actually a motor driven generator. One side is an electric motor that drives a generator. The generator side produces more power than the motor side uses thus generating power. Hope this helps.
Thank you.
“Gly”: Long after the hoist operator has retired and his brass is nailed to the post I’m sure he still hears that bell in his sleep.
Haha, yes, just think of how many tens of thousands of times he heard that bell clang!
I do too.
10.30am here, great series, a great record of recent memories, and a working mine,thanks.
i watched all 10 parts and learned a bunch it was really good of him to give you and so us the whole tour...... awesome !!!!!
I'll be forever grateful to him for that tour!
Not much nap time concerning your videos. The complexity of this mine surpasses anything that I could have imagined. It must take a special breed to deal with this day in day out. No way am I setting foot in that death trap! The Loneliest Mine in Nevada is more my speed. Many thanks for the tour.
Haha, yes, just a slight difference between the Sixteen to One Mine and the Loneliest Mine in Nevada...
Awesome series. Wow 10 weeks of great history, thanks guys.
Thank you for coming along, Kim...
It is amazing the amount of time and money that was spend creating all of the structures and workings of that mine. It is surprising that there wasn’t more accidents with all that stuff underground. Heck just the electricity and water would make me nervous. Thanks for showing us these things that most people will never see except on video
Thank you for watching. Yes, we're frequently amazed by how much work is put into underground mining - the heavy equipment, the forest of timber supports, etc.
Okay I vote this series as the BEST mine explorer on RUclips!!!!
Thank you
I'm actually sad that's over. Damn, that was a great series. Just couldn't believe the quartz in there. And all that ginormous equipment. Very cool bunch of videos, thanks for putting that up. That was really great to see.
Thank you very much. Yes, this is an amazing mine... I've never seen quartz veins like they have here anywhere else.
Leaving me awestruck by the way these hardrock miners went about their livelihoods. What an amazing experience this series of videos are.Enjoyed immensely. Saved to my faves!
Thank you very much. And, yes, seeing something like this makes it impossible for me not to have loads of respect for the old timers...
Keep holding for a while and binged the whole thing. Amazing. Thank you! ❤️
That's awesome that you did that! Probably easier to keep track of all of the points in the mine if you watch it straight through like that... I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Best host ever so far. Great work cant wait for another series like this.
We feel very fortunate to have connected with Duane. Fortunately, there is another mine he showed us as well. Furthermore, there are also two other mines where knowledgeable miners showed us around their mines that I have on tap as well. I'm going to do a few shorter videos first though to give people a break from this long series.
22:01 theres a random vanilla pudding cup lmao. Again, this is an amazing series!
Electric motors were commonly hooked together with generators like that to convert single phase to three phase and vice-versa before VFDs existed.
Thanks, Ian.
Still can get them. Called a rotary phase converter
The wooden Dräger box is to test the breathing apparatus. It has a whistle on it when releasing pressure. The machines have to be tested regularly by MSHA regs. The oval metal canisters have the carbon dioxide scrubbing chemicals. I bet there is a BA in each of those cases on the floor. Oxygen rebreathers good for 4 hours.
So much to know to be able to work in a mine, and you better be good at it!
Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for coming along... Yes, the skillset one must have to work as a miner is extraordinary.
Justin, Duane has some serious miners cred. 💪 Epic series well done 👍 and I thought working as a lift operator top side at Mammoth was pretty hard. Every time I’ve been in a mine by the operators stations... the smell is just the same as riding a wooden rollercoaster. That smell of grease... In time the earth is going too show it’s bounty. The riches in the quartz based minerals is $$$$. Goodies Never Say Die! Some investors with the capital could stand a chance to make some money.
Yes, Duane is awesome! We feel very fortunate to have been able to connect with him... Did you read the description below this video? There is some serious untapped potential in this mine!
Wow late to the game but thank you for this series of educational and entertaining videos. You inspired me to start digging in the backyard, so far uncovered a large concrete tank with lids on it, does not smell so good. LoL. Thank you!!!
That was awesome thanks for every video of this mine!!!👍👍😎
Thank you for coming along on all of them!
this tour was fun to watch
Damn, it's all over, great series. Thanks first to you for making the video, 16 to 1 for allowing you to do the video and lastly Duane who was the guy who explained it all. Without Duane's knowledge of the mine and mining in general it would still be good but he put it over the top. Very interesting and impressive mine. THANKS !!!!!
Most epic series on any mining operation ever. 100% AWESOME! Thank you TVR and 16 to 1 company for sharing this crazy work of nature's art and sheer will of man! Now lets go get some pizza.
Thank you very much, Ian M.
Great job dude! Greetins from a mining tec in Spain.
Thank you!
This mine was fantastic, thanks so much for showing the mine in such detail, keep up the great work, the shear amount of quartz is mind boggling
January 01,2020 gold price today $1517.00 per ounce. Another great video. One thing I have to add,at the start of the video you fell behind to show us something,but Duane continued on and talked. Anytime I am on a tour I always stay as close to the guide as I can to make sure I get my money’s worth.
That’s one high dallor hoist and mine, very very cool looking stuff and would love to have seen it working like normal days 😊😊😊
Nice Drager Rebreathers on the floor near the hoist
This series is amazing! I had no idea there was so much to mining. Some of this wiring looks like an electrician's nightmare.
Thank you. It was fascinating to be there to shoot that series...
i thoroughly enjoyed this :) amazing , the miner is such a nice guy and you can see how excited he gets about his work :) love it
Why would you hook two electric motors together? One of the things it would do is isolate two circuits electrically, not sure what the benefit of that is in a mine though... If you're prone to shorts it would stop you tripping everything out I guess could be a reason. You could use it instead of a transformer for stepping voltage. You might also do it for the hell of it, just for fun :) Presumably the resistors were there to assist with braking? Once you stop putting power in you dump the return through them and they add mechanical resistance to the motor to stop it spinning. Seems like a modern system would probably capture that energy rather than just effectively burning it off, would be massively more efficient and then the hoist operator wouldn't cook in his seat.
Been a really good series, amazing to even be let in a working mine let alone to be taken on a practically complete tour of it.
Thank you for the explanation. Glad you enjoyed the series...
This was one of the most entertaining and well put together series on youtube. Thank you so much for documenting and showing this to us!
Thank you very much. It is great to hear something like that... Your interest and viewing of the videos is much appreciated as well.
What an amazing series. I hate that it has to end. I really looked forward to it each week. You did an amazing job and Duane was a great host.
Thank you very much. I appreciate you coming along with us on this series... Fortunately, there is another mine that Duane showed us around that is also very impressive. And I have some other quite good series in the video backlog still. I'm going to do a few shorter videos now since we just did such a long one though in order to give people a break.
Hi, wow the machines around the hoist operator belong in a museum really, how scary it must have been to see those resistor banks glowing red though. It's hard to imagine how much heat that would have kicked out, I guess if someone wanted to lose a few pounds then becoming a hoist operator would do it lol. That timber with the brass tags on, wow some miners really were not that popular, as Duane said though it really should go to a museum to be preserved because that's a lot of years of miners coming and going who worked that mine, it's better than a piece of paper as a tally to who worked there. Thank you once again for all of your hard work, those can't have been the easiest of conditions to film in for that length of time. xx
Thank you, Sue. Haha, no, those were definitely not the easiest conditions to film in! Yes, it really would have been something to see that hoist operating - the resistor banks glowing red, the crackling of the 4,000 volts, the hoist itself spinning around... And, yes, it would be criminal if that timber with all of the brass tags on it does not end up in a museum!
I am rather sad to see this end. I have truly enjoyed walking through this mine with you. It is amazing to think that all of this is truly and actually one mine.
And the tour guide was astounding!
I sure hope you get to see more of this mine at some point. And I hope they find more gold to keep them open. I wonder if it could be worth it to go open pit. Just to pull the dregs out.
But, I know it wouldn't be, in the end. Most of it is already gone.
Yes, it is an extraordinary mine... If you read the description below the video, there is actually still quite a lot of gold down there that is untouched. The vein at this site is tall and narrow and so it is not really conducive to being open pitted.
Dude, i've been putting off watching this video all day because I know its the final video. Thank you for the series, this has seriously been some of the coolest vids to watch on youtube lately. Hopefully your hard work paid off with lots of new subscribers such as myself :) Thanks again my friend
Very glad to pick up viewers such as yourself! I appreciate the kind words and the interest on your part...
Wow, just one excellent adventure after another, awesome history... This points out how critical each cable, timber, rivet, weld, bolt, nail and support is to the guys down below. Incredible walk and tour through the underworld !!!
One of the best mine exploring experiences we've had!
I must say Justin, i have been a subscriber to your channel for some time now, but this explore of the 16 to 1 mine is the best mine explore video/series/production that I have ever seen. Kudos to you and for Duane to reach out to you. Duane is as much of a treasure as the mine is. That place is just incredible. it sounds like you got in there just in time to document it. Who knows how much longer they can or will keep it going. You've been doing a fantastic job with this channel, but this time you have way outdone yourself. It's cool to see that your fellow RUclipsrs are following and commenting on the job you do. I think this is absolutely the best mine explore channel out there. Probably one of the longest running as well. What i'm wondering though, is how in the hell were you able to video tape in North Korea? I am an Army Veteran and I spent 18 months in Dongduchon South Korea. 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Casey. I spent 45 days TDY on the DMZ back when there was still a midnight curfew throughout the entire country. Seems a lifetime ago. I think if I heard correctly, you're a freelance war reporter? Is that correct? Still North Korea doesn't open it's borders to just anybody. Russia, Israel, Chechnya, Italy........... must be an exciting profession to say the least. Anyways thanks for all your wonderful videos, and sharing your adventures with us. Fascinating stuff for sure.
Thank you very much for the kind words. That means a lot to me... Yes, we were incredibly fortunate to connect with Duane on this one. Unfortunately, I am not optimistic about the future of the mine either and so I agree that our visit was very timely.
Actually, North Korea is amazingly easy to go to... You can only go on a guided tour since they want to manage what you see, but they run those tours all of the time. It is one of my favorite trips that I have been on. They don't care what you film or take pictures of in any of the areas that they take you.
@@TVRExploring That is interesting. I would have never guessed that. When I was there Kim's father was still alive and running things. I didn't get to spend any time north of the border, so to speak. Most of my time was out in the field learning to soldier in some of the most inhospitable weather i have ever been in. From a flooding monsoon, 100 percent humidity in 90 degree temps, to 75 below zero with the wind chill in the winter. It was insane. They called it the last great place to learn how to soldier for just those reasons. Thanks for the reply, and the works you share.
Haha, the weather there was horrendous! I have an uncle that was there for the Korean War and he said the same...
@@TVRExploring I cant imagine having to fight a war in that place. Just playing war was was bad enough. Thank your Uncle for his dedicated service.
is this mine still running? excellent series, well presented. tips, powerful uv light to find and follow calcite easy assuming it is glowing type, $8k minelab detector, volunteer crews for equipment refurbishment, and housekeeping? scrap iron i beams for bunding and other hi load uses. we used compressed air to transfer fines down plastic hoses, using a venturi, like a giant vacuum cleaner, shuttering the stope above the drive, pumping the waste above, and by adding a small amount of cement dust, creating a pillar, a bit like dry spraycrete. ffs use a shaker table, it will save a fortune in lost gold
10 absolutely amazing episodes. You can notice when people really love their jobs!.
There was something so earie about the hoist room and the abandoned chair. It must have been hell working in that room all day sweating your ass off
I believe the reasoning behind the 2 electric motors that were attached together it might have been a phase converter to make 2/3 phase power
Thank you.
Awesome series, hope I didn't spoil older content for myself, this was top notch.
Thanks for an awesome in-depth run of this mine complex. Both the filming and the information provided by your enthusiastic tour guide and miner made this a great experience!
Thank you. Fortunately, there are three other mines in the backlog that are of a similar style to this (Duane or another experienced miner shows us around the mine).
The "2 motors connected together" thing is most likely a motor - generator. If they needed DC for something, it was an old way of making it. They also exist for converting single phase to 3 phase, different frequencies.
great series on this 16 to 1 mine, loved every second, thanks for sharing, thanks to Duane as well for all his commentary and history,
Thank you!
@@TVRExploring I heard that you maybe will be meeting up with Frank (exploring abandoned mines) soon when he visits USA, you 2 are the best mine explorers on youtube , best footage, best history info, can't wait for that if it happens
Thank you for the kind words. Yes, I spoke to Frank on the phone this afternoon... Normally, I am overseas this time of year, but it looks like I'll be around longer this year. So, it's a happy coincidence that he'll be in the U.S. for a while too. We both want to see it happen.
@@TVRExploring cool, fingers crossed,
Can't wait to see the 2400 level after the water gets pumped out see what's down there
No one has laid eyes on that section since the 1930s. We can only imagine what is down there!
Epic series man!!!!!! Just an awesome, huge mine. The brass beam was pretty cool too. Yall be safe out there and can't wait for the next one.
Thanks, Lee!
Its been a superb series. I will have to watch them all again in a couple of weeks its so good. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. All of the different locations will probably make sense when you run through the series a second time... I'm glad you enjoyed it enough to watch again.
What an amazing series! Thank you!!