The former mine is not simply just a mine – it is a true treasure trove. Firstly, that’s because Gneisenau mine was considered as the most productive plant in the Ruhr region in the 1970s. Secondly, it houses two real treasures of mining architecture: the so-called Tomson-Trestle (Tomson-Bock) and a two-story tower scaffolding in a nearly upright position.
The Tomson-Trestle over shaft 2 can boast a special title: It is the oldest preserved steel headframe in the Ruhr region. The support frame takes its name from the Belgian technician Eugen Tomson. The innovative constructor obtained his knowledge of mining at the University of Lüttich and moved to Germany in 1872. At that time, the coal and steel industry was urgently looking for young talents – and Tomson had a whole lot of talent. As director of the Gneisenau Mining Company, he initially stopped the water inflow, which made production impossible.
The system is a stable trestle scaffolding that enables easy access to the shaft. The idea is based on the so-called English buck, and was celebrated frenetically in Tomson’s days. In the heyday of mining in the Ruhr region, more than 100 of these conveyor systems were used. Gneisenau mine is therefore a special testimony of this era. Besides the Tomson-Trestle, the related shaft hall, along with a small section of the wagon turnaround area, are still preserved, too.