Due to the dearth of small mines commercially available in N scale, I decided to scratchbuild my two mines myself.  Since they are generally simple buildings, and normally aren't made to exacting standards, they should be perfect for first scratchbuilding projects.

 

I built simple mockups out of cardboard and tape, both to try out my design, and to have something there before I am able to complete the building (that way, I won't be rushed to finish the building, I can take my time to do a decent job).

The final building will be like the one you see here, with the addition of some windows, and some more intricate support work with I-beams.  I painted this mine "weathered black", but I will probably use a darker gray like "grimy black" on the final model.  I will also add some moss and other green vegatation to the rock face, and some bushes and grass around the siding.