Simulated Coal Loads at York

Peter, I bought some in April from Hopper Topper.  He was in the Orange Hall, in that sort of little "annex" area off the main hall.  Just down from the Trainworld display area.

- Mike

Peter,

I have an almost-full Woodland Scenics shaker container of real coal. It is Bituminous rather than Anthracite so it may or may not be prototypical to your needs. I have been using it for coal loads on my steamers. We can make loads if you want.

Gilly

Thanks, fellows!

Peter

Relatively easy project.  Masonite composite board, cut to hopper dimensions, PL 400 construction adhesive and Black Beauty, sand blast material used in body shops.  Overspray after the adhesive dries with any gloss black.

Per Mike CT,  "Relatively easy project.  Masonite composite board, cut to hopper dimensions, PL 400 construction adhesive and Black Beauty, sand blast material used in body shops.  Overspray after the adhesive dries with any gloss black."

Peter, I already told you so! And they won't all look alike.  Dave G.

Find a Coal Fired Pizza place and ask for a carry out container of coal.  Last time I went I got a quart container full.  I dropped a chunk in my garage and thought I picked it all up.  Backing out I ran over a piece and the end result was just like the bag of coal Lionel sells.

Thanks again, everyone.......Hey Mike, we need to hook up at York......I brought back a trail map of the Cape Cod Rail Trail for you.

Peter

Sounds interesting.  Thanks!  I'll be there!!  

- Mike

Peter same process as the mentioned using masonite however with just a ruler and snap blade, I got some 1/2 foam insulation and carved out base to fit my hoppers then painted black and piled on the coal.

BTW what cars you looking to fill up?

Steve

I use Black Beauty for my coal loads, but the more recent material has some different colored granules, and tubular shapes. I keep a pair of precision tweezers handy to pick out the suspect pieces.