Attaching "real" coal to tender

I've always used Matte Medium, thinned to about the consistency of whole milk. Matte Medium is dissolved/loosened with alcohol, and dries/sets clear. The trick is to put the loose coal EXACTLY where and how you want to look, then moisten with cheap 70% alcohol, then carefully using a pipette, apply the Matte Medium. Wait a day or two, and it is all set.

Frankly, you can treat the coal (real or not) pretty much as ballast, and the same methods used to secure ballast to your ROWs should work just fine on your tender.

Watered white glue will dry perfectly clear, and a bit of wetting agent (IPA or detergent) will ensure the watered white glue (or matte medium, or ModPodge, or . . .) spreads evenly and bonds the coal tightly. As noted, an eyedropper or other device can apply the medium gently and evenly. About the only distinction IMHO is to be extra sure the securing medium evenly covers *all* the coal, due to the dynamic forces it will have to weather, which will be far in excess of those trying to dislodge glued track ballast.

Jack & Steve’s approach works, but I hate the wait. I like instant gratification,…..I opt for Devcon’s 5 minute epoxy, mixed into a slurry, and apply the coal. Let that set up, mix another batch of cement, and repeat as I see fit to get a good look, ….after 30 minutes, I may or may not dust with a flat clear, ….just to hide too much shiny spots, ….remember, shattered or cut coal can have a shiny side to it, so don’t over flatten it,……the epoxy makes for a super strong hold,…

Pat