[WMnut]

I am using Lionel artificial coal and it fly's all over the place, half of it goes where i don`t want it to go.
I`m using it for the lionel coaling station, and the coal ramp, and coal loader.
It flows ok, but when i flip the gates on the car on the ramp and the coaling station to completely empty the system, it fly`s everywhere, too light weight i think.
Anybody have a better idea ??
Thanks, WMnut

 

[flyboy2610]

Maybe some O scale ballast dyed black? Seems it would probably be heavier.

 

[BrokeCurmudgeon]

Try some crushed black obsidian. I used some years ago for an aquarium substrate. It will be heavy and have the same scale size.

 

[WMnut]

Maybe some O scale ballast dyed black? Seems it would probably be heavier.

OK, thanks.

 

[mopac]

Broke, what is obsidian and where do you get it.

 

[WMnut]

Try some crushed black obsidian. I used some years ago for an aquarium substrate. It will be heavy and have the same scale size.

Interesting, never have heard of that, thanks.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Well, all of the Lionel coal accessories seem to spread the coal around, I tend to doubt you'll get something heavy enough to prevent that from happening unless it's depleted Uranium.

 

[WMnut]

Broke, what is obsidian and where do you get it.

I found it on Amazon, crushed and also tumbled, might be worth a try..

 

[BrokeCurmudgeon]

Broke, what is obsidian and where do you get it.

Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed as an extrusive igneous rock. Obsidian is produced when felsic lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth. Wikipedia

 

[WMnut]

Well, all of the Lionel coal accessories seem to spread the coal around, I tend to doubt you'll get something heavy enough to prevent that from happening unless it's depleted Uranium.

Yes they do, and you may be correct about the weight.

 

[BrokeCurmudgeon]

crushed obsidian

https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Crus...ocphy=9029724&hvtargid=pla-366058293249&psc=1

 

[pokey_toaster]

In HO, I use crushed walnut shells I dyed black. I got them from Harbor Freight. They had two grades for abrasive blasting when Black Beauty is too aggressive. I used the finer grade but maybe the more coarse grade would work for O. It's pretty inexpensive, I think about $20 for 25lbs.

Paul

 

[Lehigh74]

Why not use the real thing? I use Brennans and Conway to make coal loads. I suspect it would work with the coaling station.

http://www.conwaycoal.com/

https://brennansmodelrr.com/products/reading-anthracite-coal

 

[WMnut]

In HO, I use crushed walnut shells I dyed black. I got them from Harbor Freight. They had two grades for abrasive blasting when Black Beauty is too aggressive. I used the finer grade but maybe the more coarse grade would work for O. It's pretty inexpensive, I think about $20 for 25lbs.

Paul

Thanks Paul

 

[WMnut]

Why not use the real thing? I use Brennans and Conway to make coal loads. I suspect it would work with the coaling station.

http://www.conwaycoal.com/

https://brennansmodelrr.com/products/reading-anthracite-coal

Sounds good, is it dusty or is it sealed or coated?
Thanks Bob

 

[Lehigh74]

Sounds good, is it dusty or is it sealed or coated?
Thanks Bob

Brennan coal is a bit cleaner than Conway. Neither one is coated or sealed. Neither one is dusty, but I apply the coal to wet paint to make loads so it doesn’t move around. Can’t say whether or not it would generate dust if you move it around with the coaling station. Here’s a pic showing both brands used for coal loads. Not sure which is which.

 

[WMnut]

Brennan coal is a bit cleaner than Conway. Neither one is coated or sealed. Neither one is dusty, but I apply the coal to wet paint to make loads so it doesn’t move around. Can’t say whether or not it would generate dust if you move it around with the coaling station. Here’s a pic showing both brands used for coal loads. Not sure which is which.

View attachment 513514

Wow looks great, Conway Coals home page has a notation " This site is no longer providing services at this time "

Brennans coal looks good, thanks.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Real coal does make more dust when you manipulate it with the coal accessories. It's no problem when it's clued into a hopper obviously.

 

[WMnut]

Real coal does make more dust when you manipulate it with the coal accessories. It's no problem when it's clued into a hopper obviously.

I thought that would happen, with the coaling station, coal ramp, coal loader, and the elevator, i think i will use something else.

Thanks..

 

[CTValleyRR]

I thought that would happen, with the coaling station, coal ramp, coal loader, and the elevator, i think i will use something else.

Thanks..

Good call. Coal dust isn't something you want to mess with. You have heard of Black Lung Disease, right?

I would try some aquarium gravel.