Everything. Bachmann
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(In Topic #12786)

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Real Coal in bunkers, tenders and wagons ??
Hi All. Has anyone thought of replacing the “fake coal with real coalâ€. And having the ability to run empty wagons?I have read a fair bit about weathering, but what is the point of that, with fake coal? Best wishes. Kevin
Staying on the thread Kevin.
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As for wagons, it's often done that a false floor is fitted so only a small layer of coal is needed.
I don't go out and buy coal of the right grade for modelling, I just go to the coal bunker get a piece and a hammer…
if you don't use coal or know anyone who does, look up on the net where your nearest coal merchant is go for a stroll (actually in London you may have to go for a long trip on the tube to find one) and they'll probably let have mug full of dust / small stuff for nothing. (take your own container).
Last edit: by The Q
Now I've finally started a model railway…I've inherited another…
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Staying on the thread Kevin.
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If you search some of the model suppliers in the UK you should find somebody who sells it in small quantities. If not it's the nearest coal merchant. Check beforehand that they actually have loose coal, many just have plastic bags ready to go. Get a lump of soft coal/house coal or a small quantity of "slack", anthracite is a real pain to break down. Needs a 5lb lump hammer and a heavy duty bag or old tea towel, plus a hard concrete surface.
Wickes in the UK sell it in 10 kg bags at £4.49 - there is one in Wandsworth, probably your closest. You will also need a mesh tea strainer to sort out the fines, and small from the big lumps after bashing away for 15 minutes or so. The very fine dust is useful in weathering tenders and the like (and those stathes). What you do with the other 9.75 kg is another problem, I'd take a kg or so out and just leave the rest at the store for that price.Or donate/sell at your local club. Carrying it around could be interesting.
About 10 years ago I was filling up the car at a gas station (petrol) in the middle of nowhere in Pennsylvania and noticed that they had 56lb bags of coal for sale. Had the customs people at the Canadian border scratching their heads over that one. Still using it, maybe one very small lump a year. I dumped about 50 lbs of it when we downsized a few years ago.
If you want to get persnickety, the fireman would line the outside with the big lumps, smaller in the middle.Post WW2 it was cheap foreign coal, lots of "slack" and smaller lumps than before.
Real stone chips painted black or black granite chips (from the kitchen remodeling stores who actually cut their own granite work tops) look pretty good, and the Javis "coal" material is not bad.
Nigel
©Nigel C. Phillips
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John
John
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Last edit: by Passed Driver
Staying on the thread Kevin.
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Staying on the thread Kevin.
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When you come to see Much Murkle at the weekend there will be a little surprise waiting for you.
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Staying on the thread Kevin.
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Cheers
Matt
Wasnie me, a big boy did it and ran away
"Why did you volunteer ? I didn't Sir, the other three stepped backwards"
"Why did you volunteer ? I didn't Sir, the other three stepped backwards"
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Last edit: by Passed Driver
Staying on the thread Kevin.
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Cheers
Matt
Wasnie me, a big boy did it and ran away
"Why did you volunteer ? I didn't Sir, the other three stepped backwards"
"Why did you volunteer ? I didn't Sir, the other three stepped backwards"
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Staying on the thread Kevin.
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The exhibition was even better than 2017, with plenty of quality layouts and so many great people to talk railways with.
I'm sorry to have missed you and was there until mid-afternoon on Saturday
and for a few more hours on Sunday afternoon. So glad you made it though and got to meet Nick and the crew and acquire much needed coal. Did you see the OO9 layout next to MM? Impressive use of coal and owner Andy is particularly engaging and knowledgeable.
I'm still on my way home and had a delayed start today with with a puncture en route to the ferry and needed two new tyres! Still, a very good weekend and I'll post some photos on Mark's thread when I get home tomorrow.
Bye for now,
Bill
At 6'4'', Bill is a tall chap, then again, when horizontal he is rather long and people often used to trip over him! . . . and so a nickname was born :)
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Staying on the thread Kevin.
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Cheers
Matt
Wasnie me, a big boy did it and ran away
"Why did you volunteer ? I didn't Sir, the other three stepped backwards"
"Why did you volunteer ? I didn't Sir, the other three stepped backwards"
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Staying on the thread Kevin.
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Staying on the thread Kevin.
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This “Dust Problem†has been a serious issue for coal miners for years, and one speck of dust can be all that is required? Just a thought. Kevin
Staying on the thread Kevin.
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Face mask, particulates and dust. After crushing in a heavy duty plastic bag, place in fine mesh strainer in the sink and wash. Hard anthracite coal generates almost no dust. Soft steam coal does.
I do not think the small amounts we use in the hobby pose any health issues.
You could always convert to wood burners.
Nigel
©Nigel C. Phillips
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