I have added better looking coal loads in a few tenders int he past using the black charcoal found in a fish tank filter. There is a few more locomotives I want to add real coal loads too and was wondering what you have used.

I prefer Smith & Son Mine Run Coal, from Scenic Express.

Real coal! Dribled off the sides of CSX Hoppers!

Hi Jdevleerjr,

I too go with real coal. It's hard to match that somewhat shiny black look with anything else.





A good source for properly sized anthracite coal is a local water district or municipal water treatment plant. They use a fine grained anthracite as a filter media. Every few years they'll bring in literally tons of the stuff. It scales out very well for 1:48th scale lump coal.

The activated charcoal used in aquarium filter can also be used. It comes out of the bottle with considerable dust, which can be removed by rinsing with water and allowed to dry, or you can use the dust to further weather your cars. Available at pet stores.