If you are looking for a cheap way to get coal for hoppers, consider the following: aquarium filters such as those that fit in Penguin Filters contain a charcoal material that looks like coal. Cut the filter open with a pair of scissors and wash. Presto you have coal. The filters have to changed every couple of weeks so find someone with a lot of tanks and you are in business. Check out pet shops. I have two tanks and have filled 6 hoppers. Tigerman
No need to buy the filters. Pet stores also sell the carbon in boxes. It will be evan cheaper this way. Mike
That IS a good source, especially if you don't have access to spilled coal (the real thing). ------------------ Southeast....Southwest.. Ship IT on the Frisco! Bob T. http://hometown.aol.com/slsf1630/myhomepage/profile.html
Don't buy the filters. They go for between $2 and 4$. I'm not sure on the carbon packets either, but these guys are going to throw the filters away when they are done.
Here in Kentucky it grows naturally, we pick it up along the road where it falls off the coal trucks or find it in old rail load outs of which there toooooo many abandoned. ------------------ Cotton Belt: Runs like a Blue Streak
I have a great sorce for model railroad coal. It is ground rubber. It is available through Brummy`s Landscape. It is light enough to run nice long trains loaded. I run live loads with a working coal mine and a working rotary dumper. This stuff made my railroad really work as intended. E-Mail me for contact info.
Welcome to Trainboard Doug. Thanks for the great tip. Sounds just what I am looking for. This is a great place to give and get help. ------------------ Robin member #35 Maberly and Tayside
