Craft shops like Micheals usually sell decorative sand that comes in black and is very similar in size and appearance to an HO lump coal load. I'm not sure if they have it in finer grades. It is normally used for floral displays or table centers. If you can't get black you could use any darker colour and paint it. I also lucked out a Dollar Store which had the same stuff in glossy jet black for $1 per bottle - about 16 ounces.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Alvie,
The WS does come in a couple of different flavors: Lump (coarser) and mill run (finer). The other option would be to find a chunk of real coal and crush your own to the size you desire.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Hi all,
For some time I used to use Woodland Scenics coal to improve my steam engine coal loads. And though I am sure it is still available, I'd like to explore other options to improve the coal loads in my steam engine models. Any one have a favorite brand of coal for that?
Alvie