Williams Hoppers and Coal Loads

[PhrozenAce]

Hello Forum,

I read an article somewhere awhile ago discussing using and not using material like aquarium gravel for coal in hoppers.  Does anyone do that and would they advise for/against it?  I was wondering if it would be feasible or even advisable to run a couple of open hoppers with a full load of aquarium gravel as coal.

Thanks,

Bernard

[rtraincollector]

you could but I think it would add a lot of weight to your train so you would have to put it up front or take the chance of tipping cars on the corners unless you have a real wide curve ratio like O84 or so.

Most cut and put Styrofoam in the car then fill the top 1/2" or 3/4" with gravel ( if your using aquarium gravel) using real small rocks I would go 1/2" at most using the bigger ones about the size of a pellet or so I would go 3/4" at the most. you can paint top of the Styrofoam the color of the rocks to match and if you have any gaps where you can see thru it would just look like you had rocks all the way.

[PhrozenAce]

Hello,

Thanks for replying.  I think I may try what you suggested.

Thanks,

Bernard

[phillyreading]

You can use aquariam gravel for rocks but it does add up in weight like rtr mentions. Don't use aquariam charcoal, it looks a little better but will get dust everywhere!

Also make sure you have a strong engine or even double head two powered engines, because a consist of rock hoppers adds up quickly for weight.

Lee F.