Cheap easy light coal loads

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Here are some pics of coal loads I made from packing foam. 

1. Just cut to size
2. taper side and ends
3. paint with acrylic paint
4. add aquirium filter charcoal if desired with wet white glue or while paint still wet

Jim

[Walter Clot]

Good looking loads, Sturgeon.  I tried some similar several years ago.  I painted the foam with a paint that attacked the foam.  It looked like a load that had traveled in some light snow area.  I have several hoppers that need a load, so I think I'll try your idea out.

I'm always for "Cheap" and "easy."

Walter

[Milwhiawatha]

thanks for sharing your idea this comes at a great time I got some packing foam this weekend and was thinking what I could use it for. I got a lot of hoppers and gondolas that need loads.

[ARTHILL]

I was going to try that when I get past the tree craze. I am glad to see it works so well.

[Railphotog]

Another idea is to carve the loads from dense black foam, the add the coal.  No painting that way.

[loathar]

I do about the same thing but I use that fine green florist foam. The kind you stick fake plants in. It's a lot easier to cut and shape. It's sandable too.

[graphitehemi]

Great idea! I'll have to remember that when I get my power plant set up and running.

I do about the same thing but I use that fine green florist foam. The kind you stick fake plants in. It's a lot easier to cut and shape. It's sandable too.

That stuff would never make it to the layout... I always squished the squish out of that stuff just for fun.