This month I installed 6-81315 Lionel Coal Loading Station on my layout. The Owner's Manual is pretty specific about the type of coal to use with it. The manual stated that there was a starter bag of coal included, but there was none. It is recommended to use small-size coal (6-12732)) or medium-size coal (6-16889). Anything larger may jam the loading mechanism.
I have the medium-size coal that works great with my #497 Coaling Station. I put some in the 6-81315 and pushed the on button. The paddle made a half a revolution and a piece of coal jammed so tight between the flexible paddle and side wall that I needed a pliers to remove it.
The next try was with the small-size coal I had on hand. The paddle made one revolution and again jammed. I contacted Lionel to ask for the packet of coal that was supposed to be included with the station to verify what size coal should be used with the station. I was graciously informed that coal was not included with the stations and had to be ordered separately.
What do I do now! I had some course ballast on hand and thought I would give that a try. Low and behold, I now have a Ballast Loading Station on my layout that works great. The gray ballast also looks good in a black "coal" hopper!
