Painting Coal Bits?

Never thought of mating the 97 and 456 before.  That's a nifty idea!  I suppose if the receiving tray of the 97 is the same size as the one on the 397 then it's possible.

Bruce

I'd look at Woodland Scenics large size ballest in a light color. Seems like that would work better.....but I do not own those accessories so no experience.

Just looked up the Woodland Scenics website and I think that may very well be the answer.  I'll go to my LHS and take a look at the ballast in person (eye test is better than the computer screen, LOL)

I don't know where you live, but here in northeast Pa, I have access to crushed limestone that is used for making white mortar. I use it for making crushed limestone loads. I get it at a brick and stone supply yard. Before I got the sand, I made my own by crushing chunks of limestone which achieved the same results, but a little labor intensive, even though limestone is relatively soft.

How much are you looking for? I can mail you a small bag that would fit in a mailing envelope for the cost of shipping if you can't find what you're looking for elsewhere.

Don

A few years ago I bought Black aquarium gravel that was a scale size for coal.

a 5 lb bag was $ 10.00 I spread it around on the ground by my Bachmann coal elevator on 5 different layouts. And, I still had 3 lbs left over. I gave it away when I moved to the condo.

Thanks for the responses.

Glad to see that there are options out there that didn't occur to me.  Would have never thought about aquarium material.

Don, I will get back with you if the Woodland Scenics item doesn't work.

Also, if you are painting these items, you may consider using/mixing a variety of Tamiya paints to make the whole affair look realistic as well as used. Many flat/semi flat colors exist that can be mixed to create a truly wonderful looking display/affect.

Pete