[Steam-engine] burning coal-

[Bob Smith]

Hi All --

Finding quality coal (especially for smaller engines) is persistent problem
in our hobby.  Interestingly, blacksmiths face a similar problem in finding
good high heat, low smoking coal.  The coal from the Pocahontas vein in
Pennsylvania is widely mentioned and often available in 50#+/- bags.  The
following site lists some sources of supply:

  http://www.appaltree.net/aba/coal.htm

Contact your local blacksmith's club (see the ABA) for their sources of
supply in your area.  If you pool your resources you may be able to buy a
truckload or (!) a railroad car full.

Best wishes,

Bob Smith

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Andrew" <tech at andrew2.netpluscom.com>
To: "Steam-engine mailing list" <steam-engine at lists.stationary-engine.com>
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 2:38 PM
Subject: Re: [Steam-engine] burning coal-


> Hi Jeff,
> I'll have to check that coal out. My engine is about the same size as the
> 1/4 scale case, but I think it has a bit larger firebox. I've noticed
> differences in burning some different coals, but have not found anything
> around here that really burns clean. I know the physical variations of
> coal can vary quite a bit even in a fairly small area. I thought i'd bring
> it up to see if anyone had any suggestions.
> Andrew.
>
> >From Andrew at
> tech at andrew2.netpluscom.com
> engineering at andrew2.netpluscom.com
> b10730 at hotmail.com
>
> On Fri, 16 Mar 2007, Jeff Smith wrote:
>
> > Andrew,
> >
> > Our little train has 1/2 tubes and I have my dad bring
> > me down coal from WV to burn.  We burn "Pocahontas
> > Smokeless" and it is very hot and clean.  Many of the
> > model train guys burn that coal in their engines.  I
> > grew up in WV and many of my friends heated their
> > homes with coal and some still do, it is amazing how
> > much variation can be from one coal seam to the next
> > and what mixing coals can do to a fire.
> >
> > Dad purchases the coal in 50 pound bags like buying
> > concrete.  It is sold at many of the hardware stores
> > and I have even seen it on ebay being advertised in
> > the "blacksmith" category.  Once a person fires with
> > that coal, they don't want any other.  We used to use
> > the local coal where I grew up and we called it "Video
> > Coal" because it was great on tape but not on keeping
> > the engine and tubes clean.  It was bituminous coal
> > from a seam called "Pittsburgh".  The smokeless coal
> > comes from the south east part of WV and western VA.
> >
> > I hope this helps.
> >
> > Jeff Smith
> >
> > --- Andrew <tech at andrew2.netpluscom.com> wrote:
> >
> > > Has anyone here ever had trouble with coal plugging
> > > up the flues on
> > > smaller engines? Mine has 1/2" flues that will plug
> > > up after a little
> > > while when burning coal. For that reason I mostly
> > > just burn wood but it
> > > eats the wood fast on the baker fan... The coal is
> > > ok for a while but
> > > eventually the flues will plug up and the preasure
> > > starts dropping
> > > quickly as the draft is cut back so much the fire
> > > dies down.
> > >
> > > >From Andrew at
> > > tech at andrew2.netpluscom.com
> > > engineering at andrew2.netpluscom.com
> > > b10730 at hotmail.com
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > Steam-engine mailing list
> > >
> > http://www.stationary-engine.com/mailman/listinfo/steam-engine
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
____________________________________________________________________________
________
> > It's here! Your new message!
> > Get new email alerts with the free Yahoo! Toolbar.
> > http://tools.search.yahoo.com/toolbar/features/mail/
> > _______________________________________________
> > Steam-engine mailing list
> > http://www.stationary-engine.com/mailman/listinfo/steam-engine
> >
>
> _______________________________________________
> Steam-engine mailing list
> http://www.stationary-engine.com/mailman/listinfo/steam-engine