08-15-2010, 12:12 PM
BiL, I'm not sure when that traction grit came into use. The diesels at the steel plant where I worked originally used sand, but at some point (late '90s, I think) switched to this stuff. I noticed it alongside the track one day and, not realising what it was, thought it would make good HO scale coal. I called the Yardmaster to ask about it, thinking that it was something that had sifted out of a passing car, and he filled me in. "Meet me at Door 33 in ten minutes, and bring a container." he said. I hopped in his truck and away we went to the fuel and sanding area, where I filled a heavy-duty plastic bag with about 10 or 15 lbs. of the stuff. Some of the particles are slightly magnetic, so exercise care around open-frame motors. I've since learned that it's very similar in appearance to a product called "Black Beauty", which is a sandblasting medium. A two bay Athearn hopper loaded with it weighs in at 8 oz., limiting coal train length to 12 cars and a caboose, and requiring two locomotives. Careful train handling is also suggested. 
Wayne
Wayne