coal load for tender

[leon]

I just finished painting a Bowser steam loco kit and was just wondering what will be the best way to put a coal load in the loco tender. :?

[MasonJar]

Picture?

Depending on the construction of the tender, you have a number of options. Most models don't model the full depth, so you have to model the tender as full or almost full.

If you'd like a heaping load of coal, as if the tender was just topped up, you can cut some foam (pink or blue styrofoam) to fit, slather on black paint, and sprinkle fine black ballast (or real coal, or whatever). Once dry, fit the foam into place. There may be coal spilled on the deck of the tender as well, so don't forget to add that.

For a "less than full" look, you may not need the foam "filler".

If you have a sound decoder with a speaker mounted in the tender, you may need to create something a little more "porous" to let the sound out. I have seen a couple of guys at the club use a piece of aluminum screening with a light coat of coal/ballast. Ensure that everything is painted black underneath, and you won't see the spaces.

Hope that helps.

Andrew