Large Scale Central

Replacing the K-27 coal load

Modeling
#1

Unlike the rest of the locomotive, I wasn’t very happy with the look of the original cast plastic coal load which is simillar to other Bachmann steam locos. The plastic coal load is tight press fit in the K-27 tender, easily removed to access the three switch’s and circuit board. I removed the original coal load and made a “tray” from styrene, 2mm for the base and .5mm for the sides.

I crushed up a couple of lumps of real coal, souvenired from the load 71/2" steam club. To reduce the amount of coal required, a plastic foam core was hot glued to the floor of the tray. The crushed coal was piled into the tray and fixed in place with diluted white woodworking glue. The glue took about three days to dry, but now is one solid lump.

The new coal load is not fixed down, still leaving the tender electrics accessiable. Wayne

#2

Neat.

#3

Sweet!

#4

Nice job Wayne. I’ve been using real coal loads in my engines and hoppers for a few years. In the hoppers I use the same foam trick to keep the weight down, but it does make them top heavy. I’ve never glued any of mine because I was worried that I’d be able to see the glue. It looks like you diluted solution came out completely invisible.

I like being able to pick out pieces of real coal from the tenders and hoppers to show someone, but it’s a real hazmat event when the hoppers derail :smiley:

Jon