By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more
Forum sponsored by:
Forum sponsored by Forum House Ad Zone

which coal to use

All Topics | Latest Posts

Search for:  in Thread Title in  
Ben Clarke30/12/2011 21:46:11
6 forum posts
I have a 7 1/4 " gauge steam locomotive. large loco, 5 feet long.
Which coal should I use?
Do I need a special steam coal or does it really not matter?

mgj30/12/2011 22:58:42
1017 forum posts
14 photos
I have a 3" LS- so I'm not sure if one is comparing apples with apples.
 
Anthracite I am not too fond of. It burns very hot and it seems to like a lot of draught, so its either white hot or dying and nowhere in between.
 
I've used various types of steam coal- seems to burn more red than white, but its not so up and down so I find it rather easier to use. But then I have also had some (theoretically) steam coal which clinkered very badly after hard work, and left the grate clogged.
 
Housecoal they say is pretty good - akin to steam coal. I like the smoke (which you don't get with anthracite). I didn't built a steamer to be all eco.
 
A lot has to do with getting the lumps the right size for the grate in use.
 
Truth is I doubt it matters, so long as you have grate, blast nozzle and coal sizes, and blower nozzle size set for the stuff one is using, but I prefer steam coal, or failing that a mix of anthracite and steam coal, using plum sized lumps.
 
Ask at the club, see what they suggest for such a loco and then give that  a go - see whatt happens? At the end of the day its a steam engine - ain't that critical and ain't exactly rocket science.

Edited By mgj on 30/12/2011 23:00:55

Tony Martyr31/12/2011 16:16:47
avatar
226 forum posts
45 photos
Ben
You should avoid the very bituminous coals because, unlike the steam coals (which have a very high carbon content) they can clog the fire when the lumps weld themselves together.
My first attempts at firing a 31/2" loco were completely frustrated by using house coal. In any case house coal is a very variable mixture some with high ash and silica contents and other, like mine, with high tar content. It is worth getting steam coal from a specialist supplier. I got mine from a guy at the Midlands Exhibition in October and start the fire with kerosine soaked BarBQ charcoal and have no clogging problems since.

All Topics | Latest Posts

Please login to post a reply.

Magazine Locator

Want the latest issue of Model Engineer or Model Engineers' Workshop? Use our magazine locator links to find your nearest stockist!

Find Model Engineer & Model Engineers' Workshop

Sign up to our Newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter and get a free digital issue.

You can unsubscribe at anytime. View our privacy policy at www.mortons.co.uk/privacy

Latest Forum Posts
Support Our Partners
cowells
Sarik
MERIDIENNE EXHIBITIONS LTD
Shopping Partners
Subscription Offer

Latest "For Sale" Ads
Latest "Wanted" Ads
Get In Touch!

Do you want to contact the Model Engineer and Model Engineers' Workshop team?

You can contact us by phone, mail or email about the magazines including becoming a contributor, submitting reader's letters or making queries about articles. You can also get in touch about this website, advertising or other general issues.

Click THIS LINK for full contact details.

For subscription issues please see THIS LINK.

Digital Back Issues

Social Media online

'Like' us on Facebook
Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter
 Twitter Logo

Pin us on Pinterest

 

Donate

donate