Updated. JWD Coal Loads. Any Experience with Them?

[oakcreekco]

Looking at JWD Premium Products coal loads for some old Deluxe Innovations Twin Tub Hoppers.

Have any of you bought any loads from these folks?

Any input is appreciated.

[Tristan Ashcroft]

The closest I can get is the HO Bowser H43 JWD coal loads, and I find them satisfactory.  They are loose enough that I can take a load back out of a car with a minimal amount of fuss, but tight enough that I don't notice a gap between the "coal" and the side of the car.  They also ride low enough in the car for me to find them believable.  I wish <anybody> made true steam coal loads, but that's a separate conversation.

Here's a picture with the car tilted in it's box to catch early morning sunlight.

[oakcreekco]

Thanks. That looks very nice to me.

I did place an order late yesterday for a three pack. If they look and fit like yours, my wallet is in trouble. 😂

Thanks again for your input.

[Tristan Ashcroft]

I did place an order late yesterday for a three pack. If they look and fit like yours, my wallet is in trouble. 😂

Haha, yeah - that was my experience a few years back when I ran into them in a hobby shop.  I bought a pack, test fit them in a hopper at the checkout, and then went back to the rack and bought out the store - then I asked if they had more in the back.  Here's hoping your loads are nice too.

[oakcreekco]

Haha, yeah - that was my experience a few years back when I ran into them in a hobby shop.  I bought a pack, test fit them in a hopper at the checkout, and then went back to the rack and bought out the store - then I asked if they had more in the back.  Here's hoping your loads are nice too.

Quick update. Received my 3 pack.

Excellent fitment and look very nice IMO. I'll be placing an order for more coal next week.

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Nice folks to deal with and a nice product.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

My only comment is that the coal looks to be way too big.

Modern steam coal seems to be very fine.

[davefoxx]

I have no experience with JWD coal loads, so I have no comment about the quality or fitment.  That said, if commercial coal loads don’t work for you, or especially if you’re loading an entire fleet of open hoppers, which can become cost-prohibitive, consider black sand from the art store.  It will even give you those shiny reflections like real coal.  Glue it down over a core made from balsa wood or foam, and “Bam!”  You’re done.

DFF

[Tristan Ashcroft]

My only comment is that the coal looks to be way too big.

Modern steam coal seems to be very fine.

Well, since we're here: here's my contribution to the what-steam-coal-looks-like conversation (Cassandra, PA, August 2021).  My favorite part is the random leaves that have fallen in: