D&RGW K-28 COAL FIRED MANUAL
2
K-28 COAL FIRING- MATERIALS NEEDED
Following are recommended supplies you will need to successfully fire and run your coal fired K-28 from Accu
-
craft.
COAL
High quality, low clinker coal. The size of the pieces should not exceed that of a lima bean.
“Dr. Clinkers Welsh Steam Coal”
Welsh steam coal in “Bean Size” from Coles’ Power Models has been used extensively in the prototype locomo-
tive. This coal has soft lumps, the larger of which are easy to break up into a proper size; we use a garden hand
clipper. Coles’ coal bums very clean, with little smoke, almost no clinker and very little ash and cinders. The only
downsize of this coal is that it burns at a fairly high rate, and the firebox needs to be stoked more often. This
comes in a large bucket weighing about 50 pounds, shipped UPS.
Available from: Coles’ Power Models, Inc
PO BOX 623
WARREN, TX 77664
TEL: 409-544-3400
www.colespowermodels.com
OTHER BRANDS OF COAL
We have personally tried several other kinds of coal, Pennsylvania Pocahontas Coal among them. None of these
coals were as suitable for firing the K-28 as “Dr. Klinkers.” Several of them formed large masses, or clinker, that
continuously needed to be broken up with the pick to maintain adequate combustion. Without exception, they all
produced more ash, cinder and clinker than the Coles’ product. Therefore, at this time, we recommend the Coles’
product only.
CHARCOAL
Real wood,
NOT BRIQUET
, charcoal. Available from gourmet cooking stores, barbeque supply stores and some
home improvement centers.
“Cowboy Brand” barbeque charcoal
“Cowboy” brand barbeque charcoal available from LOWES’ HOME CENTERS in 20 pound bags has been used
exclusively with the prototype locomotive. This charcoal is a mix of pieces of hard and soft woods that have been
run through a charcoal kiln. They range in size from 2 to 4 inches in length, and are easily chopped into “lima
bean” sized chunks with a pocket knife. The cut pieces are placed into a metal coffee can with a plastic snap on
lid and lamp oil poured over them. You do not need to excessively saturate the charcoal. Keep about a quarter to
one half inch of liquid lamp oil in the bottom of the can which will soak up through the charcoal, keeping it moist
with oil.
LAMP OIL
Non-aromatic lamp oil or patio torch oil is best for soaking your charcoal. Try NOT to use kerosene or stove oil.
We use “TIKI” brand torch fuel available from LOWES’ HOME CENTERS. “TIKI” torch fuel is produced by TIKI
in Menomonee Falls, WI, 53051, and comes in a 1 gal. container.
DISTILLED WATER
Every effort should be made to use only “STEAM DISTILLED” water.
NEVER USE WATER DEIONIZED WATER
.
Deionized water will remove ions from the copper and solders used in constructing your boiler, eventually causing
It to fail. Water that has been OZONATED will not harm your boiler, but straight STEAM DISTILLED water is best.
Occasionally you will find water that has been purified using REVERSE OSMOSIS. This purifies water as well as
steam distillation, and is equal in every respect.