Ashes for steam locomotive ash pit?

[Colorado Midland Modeler]

I built this ash pit into my layout fairly early in construction, and I want to have flickering "embers" that can be seen amongst the "ashes" when an engine is stopped above the pit. The flickering lights for the pit I have, and know how to install. The problem I have, is I can't seem to come up with good "cinders" and "ashes" to put into the pit. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I could use, and maybe some photos of your own work? Thanks.

 

[bnsf971]

Woodland scenics "cinder" ballast.

 

[NWP Dave]

Maybe some "red orange glass gravel" (Google it) crushed, mixed with real crushed coal and/or ash?

 

[Rico]

And ash from a fireplace? I use it for various scenic things.

 

[logandsawman]

I am betting the ashes would not be flickering orange if shoveled (or dumped) out of the fire box, at least not for very long

 

[NorthBrit]

As mentioned previously 'ash from the fireplace'. If you want orange particles then small glass beads coloured red-black and then crushed. Only a tiny bit are required and placed in no more than three places in the pit. All mentioned above.

As an aside. The North British Railway (here in the U.K.) used the ash in sidings as ballast. They also used to load the ash into wagons and sell it to farmers and used as a fertilizer. (Another form of freight on a model layout not often modelled. )

 

[BigGRacing]

I have seen a lot of modeling lately on facebook where they spray the cotton batten with light strips (or your lights in it) that would give it a glow as well.

 

[ctclibby]

I tried a small batch of Pellet Stove ash that needs to be vacuumed out of the stove. After washing/rinsing it looks pretty good although maybe too small for HO. Comes up partially shiny as small 'rocks' so that would have to be toned down. Have two 5 gallon buckets of the stuff from last winter; guessing about 25 Lbs. That should be enough for now.

Time will tell.

Later

 

[Colorado Midland Modeler]

I've thought about using something like fireplace ashes, unfortunately, I don't have any right now as my fireplace is in need of some repairs. I've thought about real coal or charcoal ashes as well. I saw a youtube video on making an ash pit with charcoal ashes, but I figured I'd get a second opinion and see what the forum had to say. Thank you all for your help, I'll post an update when I decide which option to go with.

 

[Old 97]

Yup. Ashes from a firepit, fireplace, charcoal grill or any previous housefire.

 

[NorthBrit]

Charcoal ash is fine for an ash pit.

As an aside I use charcoal ash mixed into earth colours to give different shades of earth in the scenery.

 

[Colorado Midland Modeler]

Charcoal ash is fine for an ash pit.

As an aside I use charcoal ash mixed into earth colours to give different shades of earth in the scenery.

I just bought a small bag of charcoal today. I just have to wait for the weather to cooperate for me to burn a few lumps of it, it's been windy and dry, so not a good time to be playing with fire.

 

[Colorado Midland Modeler]

I burned some charcoal last week, collected the ashes, and I was finally able to finish my ash pit. Thanks everyone for your help! These are the results. The photos were taken with and without the overhead shop lights on, with CM 22 "testing" the pit.

 

[NWP Dave]

Looks good to me. Keep up the good work.

 

[Rico]

Looks great!
Where’s the marshmallows?

 

[Colorado Midland Modeler]

Looks good to me. Keep up the good work.

Thanks, I will!

 

[Colorado Midland Modeler]

Looks great!
Where’s the marshmallows?

Thanks! I don't know where they are, I'll have to ask the 22's crew.

 

[JazzDad]

Fantastic!

 

[Colorado Midland Modeler]

Fantastic!

Thank you!

 

[TRAINNUT]

I burned some charcoal last week, collected the ashes, and I was finally able to finish my ash pit. Thanks everyone for your help! These are the results. The photos were taken with and without the overhead shop lights on, with CM 22 "testing" the pit.View attachment 198690View attachment 198691View attachment 198692View attachment 198693View attachment 198694View attachment 198695View attachment 198696

This photo seems like a fall day in a time once forgotten