Hi All:

I'm on the engine crew of PRR 0-6-0 643 at Williams Grove PA. As many of your know we just finished our 5 year over haul of 643. Our steam show is going on now if you want to come out and ride!

Anyway, for many years we used a high quality metallurgical grade coal that made steam like it was going out of style. But during the years were out of service our source went out of buisness.

We were recommended some coal this year from a local contact that we purchased that has turned out to be just awful. It makes lots of smoke, but does little to keep steam up. So for next year we are obviously going to be looking for a new source.

I was hoping some of the other steam guys on this board might be able to recommend a good source, and if possible approximate cost per ton (for budgeting purposes). (if you don't want to post this publically I can be reached at prr643@hotmail.com)

Just a few things about our operation, obvioulsy 643 is hand-fired, and our crew is all volenteer, and we fire less then 30 days a year, so it takes a long time for a fireman to get a lot of expeirence. So the easier to fire the better for any coal we use.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance, and as always, keep on steam'in!

Tom von Trott

Tower Coal near Chicago has been a source of coal for many tourist operations for years. The coal comes from West Virginia. Sorry, I don't have a contact number or email.

Tower Fuel is now Tartan Energy. 1(800)323-4399, ask for Rob MacKay.

Thanks. Any possible lead helps, I'm hoping to have a list of a few possible sources so we can check them out next year when coal buying time comes. We've had good luck in the past with WV coal.

Tom