Here is a neat little technique for making coal. This was sent in by a web visitor (Theunis). My thanks go to him for sharing this with us. He has submitted lots of neat little ideas for making stuff!

You just need a few basic supplies and you can make great looking coal for your model railroad.

Hi will how u doing here a great tip i didnt have black paint or a few bucks but 5 things i got was a scraper and black sillicone and sunflower oil and a very small paint brush so mi brother said i am going to help u get small stones as i ride on the road the guys busy to tar the road and there was grey stones small one i grab a 20liter room dustbin put the stones inside and went back home. So first i didnt have a sift to sift the sand and dust out I went to take a 6x9 speaker grill  mi brother mix the sillicone and small stones with a scraper and paint the hopper with the oil all the places and put stones into the hopper so that it can set well its in and now its being set it looks like a square rubber and on top it looks like coal.

It looks great!!

Woodland Scenics Lump Coal

Will's Book on Diorama Making

How to Make Fantasy and Medieval Dioramas

This books shows you how to make fantasy and medieval dioramas using many commonly available tools and materials. There are over 100 pictures and illustrations showing you how to make great dioramas in fantasy and medieval styles. Chapters include basics, water effects, terrain tips and special effects like electricity and small motors. Tutorials include how to use foam, plaster of paris and paper mache to make great looking dioramas.