Re: Coal quality

Actually, "mine run" may be the correct term, but we do refer to the "fines" as "bug dust". I guess terminology changes over the years. I'm actually not that upset with the fine coal. You can keep a very light fire if you keep it wet and place it in the box properly. All you need to do is spread it out and fire a little more often. The big lumps are great for drifting down the hill, but unless you break them up they can clog up the firebox of a locomotive that doesn't draft properly. I'm not sure how many of you have fired a coal burner but I'm not too excited about having to break up big lumps every scoop. Especially when you are trying to watch curves, ring the bell, adjust the setting of the injector, etc.. I suppose I'm just ranting again.
As a fireman you don't really have much choice in the load of coal you get each day. Some days are better than others. When you get a load of "fines" of big lumps it just adds to the excitement and raises the challenge.
Rob