What is the small bag of “black dust” that comes with Spectrum steam trains? I got one in my 2-10-2 and the directions don’t mention it. It almost looks like scale coal but there isn’t enough to fill the tender. I’m assuming it comes with all spectrum engines.
J.P.
I’m not sure what the substance is because I have never purchased a spectrum before, but it could be some kind of lube like graphite or something like that, but I’m not too sure about what it is.
*beegle55
That thought crossed my mind too but it’s “chunky” not smooth like graphite would be.
Must be an HO thing. I’ve bought a half dozon N scale Spectrums and never had anything like that.
Could just be scrap accedientally packed with the loco or it could be a moisture absorant or something, but it sounds pretty awkward…
*beegle55
Read somewhere else it’s coal dust, to be sprinkled on the deck, around the firebox.
No, I got it too with my last Spectrum loco. It was the fourth Spectrum steamer I bought but the first that included this item. I assumed it was some sort of weathering material. I set it aside until I figure out just how I want to weather my steam fleet. I am going to experiment on so cheap old locos until I find a technique I like.
I believe it’s to put on top of the moulded coal load. The Idea is to make it more realistic.
Nah…
You rub it on your face for that prototypical experience. 
He he, good one Kimble [(-D]
Does it come in an airtight plastic bag or a porous cloth bag? If the bag is porous, it’s probably just something packed there to absorb moisture during shipment and storage.
It IS coal to be sprinkled on the tender’s deck for a realistic effect.
Yup, this has come up several times in the past. It’s coal to use in weathering/detailing the engine, you can either put it on the coal load, or the deck of the tender or the footplate of the cab…or not, as you prefer.