BNSF coal train. Weathered. Running through the mountains.

[@jonathanchisholm3319]

Wow those are wicked realistic mountains and caves!!! How did you do it?

[@CDLionelTrains]

Thanks! Alot of work. But plaster based, sculpting, blending colors... maybe I should do a video

[@wfuller1907]

Superb tunnels and rock formations! Love the lighting, too. Is there a commercial source for the FRED on the rear end of the coal drag?

[@CDLionelTrains]

The flashing rear end device actually came with the set.

[@wfuller1907]

@@CDLionelTrains . Ah, many thanks anyway.

[@josephholtrop5535]

Why would aluminum coal hoppers be rusty?

[@CDLionelTrains]

Aluminum does rust, but in a different way than steel. When exposed to oxygen, it forms Aluminum oxide, which is different than iron oxide. It doesn't flake off like iron oxide. However, Aluminum does and will corrode, which actually looks white. In terms of the coal hoppers, coal is made up of sulfer, oxygen, and nitrogen, which, when mixed with water can create sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, which can lead to rust on steel. We are assuming that these coal cars steel.