ARE ALL LIQUID SMOKES THE SAME,I FOUND ON SHELF,CREST,HAVE USED LIONEL,SUPPOSE MTH HAS THEIR BRAND,=ON CREST BOTTLE(COLOR YELLOW)THERE IS A STATMENT THAT SAYS,BEFORE USING THIS LIQUID,PLEASE CHECK OWNERS MANUAL,OWNERS MANUAL SAYS MOTHING ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF LIQUID SMOKE TO USE,JUST HOW MUCH TO USE IN 1ST START UP OF ENGINE,ALL MY SMOKE ENGINE ARE MADE BY LIONEL,THANKS====HUB
The January Issue of CTT (page58) answered a question relative to what was in smoke fluids. The answer was basically, that each formula is considered a trade secret of the manufacturer.
I personally use the manufacturers smoke fluid or one he recommends in his engines. I know of people who have tried different manufacturers fliuds and as far as I know, have heard of no major problems.
I believe Lionel uses an form of mineral oil. I believe MTH uses a form of proptlene glycol. I have not heard what other fluids from LGB and other aftermarket products are made from.
I was told once by my Lionel Service Station that Lionel had revised their smoke fluid formula. I think this was around the late 80’s or early 90’s. I have had no problems with any Lionel fluid in any of my Lionel engines. I have not yet tried putting fluid in my steamers designed originally for pellets (I still have a nice supply of smoke pellets)although I vaugely remember someone telling me it would not hurt them. It seems to make sense since the pellets would turn to liquid anyway.
Tim P.
On one of the other boards, (the TCA one I think) the smoke fluid subject has come up a number of times. According to that source, rollong stock with “southe” (not sure of the spelling) smoke units need southe brand fluid. It is a lighter forumla. Lionel and MTH smoke units will apparently take most any brand of fluid. Currently, on the TCA board they are discussing sented fluids.
I just noticed that the Lionel website has an article on the use of liquid smoke fluid in postwar “pellet” type smoke units. They indicate you can use up to two drops of liquid fluid in a pellet type unit. Any more and you run the risk of damaging the unit.
The website also provides instructions on how to convert pellet type smoke units to fluid type.
Tim P.
It won’t really damage the smoke unit, they just don’t want you spill any fluid out of the loco. The pellet material “clots” quickly if the engine tips, not so with liquid smoke fluid. If the packing/wicking/matting is in good shape, a postwar type smoke unit will hold 10-12 drops.
I had never heard of “Crest” brand smoke fluid until this post, which makes me suspect it is not designed for “O Gauge” smoke units. The fact that they also advertise it as a Smoke Fluid and Track Cleaner all in one scares me just a little bit!
Jon [8D]
After much experimentation, I’ve settled on Lionel Premium Smoke Fluid. It’s expensive, but it gives good, long-lasting smoke. I have never experienced the slightest problem in using liquid smoke fluid in any postwar pellet-smoke locomotives, nor have I ever had to limit the amount to two drops. Presumably there would be problems trying to use liquid smoke fluid in one of the early bulb-smoke units, but all of my piston-driven smoke generators are perfectly happy with liquid.
I have been using the liquid (Lionel) for about 24 years without a problem or incident. But I never overfill and I never put away an engine until the smoke fluid has been completely consumed. I’m still running a 62 year old steam engine with the original smoke unit, unaltered, just an occasional inspection.
Jack
Kooljock1 (Jon)
You have a point. Although LGB smoke fluid similarly claims that it is an excellent track cleaner, one certainly has to consider the possible effects on rubber traction tires as well as toxicity and other topics.
Here is a link to a large if somewhat dated website containing a great deal of information (or mis-info) on smoke fluids and smoke units:
Holy Twelve Year Old Thread Regurgitation Batman!
I was on my way today to get some Crest smoke fluid, the last time I got it was at Niagara Hobby in Buffalo. I found this thread while looking up some info.
I did not have much time in the hobby shop today as I was in Buffalo on business. I didn’t see any of the Crest fluid. I do like the performance of it, I’ve used it in everything, and it is low-odor.
I just found my bottle. It comes in a good size bottle - 4 oz. - & was only $4.59. No mention of use as a track cleaner, but it makes no secret that is is a petroleum product and that not all smoke units use petroleum based fluids. Mine is identical to this one:
You beat me to it Spanky! [(-D]
Some forums actually lock-out older threads which is fine for them. But based on the nature of this site I personally believe being able to revive the older topics is a good thing.
Anyhoo, I have a bottle of Crest just like that one. If memory serves I got it with an Aristo Craft 0-4-0 loco-tender set. But I prefer the classic high octane smell of Lionel’s postwar fluid. [;)]
Becky
Dr. Tinker said some years back that he felt smoke fluid in post war pellet type units would eventually harm them. I have been using smoke fluid for a few years now and have not see any harm done. I now use JT Mega steam only. Their’s is designed to disapate quickly. I use 7-10 drops.
Roger
I can’t remember where I heard or read this but baby oil works pretty good as smoke fluid. I’ve used it in the same proportion as recommended for commercial smoke fluids and it seems to work. I’m not sure if the volume of smoke or duration is the same as I haven’t compared it. I’ve used it in some less expensive locomotives and so far so good. Anyone have any comments on this, good or bad for the smoke units?
Mickey
Even though Smoke Fluid is not designed to be burned, but rather vaporized, you still will be inhaling the tiny droplets into your lungs. For this reason I would ask that you only used fluids that have been developed and tested by professionals for home use.
Jon [8D]