I’m not sure if I’m in the right forum to ask, but does anyone have a clue as to what kind of oil I need to put into my son’s steam engine on his electric Lionel train so that it steams and goes “choo-choo” like it used to? I was going to put regular cooking oil, but then I thought I’d better ask the experts before I wreck the train my son’s Godfather gave him! Please advise, Veronica
Cooking oil is bad. Don’t do that. In an ideal world, you’d go to your local hobby shop and ask for a bottle of “smoke fluid.” If you don’t have a hobby shop nearby, you can also order it on-line. I’d recommend Caboose Hobbies in Denver for no other reason than I was there yesterday and I know they have some on the shelf. They’re also very good about helping those with little-to-no train experience, so if you call them and ask, they’ll be able to set you up. (Their number is on their web site.)
You may also want to post this question on the “Classic Toy Trains” forum, as the folks who frequent that forum are far more familiar with the specifics of Lionel locomotives than many of us garden railroad folks.
I have heard of people using regular lamp oil in their smoke units with a degree of success, but I’m reluctant to specifically recommend that without knowing anything about the lamp oil being used or the locomotive it’s being used in. Best bet is to call the hobby shop and ask.
As an aside–if the Lionel set is especially old (c. 1950s), there’s a good chance it doesn’t use oil at all, but pellets. I haven’t a clue as to whether those are still available. Again, a shop like Caboose Hobbies would be well suited to answer that.)
Later,
K
Veronica:
Kevin knows way more than me but I wonder if you are talking about making it smoke or just regular lubrication? I would think sewing machine oil would work as a lubricant, but some oils tend to eat plastic. If there’s a hobby shop near you you could go get a tube of “plastic safe” lithium grease
WHOA !!! Do not use cooking oil ! For lube go to walmart ask the guy in the auto department for non plastic eating synthetic . For the smoke use only smoke fluid … you may cause a fire and ruin the smoke unit if you use any other oil in the smoke unit . Why I say synthetic if possible … it lasts longer … does not give you that gunk/lint-dust gook buildup like others . See if one that has teflon also in it .
I am going to guess you are really asking how to make his Lionel engine begin again to smoke from its smokestack. Go to a local hobby store that carries Lionel trains - and buy a little vial of ‘smoke fluid’ - a few drops down the stack of this engine and it should smoke again.
If the wheels are squeaking or you think they are binding or not working as it should, I recommend you ask the store what it would cost for them to look it over for you. It takes an infinitesimal amount of a synthentic oil on a few points around the wheels and axles.
Is there a number on the side of the engine and on the bottom of the tender (coal car)? That will be helpfull in pointing you in the right direction.
Kurt
Veronica,
If you’re just looking for smoke fluid, then I’d recommend “JT’s Mega-Steam”. It works beautifully in Lionel engines, and comes in a large variety of pleasant smells like “Cranberry Woods” “Vanilla” and “Fresh Cut Grass”. REALLY!
You should also pick up a Lionel Lubrication and Maintenance Kit. It’s only a few bucks and will make your son’s engine las longer and run better.
HAVE FUN!
Jon [8D]
Here’s a link to the place that makes smoke pellets:
http://store2.trainz.com/Maintenance%20and%20Supplies/Smoke%20Fluid%20and%20Pellets/
Local dealers may carry their stuff.
If the train is several decades old, it probably used smoke pellets and will smoke again. If it is newer, it uses smoke fluid. But if it has been run dry with the smoke generator turned on, the wick is probably ruined and may need to be replaced.