If I took a 2 Oz. bottle of smoke fluid and put a drop of water in it and put that in a model, would it hurt the smoke generator?
I appreciate any responses.
Thanks
Scott
trainmaster-
I am sorry, but i dont know the answer to your question, but I would like to add to this thread with another question…
are all smoke fluids the same? can a smoke fluid work in all brands of engines? for example the oil that comes with a bachmann engine work in say a Lionel engine’s smoke generator?
Thanks
Kevin
Smoke fluid is nothing more than mineral oil, which can be purchased at any drug store or Wal-mart, K-mart, etc. The only difference is that you are paying a premium price when it is marked as “smoke fluid” and sold in those plastic vials. And yes, any brand should work in any other brand’s smoke generator.
I don’t know what would happen for sure if you mixed the water into the oil, but basically water and oil don’t mix. Smoke fuid is just a parafin oil. The water and oil won’t mix unless you turned it into an emulsion and that’s the last thing you want around anything electrical.
trainmaster1989,
One drop in 2oz. will not hurt anything. Eventually it will simply evaporate. The smoke generator is basically a heated element that burns the oil creating smoke. Any water may crackle and sizzle a bit but that is it. BTW…why did you put water in anyway??? Just curious. Later eh…Brian.
I am fascinated by the idea of smoke, but it causes me some fear. I’ll have to do some thinging on this. As for lantern oils, I have a lot of it. It would be nice if it worked, but I am not yet willing to mess up an expensive locomotive by putting some inferior lamp oil in it.
I’ll have to preform some tests.
Citronella Oil does seem to work OK in Bachmann and LGB smoke units, sofar no damage caused, and it is a good Mosquito repellant, when you run trains into the evening.
Regards, Dan S. (Queensland Australia.) [:D]
I personaly like Magic Smoke the best. It burns thicker and lingers longer in the air,
Hi all, I hope you don’t mind me popping in here on this. To answer the question on 1 drop of water in 2 ozs should not be anything to worry about.
There is some differences in smoke fluid. Some LGB / Seuthe generators use a different fluid which should not be used in other type units.
Now I am a ‘O’ gauger and run a lot of MTH engines which has two heating elements and a fan to produce a lot of smoke
Here is a link to a great smoke fluid.
thanks
tom
This business of smoke oil is a mystery to me. I have had trouble with both of my steam engines from time to time using smoke oil. They seem to stop smoking after a while and then start again, some time later and i cannot get much sense out of it.
I was told the reason my Stainz stopped moking was because i used non LGB smoke oil and I don’t believe it. If i could produce smoke like the photo above i would think i had died and gone to heaven.
Rgs Ian
Have you ever seen a engine produce smoke rings
Look to see what type of LBG smoke fluid you are using, they make two types. Is your smoke unit fan driven[?]
All have a great day.
tom
Hi Guys,
Another O Guager here, as well as Crack G gauger… Don’t use any stiaght mineral oils, Lamp oils, or anything of that sort. You will just ruin your unit, and jepordize yourself, and others. They are FLAMABLE materials, and should not be put into an heater element. The heating elements reach up to 350 degreeze.
As for water, It will cook the coil.
Thanks.
What you are seeing as smoke is vaporized oil of one type or another or Dept 56 glyseron. The oil does not burn it vaperizes. I have used a variety of oils over the years, including WD-40, lamp oil and BBQ lighter fluid. WD-40 is very good as is lamp oil. Dept 56 smoke fluid is not compatable with any of the other choices and seems to coat the heating element in about two weeks rendering it useless. All my test were run on Seuth smoke generators without fans. Because they all rely on a heating element of very fine wire, they will burn out, especially if left on and out of fuel. Also, over filling will damage the efficience of smoke generators sometimes permanently. Have fun with your trains.
Now after I see ya’lls thoughts and trials I still can not see buyn a $9.00 small bottle of oil.
Really when I have seen steam engines it is smoke, where as a a new engine it was always vaperizes little bits.
I don’t know made never run smoke fluid[?]
If you cant justify your saftey, as well, as your loved ones and belongings, Shut off the unit. Do not run anything other then recommened fluid. And do not mix, or taint that fluid.
It sound like a case of Penny Wise and Pound Foolish. You will spend hundreds to maybe over a thousand dollars on an engine and won’t spend the money for smoke fluid.
Some guys fell the same way about traction tires, they want to glue them on when they become worn, instead of replacing them. They cost 75 cents to one buck.
2 ozs of smoke fluid only cost $3.00 to $4.00. Is that not worth your safty of not setting your engine on fire or maybe your house [?]
MSDS (meterial safety data sheet) for http://www.megasteam.com
Composition/ Information on Ingredients
Components: C 14 - C 16 Paraffins.
Flammable Properties/ Fire Fighting Measures
Flashpoint: 250F (121C)/ PM
Autoignition Temp: 420F (216C)
Flammable Limits in Air % by Volume: None Expected
Fire & Explosion Hazard: None Expected
Fire Fighting Instructions: Water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or alcohol compatible foam is recommended.
Potential Health Effects
Eyes: Irritation may occur w/ exposure to concentrated vapors or contact w/ product
Skin: Repeated or prolonged exposure can cause redness, irritation, and possible scaling of skin (dermatitus). Normal care and hygiene should prevent skin effects.
Inhalation: Exposure to high concentrations of vapors may result in headache or stupor.
Ingestion: May cause irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Aspiration Hazard: Can cause chemical pneumonitis if aspiration occurs during ingestion or vomiting.
Suspected Cancer Agent: NO
First Aid Measures
Eyes: Immediately flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
Skin: Immediately flush skin with plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash affected area with mild soap. Call a physician if irritation occurs.
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration and seek medical attention immediately. Oxygen should only be administered by trained personnel.
Ingestion: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Seek medicl advice immediately.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: Water white, oily liquid
Odor: Mild hydrocarbon odor
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg): 0.05 @ 68F (20C)
Vapor Density (Air=1): 7- 8
Solubility in Water: Negligible
Viscosity: 2.5- 2.7 cSt @ 104F (40C)
Physical State: Liquid
Boiling Point:
Wow I’m impressed didn’t understand it all but it sounds like a pro talking.
Rgs ian
Not a pro, just look it up on a place that has MSDS sheets or like what I did is checked the company web site.
Which I was impressed it had a MSDS on it.
Some people don’t want you (general public) to know but it is there for the asking.
Yes… Jeff leaves the specs on his site…
I must say this again; PLEASE ONLY USE CERTIFYED SMOKE FLUIDS IN YOUR SMOKE GENERATORS.
Thank you.