Smoke fluid revisited.

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Okay, I know I’m opening a can of worms here, so let’s at least try to keep it civil. [:P]

We (me, Tyler and Corey) were running the trains this weekend, and I noticed that we just don’t get a heck of a lot of smoke. We’re using the standard Lionel smoke fluid out of the 6 ounce bottle. So I’m wondering what else is out there that you can recommend. Now, it needs to work with a variety of types: we have a Lionel PW S2 Turbine, circa 1952, an MTH Baby Hudson (PS-1 I believe) and a few modern Lionel steamers (docksiders, general, hudson, berk, etc.). So let the battle games argument discussion begin!!!

2

For a postwar turbine - Lionel smoke pellets or the replacement pellets that are currently being marketed by Trainz.

3

Might not have a thing to do with fluid. On the PW and any unit that has a smoke unit that can be “opened”, I would check the element and see if the wicking has cahrred to that element. On PW engines, you will see a little chimney with a hole in it. Be sure that hole is open as the air from the “puffer” below comes through it to make the puffing smoke. Now on fan units, be sure the wicking is not blocking the hole from the fan chamber to the smoke chamber. If wicking is charred, replace with regular pink fiberglass insulation [I replace all of my wickings with that anyway]. I have hard that teeky lamp wicks are better and will not charr. Have not tried this. On fluids, I have used Mega Steam but switched back to regular Lionel and MTH fluids. Mega Steam is thin and will burn up fast. Also will leave a residue. I have not had a problem with the manufacturers’ fluids and have to use an exhaust fan for my train room due to smoke volume. Good luck.

4

Spank,

I wasn’t happy with Lionel fluid either. I like the MTH Christmas scent the best, and I have had great output and compatability with all MTH scented fluid. I’ve tried Super Smoke, but it was too thick for me to be comfortable with, and I wasn’t impressed with its output. I’ve tried Mega Steaam, but I was never satisfied with it.

5

It has been documented on this forum and I have had personal experience with Lionel fans rotating backwards. Switch the direction and the smoke just pours out.

6

I would check the wicking just like what chief eagles said, burnt wicking is probably your problem.

7

Just wanted to clarify something: I’m looking for one brand of smoke fluid which will produce lots of smoke for all different types of steamers we have.

8

I have a MTH z-1000 transformer. Because of the way it produces the AC voltage it causes my American Flyer and AF by Lionel engines to produce alot more smoke no matter what type of fluid I use.