MTH PROTO 1 SMOKE UNIT

[uboat]

Just replaced both motors on my MTH ALCO PA Locomotive, runs  great. " BUT THEN" noticed that the smoke unit (which works), is deteriorating , the mounting legs have broken, and the rest of the unit seems to be flaking , wondering if it is worth trying to fix? Seems to be made out of pot metal. Also it seems that the legs of the unit are used as a ground ( bolted to frame).  has anyone purchased a replacement  smoke unit ? I have seen pictures of newer versions , they dont seem to have the legs like the original units. Any Ideas?

[wrmcclellan]

uboat, surprisingly MTH can have stock of quite a few older parts. I.e. When they published their "2015" parts guides (MTH web site under Service), they show a PS1 Trainmaster and a version of the PS1 smoke unit (with the cast legs) 

https://mthtrains.com/parts-search/AA-0000040

The PS1 smoke units run off of track power. PS2 and PS3 run off 5 VDC for the can motor and 5 VDC and higher for the smoke resistors. 

You should contact them. If you ever go to the York meet they have a large booth in the Orange Hall with just parts. Any parts not on hand they will try and bring them from the shop the next day since they travel from Columbia most days.

[uboat]

thanks for the information, i did see the 2015 parts list , but didn't look at it. i will check it out. what you said makes sense.

[wrmcclellan]

Good luck. I did not see a PA in the '2015' parts list (not sure why it was called 2015 with P1 stuff in it). My thought was maybe the Trainmaster smoke unit was similar - it does have the legs. Should you try the part I linked to, you could use some washers and/or drill new holes in the chassis if it is not a perfect fit.