Smoke Fluid in Old Steamer

[gottcent]

This is a really dumb question, but is it possible to use smoke fluid in an old (1948) steamer equipped for smoke pellets? What happens if you use fluid without converting to a more recent smoke unit?

[ben10ben]

It's perfectly ok to use liquid in a unit designed for pellets. I, along with plenty of other people I know of, do it all the time. Just don't put more than two or three drops down the stack or you'll end up overfilling the unit and leaking fluid all over the rails.

[Anonymous]

Ditto that. Easter

[Frank53]

Blasphemy! [:P]

[lionelsoni]

You can get smoke pellets from these folks:
http://www.toytrainsunlimited.com/

[ChiefEagles]

QUOTE: Originally posted by gottcent

This is a really dumb question, but is it possible to use smoke fluid in an old (1948) steamer equipped for smoke pellets? What happens if you use fluid without converting to a more recent smoke unit?

Gottcent, no question, that you do not know the answer, is a dumb question on this forum. Ask away anytime. As Ben says, a few drops at the time. Been using them for years. If you are nervious about it, go to Bob's suggested web site and buy some pills. Happy railroading and keep on posting. [:)]

[msacco]

I use JT MEgasteam in the pellet unit on my 2016 (converted to smoke so it's more like a 2018, thanks to ebay) and it actually smokes better than with a regular smoke pellet. Go figure.

Mike Sacco

[overall]

What brand of smoke fluid does everyone like? I am using LGB fluid right now.

George

[ChiefEagles]

I mix it for my diesels. Three parts JT's [diesel smell] and one part Lionel. In my steamers, coal fired from JT's. Lots use flavors and sents.

[gottcent]

Thanks to everyone for the helpful advice!
John Gottcent

[SPFan]

One caveat though. If you put in a few drops of fluid and get little smoke you might have to clean out the old pellet residue from the smoke unit. To do this you have to remove and disassemble the smoke unit being careful not to damage the heating element. Once cleaned out it will smoke as well or better with fluid than with pellets.

Pete

[pmilazzo]

I run my 2025 on smoke fluid even though it has a pellet unit. I just use 4 drops of JT MegaSteam and she smokes up the house...I also have the replacement pellets, but I have not used them since the smoke output is much better on fluid and there's no residue.

One warning though...No more than 3 to 4 drops at a time! If you flood the unit, it will be a big mess inside the engine. It can also unlubricate your gears (since it's a solvent) and cause havoc with your E-Unit (talking from experience).

Some guys I know run both on the smoke pellets and a drop or two for fluid for increased output...sort of best of both worlds..In their opinion, you get the longer lasting smoking from one pellet (hours instead of minutes) and increased smoke when you want it by adding a drop or two as well. I haven't tried this...

[msacco]

I use pellets and fluid as well. And yes it does last longer using the combo IMHO. JT's with the repro pellets is a nice combo for lasting smoke but you have to watch the scent combinations. I use JT's vanilla with the traditonal pellets and It's a little funky but not offensive.

Mike Sacco