Aspirin and Smoke Pellets

[Anonymous]

Ben,

       Thanks for the info. 

[cnw1995]

Very cool to learn about this, Ben10ben - thanks!!

[ben10ben]

Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, an organic ester which boils at around 140 celcius(284 farenheit) at which point it decomposes to give acetic acid(vinegar) and salicylic acid. The salicylic acid, with a boiling point of 211 celcius, could in theory vaporize in a smoke unit and then condense to form a smoke-like fog, as happens with both mineral oil and smoke pellets.

Salicylic acid isn't too healthy to breath, though, so it's definitely not something I would suggest doing. 

Also, you'll be left with acetic acid in your smoke unit, which can further react with the zinc smoke chamber.

So, in short, it's a bad idea all around. Stick to smoke pellets or fluid.

[Anonymous]

I'd like to thank everyone for their replies.  I think I'll play it safe and stick with repro pellets and fluid.  I throughly cleaned the smoke unit and boiler to prevent any possible corrosion.

[palallin]

I've heard of this suggestion before, not as a Lionel-sanctioned method of producing smoke but as a cheaper, more available alternative.

 As you found out, the suggestion stinks

I don't doubt it was dreamed up by the aspirin companies to sell their product, not just to burn but also to cure the resulting headaches.  I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Lionel supported the idea because it probably helped sell trains, too.  Remember that the first smoke units worked with an ammonium nitrate pellet, and the resulting fumes were acidic to the point of toxicity and the ruination of trains.  Well, aspirin is an acid, too . . . .

[csxt30]

If you get real good smoke results with the other pills & fluids, then you may need the aspirin !!

Thanks, John 

[ChiefEagles]

Becarful, Feds might think you are running a CRACK house.   Would not put those or any meds in my smoke units.  Hey, a few drops of liquid will work great. 

[chuck]

Do not use anything but smoke pellets or appropriate type of smoke fluid.

[phillyreading]

Never heard of using aspirin!!  You can use smoke fluid where pellets would go but that is it.

Lee F.

[Bob Keller]

You heard wrong.

[Anonymous]

I think we may have discussed this before, but didn't someone say that Lionel used aspirin instead of the regular smoke pellets for postwar TV commercials?  I tried a small piece of an aspirin in the 681, and all I got was a wisp of smoke and an awful smell.  I have heard that aspirin works better than smoke pellets.  Did I do something wrong?