Smoke issues

[guilfordrr]

This fall I purchased a Lionel Pennsy Flyer starter set. The smoke unit on the engine ( my first from Modern Lionel ) has been an absoulute pain in the neck. It is almost imposible to tell when to add smoke fluid. Well, as you can imagine I eventually overloaded the smoke unit to the point where smoke channeled out from under the front axel. The replacement smoke unit ( which was free at my local train shop!!! ) works only so-so, and the engine is still very fussy due to it ( I think......... ). Any one have simular problems or can pinpoint on what exactly is wrong?

[brianel027]

I own a couple of that type of steamer. Now granted, I got mine in the early 1990's so it's not impossible that the smoke unit has been changed. But I also doubt Lionel would want to put money into changing something like that unless for good reason. I've found that because of the lower current requirement of the DC can motor, it takes a few minutes of running to start seeing any amount of smoke. Having a longer train or some lighted cars on the track will help take more current, thus needing more to run the train so the smoke unit will work a little faster.
Lionel states you initially put no more than 6 drops into the smoke unit. Try putting the train in the neutral position with the power up high for half a minute before running the train. You should see smoke sooner doing this. You don't want to do this for more than that for risk of burning out the smoke unit.
As you are running the train, gradually you will notice the smoke output will diminish some. But this shouldn't happen before 10 minutes of steady running. Instead of adding another 6 drops, try at this point just adding a couple.
I use the Lionel fluid, but have had no problems with using the Bachmann fluid, the SuperSmoke brand or the Seuthe fluid. I've never had any problems with my engines. Could be if you are just running the couple of cars you have with the set that running a few more cars would help. I can't recall if the caboose is illuminated on your set. If it isn't. let me know and I can tell you how to do it. I also have many extra roller pickup assembly parts, so I could sell you one. Like I said above, a longer train will also help with smoke output. Maybe a illuminated searchlight car would be a fun next purchase. The older K-Line one (10 inch length) will look good with your train. The K-Line revolving searchlight car is also weighted, so running something like that behind your engine will make an improvement.
brianel, Agent 027

[lionelsoni]

The track voltage will determine how much smoke you get, not the total current to the train. That's why sitting in neutral with the voltage turned all the way up--higher than you would probably run at--will indeed make smoke faster. But running a big train won't help.

[guilfordrr]

brainelO27:

The caboose isn't lighted, but I occasionally run some MPC Madison cars with the set; none of my other passenger cars look size-appropriate with it. Just to let you know, I use SuperSmoke.

[lionelsoni]

Well, actually, running a big train could help, since that would require your turning the voltage up to pull the greater load. But having lights in the cars would have no effect on the smoke unit.

[brianel027]

Bob, you're right in the premise of what you say. But when the train you're pulling is a little heavier, you'll need to increase the voltage to the track to run the engine. I have an operating coal mine. I use the rubber coal. There is definitely more smoke coming from the steamer with a couple hoppers with a full coal load versus running empties. Same goes for pulling cars with the heavier die-cast trucks versus the lighter plastic trucks. As far as running some extra lighted cars, yes this will use more power going to the track thus taking away from the engine. But then you will increase track voltage to run at the same speed. Inevitably there is a little more drag on the engine running cars with roller pickups versus cars with none. And especially with something like the K-Line searchlight car which also has a heavy steel weight under the car. Also the bulb amperage/voltage makes a difference. Since I run nearly all DC can motored engines with no extra electronic frills, I find I can use bulbs with lower ratings versus the standard 12-14v. bulbs included with many lighted cars. I switch mine to 6-8v bulbs.
I just find I do get more smoke from the engine running a couple of illuminated cars like the searchlight car along with a few loaded cars or heavier cars. Granted this little engine will never smoke the way the MTH engines do, but it will certainly put out more than a tiny wisp.
brianel, Agent 027

[guilfordrr]

Thanks for all the tips......................the engine's been sitting collecting dust for awhile...................got it running again, and there seem to be no problems-
go figure. [?]

guilfordrr