Why? no smoking caboose

[ChiefEagles]

Not that familiar with the unit but you asked a question. If it has a switch for Command Mode, it is for running at full 18V under Command operation. If you are not running in Command [TMCC or DCS], unit will not have enough voltage to make unit work. Running a regular unit not designed for 18V has resulted in melting the caboose top on a unit last week. So, if you have instructions for Command Mode, reverse them for regular operation. Let us know.

[Dave45681]

Not sure if this will help, but here's an experience I had with one of the scale smoking cabeese from the last few years:

The smoke unit for the one I had the problem with was just a resistor with the leads bent so that the body was in the center of the smoke fluid chamber. (the place you drop the smoke into is actually a sort of inverted funnel). I am not 100% certain if this is the same in the NR caboose, but it's could be.

The problem with mine was the connection to the resistor. For whatever reason, Lionel used some cheesy clip on type connectors (friction fit - more like meant for connecting a wire to a pin on a PCB) to connect the wires to the resistor leads. (I would have expected a soldered connection) One of these connections came loose in shipping, so I had no smoke. Put the lead back, and smoke was restored.

The NR caboose doesn't look nearly as difficult ot disassemble as some of the scale ones, but I also have not done it, so I might be incorrect.

-Dave

[1688torpedo]

Hello Nick! Check the Caboose for any switches that may turn the smoke on/off. They are usually located in a area that is not always obvious and check your instuctions also.After doing this If, your Caboose still does not smoke. Give Lionel a call at : 1-586-949-4100. Talk to one of the service dept personel and explain your situation in detail and take it from there. Good Luck & let us know what happens.

[tmcc man]

The smoke unit is probably bad. As for command control, it means you can control trains wirelessy from a remote. There are 2 systems, MTH DCS, and LIONEL TMCC. I myself run TMCC. For more info on TMCC, here is a website. www.coilcouplers.com

[Anonymous]

Newbie here with some questions, I tried search but no answer as far as I can tell...I have a 2003 Lionel smoking caboose, a Norman Rockwell series. recieved it new.bought it on ebay certainly seemed brand new from the box and packing etc and appearance. but no smoke! I switched it on, dripped 4 drops into the smoke hole, This model has the removable chimney, not the pivoting cover style, and it just doesn't smoke, lights in the caboose work..i used a tad more oil..no smoke, drained it out no smoke... So, is it a shot filament, are these general problem areas?are these easily repairable..I called a dealer he said it wasn't easy..Is it worth it? what is the consensus? I'd be happy to do-it-myself if it isn't too tricky. next dumb question..What does "command" mode mean? been seeing that term in some postings.
Thanks Folks for any info.
Nick