Fluid in pill type smoke units

[Anonymous]

     I was the apprentice of my grandfather when it comes to trains. One thing he did was use smoke fluid in pill type smoke units. It works and he did it for years. I do it and have had no consequences. Is there any downside to this? Does anyone else do this? I prefer this method as it is less messy. I have done theconversion in some engines and get a higher smoke output but have been lazy in others. It hasn't been until recently that pills have been avalible and I refused to use origonal pills.

   The only reason I ask is I have never read of anyone doing this and want to make sure I am not missing something.

[sessal]

I put a few drops of fluid in my 60-year-old 2025 steam engine with  a pill-type unit with good results. I mean sparingly. So far, no problems to report.

Lou

[BDT in Minnesota]

I use fluid also,,,, this practice appears to be a common solution....A few drops will do the job, no reason to flood the poor old thing..

Bdt

[Lenny the Lion]

Same here, no problems to report using smoke fluid in pellet units.  However, I do use the reproduction pellets made by Toy Trains Unlimited just because I love the scent they give off, sure brings back memories!

[Anonymous]

I like to put a drop of fluid on one of those new pills and let it soak in and then drop it in. gives great smoke and you can use different scents. on my 2046 the piston got gummed up once but I am not sure if it was the fluid that caused it. when I use just fluid (when out of pellets) I dip a toothpic in fluid and touch it to the heat element. this puts a very small amount of fluid in but you still get good smoke, no mess.

[LL675]

 I run liquid in my 736 & 2046 for several years without any problems.

[sir james I]

I've used liquid in them for years. If you still have a smoke pill use it and then watch the results. It turns into a liquid when hot.

[ChiefEagles]

Been doing it for several years.  The bowl that the pill melts and turns to liquid will catch the fluid.  I have been doing conversions too.  Do not put the sleve on the element, put pink insulation in the bowl, when you put top on, be sure element touches the pink and drown it with fluid.  Enjoy.