Why isn't my engine smoking?

[Anonymous]

Hello There,

I have recently brought a GE 45 tonner Bachmann Spectrum Locomotive. When it goes round the layout i turn the smoke button on and add a few drops of smoke oil to each chimney. Only one of the two chimneys actually smokes. i tried it going the other direction and added more oil, but it just kept not smoking. Please could someone answer my questions...

Is there another button im missing?

Is it broken?

Thanks in advance,

Regards

Jake  

[Curmudgeon]

Difficult to answer...

 

But, here goes.

First, feel fortunate that one does smoke.

Second, sometimes an "adjustment" of the heater wire may be necessary.

Third, it might need a new smoke unit.

You actually have visible smoke?

Indoors or out?
And, how fast do you have to run the engine to get it?

 

I rip them out when I do conversions anyway.

[Smoke Stack Lightnin']

Hi Jake- Check to see if there is "Y" tubing coming off the generator and branching to the stacks.  Sometimes oil will trap in one of the tubes and create a blockage.  Usually, this type of system is designed so one tube is a straight shot down to the generator, and would be the connected to the stack for appling fluid (more like a sideways "T" than a "Y".  I am relatively new to G-scale, but so far, none of my engines/cabeese (of various makes) in G smoke consistently.  Its like they smoke, then take a non-smoke break, then they smoke, then they need more fluid.  Some never smoke at any load or voltage, perhaps DOA.  Maybe it has something to do with the outdoors?  However, I don't have this problem with my live steam!

Good Luck,

Rich F.

[Curmudgeon]

No tubes on Bachmann, and none on the 45-tonner.

[Tom The Brat]

Perhaps it's just too smart to smoke?

[dwbeckett]

Try Turning off the smoke unit and when you have time rip it out. If you can't get the real look of black smoke why bother

[Curmudgeon]

You get black smoke out of a Cummins or Cat, you've got a real problem.......

[Puckdropper]

You beat me to it.  Those TV commercials really work, at least for the OP's locomotive!