'46 2020 Smoke Issues

[Anonymous]

I recently bought a 2020 with the bulb type smoke unit.  It doesn't smoke like others I've seen.  The smoke is thin, and it barely puffs out of the stack.  Any info would be appreciated.

[bfskinner]

Jim,

Not sure I can help even a little bit other than to bump this back up to the top. The bulb type smoke units were rather quickly phased out in favor of the heater types with pistons to push the smoke out in puffs -- sometimes blowing smoke rings.

It has been more than 60 years since I saw a bulb-type smoker in operation, and all I can recall is that it just put out a continuous wisp of smoke similar to a just-extinguished candle.

I think Lionel once offered a kit to convert from a lamp type to a heater type.

As I understand it, the continuous smoke was actually slightly more prototypical because the turbine locomotive didn't chuff the way locos with all the pistons and other reciprocating parts did. (Over the years I have talked to many toy train operators who didn't understand why the connecting rods on the turbines were so "plain Jane.") I never saw the real PRR Turbine run, but I understand it sounded very strange for a steam locomotive and soon earned the nickname "Big Swoosh."

Maybe someone else can expand on this, and can assess whether your 2020 could possibly do any better. (Perhaps it's no longer actually 2020 and needs new glasses.)

[PhilaKnight]

All the 2020's I seen had the conversion kit. Greenberg's Repair and Operating Manual refers all the turbines ( 681 & 682 ) to the 671 as far as the smoke unit goes and list the conversion unit at part #671S-1. Also states that the lamp was no longer available but I'm sure someone is making repos. They where then converted to fluid type units. On the diagram it shows no way for the engine to puff the smoke out. But in the directions for the kit it mentions a flapper assembly and replacing it with levers to push a piston that makes the smoke bellow out for the kit. If your not interesting in keeping it original and just want it to smoke you might want to look into converting it. I don't see it changing the value since there are a ton of 2020's on the market that are converted. In reading the directions it does sound quite the task. It calls for drilling and reaming out parts and fileing off things. If your handy take a whack at it. If not check out to see what this flapper thing is maybe thats you problem might need to be replaced. Good luck

[PostwarMan07]

Is this problem just with 2020's or is it with all 1946 steamers (with the old smoke units)?

[Jumijo]

Jim, don't convert it if it means irreversable modifications. Live with the way it smokes and enjoy it the way Lionel made it. Don't start hacking it up for better smoke. It isn't worth it.

Jim

[msacco]

Jim, don't convert it if it means irreversable modifications. Live with the way it smokes and enjoy it the way Lionel made it. Don't start hacking it up for better smoke. It isn't worth it.

Jim

 

Ditto!!

 Mike S.

[ADCX Rob]

There is a little nub on one of the front wheels that actuates the sheet metal flapper of the smoke unit.  The sheet metal is not very robust, & the nub has probably worn it away so that the flapper no longer moves.

I have not seen a replacement part, OEM or otherwise, for this repair, but it may exist.

Rob

[kpolak]

Jim, don't convert it if it means irreversable modifications. Live with the way it smokes and enjoy it the way Lionel made it. Don't start hacking it up for better smoke. It isn't worth it.

Jim

Ditto!!

I agree...Find another runner with the smoke conversion unit installed.

Kurt

[Boxcar Bill]

Jim

   First I would disassemble and give a good cleaning and inspect the flapper and spring. If you need any parts I have them.

        Bill

[Anonymous]

I'd like to thank everyone for their replies.  I was working on the 2020 yesterday, and I believe I found a way to make them smoke much better with fluid or repro pellets.  I removed the original smoke bulb and replaced it with a 12v automotive bulb. The base of the bulb is the same as the smoke bulb, but the globe is different.  The globe is the same diameter as the base, and it doesn't flare out like a regular bulb.  I don't know the number of the bulb, but I do know that it was made by Stanley.  I know that Stanley produced tail lights for Ford for 93-97 Probes, so if anyone gets to a parts store before I do, this info mey come in handy for finding the bulb. The next step is to wrap the globe with fiberglass insultion.  I used the stuff that is intended for wrapping metal water pipes.  Secure the insulation with a small piece of wire, then reinstall the bulb into the smoke unit and add 8-10 drops of fluid.  It takes some time for the bulb to heat up, but it will smoke much better.

[Anonymous]

Bill,

      If you don't mind me asking, where are you located?  I am looking for 671-216 Smoke Lever Assembly.  It was included in the 671S conversion kit.  Send me an email.

[Boxcar Bill]

Jim

 

Did you receive the e-mail I sent

Bill

[Anonymous]

Bill,

       I just got the email.  Thanks for getting back to me, but I don't need any other parts at the moment.  Thanks.

[lionel2]

I have a 671 and 2020 with the old style smoke unit and a 2020 with the conversion kit installed....tell you what the bulb type works better for me...it heats up quicker and stays hot and smokes forever...the heater type only smokes when the transformer is on full blast..thanks

[Anonymous]

lionel2,

          What do you use in your bulb type unit?