williams smoke units

[KEVINK22]

Hi all,

 I was just wondering if anyone has any feedback on the smoke units of Williams steam engines, specifically that of the Southern Pacific GS4; but any feedback in general would be great. I had recently read a post that they were kind of hit or miss, and that they need a specific kind of smoke fluid that needs to be used with them? Thanks

[EIS2]

 The smoke unit on my Williams Berkshire is pathetic.  There is no chuffing so a tiny stream of smoke just floats out of the smokestack.  All the smoke unit does is just wet the top of the engine with a film of oil.  I don't really care because I generally don't use the smoke features on engines.  On the positive side, Williams engines are excellent runners.

Earl

[Berk765]

Yes they do require either Seuthe smoke fluid or Williams smoke fluid. But I did have a Williams turbine with a unit that worked well with Lionel smoke fluid but it eventually clogged it. Seuthe smoke units work best when you put only about 10-14 drops in the unit or it won't heat up enough to puff the smoke out, and you will end up with a small stream of smoke out of the stack. They do spit out smoke fluid all over the top of the engine though.

[Anonymous]

EIS2

 The smoke unit on my Williams Berkshire is pathetic.  There is no chuffing so a tiny stream of smoke just floats out of the smokestack.  All the smoke unit does is just wet the top of the engine with a film of oil.  I don't really care because I generally don't use the smoke features on engines.  On the positive side, Williams engines are excellent runners.

Earl

My experience with a Williams Berk was the same as Earl's.  It was a good runner, but a horrible smoker.  I sold it and haven't looked back.

[bfskinner]

My lone Williams steamer smokes like a bear -- or it clogs up and needs some TLC. After mistakenly trying some other brands, I settled on LGB Smoke Fluid and Track Cleaner, or William's house brand, which it seems to like and which will usually unclog some of the higher-viscosity brands. YMMV.

.

[cliffgreen]

 My Williams Turbine smokes like crazy. Although at idle it does puff, but looks great streaming back while running.  Then it started to smoke less and less.  Removed unit and cleaned it to no avail.  Bought a replacement from Bauchmann for $6 plus postage and it came right away.  Engine is a powerful and quiet runner with a great whistle.  A bargain.