help.........train won't blow smoke

[Anonymous]

Hey I am not a train collector or anything (although I do love trains). I bought a Christmas tarin last year that blows smoke ( or is supposed to). Well, it won't blow smoke and the directions say to add household oil (what the heck is that? Crisco?) to a little hole in the smokestack. Today I went to a hobby store and the man gave me some "smoke fluid" which he said would work. It doesn't! Can anyone help me??? This is not an expensive train (about $75) but it's very cool! help!!! Thanks Janell

[nitroboy]

It would help to know who made the train, and what numbers are on the cab. With all the different types of smoke units out there, its hard to give you any suggestions. Lets us know, and we'll give you some help.

And welcome to the forum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ben10ben]

When it says household oil, I would guess that it probably means 3-in-1 oil. You might try a drop or two of that.

[Anonymous]

here is all of the info that I can find on it. Scientific Toys Ltd. 27.145 MHZ North Pole Express. Sorry That's not much. Thanks for any help anyone can give me!!


Janell

[Jim Duda]

Is it battery powered? 3 rail?...2 rail?...does it use a transformer connected to the tracks? It sounds like it is radio controlled...

[nitroboy]

I would take an educated guess and say it takes 3-in-1 oil. You can find it at any home improvement store, grocery stores probably sell it.

[Jim Duda]

Well folks...I always thought "smoke oil" (which is based on mineral oil, I think) takes less heat to vaporize than any other kind of petroleum based product...if that's true, then if his engine won't smoke with the smoke oil he got from the hobby shop, I doubt if 3-in-1 or any other kind of oil will smoke. It sounds like the heating element in the smoke unit is not working or not getting hot enough. We'll see...

[ben10ben]

Smoke fluid falls under the category of "mineral oil", which is a step up in molecular size from lubricating oil, or "light petroleum distillates". Most lubricating oils are C12-C16(that's the number of carbon atoms per molecule), and mineral oils are generally C16-C20. The larger the molecules, the higher the intermolecular forces, which mean higher vaporization points, and higher viscosity. In other words, the light petroleum distilates that make up 3-in-1 oil have a lower vaporization point that the mineral oils that make up smoke fluid.

[Anonymous]

It is battery powered and it is 2 railed. Like I said it is just a cheap train that I bought for my little boy. But I loved the smoke part and now it won't work. So you guys think there's no hope for it??? Oh and I am a female. Hope I am not intruding on a man's world here..........LOL................I just happened to find this message board thru a google search.


thanks
janell

[nitroboy]

I have a banit/outlaw train set that is two rail, it operats on 6 "C" batteries. The instructions say to use "household 3-in-1oil". Maybe its the same type as yours.

[Jim Duda]

Intrude all you want (wink)...you're very welcome here! You did install fresh batteries, right? How many cells does your son's train take? Are they D size, C size, or AA, or AAA?

Ben - thanks for the chemistry lesson...

[nitroboy]

You are not intruding!!!! I hope we can resolve your issue, AND have you stick around! That train is hopefully the start of a lifelong interest in trains for your son.

[spankybird]

Good Morning Janell,


I have to agree with Dave, your not intruding, we have several females on the forum.

Sorry to say, I can’t offer any other suggestions. It is possible that the smoke unit is burned out. If it was left on without smoke fluid in it, it may have burned out.

Good luck

tom

[spankybird]

Janell,
Check and see if there is an ON / OFF switch for the smoke [?]

[Anonymous]

hi ,
you have to take the screw out of the top of the smoke stack closest to the cab and put in about 3 drops of lightweight household oil, 3 in 1 works good, put the screw back in and try it. by the way could you tell me were you bought that train, im looking for one.
thanks[:)]