Make My Lionel Steam Please!!

[Anonymous]

Hello, Im asking for help with my smoking problem. I want to start but how? The train is #6110 metal (yes it was made to smoke)and runs well. Now I heard the smoke pellets that Lionel used are not made any more....So what can I use?? Liquids seem very taboo; the last thing I want to do is damage the engine. I would like to leave this engine for my future generations, so I should probably ask if/how to clean the smoke element. Any help is great!! Thanks!!
Icemanmike - Milwaukee

[Anonymous]

Somerfeld's Trains in Butler should be able to install a liquid smoke unit in the locomotive for you at a fair price.

There is an article by CTT Q&A guy Ray Plummer on postwar smoke unit repair in the February Classic Toy Trains.

Good luck and have a great holiday.

Bob53187

Good luck!

[Algonquin]

Hi Icemanmike,

The Lionel website (www.lionel.com) states that you can use liquid smoke fluid in the old pellet type smoke units. However, they state that you should add only one drop at a time to avoid flooding the unit and burning out the heating element.

The smoke unit usually does not require cleaning. However, if there is a significant build-up of white pill residue such that the smoke stack is blocked, you can use a toothpick to break it up and let the residue fall back into the smoke unit. One caution, make sure the toothpick does not hit the heating element below the buildup of residue as the heating element can be damaged. The residue from the smoke stack should cause the smoke unit to smoke when the locomotive is run (It does not take much reside for the unit to start to smoke). If you get no smoke, the heating element is most probably burned-up and will need to be replaced (any Lionel Service Station can replace the heating element).

Good luck with your Locomotive.

Regards,

Tim Pignatari

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys for the feed back!! When you own a classic, you try almost anything to preserve it! Ill pick up a bottle of liquid smoke & try it out. The stack doesent seem to be too dirty, but if I find out it doesent smoke Ill drop by Sommerfields in Butler. I almost know the guys there by name, but durring the hollidays....well you know!! Thanks Again!! Icemanmike