K-Line smoking caboose???????

[dwiemer]

Chief, Bruce, others with the K-Line caboose.  I read a thread about this some time ago and K-Line did have a problem with the glue that they used to install the windows in a run of these caboose(s).  I believe they just reglued them.  I would not be too concerned about touching the sides for as was the case, if the glue fails, eventually, the windows would fall out regardless of normal touch/wear.  So, if it fails, re-glue.  I wish I could recall what type of glue they used, but I am sure you can figure it out.

Dennis

[ChiefEagles]

Bob, bet you have a fix.

[lionelsoni]

David, you'll need to rectify and perhaps filter the AC from the track first, to get DC.

[Anonymous]

Caboose electrical failures in the constant 18v Command Control environment are a concern.

There needs to be an article in Classic Toy Trains on how to rework the electrical and electronics in all the Cabooses made by Lionel, K-Line, MTH, and Weaver to be sure that the lights and smoke units do not burn up. Replacement parts list is a must.

Andrew

Yes this would be a welcome article!  I've got an I-12 B&O caboose (Lionel) that I received for Christmas and I think the smoke unit fried when I was running it on the TMCC track!

Brent

[bibeaud]

I just picked up from Radio Shack several Voltage Regulators.  (Part# 276-1771)  The one I have states that it is 12VDC (1 Amp)  The unit has 3 pins (input, output, & gnd).  The back of the carton states that it will take up to 35V.  I am thinking that I could install this in between the power wire to the smoke unit and send an extra wire to ground.

Any thoughts or suggestions.  I think these cost under $2.

Thanks!

David

[Andrew Falconer]

Caboose electrical failures in the constant 18v Command Control environment are a concern.

There needs to be an article in Classic Toy Trains on how to rework the electrical and electronics in all the Cabooses made by Lionel, K-Line, MTH, and Weaver to be sure that the lights and smoke units do not burn up. Replacement parts list is a must.

Andrew

[Roger Bielen]

Chief, I have the CB&Q version.  When I bought it there was a lot of talk about melt-downs so I contacted K-Line.  They informed me that there should be no problem operating it in the TMCC environ.  Not wanting to take a chance I haven't used the smoke feature.  Ditto for a Lionel caboose I also have.

Though, we have a Lionel on the layout at work that's been there since Lionel's issued theirs and it shows no signs of problems.

[Anonymous]

Chief,

  I don't know if you bought the same model but if so be careful when handling it from the sides.  The porthole windows break loose easily so if at all possible avoid putting pressure on them.  I've already had mine apart ( prior to the autopsy ) to reglue the windows back in place.  The excellent details sold me on this K-Line but some of them are too darn fragile.

Bruce Webster

[ChiefEagles]

I've still got some bridge rectifiers left from "smoking" the dummy Dash 8.  Could use them and add a switch.  On way is conventional and the other will direct voltage through the bridge rectifier for command mode.  HUMMM

[Anonymous]

Well, no big surprise here.  The K-Line smoke generator is dead.  The temps must have been high enough to fry the resistance wire within the heating element.  Both wires leading to the element were still intact.  Some of the coating on the element has flaked off.  The heat was extreme enough to melt the well in which the the element and fibreglass wool resides.  Also, some of the plastic interior details melted, especially a thin closet partition.

In retrospect, it's good the unit failed as quickly as it did, before it rendered the caboose into a puddle of plastic.  This will make an interesting project some day if I ever decide to install new workings.  When you're dealt lemons....blah blah blah!

Bruce Webster

 

[ChiefEagles]

Thanks Bruce.  Dennis, it is of excellent quaality.  I'll send John F an email. 

[dwiemer]

Chief, I believe these need some kind of device (resistor?) from Electric railway, or one of the other ones.  Apparently, they can't handle the sustained high voltage.  How do you like the looks of your new addition?  I have a few more "Congratulations" messages and am awaiting UPS to deliver.  I also have a bid on a "Wabash Hudson" from MTH on the bay.

Dennis

[Anonymous]

P.S.   Gonna do an autopsy to see if the smoker is a permanent gonner.  Will check back with the results

Bruce Webster

[Anonymous]

Chief,

After the recent meltdown of this K-Line cabin I question whether the smoke generator can be safely operated for any length of time.  I've only just aquired and hooked up TMCC to my layout and this was the result of using the smoker for less than a week.  I'll admit there were times when the cabin sat idle on track receiving 18 volts so the lack of air movement might have hastened the meltdown.  It's obvious these conditions are too much for the smoke generator to handle since it no longer works at all.  It performed perfectly under conventional control.  If I was ever to use another smoking caboose I'd prop open the doors ( they open on the N5c ) for better air circulation and even then, only switch on the smoke for short periods of time.   There's also the electronic upgrade alternatives that John (jefelectric ) and others have mentioned.

Kinda hard to see the body damage but it's directly around and under the chimney.  Of course the smoke generator has failed completely.

Bruce Webster

[fifedog]

We have their PRR N5c offering with antenna.  Great detail, but keep an eye on the smokejack;tends to catch single tunnel portals.

[ChiefEagles]

Just received a K-Line smoking caboose I won on an auction.  Instructions say how to add fluid and it has an off/on switch.  No mention if it can handle 18V in Command?  No other info in instructions and no other switch.  Will say, excellent details.  Looks like an "Atlas".  Lots of metal ladders, grab rails and etc.