[Jeff T]

I picked up a very inexpensive engine from Lionel RTR set 31913.

I usually clean out smoke units, but I have no idea if this type requires any maintenance???

Thanks!!

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

I've never seen or heard of any smoke unit that doesn't need maintenance at one time or the other. Sometimes the "maintenance" is replacement, is that one of the ones that is totally sealed?

 

[TrainLarry]

That type smoke unit needs no maintenance. If it does not work, it gets replaced.


Larry

 

[Jeff T]

It smokes better than I expected. I just don't ever remember anyone talking about taking one apart. For now I'll leave well enough alone !

 

[T-Man]

When they go the plastic melts. After that you won't want it around. The smell is strong.

 

[santafe158]

My first set had a smoke unit like that. The unit melted down and my dad simply cut the wire to the heating element and rerouted the headlight wire so I could still run the locomotive. I always thought it was a stupid idea to make a smoke unit out of plastic with a heating element inside... The Lionel Postwar 746 J class locomotives had one of the first liquid smoke units they made and it's a similar idea with the sealed plastic unit.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

There is a similar style smoke unit that is diecast and you can actually disassemble it and replace the smoke resistor and sleeve.

 

[CKCECB]

I've taken those apart before by breaking the bottom seam, but they are a pain. I think I just permatexed them back together. Way back in high school I replaced the resistor in one (don't know what kind because the train shop sold it to me). That one didn't work out so well because I remember flames shooting out from under the pilot after the plastic melted. That one stunk up the basement very well. You are right that they smoke well.

 

[Jeff T]

That one didn't work out so well because I remember flames shooting out from under the pilot after the plastic melted. That one stunk up the basement very well. You are right that they smoke well.

The horror stories!! I like smoke, but I may try to avoid the flames!!