I’d like to get a feeling from other Lionel Legacy Engine owners on the performance of their smoke output. Most of my engines are steam with the exceptions being 2 GG-1. Although not an owner of any, I understand MTH locomotives really put out the smoke.
Adding smoke fluid:
- 20 drops is the recommended amount per all the owner’s manuals. Some engines require about double (40 drops) to get going if they are bone dry
- A whole squeeze dropper (delivered with a Lionel locomotive) is about 50 drops.
- What’s the real consequence of overfilling?
- Adding drop-by-drop vs. squeezing a full dropper in.
- I hear there is a lot of variability in visible smoke unit output. Is this true? If so, why?
- Is it okay to run the smoke units dry? And is it best to shut the smoke unit off when it is out of smoke fluid or does it even matter?
- How much do you really need to baby these units for long life and efficiency?
- How much run time between adding more smoke fluid will you typically have with a smoke unit on high? 10 mins? 30 mins? 60 mins? How variable is this?
- Is there a difference in the handling of smoke units for a Diesel/Electric vs. Steam Locomotive?
Are there any NoNo’s for modern Lionel smoke units that I need to take into consideration?
Just trying to learn best practices for my stable of beauties! Any feedback is appreciated.
