I recently ordered my first locomotive with smoke (2 rail MTH N&W J 611) in decades and have a few questions. I expect most of the time the smoke unit will be turned off.
HI Ed,
As a major manufacturer for model train smoke fluid for over 12 years and having had first-hand experience with smoke units with 2 Rail MTH locos, we would like to address your questions. Not to take away anything that has already been mentioned, but we have experience withprecisely the items in your questions.
Does smoke liquid dry up when not used for several weeks?
Yes, many people add smoke fluid before storing just to keep the wicking material primed. It still can evaporate over time. Some people cap off the smoke stack.
We suggest priming the unit with smoke fluid the night before you are going to run your locomotive. This will saturate the wicking material and prevent any problems. Then before starting your session, add 6-8 drops. When the smoke diminishes, add about 15-20 drops.
How many minutes of run time do you get out of a fill?
Usually 10-15 minutes. When the smoke diminishes, it is time to add more.
Shut the locomotive down or at least turn off the smoke unit and add smoke fluid. Don't add the fluid while the engine is on. This prevents problems to the wicking material.
When filling the resevoir how do you know when it is full?
Follow the manufacturer's guidelines. With your engine the suggested filling is 20-25 drops. Over filling will cause the engine to burb smoke fluid on the boiler or it will leak out the bottom of the engine. Also, when filling the unit, we suggest slightly blowing into the stack to remove any air bubbles. This will also prevent any spillage or burps.
Will smoke fluid run out of the reservoir if the locomotive is upside down for wheel cleaning?
Yes. Depending on how much smoke fluid you have left in the unit. We usually place a folded paper tower or shop towel under the smoke stack when we are cleaning the wheels, etc.
We rarely have any smoke fluid coming out, but it is just a precaution. If you just filled the smoke unit, obviously, you will have more fluid coming out.
What do you do to clean up any residue on the boiler?
Any spillage or residue can be cleaned safely with our safe cleaner: "b-Gone" see www.megasteam.com. It is safe on all paint and finishes and will not harm decals, etc.
If probably filled and care given, you shouldn't notice any residue on the boiler. Our smoke fluid has just the right viscosity that it will vaporize quickly, provide lots of smoke, and then dissipate quickly into the air. None of that fogging up the train room and house. Very little, if any, residue is left. Not all smoke fluids are created equally. Those that are too thick will leave residue...that is not good.
I've heard that the fluid can mess up paint used to weather the locomotive - are there paints that are not effected by the fluid?
If the weathering is done with paint and properly dried and/or sealed, Mega-Steam will not harm the paint or the weathering. We have weathered locomotives and our smoke fluid has not harmed or effected the weathering. Some hobbyists weather using powders and chalks that are unsealed. Smoke fluid definately will effect that.
Congratulations on considering running the smoke for your grandson. He will love it as it adds a whole new dimension to model railroading. You should have no problems or issues to be concerned with. Thanks for letting us chime in.
JT's Mega-Steam
"World's Finest Smoke Fluid"
Ed Rappe
