Smoke was a feature invented while Lionel wasn't making trains during WW2 and introduced shortly after production resumed in the postwar years.
I picked a well used but good looking 224E up at a local train show for $35. It ran oK, but ran better after I replaced a few worn parts and is now one of my best runners. I picked up another one and its original set on ebay shortly after. I love running them both. The 225e is the same mechanism mounted under a different shell, so it should run similarly. My brother and dad just purchased a 226E at a local train show and it too is a great runner (and looker). The 226E shell is what became the postwar 726/736 Berkshires.
You mention higher voltage being an issue? Are you running 18V to the track at all times? If that's the case, then you'll need to figure out a way to vary the voltage because these things will run way too fast at 18V.
Good luck, these are some of the best running and looking locomotives of that era.
