Arnold, I've heard pros and cons about adding fluid when the smoke element is hot, so - to be safe - I always shut the engine down before I add fluid. I just shut it down, I don't wait for it to cool completely. It works for me.
Bill, I'm not familiar with the Lionel tether you describe, but I solved problems with loose MTH "wireless" PS2-3 tethers with a black twist tie. After a bit of experimentation you can figure out how to secure the tether at the tender end. This fix, of course, requires you to take off the engine and tender as a unit until it's necessary to separate them.
Also Bill, I agree there is nothing scientific about how well engines smoke! Some of mine smoke well 10 minutes, others 20 minutes, on the same amount of fluid. There are probably a number of variables that affect smoke production, including the temperature of the heating element, fluid retained by the wick and airflow through the smoke unit. I can't explain it, you just have to get used to the idiosyncrasies of each engine!
John
