Lionel Smoke Resistor

I wonder if anyone has identified a standard resistor that will do the job?  I'd like to find a source for the 27 and perhaps the 22 ohm that is an attractive retrofit if you want more smoke.

I checked a resistor from an old Wire-Plex, Dr. Tinker approved smoke unit conversion kit that I had laying around.

It measures 23 ohms.

The resistor is wire-wound with the windings exposed.

In the instructions, it is identified as #8141-55 smoke element

The Train Tender gets 60 cents a piece when purchased by the dozen, or $1.00 for one.

How much cheaper can something similar be purchased outside the world of trains?

 Radio Shack's website lists wirewound resistors at several dollars apiece and up. The wire is covered, so one would have to find a away to open them up. (Someone wrote about doing this on another board).

Carbon film resistors are much less expensive, but would they work?

You might want to write to Jeff (Train Tender) to see if he would be willing to send some in an evelope for lower shipping.

http://www.ttender.com/

Well, I wouldn't use Radio Shack as the benchmark for low prices, but for $1.00 it seems like that would be a good candidate.  I know that Jeff at The Train Tender doesn't rape you on shipping, so I'm guessing that this would be a good option.

I don't think carbon film resistors would last in this usage.

quote:

Well, I wouldn't use Radio Shack as the benchmark for low prices

True, but wouldn't most folks have to go mail-order otherwise? Then the buyer would be back to minimum quantities and shipping charges.
We have a local electronics supply house in my area. I think the quality of the supplies are much higher than Radio Shack, but his prices are also higher on many items.

When I am ordering parts, I like to wait until I want enough items to justify the shipping. If its likely I am going to need the part again in the future, and it isn't too expensive, I buy more than what I immediately need. Usually the practice works out well, but sometimes I do wind up with "dead" items. 

The beauty of ordering at Digikey is they have no minimum parts order, and their first class shipping for small orders is very cheap!

I've never purchased from Digikey

Thanks for the tip!

I look at Digikey and then Mouser.  Mouser frequently has slightly better prices, but their shipping starts at around $6, so small orders are frequently cheaper at Digikey.  Both of them beat the pants off Radio Shack pricing.