2008 LEGACY UP FEF & MEGA STEAM

Same here although not sure of the fluid type but back when this was shot, Lionel Premium wasn't recommended as hard so I'm pretty sure it's JTs.  I agree this was LIonel's best smoker.  This is also stock smoke unit without mods.  Running at medium.  I never use high.

The 2-10-4 holds it's own though using Lionel premium and stock unit.  The only change to this unit was the wick material to the Lionel rope.

Berkshire President posted:

YOU WON'T GET THESE RESULTS USING THE 10 DROPS BIG ORANGE LISTS IN THEIR INSTRUCTIONS.

That does look good!!!

I wonder how much "cut and paste" goes on when Lionel creates their manuals especially when it comes to adding smoke fluid. It's become clear to me that number of drops they recommend is often very low and each engine/smoke varies dramatically.

I typically like to pop the shell and the top of the smoke unit and add the fluid right to the batting to see what 10, 20, 30 drops actually looks like. Each one of my engines has a post-it with notes.

Smoke on boys! 

I own both versions black and the grey, these are just about the best engines Lionel ever produced. They will go to the grave with me. The only thing I wish they did, is smoke while at idle.  

Thanks, Alex 

I agree, Alex.  Absolutely one of Lionel's best offerings....ever.

It was also reasonably priced and has an outstanding record of near flawless operation.  A rare A+.

cool video, Marty!

Cool video's!  I love smoke!  I think it adds so much realism, especially with steam!

Agreeing with Alex it would be nice if they smoked in idle.

I've noticed that, until 2009/10 when the new Vision Line locomotives came out, Lionel steam locomotives with synchronized puffing smoke wouldn't produce a steady stream while in idle. The FEF-3, the Pere Marquette Berk, and the GS-4 Daylight to name a few all didn't produce a stream in idle. Not sure why they were designed that way.

Alex M posted:

I own both versions black and the grey, these are just about the best engines Lionel ever produced. They will go to the grave with me. The only thing I wish they did, is smoke while at idle.  

Thanks, Alex 

I'm shocked you haven't figured out how to change that!