AF smoke unit replacement wicks

If you haven't already, read this clinic from Doug Peck's site. It provides a wealth of information on how to get the correct resistance on the wiring and much more: http://www.portlines.com/portlinesclinic1.htm

I believe the resistance should be either 35 or 39 ohms...How well did it smoke before??  It almost sounds like it isn't wired right, you should have smoke in forward and reverse..

Marty

In reality the smoke unit should get whatever the track voltage is in a forward direction for maximum smoke output. However, I have come across some instances where the smoke unit has been wired across either the field or armature which means that the voltage/current supply available is much reduced, hence reduced smoke output.

It may be that you need to check how the wiring has been done to ensure that it is wired correctly.

Lastly, it would be good to invest in a multi metre to check the resistance of the smoke wick to see what you have. Also you will find a multi metre an invaluable aid for doing lots of other wiring diagnostics on Flyer engines, especially when testing the four way cable between engine and tender.

Neil

Thanks for the advice Gentlemen

I went back "in" the smoke unit for the third time.

I removed more windings, used sandpaper to clean the 2 lugs and removed about 2 inches of wick off each "leg" of the wick.

I also drilled out the 2 holes that you have to thread the wick through....that made things a lot easier!!!

I'd like to mention at this point that the old wicking was in very good condition.

It was the area where the wire wraps around the wick that was black as coal.

Would this be an average condition for an AF smoke unit?  I was expecting to find the wicking burnt, dried out ect, as is often the case in most smoke units ie Lionel.

Working well now!  I would suggest that the information supplied to me was most correct in that you must remove windings to the proper amount....

I have an ohm meter and have attached a pic.  Which setting would you recommend for the best results in testing the wire for the 30 ohm "sweet spot" ?

Thanks again

Soo Line

Can't read the top of the scale, but I use the 2000K setting..

Marty

I believe the one you have it set on in the picture will do.

Neil