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Now there is technology to add real steam/smoke to your steam engines. This could be the answer to those who would like to see their steam engines (and diesels too) smoke, but whose breathing is effected by the oil smoke that our trains normally use. Watch this video and see what you think. I'm sure comments are going to be all over the place, but, keep an open mind to all of the possibilities.

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@SteveH posted:

Pure speculation here to move the conversation forward:  Seems like maybe this could be done using a small piezo-electric transducer; similar to the way one is used in a typical humidifier.  Maybe power it with an ultrasonic frequency.  Thoughts?

Tried a piezo fog transducer for a project at work, the fog went up a few inches but basically tumbled down to ground level as in

the video halfway down this page.

https://smile.amazon.com/FITNA...amp;sr=8-36&th=1

might work in an engine with a forced fan to blow it out, but you'd have to find the sweet spot.

@RickO posted:

So what happens when you turn over the locomotive and water goes all over underneath the shell?

I think this technology has been used in RC vehicles for some time. I'm not sure if the beneifits outweigh the risks in model trains.

So, what happens when you turn the loco over and smoke oil goes all over underneath the shell?  I understand your concern, but, I think with careful handling (Ha!) it wouldn't  necessarily be a big problem...besides you guys just love WD40.

Distilled water vapor would be healthier than mineral oil vapor, but there would be a question of how much humidity would be added to the train room especially with several steam locos running at the same time.

This thing's not a high pressure, high capacity boiler.  Pretty sure the effects would be minimal vs a room humidifier.  Probably much less than boiling a pot of water.

Rusty

Looking into this a bit more: these atomizers are offered as conversions by TRS Trains in the UK.  They come in different scales including O gauge.

Their facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/trs.trains/

and their email is: trstrains@yahoo.com

It would be interesting to know if they sell the components for DIY conversion and price, or only as retrofits that they offer as an in house service.  Thank you @Big Jim for bringing this product to our attention.  If anyone decides to pursue this further, please let the rest of us know what you find out.

@Big Jim posted:

So, what happens when you turn the loco over and smoke oil goes all over underneath the shell?  I understand your concern, but, I think with careful handling (Ha!) it wouldn't  necessarily be a big problem...besides you guys just love WD40.

Come on Jim,lets not  just lump everybody together!

I "may" have sprayed WD-40 on my bicycle chain 40 some odd years ago , but these days I'm more of a Labelle or Mobile 1 type guy for trains.

While neither is good, I'd rather take my chances with the mineral oil on the electronics over water, distilled water is still corrosive.

Last edited by RickO

@RickO posted:

Come on Jim,lets not  just lump everybody together!

I "may" have sprayed WD-40 on my bicycle chain 40 some odd years ago , but these days I'm more of a Labelle or Mobile 1 type guy for trains.

While neither is good, I'd rather take my chances with the mineral oil on the electronics over water, distilled water is still corrosive.

I'm with you on the corrosive issue with the water Rick.👍

Can't imagine what a steamer setting in a pan of even distilled water up to the chassis for a month or so would look like. 😨

I'm guessing there has been a lot of discussion on venting the smoke oil .     

It doesnt take a lot of air movement to clear the worst part of the smoke .   It always takes an inlet on the opposite side of the exhaust area.        Maybe not the greatest option on snowy days or damp , cold ,rainy days. 🤔

Due to the pandemic and the obvious pulmonary issues, plus my wife having had a successful liver transplant last fall, we have decided at our ages, 70 and 78, to shut off all mineral oil based smoke units for good. We have both been vaccinated, but Kay's immuno suppressive meds, and my slightly suppressed immune system due to end stage renal disease leave us no choice. Any inhalation of lipids could result in pulmonary insufficiency, not advisible in a time of global pandemic.

Last edited by Tinplate Art

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