How to install a blue LED in smoke unit?

I haven't tried it. But it could be done. You'll have to locate the LED(s) in the funnel or near it and patiently work with it for a while. You may want to order some spare parts, in case you botch an installation or just in case you want to go back to original. There's not much room there. It could be a clever night-time effect from a loco to show smoke being emitted during the nite periods running the layout.

 This is not what your doing exactly, but may give you an idea of what you might do.

I have a rocket on rails I made to pull a Lionel Marvin the Martian Earth Disintegrator, Acme Instant Martians cars, and a few bashed for the cause. I used a modified hotbox car smoke unit, and flashing purple LEDs to accent the smoke coming out from the rockets nozzle. I used a diode & switch for half, or full smoke. This it at the end at about 1/3 output. If you look you can still see the "flame" jump a long way 4"+. Full power is kind of silly(and think of who's saying it). You cant see anything! It fogs over the table in no time. But it is likely I will do it soon for the kids. 

 A red micro LED chip centered in the inlet supported only by its legs? Opening Sm.unit ports to increase flow might help to offset the blockage.

 Or If a "pipe" exhaust can be used, a clear plastic/glass one would allow light in from outside of the tube(led next to it) without any interference into the smoke space.  I would bet on a bright, but soft glowing led -vs- a beam. Dig deep into specs for projection angles! They will make a difference.

 

         

https://ogrforum.com/t...42#33106235581145342

I like Stan's solution, you could put that a bit farther down the stack so it was out of sight and it would do the trick.

Perhaps just running wire and securing led up the stack for similar effect carefully not breaking wire's insulation.

Just might try it one day.

 

Often thought about  it from years back when i first ran our 726 made with smoke bulb

made for 1 year in 1946.

At night with platform light dimly lit it looks wonderful as the smoke is illuminated coming out and about an inch above its stack.

 

 

Fire is not blue, its orange

 

Gun Runner John's linked picture looks much more like a diesel to me. Your eye can catch the smoke effects better than the cameras too.   

Rick, no reason you can't put an orange LED down there as well.

 

Well then, how about both orange and blue LEDs?

 

1/48 scale P-51 Mustang's Merlin engine 12 manifold exhaust port using blue and orange LEDs simulating fuel mix adjustment for blue flame - synchronized to sound and motor.  

 

Very cool Stan, is that yours?

 

Let's just say I have my hand in the cookie jar

 

I'll say this.  The use of smoke generators and LEDs together can dramatically improve the illusion in modeling.  To each his own, but to me, here's the holy-grail of modeling (note the blue and orange flames).

 

 

Without a smoke generator, attempts to illuminate the afterburner cans are so-so.  Turn on the smoke and now we're talking...

 

RickO -- think I once rode on that train or one just like it in Turkmenistan. Very luxurious��

Stan -- Wow! Getting that afterburner effect is outstanding.

I think he is trying to tint the smoke "oil blue", without the after burn effect. But he may be thinking that over by now Those photos show the effect much better. Its even better in person I swear.

 Forgetting about diesel, and thinking steam, I suggested the glowing red -vs- focused beam, to limit the effect to more of a halo. But as small and bright as these are, a red and blue together, facing each other to block the focused beam, and only relying on escaping light from the sides should be enough Id think.

 

Gilbert American Flyer had "startling firebox glow" in their steam smokers starting in 1953.  Check out the last two sentences under "real smoke."

 

Pete

Very neat effects Stan, what a difference!

 

I've used one 120v red/orange glow lamps used in control indictors pre LED (like on ovens, and coffee makers, looks like a Christmas tree lamp but more-mini). I stole the idea from Gramps. Very dim glow in the General at 12v You really only see the element glow. It casts no amount of light worth speaking of.