First, I'd like to thank everyone who answered my questions in my other thread, you guys were all a big help and I appreciated the warm welcome.
While my main questions are about smoke, I have a few other questions too.
I haven't seen any layouts in person, so everything I know, has come from online sources and when it comes to the Lionel 8800 Dad and I currently have, information has been almost impossible to find. The Marx 666 engines are pretty simple and information was easier to find.
Now, to my smoke questions.
How much should these engines smoke, if the smokers are working correctly? For example Dad's old 666 from when he was a kid, smokes enough to see it clearly, but it's thin and doesn't hang around long. The newer 666 barely smokes at all, but after sitting a few days, it will do OK for a few minutes. My guess is it's "flooded" since it seems that there's always a bit of fluid on the fan/flap under the smoker. I've followed what I've read about only putting a few drops of fluid in the Marx engines, so I think it was flooded when we bought it. I found a source that sells refurbished Marx smokers for around $9+ shipping. Should I try replacing the one that seems flooded and see if it helps?
Now, for the Lionel 8800.
Where do I start? It smokes, but again, not anything like the trains I have seen videos of. It's very visible right as it leaves the smokestack, but then it thins and it's gone. I don't know anything about the smoker in it and haven't found any info, so I have been running it like the Marx, a few drops of fluid and then when it stops smoking, a few more drops. Can I rebuild the Lionel smoker and if so, are there any instructions for it? Information on the 8800 has been impossible to find, so anyone with even the slightest bit of knowledge will be extremely helpful.
Now, my other important Lionel issue.
The 8800 uses a traction tire which is in desperate need of replacing since it's stretched and won't stay on the wheel. I ordered one that I was told would fit, but it didn't so for now, I'm running one I cut from a scrap rubber hose I had. It's working, but it's a little lumpy. Without knowing which tire I need and not wanting to keep ordering the wrong ones, I was considering just replacing the grooved wheel with a plain one and doing away with the tire. So, does anyone know what tire I need, or, better yet, does anyone have one they would send me? I have a couple of bucks in my Paypal account. I'd also consider a replacement wheel if anyone can part with one the right size.
My ALMOST Last question for the day is related to the Lionel 2020 turbine engine. Well, it's actually a few questions (One not related to the turbine). LOL
Will the 2020 turbine run on 027 curves?
I read that there was a change in the drive train after 1946 and some people claim the later drives weren't as durable. Is that true? Is there a preference when it comes to the production years?
What's a ballpark figure when it comes to what I should or shouldn't pay? depending on condition.
Last question, Is there an affordable "Torpedo" engine That's not more than $100 used and is durable with decent pulling power? (the more wheels, the better!)
As always, Thanks in advance for any answers.