My new Lionel 1933281 and 1933282 BNSF ES44AC #6411 and #6425 smoke units worked perfectly out of the box, but after the first refill with Lionel Premium Smoke Fluid, the smoke production tailed off to nothing - no smoke at all.
I tried to reach Lionel, but they are in a one hour meeting. I learned this after calling back after listening to NASCAR racing audio for fifteen minutes. No music, just NASCAR race broadcasting while on hold.
What would make a new engine smoke perfectly for fifteen minutes, then for only one minute after refilling the exhaust stack? The BNSF #6425 failed first, then five minutes later the #6411 stopped smoking. Could this engine have an obstruction like the new challengers that have to be tilted on their nose to put smoke fluid in the Generator smoke? (I still can't get fluid in my challenger, it leaks out the side of the engine.)
Has anyone else had smoke unit issues with these new ES44AC engines? They are beautiful engines that I purchased to pull my 20 Atlas O BNSF Swoosh and Round Herald Trinity Hopper cars. The 1933283 Non-powered BNSF ES44AC #6438 is on its way to me, but I know that one will not smoke.
Sincerely, John Rowlen
P.S. If you like NASCAR racing, you will love being on hold when calling Lionel. I got a headache from listening to it.