Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer Train Set Smoke Output

What I have found on these starter sets is they like power for the smoke unit to work well. I currently use a 100 watt power source for my conventional locomotives and the smoke has increased. Using anything less and well they just don't smoke the way I like them too.

Just do not over fill or that will result or could result in larger problems.

Benjamin, I like the Lionel 4-4-2 starter steamer and have several. I've tried several brands of smoke fluid, and have found the new Lionel premium smoke fludid works the best in these locos.

A simple trick to improve smoke output is to remove the traction tire. The trains you will run will have to be shorter and not as heavy: on average I run 5-8 cars. But with the wheel slippage you will get naturally without the traction tire, you will also see more smoke. I like the effect and keep the traction tires off my 4-4-2's.

Of the motor driven smoke units I have seen, I doubt you will have room to get one in there. But who knows until you try. But the motor driven units are not without their problems, many of which have been written about on this forum.

It isn't fair to compare the smoke output of this type of steamer with this type of smoke unit to one with a motor driven one. But the Lionel premium fluid gives more smoke than the regular Lionel fluid for certain, and I'm content with that improvement.

I am updating my post so I done all the tips suggested removed traction tire purchased lionel premium smoke fluid and it worked. But not like I hoped, however the smoke unit quit working all together and I now suspect that was the problem all along with the smoke output smoking good for 3-5 min then low output after. I think the smoke unit was faulty and the heating element going out. Well there is a guy on ebay selling new replacement units so I will order one soon. Then test it and let you know the results. Other than that I have enjoyed this lionel train and at the end of the day that is all that matters.