Lionel smoke fluid loader?

Lionel is recommending Lionel smoke fluid in a Lionel accessory...see the connection?  Everyone uses what they like.  I use Lionel premium until the warranty period is up on my locomotives and in this case accessories.  After that all bets are off.  Use what you like but Lionel may give you grief on a unit under warranty.  Lionel says they can tell others doubt that.  Again you have to make that call.

A former, well respected Lionel employee did some tests and posted his findings showing some issues with other brands. Here is that post. So you can judge for yourself.  Most people find there are no adverse results from using another brand.

Bottom line is I suspect many are using JTs, MTH, and Lionel without any issues.  But Lionel will possibly charge you for a repair if their smoke fluid is not used.

I had those same issues of tacky residue Mike R speaks of, and posted my findings a while ago.  Of course my findings were discredited by JT lovers and the post was deleted!

Thanks maryy for the link good info from mike.

Why chastise Lionel. Through testing they must believe their smoke fluid is best for the items they engineer. Many here think they are better at engineering than Lionel so use what you want or don’t buy their units.

I don't think anyone is chastising Lionel. He asked a question and we answered.  Most folks feel that other brands are fine.  Lionel has recommended their smoke fluid.  You can chose to take the recommendation or not.  I personally use nothing but Lionel premium in my most of my Lionel engines.  I do like to share my experience with Lionel service and their view on smoke fluids as it pertains to warranty repairs. Not a bad thing.

The NJ Hi Railers posted a review of this accessory. We came to the conclusion that it is like using regular oil in your car when synthetic is required or asking a manufacturer to certify a third party replacement part. In many cases you will be fine, we restated some of the reasons to use their fluid for a variety or reasons.

1. They made the accessory for use with their fluid. Therefore, it is safe to assume that they have done their research. We all use third party item - wiper fluid, oil filters, we get it. 

2. They state that using any other fluid violates their warranty (we have all experienced this statement). Some of us have felt this pain with other products and services. Wait until the warranty expires.

3. They, like all manufacturers, are protecting revenue stream. All manufacturers focus on aftermarket sales as this is a great source of income.

Our conclusion, have fun with the accessory, its cool, , proceed as you wish, we tried a few different brands in the one we reviewed an did not experience any issues. Just remember, that if you need warranty service Lionel can tell if you used their fluid or not.

Thanks to all the replys guys! Yes that would be correct marty I was not chastising lionel just asking a valid question. I would hate to ruin this neat accessory over time by using the wrong fluid. I have never tryed lionel premium fluid. I tryed megasteam long ago and never looked back. Will have to get some and use in this at least untill the warrenty is valid.

If it's any consolation to you. As far as smoke production goes.

I experience better smoke output  in my Lionel locos (don't own any MTH) with Lionel premium than any other brand.

I was as skeptical as anybody. 

It seems to me the ORIGINAL MARX smoke has a thicker base than Lionel's!  So I would not it in this product.

I am a firm believer that JTs gums up Lionel smoke units.  But on the other hand, i don't know why It would be an issue with the smoke fluid loader. Seeing there's no heat being generated in it, I would assume the tacky/gummy issue wouldn't be a factor.   Unless they are assuming maybe you're loading it into a Lionel locomotive and that's why they warned against using it.   But then again I have not seen the smoke fluid loader in person inside or out.