locomotive lever/switch function?

Jeff,

You can search from Lionel's site here:    https://www.lionelsupport.com/...4&productNumber=

My guess on the switch =  1st position locks it in Forward, 2nd position is alternating Forward/Reverse, and the 3rd position locks it in reverse.

Bill,

Thanks for your response.  Upon further review...   I think it is only a 2 position switch.  When I received the train it was "Top dead Center"  but now looking more closely (without opening the engine) I think it should only be left or right.  I was hoping that one position was to tun of the smoke unit, but that seems to be smoking regardless of the switch's position.  I will try the link. but I can tell you I called Lionel and they were not able to directly help, only suggested I try "Olson's Toy Train Library"  Unfortunately it was not very helpful.

Thanks again!

Jeff

Two positions - E-Unit on or E-unit off.

The reversing E-unit is a sequencing DPDT switch for F-N-R-N-F-N-R-N(it has 8 stops on its rotating drum).  The pawl on this model uses gravity so it will only sequence properly while upright.  When you turn the switch off, the loco stays in the last state(F, N, R) that it was in.

Bill,

The link sorta answered the question.  I was able to find a 1981 4-6-4 Hudson (6-8101), with the same lever type switch.  Mine is a Late 1970's model ('77 I think, that's the date on the old warranty card).  This 6-8101 model reflects it to be an on/off SW for the E-unit.

Thanks again,

Jeff Fish

Got it THX ROB!

The 3 position E-Units all operate the same, since 1933, with very few exceptions(two 1946 models w/ spring returns, 46-49 "Electronic" triggered, and pre war "Magic-Electrol" triggered). A few steamers have little plugs in the cab to move about instead of an actual switch lever sticking out.

Now this has raised a new question.  Am I able to turn off the smoke generator on this unit?  If not will there be any damage caused by not keeping fluid in it?  I guess technically this is two questions.

Jeff Fish

No, and no.

The smoke units are rather anemic... when Fundimensions made these steamers, the elements were chosen conservatively so they would not burn up or melt their plastic housings. This liquid fluid type design started with the 1957 746.  If you get a good size train with heavier cars and can really crank up the power, they do smoke fairly well.

Rob,

Thanks for putting up with my questions.  Though in my 50's I feel like a kid again only @ age 12 I was playing with N gauge.  Now I'm getting to relive those days bigger with my Grandchildren.  

I have noticed that MTH has scented smoke.  Can this be used in Lionel units as well?

I started with O gauge this Christmas with a Pennsylvania LionChief starter set.  Recently had a DEAR Friend give me a MTH Rail King "Wabash Hudson 4-6-4 w/ proto sound" and 6 various passenger cars.  (This is why I was looking at MTH and Smoke) .  Lastly after taking a liking to Passenger trains I got the Southern Crescent set from the beginning of this post.

Sorry got a little long winded.  Question is way back up near the top.

Any smoke fluid will do. I like "Crest" best for smoke output, but it's been difficult to find, the general consensus here is the JT MegaSteam line is the forum members' favorite with over 45 different scents from coal, to beer, barbecue, fresh cut grass, and everything in between/among.

Thanks again, I'll leave you alone now.  ENJOY your weekend!

If you can turn the smoke off, there will be a switch on the bottom of the engine.  If no switch, then you can not turn the smoke unit off.

No smoke switch on this one!

Concur.  Stuck with the smoke...