Need help wiring Lionel fan driven smoke unit into Williams challenger

Which smoke unit might matter, but one end of the smoke element probably has continuity to one pin and chassis ground via the screws that attach the PCB to the smoke bowl.  That should go to chassis ground.  The other element end should have continuity to a different pin.  That would be center rail.  You can use a loco switch to turn off and on the center rail power to the smoke unit.  Not all have chuff control.  Some pictures would help.  G

I guess part info would be helpful! Part number is 610-8057-200. Photo is below. Hope this helps. 

Thanks,

Derek

If you look at the three pin connector for power, I think you'll see that the two outer pins are connected together on top of the board.  Just connect track power to the center and one of the outside pins and you'll have continuous smoke. 

If you want chuff, you will have to break the lead to the motor to control the chuff.

Hey John,

Can that go at a full 18V off of track power or do I need something to change the voltage?

Thanks,

Derek

I think you still need to check which pin is chassis ground just to be sure.  If you place center rail AC power on the pin that is connected to chassis ground via the screws mounting the PCB to the bowl, you will have a direct short.

My guess is center pin is ground and outside pins are center rail.  Some Lionel connectors use a jumper wire to connect outside pins.  I believe this is AC center rail which feeds element, but also the diode and VR for fan motor.

Regardless, the key is making sure the smoke unit doesn't have one of the pins connected to the bowl via a trace that contacts under the screws.   G

It can handle full voltage.  Probably will smoke better that way.  It is meant for Lionel's TMCC. G

Good catch and correct GGG, the center pin is common to the bowl and should go to chassis ground.

Thank you guys! I appreciate all the help. Time to get this Challenger smoking!