Question about smoke oil when engine needs work

Your MTH smoke unit has a wick that soaks up the smoke fluid and wicks it to the heater element. You don't need to worry about inverting the engine; the wick will hold the fluid unless it is grossly overfilled. 

Thanks, I thought that might be the case.

I would recommend mega-steam smoke;

http://www.megasteam.com/

Yeah, everyone recommends Mega-Steam. We aren't allowed to talk about the basic chemistry of smoke fluids. Verboten!

I always put a rag over the smokestack before I turn it upside down. That is just in case I put too much fluid in and it is too much for the wick to handle.

Funny you should mention that, I was thinking the same thing.

Not unless you've overfilled the smoke unit to the extent that liquid is sloshing out of it.  I've never had any of my postwar steamers leak smoke oil when inverted or any other time.

 

I know I can probably run it until the smoke dies down, but what about when I can't do that? The directions warn about over-filling to avoid getting oil all over.

As long as you've followed those directions, you've got nothing to worry about.

 

Also, not directly related, but can any smoke oil be used or do I have to use MTH Proto Smoke oil? How about the DIY oil based on glycerin?

 

Mixing your own smoke oil is far, far more trouble than it's worth.  Don't ask me how I know.  Personally, I use Lionel Premium Smoke Fluid, and I'm very satisfied with it.

 

We do have to think about the scents when we move the layout into the house, so maybe Mega-Steam is the way to go. I pretty much just wanted to know if DIY oil will hurt anything.

Ok, I won't ask. Guess I'll look online since I don't like what the LHS carries. It doesn't seem too hard to mix glycerin and distilled water, though I suspect they'd separate fairly quickly.

Dave,

 

Discussions about DIY smoke fluids usually revolve around flash points of various oils and safety. Some here are very daring about setting their stack on fire to save a few cents on proper fluid - thus the reluctance on the part of moderators to sanction such discussions.

 

But, I can tell you that a glycerine and water mix is not the basis of any toy train smoke fluid I have ever heard of!

 

Jim

I put a small piece of cotton in the stack when I have to turn the loco upside down.

 

As far as I am aware, a glycerin and water mix is perfect for preserving and softening lichen, but would be totally unsuitable as a smoke oil. 

Thanks for the warning.  I have not checked to see exactly what she is talking about and I had no intention of trying it without checking here first. I don't know how much glycerin/water cost, but $16 plus $8 shipping for 8 oz of Mega-Steam seems quite expensive for what it is. Granted, that's a lot cheaper than a damaged engine, but I like a lot of smoke, so the cost does add up. I'm using some Bachmann stuff now that was $12 for 4.5 oz at the nearest LHS. Mega-Steam is cheaper at $2/oz, so I guess I'll try some when the current stuff runs out. I guess that's just part of the cost of this hobby and that's okay with me, just trying to save if/where I can.

Just FYI, here is what I think she is talking about:
http://www.ehow.com/how_767189...il-model-trains.html

That's what I intend to do. I was just concerned about this statement in the manual:
"Do not overfill the unit or the fluid may leak out and coat the interior engine components."

Makes it sound like oil can leak somewhere inside the smokestack where I can't see it.

Trust me, I totally understand that concept, I just don't like to waste money unnecessarily. This is my first experience with smoke and I want to make sure I'm not throwing money away. Manufacturers always make you think you have to use their products when that is often not the case. And just as often there are DIY options, so I thought I'd check with those of you who have been around a while.