Starter set smoke unit

A new element(691RESC016) will put you back in business. I have not opened these smoke units, but the whole assembly(610-8738-250) is available from Lionel HERE if you want to go a real easy route.

Do you know off hand who might carry them apart from E-bay. 

Part number 6108738250 from Lionel Support

swede

Ireland posted:

Do you know off hand who might carry them apart from E-bay.

Lionel has them for $2 HERE... others have them HERE.

I believe the entry level 4-4-2's have sealed smoke units and you have to replace the whole smoke unit/headlight assembly. I have replaced a few of these with success. One was an MPC CNJ 2-4-2 and the other a NYC 4-4-2 from the 90's New York Central flyer set. 

Ireland posted:

The smoke unit on one of our entry level NYC 4-4-2 #8632 from the mid 90's has finally given up the ghost.  The grandchildren have always like these little engine as they could get their hands over it and virtually do no damage.  Apart from no smoke, runs exceptionally well.

Are replacement smoke units available or is the existing smoke unit repairable?  There is no on/off switch for the smoke unit so a possibility is that the unit ran dry. 

Repairable?  If so, suggestions as to the approach would be appreciated.  Is a photo of any help or are they all the same in these starter set units.

Thank you in advance.

The smoke unit found in the 6-18632 NYC 4-4-2 was sonic-welded at the factory, and was not designed to be repaired. The part number is 8041-50 or 600-8041-050 in the newer-style parts syntax. You could try to get it apart, but you'll likely be frustrated with that as well as figuring out a way to keep it held together once reassembled.

As mentioned above, there is a newer-style unit that uses an LED instead of a 161 wedge bulb, but they should be otherwise identical.

Hope this helps.
TRW

Thank you all for the info and suggestions.  

I will take the easy route and order a new unit.