Uianzi sells a $100 fog machine which uses a glycerin oil to generate fog. Seems like a worthwhile special effect for video but I am not comfortable putting a thin film of oil anywhere near my track or engines. But, I wonder if the liquid we add to engines for smoke is the same type liquid and is this fog machine safe for us train guys. This fog is a nice special effect reminding me of the fog on the old thomas the tank engine tv series. Please help clarify. Gary
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Gary,
I'm by no means an expert on various fog machines, but I do know that glycerin-based fog fluid is not an oil. It is water-based - a totally different type of substance.
I also do know that glycerin tends to be sticky as it dries. Not sure how much residue is produced at the concentrations of glycerin used in these machines, but there definitely will be some. It might require a more difficult type of cleaning to remove, as compared with the oils we usually have to clean periodically from track.
I'm also not sure about the effect of the water vapor produced which will eventually condense to liquid water.
But, if you just use the machine sparingly for a little fog effect during a short photo session once in a while, there might be no problem.
I would also do some Google "research" on various fog machines and their effects on people and surroundings. I'm sure some people will be sensitive to it, just as some have problems with our regular smoke fluids.
Jim
We will advise but we may have found a smoke machine that leaves no residue...just what us train guys need. will advise after some more research. Gary
I haven't used this machine on the layout, but have for many photography projects. If you follow their YouTube video (https://youtu.be/qiq1B6-dcEM?si=QVLWOu0JcO-QaK8k) to make the fluid and use food-grade glycerin and propylene glycol, you could almost drink the fluid and be fine. These two ingredients are used in soap making and cosmetics -- they are super safe for skin and in vapor dispersion.
I cannot say that I've ever noticed any residue, film, stickiness, etc. after using this fog juice mixture in this machine or the other photography-centric small machines that have been around for a few years. However, I've also not pumped out fog in mass quantities in the same area repeatedly without cleaning -- as in theory could happen with a installation in a layout.
On the whole, the results from this machine, and others that are all more or less clones, can be remarkable. Sure beats the old spray can fog of old.
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