Started using my VL Niagara water fill smoke unit yesterday. New, out of the box at the end of October, it produced smoke out of the side vents profusely and quite easily. As D&H 65 experienced, now, not so much.
Did the following experiment -
1. Environment:
CW80 - 17 volts on track.
6' oval.
Cab2 smoke set at medium.
Tender smoke switch on.
12 drops Lionel smoke fluid after last 12 minute use or attempted use.
Locomotive must be in motion for tender smoke; no other locos on layout.
2. Sequence:
Speed Step Amperage Draw Presses of Water Fill Output
Startup 1.10 Water fill not activated No smoke
100 3.52 - 2 seconds first press No smoke
100 1.82 - each press +20 No smoke
100 1 .82 - each press +15 presses Meager wisps from bottom
100 1.82 - each press +10 presses Meager wisps from bottom
Shutdown then Startup
100 3.52 - 2 seconds first press Meager wisps from bottom
100 1.82 - each press +10 presses Small wisps bottom (little more)
Shutdown then Startup
100 3.52 - 2 seconds first press Small wisps from bottom
100 1.82 - each press +20 presses Eventually some smoke from both sides.
Done messing with it...
At startup and first press, there is a good amperage jump for 2 seconds, not enough to get the resistors hot enough. Maybe the CW80 doesn't have enough for this smoke unit; will give it another shot with a ZWL in the spring. The locomotive smoke units are good; smoke right away. The tender one might be finicky or need .......something.
