Greetings,
So I just got three of these, two NS and the KCS NB, they smoke better than any others out of the box. I have a bunch of the ES44's and there are the only ones that do this. When they are sitting at idle the smoke fan doesn't run but, the smoke keeps being heated and comes out of the bottom of the engine, The KSC doesn't do this the fan keeps running the entire time like it should and like all the others. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Rick
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Man…sorry to hear.I know one thing about the newer smoke units.If the unit is running and the fan is not,it will overheat and melt down.This is from my experiance.I would shut the smoke off until you figure it out.Nick
What mfg are these?
They are Lionel. I have already contacted them to return them for repair.
Wasn't there an issue with the last round of ES44 smoke units also? How many times the cab light would blink told you what the problem was the smoke element or fan.
You did the right thing.Nick
I think there were issues with the last round, I had to send one of those back too.
Both locomotives act exactly the same and the cab lights do not blink at all.
Rick
I just received 4 of the new ES44's today. I'd better get them out and test them.
Looks like I may have to make a trip to Concord (about a 1 hour drive from my house)...less risky than shipping them. 
My ES44ac experience:
2 of NS Heritage- one smoke unit started squealing at 10 months after purchase. Returned to Lionel for repair. Still heavy smoke on low.
4 from 2014 catalog- no smoke issues, weaker smoke after 1 year. Have to run on med or high.
BNSF and 2 ATSFs (just delivered)- lots of smoke even on low
Not sure why I didn't try this before but I did a reset and it seems to have fixed the issue, the fans run when the locomotives are parked. I'll keep a sharp eye on it and also see what Lionel has to say. I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks for the input so far.
rick
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