Premier Challenger Steam Locomotive
20
ProtoSmoke® Unit Operation
This Premier steam locomotive contains a self-powered smoke unit that outputs
smoke through the smokestack on the roof of the engine. The smoke unit is
essentially a small heating element and wick that soaks up and then heats a mineral
oil-based fluid that emits a harmless smoke. The smoke is then forced out of the
stack by a small electric fan. Smoke volume is controlled by the Proto-Sound 2.0
system.
With a few easy maintenance steps, you should enjoy trouble-free smoke unit
operation for years.
When preparing to run this engine, add 15-20 drops of smoke fluid through the
smokestack (see Fig. 17). We recommend M.T.H. ProtoSmoke, Seuthe, LGB, or
LVTS fluids. Do not overfill the unit or the fluid may leak out and coat the interior
engine components.
If you choose not to add the fluid (or have already added the fluid but choose to
run smoke-free), turn off the smoke unit switch located under the water hatch on
the tender (see Fig. 18). Failure either to add fluid to the unit or to turn it off may
damage the smoke unit heating element and/or wick material.
When the smoke output while running the engine begins to diminish, add another
10-15 drops of smoke fluid or turn the smoke unit off.
When storing the unit for long periods of time, you may want to add about 15
drops of fluid to prevent the wick from drying out.
After removing the engine from storage, add another 25 drops of fluid, letting the
wick soak up the fluid for 15 minutes prior to operation.
Add Smoke Fluid
Figure 17
Figure 18
Smoke Unit
ON/OFF Switch
