16
Proto-Smoke Unit Operation
This locomotive contains a smoke unit that outputs smoke through the smokestack on
the boiler 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. 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 figure ). We
recommend M.T.H. ProtoSmoke, Seuth, LGB, or LVTS
fluids (a small pipette of ProtoSmoke fluid is included).
Do not over fill 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 tender body.
(see figure ) Failure to either add fluid to the unit or to
turn it off may damage the smoke unit heating
element and/or wicking material.
When the smoke output while running begins to
diminish, add another 10-15 drops of smoke fluid or
turn the smoke unit off.
When storing the unit for extended 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.
If you experience poor or no smoke output when the
smoke unit is on and has fluid, check the wick to see
if it has become hard, blackened, and non-absorbent
around the heating element. Remove 2 end bracket
screws to gain access to the smoke unit. Remove the
smoke unit from the boiler. Remove the smoke unit
inspection cover from the smoke unit’s body. (see
figure ) After removing the chassis and inspection cover screws, lift the inspection plate
away and inspect the wick. If it is darkly discolored and hard, it should be replaced.
You can obtain replacement wicks and instructions from the M.T.H. Parts Department.
Add Smoke Fluid
Smoke Inspection Cover Screws
On/Off Smoke Switch
Figure 13: Add Smoke Fluid
Figure 14: Smoke Switch
Figure 15: Smoke Unit Inspection Cover
Premier Shay Steam Locomotive
