Maintenance
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. 3). 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 (see Fig. 4).
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.
Figure 3. Add Smoke Through the Smokestack
Figure 4. Smoke Unit On/Off Switch
Add Smoke Fluid
Premier H-10 2-8-0 Consolidation Steam Locomotive
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