12
RailKing L-1 Mikado Steam Engine
ProtoSmoke
®
Unit Operation
This steam 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 Fig. 4). We recommend M.T.H.
ProtoSmoke, Seuthe, LGB, or LVTS fluids (a
small pipette of ProtoSmoke fluid is included).
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 engine body (see Fig. 5).
Failure either to 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 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.
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
unabsorbent around the heating element. Remove
Add Smoke Fluid
Through Smokestack
Figure 4. Add Smoke Fluid
Proto-Smoke
ON/OFF Switch
Figure 5. Smoke Switch
Inspection
Cover Screws
Figure 6. Smoke Unit
Inspection Cover
