Water-Based Smoke for Steam Locomotives

curtis

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I stumbled across this video today while browsing YouTube. A very creative approach to adding steam to G Scale locos that I haven't seen before. I may try my hand at it when I get a little more time

 
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Paul M

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Have you thought about live steaming?
 

Degauss

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I stumbled across this video today while browsing YouTube. A very creative approach to adding steam to G Scale locos that I haven't seen before. I may try my hand at it when I get a little more time
Chris Rennie from Loco Remote has developed his version so that it has synchronized chuff and output speed based. Controlled from the Loco Remote unit. Still prototype but maybe include in one of his future loco releases.
 

dunnyrail

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Sounds very interesting, not using the oils will be much better for locomotives but issues of overfilling could still damage internal electrics. My thoughts are to Tank Locomotives predominantly, Tender ones would not work with these ideas.
1 Overflow to the tank so that excess water is deposited to the ballast.
2 Fill via the right place on the tank to the smoke tank, water secure piping and joins to the reservoir.
3 Working water columns on the railway, with 20 minutes duration this could add another interesting facet to operations.
4 Possible drain plug so water not stored in engine during storage.
5 Use soft water only to prevent furring up of components.
 
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Interesting, would like to see more on pulsing it on and off... there was a brief picture of that.

If you proceed, let us know your progress.

Has anyone looked at TRS Trains in the UK?

seems that they are only on Farcebook though:

so looking at the implementation that "puffs" it looks weird because of the way it starts and stops so abruptly... but that response time is great for fast running, where the response time of the typical fan is too slow...

I will have to look into this...

greg
 

The Shed

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Choppercook

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yes I just see this video and will try it, looks good and if it works well will save a lot of money
 

3 minutes of fame

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We used 3 ultrasonic generators to create steam effects on our Great Model Railway Challenge layout. They work very well, but you do need to think about condensation, as once it builds up, the effect will be lost. Short, large chimneys and exhausts are the key, so you need room to mount the generator in the smoke box, and ideally use a small fan to provide the draught.
 
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Choppercook

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Thanks dunnyrail, I have used a smoke genarator made for rc model tanks , they work well and have 2 loco fitted with them and use baby oil,
 

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alcashj94

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Think I've posted these before, fitted one to my Shay using the balloon stack as the reservoir which gives about 5 mins run time.
Not as straight forward as just putting the unit in, you have to sort out a regulated power supply and bypass the switch on the supplied board if you want it to come on when the loco moves. Does give a good steam effect which I think is better than the oil based smokers.
 

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Choppercook

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yes, but all my locos are RC battery power so fit and run from the power to the motor
 

AusrailQLD

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While it's not the best attempt at conversion.
I did have a go at installing these Mist units into Two Stainz Locomotives.


Sadly due to the limited space of the funnel.
You really only get about 5 to 7 minutes of decent 'Steam' effect before it runs out.
 
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Choppercook

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yes that what I use and have a little pot of water in the boiler of the lock and can have mist as long as I need
 

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