Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => Large => Topic started by: bopdoc on May 03, 2010, 10:47:56 AM

Title: Smoke unit replacement
Post by: bopdoc on May 03, 2010, 10:47:56 AM
Anybody have experience replacing the smoke unit in the Spectrum 38-ton Shay? Mine has apparently burned out. My habit was to put 8 or 10 drops of oil in the unit, run it until the smoke appeared to be dwindling (about 5 minutes or so), then add another 8 drops, run it for another few minutes, then shut it off and run the rest of the session without smoke.  I had only done that about 7 or 8 times, being careful not to run it "dry". Do these units tend to burn out this quickly? Does any other company offer a smoke unit that (1) lasts longer, (2) produces larger volumes of smoke, and (3) "pulsates" with the speed of the engine?  Thanks for any help you may offer.
Title: Re: Smoke unit replacement
Post by: NarrowMinded on May 03, 2010, 03:54:31 PM
This issue has come up several times  in the last few months, some times the smoke unit stops working because of a problem with the little tube the Bachmann suggested in the past the use a pencil with eraser to gently push the little tube back down. You can also check
Smoke tips on www.girr.org
NM

Title: Re: Smoke unit replacement
Post by: bopdoc on May 07, 2010, 04:46:12 PM
Thanks,Narrowminded; I tried the eraser trick, but no luck. I think I will have to buy a replacement (not a big deal,only about $10; but the trick will be finding someone to replace it...I am abysmally inept at electronics!)
Title: Re: Smoke unit replacement
Post by: NarrowMinded on May 07, 2010, 06:57:12 PM
I think the hardest part of it will be disassembly and reassembly the replacement should be a simple
pull out and drop in.

NM