Replacing Smoke Unit on Bachmann 2-6-2

[tintojim]

I have a Prairie 2-6-2 that is now longer making smoke.  How difficult is it to replace the smoke unit, and is there a problem running this on a DCC vs. standard DC layout?  The loco is about 1 1/2 years old, and I was using it on DC until February of this year when I switched to a DCC controller.  Everything seemed to work well for awhile, but the last couple of times I've run the unit it hasn't made smoke.

Is there an issue with running the smoke unit on DCC, or do I just have a smoke unit that's rung down the curtain and joined the choirs eternal?

[richardl]

Just a guess. DCC on the track is always at full voltage. Approximately 12 to 13 VAC. The smoke unit might be burnt out. When run on DC, rarely reaches full voltage.
In case you do not have it. Here is the diagram.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/56501.pdf

Below is the smoke unit in Parts.
http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_68_212&products_id=1706

I have opened this loco. It did not have the smoke unit. Easy to open.

Rich

[tintojim]

Thanks for the info - somewhat what I suspected, but thought I'd check first.  Just ordered a replacement, so we'll see how it goes.  Probably need to keep the reservoir full if it's on the DCC track.

[richardl]

From what I can see, you have to separate the frame halves. No idea if just enough to remove and install the new smoke unit or complete disassembly.

Here is a suggestion from SoundTraxx.

http://www.soundtraxx.com/manuals/Tech_note%2014.pdf

Notice, you can send the wire from the generator and relay to the frame halves or connect to the motor4 leads IF the decoder can handle the generator current. That way, the generator does not get full voltage but maybe not as much smoke. Never used a smoke generator.
You will need electrical knowledge and know how much current the generator draws, including motor, lights current requirements. More for advanced users.

Rich

[ACY]

My advice would have been to not bother replacing the smoke unit as more than likely the DCC will cause the smoke unit to burn out or otherwise fail sooner rather than later, and leaving a DC locomotive idle on a track with a DCC signal is just asking for trouble, and extensive running can cause the locomotive to cease to function properly in many cases.