Protosmoke® Unit Operation - Lionel Tinplate 392 Steam Locomotive Operator's Manual

ProtoSmoke® Unit Operation
This Tinplate locomotive contains a Proto-Sound 2.0
controlled 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. Above). 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 tender (see page
4). 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. To do this, you will need to remove the boiler and
smoke unit inspection cover from inside the locomotive's body (follow the
disassembly instructions on page 12). Once freed from the boiler, remove the
smoke unit inspection cover screws (see
below), lift the inspection plate away and
inspect the wick. If it is darkly discolored
and hard, it should be replaced.
Replacement parts and wick replacement
instructions are available directly from the
M.T.H. Parts Department
(Order online: www.mth-railking.com,
e-mail: parts@mth-railking.com,
Fax: 410-423-0009, Phone: 410-381-2500,
Mail: 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive,
Columbia MD 21046-1532, ).
16 Tinplate 392 Steam Locomotive
Add Smoke Fluid
Filling The Smoke Unit
Inspection Cover
Screws
Inspecting the Smoke Unit Wick