18 RailKing 4-6-2 Steam Engine
ProtoSmoke® Unit Operation
This Premier steam locomotive contains a self-powered 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. 12). 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 floor (see Fig. 13).
Failure either to add fluid to the
unit or to turn it off may damage
the smoke unit heating element
and/or wick 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
Add Smoke
Fluid Here
Figure 12
Proto-Smoke
ON/OFF Switch
Figure 13
