whats the best fluid to use in the smoker units?

michael didonato · Post by **michael didonato** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 5:24 pm

just got it installed..i used liquid fog for a smoke machine..it didnt work..so can someone suggest what to use

leesellars · Post by **leesellars** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 7:42 pm

Hello Michael

Just use Johnsons Baby oil.

Lee

Paul Wills · Post by **Paul Wills** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 9:08 pm

Hi Guys,

Baby oil doesnâ€™t smell right though, try diesel, it gives you that oily engine smell.

Paul

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clive Lockwood · Post by **clive Lockwood** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 10:00 pm

always use paraffin myself, and not blown my tank up yet lol, gives good thick white smoke.

Richie Wignall · Post by **Richie Wignall** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 10:03 pm

hi paul

your putting the baby oil in the wrong place

i used liquid parrifin with baby oil mix.

richie

Allan Richards · Post by **Allan Richards** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 10:37 pm

I use a mixture of baby oil and smoke fluid but basically anything that is fairly liquid and oily will do - but not too flamable!!!. I don't fancy diesel though as that stuff smells and gets everywhere.

Martin Cohen · Post by **Martin Cohen** » Tue Oct 21, 2008 2:35 am

For my own use I have been editing and expanding the "Armortek Late Tiger Effects Pack instructions" document. Regarding the Smoke Unit section it now reads:

"The liquid can be baby oil (JOHNSON'SÂ®) or a dissolved paraffin mixture. Commercial smoke fluids are often a blend of triethylene glycol with purified and demineralised water; these are often odorless (though some are scented), are non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-flammable. Commercial smoke fluids are marketed for model train and theater stage applications, but those sold for stage are often sold only in large volumes. Suitable smoke fluids include those by: Bachmann, Lionel, Mega-Steam, MTH.

Avoid oil-based solutions since although they may offer a good appearance, these entail much more clean-up effort, and risk staining the model and its surrounds."

Incidentally, on eBay I found some scented smoke fluids for sale including one claiming to simulate Diesel exhaust however, I have not tried it.

And on cleaning a Smoke Unit:

"After operation it is best to clean out the remaining solution and residue in the system otherwise this can promote growth of bacteria, or with some blends, staining. To clean you may fill and flush the Smoke Unit with distilled water, or mix a solution of one (1) part vinegar to four (4) parts distilled water to clean the system, turn on the heater and drive the vehicle so that the fan will flow the vapor through the entire system"

Hope this gives some hints of how to start, and maybe for experimenting.

michael didonato · Post by **michael didonato** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 2:45 am

..im gonna try the baby oil first..and then try different mixes to see what works best..thanks again