Thanks, David.   Great idea

Thanks, David.   Great idea that even sounds easy enough for me to do.  I'll definitely try this.

Questions

I really like the way that smoke looks, and it definitely makes the layout come alive.  I found myself wondering two things, though.

1. How does it work with overhead obstructions, such as bridges, tunnels, roundhouse doors, etc.?
2. How well would this translate into a larger scale, such as HO?

I may have to try some experiments!

That's Smokin'

Reminded me of Nick Muff's (MRH mag Aug. 2011) hobo camp and the power plant.

From the Aug. 2011 issue, figure 25:

[attach:fileid=93690_29_u6i+1rtaaPW29+p//9k=]

The above was apparently done with the lights dimmed. From the video with the room lit normally:

Nick also uses a Seuthe smoke generator in his model of the power house:

The Seuthe smoke generators are available from many modeling/hobby suppliers and also on Ebay. The manufacturers web site is:

http://www.seuthe-dampf.de

There is a US map as a link to translate, but the link is "broken".

E-cigarette

  I still want to try on of those crazy electronic cigarettes as a smoke/steam generator.  Not sure if you would need a small fan or if it would rise by itself.

Real smoke

Smoke generators output

I do agree with Joe's precaution about introducing particulates into the train room environment. It is something to give serious thought. I was a tobacco smoker for over 55 years with a habit of more than 1 pack of cigarettes up to 2 packs daily. I was introduced to the E-cigarette three years ago and have used it exclusively since then. I expect there are some particulates in the environment when I use an E-cigarette; however it is almost unnoticeable - definitely less that a tobacco cigarette. My track does not seem to have been affected by the E-cigarette use, but I do believe the smoking of tobacco had gummed up the track some.

Many of the "smoke" generators do not produce smoke - instead they produce primarily water vapor (much like the white clouds emitted from steam engines). There is a chemical added to the "smoke" generator fluid to make the vapor using a lower temperature. This chemical is more like a catalyst than a principle ingredient. The catalyst is most often Propylene Glycol or Glycerin - either one often used in cosmetics and some foods in small amounts. The fog machines used on theatrical and cinematic productions use the same principle. I am not sure of the principle used by the Seuthe products.

It may be valuable in this concern to find any information from Dr. Nick Muff as to his experience in the use of the Seuthe "smoke" generator used in his power plant.

E-cigarette

I have thought about using the E-cigarettes to generate smoke. one of my workers opened a E-cigarette and we took a look inside.  You would need to devise some way to push/pull air through a tube. Maybe put the cylinders to actual use on a steam loco. There is an LED that can be salvaged from E-cigarettes also.

@robteed

I would be interested in the results of your experimentation. I have disassembled these devices (2 or three different types). They all use a small heater, the life of which varies. Those designed with the heater integral to the cartridge have a short life heater - I have successfully replenished some with appropriate smoke fluid, but the heaters eventually fail. There are (were) other models where the heater (vaporizer) was a separate component and those lasted much longer - maybe 2 to 4 months. Disassembly is messy, primarily due to their being mass-produced.

If you are interested in using this type of smoke generator, I would suggest you buy a small model of the Seuthe. They are available from a number of popular internet hobby suppliers and also on EBay. I would think that converting an E-cigarette with appropriate controls and power would be more difficult that investing in the Seuthe product.

E-cigarette

I was under the impression that they work strictly from water, Not using smoke oil.???? If they need oil to produce the smoke then I might not be two keen on them. Its as Joe say's, not fun having to clean residue off track.

@robteed

Yes, Rob, that is what is claimed as a promotion. The percentage of propylene glycol or glycerin is quite small, the main ingredient and content in the vapor is water. There is also some flavoring added to make the water vapor taste similar to tobacco smoke. Some have a vanilla, cherry or menthol flavor - depends on the users choice. The amount of the flavoring and the catalyst of propylene glycol or glycerin is very small compared to the volume of water vapor. Most of the non-water ingredient stays in the e-cigarette and is replenished with fresh content. Most models have replaceable cartridges, so the residue is not around for long.

As I stated earlier, the amount of "oil" (propylene glycol or glycerin) is so small that I have not noticed any deposits from it for over two years of use (use of the e-cigarette). There is some slight lingering of odor, not anywhere near the strength of the smoke from cigarettes.

Makin Smoke

Great idea David.  I tried your smoke idea on my HO loco's and they look great.  I know I could use the Seuth Smoke Generators but they have outpriced themselves for my income bracket.  Thanks for sharing.

leon

smoke!

Ha ha! This piece reminded me of something that happened over 10 years ago! I had a passenger train (HO empire Builder) and had glued a small piece of white cotton wisping out of the steam generator vent. One evening I took it to run on the club layout. One of the older fellows saw it, and not knowing it was intentional, reached over and took it off!Ah, the memories! now I am an "older fellow!" but still railroading! John Colley, Port Townsend, WA

Ha!

No matter what Idea you have down't club, someone will want to 'improve' on it.

Definitely see a use

Dave's smoke/steam looks great and I definitely will try it on a couple of building models I have in mind.  It works well for taking pictures of steam locos, but I am thinking it's not really intended to be left in place while operating thru bridges and tunnels.