Lionel/MTH has it right…

4dogsinjersey
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Lionel/MTH has it right… Nov 10, 2021 20:08:28 GMT Country Joe and JKP like this

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Post by 4dogsinjersey on Nov 10, 2021 20:08:28 GMT

Most diesel locomotives put out fairly clean exhaust. Most often it isn’t really visible, contrary to our Lionel and MTH diesels, that have operating smoke.

Well, here is example of a real diesel mimicking a Lionel locomotive…

This particular engine is a PL42 with a EMD prime mover. The smoke is due to one of the 16 cylinders being out of adjustment and pushing unburned fuel through the hot exhaust stack…

Tom

Last Edit: Nov 10, 2021 20:08:54 GMT by 4dogsinjersey

Country Joe
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Lionel/MTH has it right… Nov 10, 2021 22:11:27 GMT

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Post by Country Joe on Nov 10, 2021 22:11:27 GMT

Tom, does this mean that when we use smoke in our O gauge diesels they represent engines that are having engine problems?

Whenever I see engines running there is usually no smoke or visible exhaust. That's why I don't use smoke in my diesels. It just doesn't look right to me.

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4dogsinjersey
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Lionel/MTH has it right… Nov 11, 2021 7:04:12 GMT Country Joe likes this

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Post by 4dogsinjersey on Nov 11, 2021 7:04:12 GMT

That basically the idea Joe.

I don’t think the model companies are trying to emulate poor running diesels, but rather add to the “action” factor. I too don’t care for too much smoke coming from diesels unless they are Alcos or to a lesser extent, GE locomotives, both which smoke noticeably when starting up from idle.

Steam engines are a natural for smoke.

But, to each their own. It is a option we all have, no matter which we choose…

Tom