One of the most iconic elements of any model train set is the smoke that chugs merrily from the chimney. Those who come from hobbyist households might remember begging their parents to let them activate the smoke feature, and some grown-up modelers might now be the ones telling their kids "No" and finally understanding why: the stuff isn't cheap! That is, it's not cheap when you're buying the name-brand products. It's all the more satisfying when you can make it yourself exactly the way you want it - and it means you can use it a little more freely without feeling financially irresponsible.
The good news is this process couldn't be simpler and is a great project for beginners to take on. There's no need to go to the store or scour the internet just to track down an overpriced product and then wait for it to finally be delivered. If you already have the materials at home - and you very well might - you can have a model train proudly spewing clouds of the density and fragrance of your choice in no time.
Quality smoke can do a lot to enhance your other features and effects. Scenery and structures look so much more like the real thing with white wisps drifting around your little world. Lighting has much more of a canvas to paint on when there's smoke hanging in the air. On the whole, the value of model train smoke fluid extends far beyond the smoke itself.
Warning
It's not a good idea to just throw everything and the kitchen sink into your smoke fluid tank. Ignition temperatures and flashpoints are known to vary in unapproved fluids. Such mixtures may also contain additives that aren't only dangerous for your engine, they're also unhealthy to breathe.
While it's fun to add a little bit of excitement to your train set, a miniature explosion or a flaming locomotive - which can easily spread to structures and scenery - is not what most hobbyists are going for. This kind of special effect might be fun for a scene in a Wild West film, but it only takes a few seconds' worth of flame to cause woefully expensive damage.
The fluid used in smoke machines for parties and theater productions is not recommended for model trains. While it will produce smoke, the glycerin-based solution will have a far greater tendency to build up in the system. Unless you want to be hunched over your trains, tearing them apart and attacking them with a pipe cleaner on a regular basis, it's best to just use the right ingredients.
Materials Needed
For the most basic train smoke fluid, there's only one thing you need: mineral oil. If this doesn't sound familiar to you, it's commonly called paraffin oil in the US. This is easily found at any drugstore or most supermarkets as it is commonly marketed as a laxative. This solution is identical to name-brand model train fluid in every way except the price, meaning you can save heaps of money for more modeling projects.
Once you've experienced the joy of using your own thrifty smoke fluid, it might be time to get more creative with it. The main variation you can give to your smoke is the aroma it produces. Some scale model engineers have attempted to change the color of their smoke without much success. For beginner hobbyists, it's best to stick to creating scented smokes and not try anything that's going to permanently damage your engine - or your lungs.
Perfumes work well for scents, as do essential oils like peppermint, lavender, and patchouli. By adding another sensory element to your display, you and anyone else who appreciates it will be fully transported to your miniature world via whatever aroma you choose. You can even blend scents together once you feel you've mastered single-tone scents.
The right aroma is more than just a novelty. If you carefully coordinate the ingredients of your perfumed smoke, it can match the theme of your miniature escape. Peppermint and other types of mint tend to work well for winter wonderlands. Pine and other tree scents are great if you've built a mountainous or woodsy scene.
Making Scented Smoke Fluid
Materials
Mineral Oil
Lidded Wide-Mouth Bottles (2)
Fragrance of Choice
Step 1
Pour a small amount of your scented liquid into one of the bottles. If you're feeling highly scientific, you can use exact measurements. A good starting ratio is one part fragrance to 10 parts mineral oil. It might be a good idea to start off with a small batch of fluid just in case you're unsatisfied with the olfactory results.
Step 2
Add the mineral oil, measuring if desired.
Step 3
Firmly secure the lid and shake the bottle vigorously for at least 10 seconds. This is an opportunity for hobbyists to get a slight arm workout while indulging in their passion without having to buy a Shake Weight.
Step 4
Remove the lid. Carefully pour the mixture from one bottle to the other. Secure the lid on the second bottle. Again, shake until you feel a little warmth in your biceps.
Step 5
Pour the completed mixture into your storage bottle. Once the mix settles, it's all set to hit the rails!
Different mixture ratios will get you varying densities of smoke. Once you've been through the process a few times, it can be fun to start experimenting to see what happens when you make small adjustments to your smoke fluid cocktail.
There's no need to worry if the liquid looks murky and bubbly at first. Once the mix has a chance to settle and the air has all risen to the top, it'll look more like something you're used to. It might take up to two hours for the solution to fully settle so patience is a virtue - as all modelers are already well aware. Once the fluid is clear, it's ready for action.
Testing it Out
Hands down, the most exciting and enjoyable part of this process is the big payoff: when you get to put it in your locomotive and fire it up. When you're making your own smoke fluid, running your model trains can be considered a test or a scientific experiment - as if any hobbyist needs an added excuse to operate their models.
You might consider filming your results so each test can be easily referred back to. You'll quickly develop an archive of footage that can be enjoyed privately or shared with the rich and diverse model-making community online. Sharing with other experienced modelers is the way that many people learn new things about their craft and obtain helpful feedback. Plus, who doesn't love to just be told how amazing their sets and effects are?
Putting in the Fluid
Getting the fluid from your storage container into the train's system can be a messy process if you're not careful and strategic about it. Most hobbyists already know that having shaky hands can make your work a whole lot harder, if not impossible. You can set yourself up for success by using a fine-tipped dropper or a syringe to carefully insert the fluid. If you make sure to have a rag handy, you can quickly take care of any drips or spills. While these oils won't do any damage to your train parts, it's still a good idea to get it off as quickly as possible. Of course, you'll want to unplug the system from electricity before starting this process.
Working on a flat, stable surface with a towel underneath makes this job a lot easier and less nerve-racking. It also keeps the oil away from your carefully crafted and placed features. Oil of all kinds has a tendency to stain so you might want an apron, and it's probably a good idea not to wear your Sunday best.
It usually only takes one or two "accidents" to realize how important it is to be careful in this process. It can either be something that's quick and easy, over in a few minutes, or it can be one that requires a lot of cleanup and causes you a big headache. Being patient and not rushing through this step makes a big difference in the end.
In the event of an overfill, it's best to immediately take your train to the sink to avoid making an even bigger mess of things. For the clumsiest of modelers - which there's absolutely no shame in - it's probably wise to do this whole process at the sink to begin with. If you're not sure of your locomotive's smoke fluid tank size, you can refer to your manual or check online. Otherwise, filling up the tank is a bit of a gamble and requires all the more care, patience, and steady hands.
Alternatives
As mentioned earlier, it's important to always double-check that your ingredients aren't going to harm your train or the people around it. While it might not be everyone's preferred smell, citronella can produce a fine smoke that helps keep the bugs away. This is perfect for garden train setups. Baby oil can also be used. You might be surprised by the number of household items that can produce quality smoke from your model train, but as always, it's important to verify that it's actually safe. Online forums are extremely helpful to get a sense of what people are using.
General Troubleshooting
Online forums are also the perfect resource if you're having problems with your train's smoke; there are countless groups and individuals on the internet who are happy to give personal advice from one modeler to another. They'll often advise you to first check the entire fluid delivery system to ensure there are no clogs or buildups. You can also refer to your kit's manual, either online or the physical copy that came with your set. When in doubt, calling the manufacturer of your models is a surefire way to get reassurance and instructions straight from the horse's mouth.
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