smoke generators

27-05-2004

Can some one explain to me exactly how a smoke generator works. I have good electronics skills and I want to build one myself but need as many details of how they work and are constructed so I can make mine work. Where do I get the oil to put in the generator? Any help gatefully received
Thanks Tony

duncan · 27-05-2004

Hi SupaTeach, Basic, hot wire in oil, not a lot of smoke. Danger level moderate,choice of oil, temperature of wire etc. I`d leave it to the pros, look up Tomahawk system for small boats and trains up to OO guage. Dont use "baby oil". Various chemical and pyrotechnic systems give better smoke. Depending on costs the one to explore is "theatrical" ( & disco ) smoke systems. There is scope for someone to miniaturise, and market,this type. It is safe, breathable, non toxic etc. The world is waiting for YOUR breakthrough . I`ll be your first customer as I`m fed up paying 4 quid for 90 seconds of smoke on my boat (drain pellets, four funnels). Best of luck.

ajg141 · 28-05-2004

I'm using Maplin's fog machine fluid in my sternwheeler. Works OK (but pops a little) and hasn't caused any problems yet. available in 1 litre bottles.

adzam · 28-05-2004

i seen one in scoonie hobbies when i was there yesterday.
it came with oil and was only £22 a very small neat unit .

unfortunately i cannot rememebr the manufacturer

Paul_H · 12-08-2004

Check out the Graupner one in Hobbystores, £12 gets you a very small (10mm x 35mm) unit & oil, fitted one into my corvet, runs for about 15 minutes & is speed related, quicker you go, more smoke.

27-08-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by duncan

Hi SupaTeach, Basic, hot wire in oil, not a lot of smoke. Danger level moderate,choice of oil, temperature of wire etc. I`d leave it to the pros, look up Tomahawk system for small boats and trains up to OO guage. Dont use "baby oil". Various chemical and pyrotechnic systems give better smoke. Depending on costs the one to explore is "theatrical" ( & disco ) smoke systems. There is scope for someone to miniaturise, and market,this type. It is safe, breathable, non toxic etc. The world is waiting for YOUR breakthrough . I`ll be your first customer as I`m fed up paying 4 quid for 90 seconds of smoke on my boat (drain pellets, four funnels). Best of luck.

Duncan I think that you will find that Tomahawk are no longer trading, plus their systems seem to be all for 12 volt.[I have got 2 of them, one large and the small one] and I am not sure how well they will work with 6 volts

George

duncan · 28-08-2004

OOPS ! sorry about old info...I`m really an aeromodeller

. Some of the "smoke" one sees on model boats is pretty poor, mere whisps. What about laying down a smoke-screen with thick black smoke? Pyrotechnics must be the only way to get this. Rescue emergency smoke is great but only in bright orange (also very expensive if not used for saving your life). Plumbers drain test pellets are OK but brief, about 90seconds, and stink of celluloid. My boat only needs the smell of kerosene (gas turbine) with a little smoke only at start-up.

KenP · 28-08-2004

I understand Tomahawk are out of business

duncan · 08-09-2004

Details and info on one mans effort to make a smoke generator can be found on www.warshipmodelsunderway.com Go to "construction articles". Uses Maplins fog fluid.

IainM · 03-11-2004

Try the following link for info on making your own!
http://members.shaw.ca/vmss/tips/smoke.html

Simple but effective.
Regarding the oily stuff, I spoke to a guy at a recent exhibition and he swears by baby oil. The stand sure smelt nice .. and there was a reasonable amount of smoke as well!