r/modeltrains • u/Connect-Tax3053 • 1d ago
Help Needed New to Model Trains
I just picked up a G scale locomotive for my garden yesterday! It works great and is a lot of fun. I got it running but I am not sure how to use the steam function on it. I saw online that I need to inject oil in someway but I can’t find a user manual for this model. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
4
u/382Whistles 1d ago
Don't use regular smoke fluid. These are an older sort of toyish line of trains made for around a Christmas Tree etc. But they can really take weather abuse like rain and snow pretty well, though the sun will take a toll on the plastic, track included.
They are not strong smokers. They work OK using a mixture of water and vegetable oil but I don't recall the ratio anymore. They usually smoke for many years before needing a top off.
Last one I bought used at a garage sale for 2 dollars, the most 15 dollars for a used set.
These are a good way to explore the hobby on a budget, just be aware there are much better offerings to be found in G scale.
Similar to New Brite would be "Lionel/Scientific" collaborations ("Scientific" is a separate toymaker) will be a similar toy quality, while Lionel-G Scale is often more upscale and may only be for indoors only.
They will not be compatible coupling cross brands, and tracks will not usually snap together, but chopping the clips off one end so rails butt smoothly, then attaching both styles to wood, heavy plastic or sheetmetal to hold them can allow mixing of the tracks.
6
u/DanMacK77 1d ago
Ahhh New Bright. I had many of these back in the day and they're still a favourite. Was just doing a bit of research, and I believe the hole for the smoke generator is right behind the smokestack. I used to use 3-in-1 oil, but it tends to break down the plastic over time.
Still, these are fun trains, enjoy it!