How to re-wick an MTH Engine or Locomotive

Often times when you purchase a new MTH engine or locomotive the wick, which ships with the unit, has dried out. This is NOT an MTH problem.

In order to keep your locomotive puffing away you have two options. First, saturate the wick through the shell. If this doesn't work, you may need to take your unit to the backshop for repair.

Once on the table, the second way is to open the shell and open the smoke unit to saturate the existing wick. It just happens. The manual from your locomotive addresses how to take off the shell and access the smoke unit.

If the wick is charred, you will have to replace wick entirely. No worries, it is easy to do. I've re-wicked all of my steam and diesel locomotives. And they all smoke great!

This video will show you how.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• MTH
• SD
• 70
• M-2
• Norfolk
• Southern
• Locomotive
• Engine
• Diesel
• Steam
• Toy
• Trains
• Hobby
• Maintenance.

[MartyInLa]

Great audio commentary, but it looks like you videoed this during the San Francisco earthquake. Plus, your focus leaves much to be desired. Still, good video, thanks.

[KBurkitt2]

I shot this with a Flip camera . I know the focus is a bit out, but it is what it is. Thanks for commenting.

[KBurkitt2]

I've found the wicks at the local hardware store, but you can buy them at the Christmas shop as well. I haven't tried re-wicking a Lionel engine; however, I would imagine that it would be the same process as well.

[KBurkitt2]

Your welcome. I make a point to re-wick my engines at least 3 times a year. Especially if they have been sitting for a month or more.

[MthRailFanatic]

Great Advice! Were Can You Get Tiki Wick? Will This Work For Lionel Engines To?

[Yank2304]

This is a great video - I have had a a S-2 Alco LIRR engine that has not smoked right from the start - mostly my fault - I forgot to prime it and im certain it is charred. I actually figured out today how to re wick a steamer, and realized from this video that the diesel is the same thing - however, it is a Premier engine and the shell is really hard to come off - thanks so much for this, you have helped me out very much

[JERRYR708]

Thumbs Up and favorite.

[KBurkitt2]

When you insert the MTH wicking between the coils, the wick will char within two running hours. By saturating the new wick, you are able to have consistent smoke for hours on end.

If you watch the video again, you will see that I raise a small portion of the wick to barely touch the bottom of the coils.

Properly wetting the wick saves over heating and burning out.

[KBurkitt2]

Operators should understand that as less smoke comes out of the stack, more fluid may be needed and or a new wicking may be in order.

Give it a try

[KBurkitt2]

I re-wick my engines at least twice a year and they all smoke great.

Even better, this method causes spill over that makes my steam engines look super realistic.