Fred,

If I read correctly, you are using this locomotive in analog operation. If that's the case, you won't be able to use the smoke unit. You need to use digital control to turn on the smoke on this model, it is controlled by the (mfx) decoder. Most digital locomotives from Marklin will run under analog control, the decoder is "smart" enough to know it's being run analog and responds accordingly. However, while the loco will run in analog mode, most of the functions will not work (sound, telex, smoke, etc). I say most, because headlights will work under analog operation on newer decoders (such as the one this model has).

Unfortunately, you will need a digital controller (6021, MS, MS2, CS, CS2, etc) to use the smoke function. Attached is a list of functions that will be available depending on the controller used. MS2 would be the cheapest controller that would allow all the functions on this loco.

It may be possible to re-wire the loco to allow smoke to work in analog operation, but I am not sure. I am also not sure if this is a good idea, but others can probably address both parts of this concern if you are interested.

I have the same challenge, I ended up setting my layout up so I could switch between analog control and digital control (MS2). My preference was to not convert my analog locomotives, but without having the MS2 available I couldn't get the most out of my newer digital models.

-Brandon

Fred,

No problem. Delta loks that support smoke may work in analog operation, Tom will probably respond with a more detailed answer. The Delta loks will also run under analog or "digital" control, but it will require opening the loco and changing dip switches on the Delta decoder to switch between the two, so probably choose one or the other. The Delta loks run well under analog control in my experience.

You could also fit a smoke generator in an analog steam loc, if you have any. Most of them will accept it, 3082, 3084, 3085, etc.

-Brandon

Tom,

Thanks for correcting me again. I made an assumption, but I didn't even read the product description (whoops).

As you point out, it clearly says "The headlights are maintenance-free, warm white LEDs. The triple headlights change over with the direction of travel. The headlights and the smoke generator, which can be installed in the locomotive, will work in conventional operation and can be controlled digitally."

-Brandon