Lionel Electric Trains Identification Guide Sub-Title
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This Identification Guide for Lionel Electric Trains covers the "Post-war Era" only from 1945 until 1969.

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Lionel Trains Smoke Pellets No. SP LIONEL TRAINS SMOKE PELLETS No. 196

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Lionel Trains Smoke Pellets No. 196The Smoke Pellets No. 196 was available in 1946 and 1947 and were designed to work exclusively with lamp type smoke units that were installed on the No. 671, 726, and 2020 locomotives. See No. 671 for additional information about these lamps.
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Unlike the SP Pellets, the problem with these pellets is that they decompose. The result was that Lionel put these pellets in a special container with a rubber seal at the top. These containers look like a small lunch pail and the top is held in place by a BLACK oxide finished catch. There is not any identifying Lionel marking on these containers. The only writing that is cast into the top advises the user to: "KEEP TIGHTLY CLOSED." A dealer early classic box that contains twelve of these pellet containers has been found, but is extremely difficult to locate.
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Note: Do not use these pellets in the heat-coil type smoke units. Lionel specifically warns against this because these pellets will attack the nickel chrome heat wire causing this wire to disintegrate. The SP Pellets can be used in a lamp type smoke unit, but performance is poor because the lamp does not generate enough heat to vaporize the SP type pellets.

Side View of the No. 196 Smoke Pellet Container
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Collectors should note that the value of this accessory is tied up mainly in the container. If the correct pellets are present this effectively doubles the value.
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The No. 196 Pellets are prone to fall apart and are fuzzy on the surface. Whereas, the SP Pellets are more substantial and have a smooth surface.
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Collectors should be aware that SP Pellets are frequently substituted and sold as original No. 196 Pellets. Caution is recommended in purchasing this item.

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