Carrier catapult with real steam. Any ideas?

Has anyone suggested a vaping device?  I have noticed users emit enormous plumes of vapor.  I don't know if you have to suck on it to activate it.

I have seen modelers in Japanese mags use aquarium tubing and their ever-presesnt cigarette to blow smoke for their Godzilla kits.

Not trying to promote smoking, but the vape device might work.

KnightTemplar5150

You may want to lend some consideration to using one of those cans of airbrush propellant to create the effect. When the can is held upside down, the gas leaving the can creates a vapor that looks similar to smoke or steam. The practical effects guys out of Hollywood have used the technique for decades in filming miniatures for films and television to simulate rocket and jet exhaust, like the "Eagle" from Space:1999. Pretty sure there's a YouTube clip out there which shows the rig one of those builders used to hold four cans of propellant and the surgical tubing they used to route the vapor to the model's exhaust system.

 

Sounds very interesting, but also quite large. My plan is to have all of the vapor creating machinery inside the diorama itself so I can transport it to conventions as well. but I will definetly look that video up on youtube because movie special effects are always very interesting.

Sailing_Dutchman

You could try an ultrasonic vaporizer. There is no heat and they are quite cheap.

 

I will definetly have a look at that, thanks for the idea.

You may want to lend some consideration to using one of those cans of airbrush propellant to create the effect. When the can is held upside down, the gas leaving the can creates a vapor that looks similar to smoke or steam. The practical effects guys out of Hollywood have used the technique for decades in filming miniatures for films and television to simulate rocket and jet exhaust, like the "Eagle" from Space:1999. Pretty sure there's a YouTube clip out there which shows the rig one of those builders used to hold four cans of propellant and the surgical tubing they used to route the vapor to the model's exhaust system.

You could try an ultrasonic vaporizer. There is no heat and they are quite cheap.

This is most likely what i am going to do. I found some of those smoke generators online as well so i might get one in a metal capsule so it doesnt ruin the plastic or whatever im going to make the base out of. Im not really a fan of the cotton and dry ice ideas. I want a more permanent solution.

I would do this.

      Find an operable but abused Lionel train engine that still has a working steam ( Smoke) generator. Remove the hardware and build a metal casing for it to stand off from the plastic. Remember it is a heating element! This should work. I used to blow Talc through a tube like Shep Paine did when photographing the model.Then I discovered Powdered Sugar. Sure tasted better!

If you are willing to go without the motion, I have pulled cotton out to make a pretty authentic look for steam vapor from early steam engines.

If you're looking for something permanent, try cotton...

Agree with FOX regarding a model railroad smoke generator unit

Seuthe - Smoke Generator - Chimney-Ready for Model Buildings - 667-117E (walthers.com)

But, in addition to the sparse smoke which may be produced, there may be issues with the deposition on the model surfaces of oily residues from the smoke oil which is burned short of combustion.

Hey, another alternate may be dry ice & water.

My . I think that the smoke generators used in the model railroad set-ups would work fine. Might be a little sparse but it would work. Depending on the size of the base, it could all be tucked away in there with switch hidden in the top or on the sides of the base. Doesn't generate much heat either.

Hope that this helps.

Jim 

Stay Safe.

GMorrison

Shep used cigar smoke that he blew through a tube when he took his photos.

 

Bill

 

That is a nice way of doing it. yet I dont smoke and I am kind of looking for a more permanent way of doing it. I like the idea though. Thanks for the reply.

Shep used cigar smoke that he blew through a tube when he took his photos.

Bill