Accucraft trains L&B LEW User Manual - page 2
2
General Hints
As with all operating machinery, whether model or full size, wear will occur. In the
model steam locomotive much can be done to help prolong its life and decrease the
amount of time required in the workshop for servicing.
Keep the engine as clean as possible, and the motion free from dirt and garden debris.
The valve gear, axles and crank pins should be oiled sparingly with light oil, e.g. “3-
in -1 Oil”. Over-oiling attracts dirt and grit, which will increase wear.
Regularly check that all screws and motion bolts are firm. Do not over-tighten, as
this strips threads and shears bolts. When filling the lubricator, always use a high
temperature steam oil; this is available from your dealer. FAILURE TO USE
THE CORRECT GRADE OF OIL CAN LEAD TO BLOCKED STEAM
PIPES, AND WILL INVALIDATE THE GUARANTEE.
When running your engine avoid excessive speed and acceleration, both will cause
premature wear in the valve gear. Prototypically, narrow gauge locomotives ran at a
speed of between 10 and 20 M.P.H., and never exceeded 25 M.P.H.
Positions of Fillers and Drains etc.
The cab roof lifts up then tilts over sideways to give access to all fillers.
The gas inlet valve is in the front near side corner of the cab, at the top of the gas
tank turret. The gas control valve is attached to the filler turret, and can be operated
through the left hand cab doorway.
The lubricator is in the offside of the cab, by the burner. The filler cap has a “T” bar
in it to aid removal. The waste water is removed at the end of the run with the small
syringe supplied with the small piece of plastic tube fitted. To drain, you must make
sure there is no residual steam pressure in the steam line between the lubricator and
the cylinders, as this could result in a steam blow back when the cap is removed.
Close the steam regulator and put the loco into gear, this should allow any left-over
steam to escape through the cylinders. Remove the cap, use the syringe suck out all
condensed water and refill with the correct grade steam oil, and then replace the cap.
The boiler water filler is on top of the steam turret on the boiler in the middle of the
cab. Undo the knurled cap to fill with water. As the loco is supplied with a Boiler
Filler Cap, change the original brass topped cap with the one supplied loose with the
loco. This one has a non return valve on the underside and is used when filling the
boiler when in steam. The main steam regulator valve is the valve on the rear of the
boiler-filling turret with the steel handle attached.