Accucraft trains L&B LEW User Manual - page 3
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The direction control is the lever forward of the offside cab door. To operate push
the lever gently inwards and move to the desired direction. The control is “gated”,
and will therefore hold itself in the full forward or reverse position.
Preparation for Running
‘Lew’ is fitted with a water gauge; this allows the driver to keep the model in steam
continuously for longer periods of time. This is done using the Boiler Top-up valve
supplied with your loco. We have only supplied the valve as many customers now
possess a pump bottle. Should you need a pump bottle you should be able to purchase
one from your dealer.
Always service the engine in the following order; first gas, then oil then water.
Although we recommend Butane gas, the system will also work with, and is safe for
Butane/Propane mix gas.
To fill the gas tank: invert the gas can and apply the nipple to the gas inlet valve on
the top of the tank turret. It is advisable to support the loco under the gas tank whilst
filling, to prevent the engine tipping over. You will know when the tank is full; gas
will blow back from the inlet valve in a strong jet. A small amount of gas and air will
escape during filling, but the difference between this and when the tank is full is
always clear. Always keep the gas can vertical when filling the gas tank.
Filling the lubricator: As you will read in the instructions for the end of the run, the
lubricator should be empty of oil and water. Remove the lubricator filler cap. We
have supplied a long tool with a ‘T’ bar handle to aid in the removal of the lubricator
cap; it has a cut out shape in the bottom end which fits over the ‘T’ bar on the
lubricator cap. Fill up the lubricator with steam oil to about ¼ of an inch below the
top. Leave the filler cap off for the present, so that any trapped air can escape. It can
be refitted after you have filled up the boiler.
To fill the boiler: remove the filler cap. Fill up the boiler to about ¾ full – ideally
use filtered rainwater or distilled water using the large syringe provided. Replace the
boiler filler cap, check that the lubricator does not need topping up, and then replace
its filler cap also. Filler caps should be firm finger tight. They are sealed with a
trapped ‘O’ ring and, therefore should not be over-tightened.
Lighting Up
Open the smoke box door; this is done just as on a real locomotive. Hold the outer
lever and un-screw the inner lever anti-clockwise until the outer lever can move
freely. Rotate the outer lever through 90 degrees to allow the inner locking bar to
align with the slots inside the smoke box. Now pull open the door, this could take a
little practice to get used to the particular alignment for your loco. Light your
lighter/match etc. and gently open the gas control valve until a gentle hiss is heard in
the burner. Apply your light into the smokebox and the flame should ‘pop’ down the
fire tube and ignite the burner inside the fire tube.