12 Premier 4-6-4 Empire State Express
Maintenance
The engine should be well oiled and greased in order to run properly.
You should regularly lubricate all side rods, linkage components and
pickup rollers to prevent them from squeaking. Use light household oil
and follow the lubrication points marked “L” in Fig. 5. Do not
over-oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.
DO NOT
OVER OIL
Lubricate Pick Up Rollers (L)
Lubricate Side Rods and Linkage (L) (Both Sides)
Lubricate Axle Bushings (L)
Lubricate Axle Bushings (L)
Figure 5: Lubricating The Chassis
The locomotive’s internal gearing was greased at the factory and should not need
additional grease until after 50 hours of operation or one year, whichever comes first. To
access the gear box and axles, do the following:
1. Turn the engine upside down.
2. Remove the boiler by removing the body mounting screws shown in Fig. 6
3. Remove the Phillips screw (marked “GREASE”) located at each set of wheels (Fig. 6).
3. Use a grease tube dispenser to put a small amount (approx. 1-2 ml.) of lithium-based
grease into the gearbox and axles.
4. Replace the screws and reassemble the boiler.
You should also grease the leading and trailing locomotive truck tongues to enhance their
ability to slide on the chassis. Follow the grease points shown on Fig. 6.
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions
