Maintenance
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions
The engine should be well oiled and greased in order to run properly.
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” below. Do not over-oil. Use only a
drop or two on each pivot point.
DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
RailKing 4-8-8-4 Big Boy Steam Engine
34
Figure 7: Lubricating the Locomotive
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. 9
3. Remove the Phillips screws (marked “GREASE” (Fig. 9)) and the gearbox cover
screws.
4. Use a grease tube dispenser to put a small amount (approx. 1-2 ml.) of lithium-based
grease into the gearbox and axles.
5. 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. 9.
Lubricate Pick Up Roller Axles (L)
Lubricate All Wheel Axles (L)
Lubricate Side Rollers (L)
Lubricate Pivot Point (L)
