Cleaning the Wheels, Tires and Track
Periodically check the locomotive wheels and pickups
for dirt and buildup, which can cause poor electrical
contact and traction and prematurely wear out the
neoprene traction tires. Wheels and tires can be
cleaned using denatured (not rubbing) alcohol applied
with a cotton swab.
To clean the track, use RailKing Track Cleaning Fluid
and a clean rag or denatured (not rubbing) alcohol.
Unplug the transformer and wipe the rails of the track,
turning the rag frequently to ensure that you are using
clean cloth on the rails. Because the manufacturing
process leaves a coating on RealTrax center rail, you should clean the rails after the first
30 minutes of use (you may notice an electrical smell during initial use as the coating
wears off; this is normal). Thereafter, keep an eye on the track and clean it when it gets
dirty to ensure good electrical contact and to lengthen the life of the tires.
Traction Tire Replacement Instructions
Your locomotive is equipped with two neoprene rubber traction tires on the rear set of
flanged drivers. While these tires are extremely durable, you may need to replace them at
some point.
®
ProtoSmoke Unit Operation
This steam locomotive contains a smoke unit that outputs smoke through the smokestack
on the boiler of the engine. The smoke unit is essentially a small heating element and
wick that soaks up and then heats a mineral oil-based fluid that emits a harmless smoke.
The smoke is then forced out of the stack by a small electric fan.
With a few easy maintenance steps, you should enjoy trouble-free smoke unit operation
for years.
!
When preparing to run this engine, add 15-20 drops of smoke fluid through the
smokestack. We recommend M.T.H. ProtoSmoke, Seuthe, LGB, or LVTS fluids (a
small pipette of ProtoSmoke fluid is included). Do not overfill the unit or the fluid
may leak out and coat the interior engine components.
!
Remove the side rods (the rods that connect each drive wheel to the other) from
the wheels in order to slip the new tire over the grooved drive wheel. These bolts
can be loosened with a 5mm nutdriver.
!
Clean the groove using a cotton swab and denatured alcohol.
!
Make sure the old tire has been completely removed from the groove in the drive
wheel, using a razor blade or small flathead screwdriver to pry away any remains.
!
Clean the groove using a cotton swab and denatured alcohol.
!
Slip the new tire onto the wheel. You may find it useful to use two small flathead
screwdrivers to stretch the tire over the wheel.
!
If you twist the tire while stretching it over the wheel, you will need to remove and
reinstall the tire. Otherwise your engine will wobble while operating.
!
Make sure the tire is fully seated inside the groove. Use a razor blade to trim away
any excess tire that doesn't seat itself inside the groove properly.
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RailKing 6-8-6 Bantam Turbine Steam Passenger Set with Proto-Sound® 2.0
