11
RailKing SW-1500 Diesel Engine
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 as well as prematurely
wear out the neoprene traction tires. Wheels and tires can be cleaned using
denatured alcohol (not rubbing alcohol), which can be found in home
improvement stores, applied with a cotton swab.
Occasional cleaning of the track will also help to ensure good electrical
contact and to prolong the life of your engine’s tires. To clean the track, use a
clean rag and denatured alcohol (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.
1. Remove the Phillips screws from the chassis, as seen in Figure 3 , then lift
the body away from the chassis. Access the front screw through the hole in
the front pilot.
2. Remove the truck blocks from the chassis by unscrewing the black Phillips
motor mount screw on the bottom of each truck block, as shown in Figure 3.
3. Once the motor mount screw has been removed, pull the motor away from
the truck block and lightly coat the motor worm gear and bronze drive gear (in
the truck block) with grease.
4. Reassemble the truck and motor, being careful not to pinch any wires
between the truck block and motor mount.
5. Repeat the procedure for the other motor and truck
6. Reassemble the chassis and body, being careful that the wires are not caught
between the body and chassis, as this can lead to a short that may damage the
electronics beyond repair.
It is also a good idea to lubricate the outside truck block idler and drive gears
with grease occasionally. Add grease to the points marked with “G” in Figure
3.
