User Manual

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Lubrication and Maintenance of the Genesis
TM
4-6-6-4 Challenger
The Genesis
TM
Challenger Locomotive has been
carefully engineered to provide years of trouble free
operation. However, as with all things mechanical, a
small amount of care and maintenance is required to
insure the flawless operation of this fine model. These
simple procedures will provide the necessary informa
-
tion to give you years of trouble-free enjoyment.
Care and Cleaning
Dust and debris are among the leading contribu
-
tors to poor operation of any miniature mechanism. To
maintain the quality performance of your locomotive,
inspection and cleaning should be performed on a regular
basis. A soft bristle brush should be used to remove dust
from the superstructure. The use of soaps, solvents or
detergents is not recommended for this purpose as they
will have a tendency to mar the finish.
When not in use it is recommended that the locomo
-
tive and tender be stored in the protective sleeve in which
it was packed. Also, store the wireless controller in the
locomotive box with the battery removed.
When inspecting the underframe, make sure that all
lint and dust are removed from the back of all wheel sets.
Dirt build up in this area will foul the pick-up wipers and
not allow proper electrical contact, negatively impacting
performance.
Wheel Cleaning
The Genesis
TM
Challenger Locomotive receives
electric power from all drivers as well as eight of the ten-
der wheels from both rails. This, coupled with the long
overall wheelbase, provides for excellent electrical con-
tact. There should be few cases of erratic performance
due to poor contact. However, over time, dirt from the
rails will accumulate on the wheel surfaces and will need
to be removed to assure peak operation. The use of a cot
-
ton swab to apply either alcohol or a good quality track
cleaning solution is recommended. Carefully apply the
solvents, taking care not to spill any on the painted sur
-
faces. Alternatively, either an ink eraser or ‘Bright Boy’
abrasive block can be used to remove dirt deposits by
carefully burnishing the wheel surfaces. When cleaning
the wheels, also remove any dirt build up from the metal sur
-
faces on the back rims of the wheels. This will assure that the
wiper contacts will maintain good contact with the wheels.
Lubrication
This locomotive will arrive pre-lubricated from the
factory and will not need additional lubrication until it
has been run for quite some time. When it comes time
to lubricate the locomotive, use only light weight oil and
gear grease that is plastic compatible. Use a minimum
amount. The plastics used for many of the components,
such as the gears and drive lines, make them inherently
self lubricating. Remember that too much lubrication can
be more detrimental to the locomotive than too little.
The main points of lubrication, and type of lubricant
are as follows:
• Axle bearings on the drivers – light oil
• Armature bearings on the motors – light oil
• Oil light bearings on the worm gear shafts – light oil
• Bearings on the centipede tender wheels – light oil
• Side rods at the crank pins – light oil
• Gear towers – light gear grease
By following the exploded drawings, access to each
of these areas should be easily accomplished. If you are
not comfortable with disassembling this locomotive for
lubrication take it to one of the many Model Railroad
hobby shops that can provide this service.
Smoke Unit Installation
The Genesis
TM
Challenger Locomotive is designed
to accept Seuthe #9 or #10 smoke generator units. These
are not provided with the locomotive and may be added
by the purchaser at their discretion. If it is decided that
smoke units will be installed, carefully follow the instal
-
lation and operating instructions provided by the smoke
unit manufacturer. Genesis does not warranty any defects
in these smoke units or damage that may occur to the
locomotive through their use.
Depending upon the number of smoke stacks on
the locomotive, either one or two smoke units will be
needed to complete installation. Installation is very eas
-
ily accomplished: Slide the smoke unit down the smoke
stack until it engages the electric contacts inside the
boiler. Add a minimal amount of smoke fluid to the unit
and operate the locomotive normally. It may take a short
amount of time when running to heat up the smoke unit
before smoke is produced. This is normal.
Coupler Installation
The Athearn Genesis Challenger model comes with the
swivel coupler installed on the pilot. As on the prototype
engines, you can have the coupler exposed on the pilot,
or swing it around so that the pilot has no coupler in use.
The "coupler" on this part is a dummy (non-operating)
coupler.
An operating coupler can be installed on the pilot. Sim
-
ply unscrew and remove this dummy coupler. Once
removed, you will note that there are two threaded nuts.