Accucraft trains D&RGW K37 2-8-2 User manual

D&RGW K37 2-8-2
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
33268 Cental Avenue
Union City, CA 94587
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.accucraft.com
Copyright 2006

Instruction Manual -D&RGW K-37 Electric Instruction Manual -D&RGW K-37 Electric
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Prototype Information:
In 1928 and 1930 the D&RGW rebuilt ten standard gauge C-41 class 2-8-0
consolidations into 2-8-2 K-37 class Mikados. At the time, both the standard
gauge and narrow gauge portions of the D&RGW railroad demanded more
and larger motive power so it made perfect sense to rebuild small standard
gauge locos that were limited in use into powerful narrow gauge locos,
rather than buying new. The numbers #490 through #495 were built in
1928, while numbers #496 through #499 were built in 1930.
The railroad purchased new frames from Baldwin Locomotive Works and
used as much of the old 1902 Baldwin-built consolidations as possible.
Boilers were used after a rebuilding, smoke boxes were extended, cabs
were rebuilt, tenders were lowered etc. Interestingly although new lower
profile tender truck bolster were used the axles were left at their standard
gauge length with the narrow gauge wheels spaced towards the center of
a long axle. The resultant locomotive was quite large; in fact it became the
largest of the D&RGW narrow gauge locomotives with a tractive effort of
approximately 37,000 pounds.
Happily only two of the class numbers #490 and #496 were dismantled. The
rest were either put on display or eventually found their way to the Durango
and Silverton Railroad, or the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway.

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General information About
Accucraft K-37 Model:
This accurately detailed model is
constructed of brass and stainless
steel. A large Pittman gearhead
motor powers all eight drivers
through a metal gear box and the
side rods. The museum quality
finish and lettering represents
this locomotive as it would
have looked in the early 1950’s.
Your locomotive and tender are
electrically connected via a twelve-
prong plug.
This plug takes the place of the
usual “wireless drawbar” that has
traditionally been found on metal
locomotive models. The drawbar
on this model is just what its name
implies, a drawbar only. Both
locomotive and tender units have
carbon brush pickups on both rails
to insure reliable operation when
using track power.
Your K-37 comes with Accucraft’s
new scale couplers. These operate
much the same as the prototype,
and they are scaled from D&RGW
photos and drawings. They can
be activated as on the prototype,
from both the top and bottom of
the coupler. These couplers are
made of a plastic material, and will
allow you to double head your K-
37 with another metal locomotive
without incurring any short-circuit
problems.
Disassembly of this large
and complex model is not
recommended. However, if
absolutely necessary, the 1.6mm
hex bolts can be turned with a nut
driver sized for US 00-90.
Please take care in lifting this
large and heavy model. It is
recommended that the locomotive
be picked up by carefully grasping
it under the frame on both ends.
K37 Electrical Diagram

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Technical Specifications:
Scale: 1/20.3, 45 mm Gauge
Minimum Radius: 1.2M (48 inch)
Power: 0-24V D, Pittman gear head motor
Weight: 28.5 lbs (12.94kg)
Locomotive Information:
Length: 26 inches (660.4 mm)
Width: 6.25 inches (158-75 mm)
Height: 8.0 inches (203.2 mm)
Tender Information:
Length: 16 inches (406.4 mm)
Width: 6.25 inches (158.75mm)
Height: 8 inches (203.2mm)
Recommended radius: 117.5 mm, 461/4 inches (LGB 1600)*
Recommended clearance: 3 inches from rail*
*Be sure to leave at least 3”clearance (measured from the inner rail) on the
46-1/4 inch radius curve to allow for overhang.
The following parts are packaged separately
-M2 hex head screws
-M2 hex head screw driver
Caution!
This model is an accurate replica of the original locomotive. It has sharp
and moving parts. The locomotive drive rods are stainless steel with sharp
edges.
OPERATORS MUST NOT COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE
MODEL WHILE IT IS BEING POWERED AT ANY TIME. UNDER NO
CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL ACCUCRAFT TRAINS BE RESPONSIBLE
FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING
IN REGARD TO ANY ACCUCRAFT PRODUCT.
3. The locomotive is firmly
taped to a 1/2 ” wood board
which is then fastened to the
metal case with 4 - M6 bolts.
Bolts must be removed before
lifting the locomotive with wood
board from the metal case. 4. Place taped locomotive on
a flat surface. Carefully cut the
tape along the wood board side
surface. Be sure to cut the tape
on both sides of the wood board.
Slowly lift the tape from the loco-
motive. Be very careful with small
parts. Tape can not be re-used to
re-pack the model. Use new pack-
ing tape if necessary.

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Model Features
This limited production model has been handcrafted for Accucraft
Trains by AMMC, one of the most respected makers of large scale brass
models. This museum quality model features:
-Full cab interior details, with operating cab windows
-Detailed boiler with fittings, domes, pipes, and handrails
-Operating steel drive rods, valve gear and cross heads
-Prototypical livery and lettering
-Scale couplers (compatible with Kadee #835)
-Steel helical gears in a die-cast transfer box
Pittman DC Gearhead Motor Specifications (GM9234)
-Peak voltage 24V
-Gear ratio 38.3:1
-Peak rated output torque 187 oz-in
-Output shaft stall torque 911 oz-in
Tools you will need for maintenance
-1.5 mm allen wrench
-1.6 mm and 2 mm hex wrenches
-Flat head screw driver
-Phillips head screw driver
Unpacking Instructions
Accucraft Train locomotives are
fine scale brass models with
small parts. To provide maximum
protection from shipping damage;
we carefully pack the models in
metal cases. We ship via UPS
with insurance coverage to its
full value. Please contact UPS if
package is damaged.
1. Remove foam around the
locomotive. Slide the inner box
cover to the side and open the
inside cardboard box by carefully
cutting the tape with a cutting
knife.
2. Lift the metal case from
the cardboard box.

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Lubrication
Please lubricate your Accucraft
K-37 before attempting to
operate.
With a bit of care; your Accucraft
K-37 should give you many years
of pleasure and reliable service.
Lubrication is of prime importance
on a model of this type with so many
moving parts. Always use quality
lubricants. This should not be a
problem for there are many modern
lubricants available in hobby and
sport shops. Light oil such as Labelle
#108 or Hoppe’s Gun Oil will do a
good job on lubricating most of the
moving parts.
For pistons and slides; a heavier
lubricant such as Labelle #102 would
suffice. For gears; use a type of gear
grease such as Permatex Super Lube
or another hobby gear lubricant.
To access the many moving parts
of this model it is best to carefully
place it on its side on a soft towel
or foam sheet. A drop of light oil on
every moving part is necessary and
there are many on this locomotive.
Be sure to lubricate all the crank
pins, crosshead slides, piston rods,
etc. that are visible to you. Be sure
to lubricate the tender axle journals
as well.
Do not over lubricate for excess
oil only picks up unwanted dirt.
Be careful to keep lubrication off
the painted surfaces as this will
cause shiny areas.
Use a type of oil that is a bit heavier
to lubricate the axle bushings
and pivot points of the lead and
trailing trucks. The main gear box
is lubricated in the factory, and will
not need any attention when you
first run your model. However, in
time, you should make sure that
the gears are well lubricated with
technical gear grease. The gear
box cover is held on with screws,
and removing it will allow you to
access all the gears and bushings
that need lubrication.
Take note of how the cover came
off and replace it exactly the
way it was when you started.
Lubrication of the locomotive
should be done every 25 hours of
operation.
After following the
recommended lubrication
procedures your D&RGW K-37
is now ready to provide many
years of reliable operation. We
recommend that you use a D.C.
power supply with a capacity
of 2.5 amps or larger. Always
carefully pick your model up by
grasping it under the frame on
both ends. It is a very heavy model
so make sure that you grasp it
firmly.
Electrical Pickup
The D&RGW K-37 model is
powered by the DC voltage off
the track through the engine
and the tender. All drivers are
insulated on the both side of the
locomotive and the electricity is
picked up with 12 pickup wheels.
Be sure to clean electrical pickup
units before each operation.
Replacement electrical pickup
units can be ordered from
Accucraft Trains. Track power is
connected to the Accucraft Train’s
power distribution board which is
located in the tender.
Sound Installation (if not
factory installed)
Several manufacturers have
sound systems that are
acceptable for your new D&RGW
K-37 locomotive. Sound system
power connectors are available
on the power distribution board
in the tender and a generous
speaker hole will be found in the
tender floor. Please contact
sound system manufacturers
for installation directions.
IMPORTANT
Please read the “Unpacking
Accucraft Trains Locomotives”
section of the enclosed instruction
manual before attempting to
remove your model from the
steel shipping case. Also, some
parts may have loosened during
shipment. Inspect your model
prior to any operation. Please
contact Accucraft Trains technical
support at [phone] with
any problems.
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail:[email protected]