Accucraft "W&L Hunslet No. 14" MANUAL CONTROL User manual

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ACCUCRAFT UK LTD
Unit 4, Long Meadow Industrial Estate
Pontrilas, Herefordshire
Tel: [phone]
www.accucraft.uk.com
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND OWNER LOG BOOK
“W&L Hunslet No. 14”MANUAL CONTROL
SAFETY FIRST
All our locomotives are safe to run, and will give many hours of
pleasure, providing the following safety procedures are followed: -
1. Please read the instructions thoroughly before running for the
first time.
2. Never let the engine run out of water.
3. When refilling the gas, do not have any naked flame present, and
NO SMOKING!
4. Do not pick up the engine by the bodywork, chimney or boiler,
especially when hot.
5. Only pick up the engine by the buffer beams and, when hot, use
old gloves or a cloth.
6. Do not stand over the chimney. Ejected boiling water or steam
may cause serious injury.
7. Do not open the smoke box door while the engine is alight.
8. Constant supervision of the boiler water level is imperative as the
gas WILL outlast the water. Failure to do so will be treated as
misuse and is not covered by the warranty. The boiler will require
topping up about every 10 minutes.

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General Hints
As with all operating machinery, whether model or full size, wear will
occur. In the model steam locomotive much can be done to help prolong its
life and decrease the amount of time required in the workshop for servicing.
Keep the engine as clean as possible, and the motion free from dirt and
garden debris. The valve gear, axles and crank pins should be oiled
sparingly with light oil, e.g. “3-in -1 Oil”. Over-oiling attracts dirt and grit,
which will increase wear.
Regularly check that all screws and motion bolts are firm. Do not over-
tighten, as this strips threads and shears bolts. When filling the
lubricator, always use a high temperature steam oil; this is available
from your dealer. FAILURE TO USE THE CORRECT GRADE OF
OIL CAN LEAD TO BLOCKED STEAM PIPES, AND WILL
INVALIDATE THE GUARANTEE.
When running your engine avoid excessive speed and acceleration, both
will cause premature wear in the valve gear. Prototypically, narrow gauge
locomotives ran at a speed of between 10 and 20 M.P.H., and never
exceeded 25 M.P.H.
Positions of Fillers and Drains etc.
The cab roof lifts up then tilts over sideways to give access to all fillers.
The gas inlet valve is in the front near side corner of the cab, at the top of
the gas tank turret. The gas control valve is attached to the filler turret, and
can be operated through the left hand cab doorway.
The lubricator is in the offside of the cab, by the doorway. The filler cap
has a “T” bar in it to aid removal. The lubricator drain is just in front of the
right hand cab step. To drain, un-screw the drain valve through about a turn
using the small brass tool with the steel pin handle, and hole in the end of
the brass part. Put the hole over the pin in the side of the drain valve and
turn.

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The boiler water filler is on top of the steam turret on the boiler in the
middle of the cab. Undo the knurled cap to fill with water. As the loco is
supplied with a Boiler Filler Cap, change the original plastic topped cap
with the one supplied loose with the loco. This one has a non return valve
on the underside and is used when filling the boiler when in steam. The
main steam regulator valve is the valve on the rear of the boiler-filling
turret with the steel handle attached.
The direction control is the lever forward of the offside cab door. To
operate pull gently outwards and move to the desired direction. The control
is “gated”, and will therefore hold itself in the full forward or reverse
position.
Preparation for Running
The W&L Hunslet No 14 is fitted with a water gauge; this allows the driver
to keep the model in steam continuously for longer periods of time. This is
done using the Boiler Top-up valve supplied with your loco. We have only
supplied the valve as many customers now possess a pump bottle. Should
you need a pump bottle you should be able to purchase one from your
dealer.
Always service the engine in the following order; first gas, then oil then
water. Although we recommend Butane gas, the system will also work
with, and is safe for Butane/Propane mix gas.
To fill the gas tank: invert the gas can and apply the nipple to the gas inlet
valve on the top of the tank turret. It is advisable to support the loco under
the gas tank whilst filling, to prevent the engine tipping over.
You will know when the tank is full; gas will blow back from the inlet
valve in a strong jet. A small amount of gas and air will escape during
filling, but the difference between this and when the tank is full is always
clear. Always keep the gas can vertical when filling the gas tank.
Filling the lubricator:As you will read in the instructions for the end of
the run, the lubricator should be empty of oil and water with the drain valve
left in the open position. Now close the valve and remove the lubricator

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filler cap. We have supplied a long tool with a ‘T’ bar handle to aid in the
removal of the lubricator cap; it has a cut out shape in the bottom end
which fits over the ‘T’ bar on the lubricator cap. Fill up the lubricator with
steam oil to about ¼ of an inch below the top. Leave the filler cap off for
the present, so that any trapped air can escape. It can be refitted after you
have filled up the boiler.
To fill the boiler:remove the filler cap. Fill up the boiler to about ¾ full –
ideally use filtered rainwater or distilled water using the large syringe
provided. Replace the boiler filler cap, check that the lubricator does not
need topping up, and then replace its filler cap also. Filler caps should be
firm finger tight. They are sealed with a trapped ‘O’ ring and, therefore
should not be over-tightened.
Lighting Up
The W&L Hunslet is lit by applying a flame to the top of the chimney.
Light your lighter/match etc. and gently open the gas control valve until a
gentle hiss is heard in the burner. Immediately apply your light to the top
of the chimney and the flame should ‘pop’ down the chimney and into the
fire tube and ignite the burner inside the fire tube.
If the gas valve is opened too much the flame will not pop back; it will
either fail to ignite, will roar in flame out of the top of the chimney, or there
will be a ball of flame around the front of the engine, which will then blow
the whole fire out (after giving the driver a fright)!
When the fire sound has stabilised, after about 30 seconds the gas can be
turned up until a gentle roar is heard. Now leave the locomotive to raise
steam and let the locomotive raise at least 50 p.s.i.

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Running
When the engine has raised about 50 psi you are ready to start running. It is
advisable to run the engine in reverse first; it clears the condensed water
from the cylinders best this way. Before commencing your first run of the
day, it is advisable to put a cloth loosely over the chimney for a few
minutes, as condensed water will be ejected from the chimney. This is
quite normal; the motion of the engine will be jerky until all condensate has
been ejected. DO NOT stand over the chimney as ejected boiling
water/steam could cause serious scalding.
Place the direction lever into the reverse position, and then open the main
steam valve. The engine should start to move off in the reverse direction.
When starting from cold it will be jerky, this is normal, as it has to clear the
condensate from the system. The more the main steam valve is opened, the
faster the engine will go; our advice is to start slowly and learn the road
with your engine. After a minute or so, remove the cloth and continue
running. In running it is correct practice to balance the boiler pressure
against the load being pulled and the track conditions. With a light load
and level track the pressure may need to be only 25-30 p.s.i. therefore, turn
the gas control down to keep this pressure. When running a heavy train
with steep gradients, increase the pressure by turning up the gas.
The ideal running pressure can be learnt by experience and is one of the
pleasures of running a live steam engine. There is no need to have the
safety valve constantly blowing off (it is what its name implies –a safety
vent for excess steam pressure). When the gas runs out a complete gas, oil
and water service must be done (remember GOW, also remember to shut
the gas regulator before refilling, and DO NOT refill with gas near any
other live steam loco). When the locomotive slows as the pressure falls at
the end of a run, stop the engine.
With the reverse lever in mid position slightly open the steam regulator,
then gently open the lubricator valve and blow out any condensed water. If
you intend to continue running, close the drain when you see oil coming out
of it and carry out a general refill. If it is the last run of the day, leave the
lubricator drain valve open and blow the lubricator completely clean.

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Continuous Running
Running for longer periods of time than the normal, requires the use of the
Boiler Filling System. This consists of a pump bottle with tube attached and
a replacement boiler filler cap, which has a non-return valve on its
underside. For the first fill service in the normal way. Then run for about 10
minutes, now have a look at the water level. You will probably need to
pump some water into the boiler. Lift up and tilt over the cab roof to
uncover the filler cap, place the tube in the hole and holding it in firmly,
pump water into the boiler until the gauge glass is showing about ¾ full.
Keep an eye on the water gauge and try to run between ⅓and ¾ of a glass.
After another 10 minutes running you will need to refill the lubricator and
top up the gas tank. Also check the water level and top up if necessary.
Stop the loco in a convenient location, away from other locomotives and
turn off the gas. Ensure the fire is completely out and then top up the gas
tank. Blow around the engine so there is no residual gas about, then re-light
the fire. To refill the lubricator first put the loco in neutral (mid gear). Open
the under floor drain valve then gently open the steam regulator. When the
lubricator has been blown clean, close the regulator and remove the
lubricator cap. Now close the drain valve and refill with superheat steam oil
to the correct level. Re-fit the lubricator cap. Keep an eye on the water level
at all times and try to refill the gas tank and lubricator every 20 minutes to
half an hour.
Gauge Changing
All W&L Hunslet locomotives are supplied set to 45mm gauge, but a
“gauge change” kit is supplied with each engine. This will allow you to run
on either 32mm or 45mm gauge track. To change the gauge, lay the engine
gently on its side, on a thick cloth, loosen all the grub screws in the boss on
the back of the wheels using the Allen key provided. The axles are dimpled
for each gauge, so you do not have to measure for the right gauge. Slide the
wheels to the gauge required and tighten up the grub screws. These should
be checked as a routine at the start of each running session.

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End of Run
As previously mentioned, the locomotive will slow (due to pressure
dropping) when the fire has gone out, stop at a convenient place and open
the lubricator drain valve. Blow out all condensed water and the remaining
oil. Leave the drain valve open and allow all the remaining steam to blow
out. The locomotive should be allowed to cool. When cool, clean the
engine, check the motion and oil if necessary. The locomotive should
always be put away in a clean condition as it attracts less dust and is always
ready for the next run (or to be shown to an admiring friend). Always leave
the lubricator drain valve and the main steam valve open so that the boiler
will not be strained if subject to any temperature change. It is advisable to
store the locomotive where any residual drips of oil or water do not matter.
Blocked Gas Jets
If the gas jet becomes blocked with particles of dirt within the gas, the jet
will have to be removed and cleaned. With a spanner or pliers carefully
undo the pipe union on the gas control valve. Remove the pipe and jet
holder assembly from the burner. Holding the jet holder gently in a vice,
unscrew the jet. To clear, place the jet nozzle against the inverted gas can
nozzle and clear the jet with a blast of gas. Under no circumstances use a
pricker wire, this will damage the jet hole. Replace the jet in the holder,
ideally using a thread sealant sparingly on the threads. Ensure it is tightened
up firmly. Replace the assembly into the burner and re-connect the pipe to
the control valve. Ensure this is done up tightly, test CAREFULLY for gas
leaks, first with a 50/50 mixture of washing up liquid and water, and then if
no bubbles are showing, with a flame and the gas “just on”. Tighten if
required.
***************
As with all comprehensive models, we strongly recommend a full
demonstration (by our agents) before purchase, enabling you to get the best
out of your model right from the start.
HAPPY STEAMING!

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A Bit of History
Built in 1954, No. 85 was the last of 32 built for the Sierra Leone
Government Railways to a standard design by Hunslet. Completed as
works number 3815, No. 85 was delivered to the Sierra Leone port and
capital of Freetown with sister engine No. 84, the pair costing £21,273.
They were set to work on the extensive Sierra Leone Railway, which had a
mainline extending 227.5 miles. No details of the livery of the early
engines have survived, but 43-47 are recorded as "painted Gorton green and
lined out in black and chrome". Nos. 81 to 85, however, were painted black
By the time No. 85 arrived, the Hunslet 2-6-2s were confined mainly to
shunting and banking heavy trains out of Freetown. Their working life was
to be short too –with the Sierra Leone Government Railways finally
closing in 1974. No. 85 was brought back to the UK to work at the
preserved Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway, where it regularly hauled
passenger trains until April 2010, when its last 10-year boiler ticket
expired. It has recently been on display at the National Railway Museum at
Shildon. Photo courtesy of T.A.C.’Tac’Foley.

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HINTS ON GAS FIRING CONTROL
CONTROLLING THE GAS FIRING OF YOUR LOCO MUT BE DONE WITH
CARE AND ATTENTION. TURNING THE FIRE UP TOO MUCH CAN
CAUSE GREAT DAMAGE TO YOUR MODEL SUCH AS BURNING OFF
THE PAINT, MELTING THE INSULATION OFF THE WHEELS, AND
CARBONIZING THE STEAM OIL IN THE SUPERHEATER WHICH
BLOCKS IT. NONE OF THE ABOVE DAMAGE WILL BE COVERED BY
WARRANTY AS IT IS ATRIBUTED TO OPERATOR ERROR.
AT ACCUCRAFT WE GIVE YOU THE ABILITY TO RAISE A GOOD HEAD
OF STEAM BUT IT IS UP TO THE OPERATOR TO CONTROL THE GAS
FLOW SO THE FIRE DOES NOT ROAR OUT OF CONTROL AND BURN IN
THE SMOKE BOX. IT IS VERY MUCH LIKE THE ACCELERATOR OF
YOUR CAR, HOW YOU USE IT IS UP TO THE USER, DRIVE SENSIBLY
AND YOU WILL NOT HAVE AN ACCIDENT; PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN
AND YOU WILL PROBABLY END UP IN THE HEDGE. HARDLY THE CAR
OR THE MANUFACTUER’S FAULT!
NEVER LEAVE THE LOCO UNATTENDED WHEN RAISING PRESSURE,
AS THE HEAT INCREASES THE PRESSURE IN THE GAS TANK ALSO
RISES AND YOU WILL HAVE TO TURN THE GAS DOWN. IF THE GAS
CONTROL VALVE SPINDLE IS A BIT STICKY IT COULD NEED
LUBRICATION WITH STEAM OIL. WHEN YOU UNSCREW THE NEEDLE
VALVE TO OIL IT ALWAYS DO IT WHEN THE GAS TANK IS EMPTY.
KEEP LOCOMOTIVE ORIGINAL PACKAGING
WE WISH TO ADVISE YOU THAT IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ALL
ORIGINAL LOCOMOTIVE PACKAGING, BOTH OUTER AND INNER
BOXES AND ANY OTHER TYPES SUCH AS SHAPED POLYSTYRENE,
SHOULD BE RETAINED.
SHOULD YOU NEED TO RETURN YOUR MODEL FOR ANY REASON,
EITHER FOR SERVICE OR WARRANTY WORK, IT MUST BE SECURELY
PACKED IN ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING SO AS TO PREVENT DAMAGE
IN TRANSIT.
IF THE MODEL IS PACKED IN ANY OTHER WAY WE CANNOT BE HELD
LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE CAUSED BY IMPROPER PACKING. ALL
ITEMS COVERED BY OUR TWO YEAR WARRANTY WILL BE COVERED
BUT ANY PARTS AND LABOUR ATTRIBUTED TO RECTIFYING
DAMAGE CAUSED BY IMPROPER PACKING WILL BE CHARGED FOR.

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GUARANTEE
Accucraft UK Ltd will remedy any defect or malfunction occurring with this product during a two year guarantee period
from date of purchase. This guarantee does not extend to malfunctions or defects caused by damage or unreasonable use,
including the failure to provide the correct types of lubrication and water or by not controlling the gas correctly.
If a claim is to be made within the two year guarantee period, in the first instance, return both the product and guarantee
card to your dealer. In the event of your problem not being able to be fixed by your dealer, he will contact us for advice.
If necessary we will arrange for the product to be returned to our service department for repair.
This guarantee is quoted in addition to all legal rights of the purchaser under the Sale of Goods Act, and shall expire two
years from the date of purchase. Under no circumstances shall Accucraft UK Ltd be responsible for any consequential
damages arising in regard to any Accucraft UK Ltd product.
__________________________________________________________________________
CARE OF YOUR LOC0MOTIVE
Proper lubrication is most important, but must not be overdone.
Care should be taken when removing the loco from its packaging, as any levering action using projecting
parts (e.g. buffers) may result in damage.
Check with your dealer that these locomotives wheel standards are compatible with your track system.
Ensure that your track is in good condition and well maintained.
Keep the engine free of dust and dirt. Debris such as earth and gravel in the motion will lead to premature
wear and failure.
Always use steam oil in the lubricator, never ordinary household oil.
Never light the burner without water in the boiler.
Always control the gas correctly and do not have the fire too high so it goes into the smoke box and damages
materials, paint, or wheel insulation.
__________________________________________________________________________
SAFETY
Always use this product in a well-ventilated area. Never get directly above the chimney, boiling water can
sometimes be ejected from it.
When in steam, and for some time afterwards the engine will be very hot. HANDLE WITH CARE.
This model has many small parts and should be handled with care. It is not suitable for children under the
age of 14 years old.
__________________________________________________________________________
ACCUCRAFT UK LTD, UNIT 4, LONG MEADOW INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, PONTRILAS,
HEREFORDSHIRE. HR2 0UA.
LOCOMOTIVE LOG BOOK
Loco Serial No: ……................................ Boiler Serial No: ……………………………….
Gas Tank Serial No: …………………………..
First Registered Owner: …………………………………………………
Date Purchased: ………………………………………………………….
Second Registered Owner: ………………………………………………
Date Purchased: ………………………………………………………….

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Cab Operational Controls:
A: Water filler. B: Steam regulator.
C: Lubricator, drain under footplate. D: Gas Filler valve.
E: Gas Control valve. F: Water gauge.
G: Reverse lever. H: Burner jet.
I: Pressure gauge.

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Accessories Illustrated.
A. Protective gloves
B. Boiler filling syringe
C. Drain valve key
D. Special tool for the lubricator cap removal
E. Hex nut spinners for 2mm and 3mm hex bolts
F. Allen keys and spare nuts and bolts
G. Replacement water top up valve