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LUBRICATION
The ScaleTrains ES44 locomotive represents hours of careful research and
design work, and we are proud to present it to you. With the right care, it should
provide years and years of model railroading enjoyment. Out of the box, the
model should be ready for service, no lubrication should be necessary; it has
been carefully lubricated at the factory for optimum performance. If the need to
lubricate should arise, please follow these guidelines:
• Be sure to use a plastic-compatible lubricant! Most household
lubricants, such as “3-in-1” type oils, may damage the slippery
engineering plastic found in the driveline of the model. Wherever
possible, use lubricants designed specically for model railroad
or similar hobby uses, and if in doubt, check the label for any
compatibility warnings.
• Use the right type of lubricant in the right location! For metal-to-metal
bearing surfaces, the use of light or medium oils is recommended.
For plastic-to-plastic applications, such as gears, light greases are
recommended.
• Always use lubricant sparingly! As the saying goes, a little goes a long
way. When applying lubricant to bearing surfaces, a tiny drop or dab
applied with a ne point, such as a tootpick, should be more than
sufcient. Any excess lubricant oozing from a bearing surface should
be carefully wiped away with a paper towel. Excess lubricant that
migrates onto electrical pickups can impede power and DCC signal
pickup and lead to erratic operation.
Lubrication points will be the same as would be expected in most any model
locomotive. On the locomotive power trucks, the bearing is behind the wheel
so a small drop of light plastic compatible oil can be used behind each wheel
as necessary.
The interior of the model is lled with circuit boards and wiring for the
many features of your ES44 locomotive, so great care must be taken when
applying lubrication to areas that may require it inside the locomotive. Refer
to the disassembly instructions and exploded diagrams to understand how
to remove the body to access the inner workings of the locomoitve. This
information may be included with the model or available on our website.
Lubrication points inside the locomotive would be the motor bearings, where
a small drop of oil between the motor ends and brass ywheels, on the motor
shaft, will be sufcient. The other location would be at the worm shafts on
the top of the gearboxes. These too can use a small drop of oil at both ends
of the shaft. One end being where the driveshafts are attached to the metal
worm shaft and the other being the opposite end where the shaft slightly
protrudes out of the outermost bearing. Grease can be applied to the gear
box by removing the worm cover and then the worm and shaft. Once the
worm and shaft are removed, a small amount of grease can be applied to the
top gear box gear: the one that contacts the worm gear, then the worm and
worm cover can be reinstalled. As the locomotive runs, the grease will be
distributed inside the gearbox to all the gears.
Whenever possible, avoid contact of the lubricant to the model’s exterior
nish. Oils and greases can harm the factory paint and lettering. Any excess
that may make contact should be gently wiped away with a paper towel or
other ne cloth.
Due to the delicate nature of the interior components inside the locomotives,
if there is any concern, it may be best to contact your local dealer or contact
us directly to help guide you through the lubrication process. Our support
team is available by email at: Support@ScaleTrains.com.