Introduction
Hornby locomotives and their electric motors are precision
built and treated with reasonable care, will work well for a
number of years.
1. Never Connect a Locomotive direct to the
Mains Supply
Locomotives are designed to operate from 12 volts DC,
which is obtained from domestic AC Mains through a
Hornby Transformer and Train Controller or dry
batteries.
2. Current consumption varies between approx -2 and -6
amps depending upon type of locomotive, load and
gradient. There will a current surge on starting.
3. Operating current is picked up through the wheels
on one side of the locomotive or tender and returned
through the other side. It is therefore essential that track
and wheel rims are kept clean (see page 2 – Track
Cleaning Instructions).
4. Mechanisms should be examined from time to time and
any hair or fluff (e.g. from carpets) removed with
tweezers.
Hints on Running
If a locomotive does not respond to the controller, check that:
1. All wheels are correctly on the track.
2. All connections have been made correctly and the power
plug switch is 'ON'.
3. All fishplates are fully engaged and the track sections
properly aligned.
4. The Power Connecting clip is correctly inserted into the
track.
5. The instructions on Lubrication and Maintenance have
been correctly carried out.
6. The direction control switch on the Train Controller is
set for one way or another and not in the central 'OFF'
position.
Page 1
Eurostar Class 373
Locomotive Operation and Maintenance
Lubrication
1. Although locomotives are lubricated before despatch
from the factory, the lubricant can dry out during
storage. Lubrication should be carried out at
approximately 6-monthly intervals, or every 100 hours
of running time. DO NOT OIL THE MOTOR.
2. A light machine oil such as “3 in 1” can be used.
PLEASE USE CAUTION, as mineral oils of this type
can cause deterioration to the polystyrene plastic from
which Hornby locomotive bodies are manufactured.
Immediately wipe off, with a cotton rag, any oil which
gets onto a locomotive body.
3. An oil dropper can be made by straightening a paper
clip and sticking one end into a cork (Fig.1). Fill a small
container with oil so that the smallest possible drop can
be 'picked up' by the dropper and carefully applied to
the correct place. Immediately wipe off any
excess oil.
Fig.1
IMPORTANT – Apply oil only to moving parts.
Keep oil away from wheel rims and track.
SAFETY NOTES
• Hornby trains are not suitable for children under 3 years of age because of small parts which can present a choking
hazard. Some components have functional sharp points and edges – handle with care.
• This locomotive is intended for indoor use only.
• This locomotive is only to be used with a Hornby recommended transformer.
• The transformer is not a toy. It is a “Transformer for Toys”. Before use, check that the transformer is the correct
voltage for your mains electricity supply. The transformer should be examined regularly for damage to the casing, plug
pins and cables. In the event of such damage, the transformer should not be used until it is replaced with a
new Hornby recommended unit. Never attempt to open the transformer yourself.
• This locomotive must not be connected to more than the recommended number of power supplies. The output
terminals of the transformer must not be connected directly or indirectly to the output of any other AC circuit derived
from a transformer or mains power supply.
• Before cleaning any part, disconnect the transformer from the mains electricity supply. Do not use any liquid for
cleaning.
• Please retail these details and the address for future reference.
12V
