10
RailKing SD45 Diesel Engine
Cleaning the Wheels, Tires and Track
Periodically check the locomotive wheels and pickups for dirt and buildup,
which can cause poor electrical contact and traction as well as prematurely
wear out the neoprene traction tires. Wheels and tires can be cleaned using
denatured alcohol (not rubbing alcohol), which can be found in home
improvement stores, applied with a cotton swab.
Occasional cleaning of the track will also help to ensure good electrical contact
and to prolong the life of your engine’s tires. To clean the track, use a clean
rag and denatured alcohol (not rubbing alcohol). Unplug the transformer and
wipe the rails of the track, turning the rag frequently to ensure that you are
using clean cloth on the rails.
Traction Tire Replacement Instructions
Your locomotive is equipped with two neoprene rubber traction tires on each
powered truck block. While these tires are extremely durable, you may need to
replace them at some point.
First, remove the truck sides from the truck
block. To do this, turn your engine upside
down. If there are visible Phillips screw
heads between the truck frame and truck
block (see Fig. 4), go to step A. If not, go to
step B.
A. Remove the two Phillips screws that
attach the truck sides to the truck block.
B. Remove the trucks from the chassis and
the truck sides from the trucks in order to
slip the new tire over the grooved drive
wheel. See Fig. 4 for which screws you
must remove to do this.
Once the truck sides have been removed:
1. Make sure the old tire has been completely removed from the groove in the
drive wheel, using a razor blade or small flathead screwdriver to pry away any
remains.
Truckside removal screws
Figure 4. Screws to Remove to
Access the Traction Tires
