Maintaining your Live Steam locomotive is imperative to keeping your working model running efficiently. Always adhere to the instructions provided with your Live Steam set and follow our basic ‘do’s and don’ts’ and maintenance tips below.
Live Steam CD-ROM Manual
Each Live Steam set contains a CD-Rom and paper booklet of instructions. It is important to read and fully understand these instructions before embarking on your 'Live Steam experience'.
Do's and Dont's
DO | DONT |
Use a suitable surface to lay out your track - baseboard, concrete floor etc.³ Only operate Live Steam inside | Do not place the system on a carpet and keep the controller and transformer away from water |
Look after your Live Steam components | Do not leave the Live Steam components unattended |
Always use distilled water, obtainable from Hornby (R8207), or some chemists | Do not use tap water or melted ice from a fridge or freezer when filling the boiler. Do not use de-ionised water as this will weaken the solder joints on the boiler |
If the locomotive derails while running wait for the wheels to stop turning before replacing it on the track | Do not stand directly over the locomotive while the locomotive is heating up or running |
Always use the cloth gloves provided when handling or attempting to re-rail the locomotive | Do not attempt to handle the locomotive without the protective gloves provided. The locomotive and tender will become very hot during use |
Ensure that children are either kept away or are fully supervised when operating. Live Steam is intended for adult use only and is not suitable for children under the age of 14 | Do not attempt to add distilled water or steam oil while the locomotive is still hot as there may still be some steam pressure left in the system |
| Do not, under any circumstances, try and operate standard 12 volt DC locomotives with the Live Steam system as this will permanently damage the model |
Maintenance
A model with so many moving parts requires some care and regular maintenance. There should be no need to take the model apart, but light lubrication of the locomotive's axles should be carried out regularly. The con rods and coupling rods may also need tightening occasionally, using the special tool provided with each Live Steam set. Just like a real steam locomotive, your model requires reasonable care and attention for a prolonged life.
Carrying out this maintenance is an easy task, providing the step-by-step instructions, found in the instruction booklet, are followed. Any other maintenance of your locomotive is explained in the instruction booklet. If you have problems with your locomotive, under no circumstances take it apart - your Live Steam locomotive is a fully working model with many intricate parts.