Operation
Place the cleaning locomotive on the track
with the batteries inserted. Switch on the
locomotive with the switch on the left bot-
tom side (see page 10). The permanently
illuminated driver’s cab lighting signals
that the locomotive is ready for operation.
The locomotive is controlled exclu-
sively via the enclosed remote control.
Please refer to the separate operating
instructions #35041 for details.
Ensure that the tracks where the Clean
Machine will travel are completely dry
and free of foreign objects, such as leaves,
twigs, branches, rocks, etc. Remove all
other trains from the track in the path of
the Clean Machine.
If anything causes the Clean Machine to
stall or blocks its path during operation,
immediately turn the loco off and resolve
the problem before continuing operation.
Allow the Clean Machine to run around
the layout until track is cleaned as needed.
This will normally take quite a few cycles
around the layout, perhaps one-half to
one-hour, depending on the layout size and
how much cleaning the tracks need.
When finished cleaning, stop the loco by
hand and move the switch to the center
“off” position. Do not press the loco down
on the rails and force the wheels to stop
turning, as this can damage the drivetrain.
Always remove the batteries when the loco
is not in operation.
Channel selection
The locomotive is factory set to
channel 0, together with the remote
control.
You can select up to 8 channels. The
locomotive and the remote control must
always be set to the same channel.
1. There is a hole in the bottom of the
locomotive which allows access to the
DIP turn switch (see page 13) on the
main circuit board.
2. The direction of the arrow indicates the
channel that has been set.
3. Use a small flat screwdriver to set the
channel on the DIP turn switch.
Cleaning Operation Notes:
• Keep the loco within sight when
operating and be prepared to stop it
promptly if needed.
• The Clean Machine is designed for
cleaning continuous ”loop” type layouts.
It works by making multiple passes over
each section of track. Short ”point-to-
point” layouts and spur siding tracks
may be better cleaned by hand or other
cleaning methods.
• Certain sections of track, such as
turnouts/switches, crossings, and rough
or uneven track, will likely require at
least some cleaning by hand.
• The mesh pads of the cleaning shoes
are designed for the brass rails most
commonly used for G-Scale track. The
mesh is a fine-grade abrasive and can
cause some minor scratching of the rails.
Normal use should not cause noticeable
wear of the rail surface. Use on softer
materials, such as aluminum or plastic
rails, can cause rapid wear and is not
recommended.
• Operation on wet or ice/snow-covered
tracks is not recommended.
• The Clean Machine is equipped with
couplers at each end and it can pull cars,
but caution should be used and the train
length reduced as needed to avoid the
loco wheels slipping on the rails.
Power Source
The Clean Machine is exclusively powered
by 6 ‘AAA’ batteries (not included).
Batteries with a higher milliamp-hour
(mAh) rating, such as 1000 or 1100 mAh,
should provide longer running time.
Maintenance / Lubrication
After each 25 hours of operation, and after
any long periods of storage, please lubricate
the locomotive‘s gears with a sparing
amount of plastic-compatible, non-hardening
grease. Remove the gearbox bottom cover
and be careful to keep the front and rear
wheelsets aligned with each other. Be sure
to securely re-tighten the gearbox bottom
cover screws.
Cleaning Shoes
Check the cleaning shoes prior to each use.
Make sure the spring action is moving freely
and pressing the shoes firmly against the
tops of the rails.
Check the shoes frequently to make sure the
mesh cleaning pads are free of obstructions
and foreign matter.
If dust/powder from cleaning operations, or
any other matter, blocks or clogs the mesh
cleaning pads, use an old soft toothbrush to
very gently scrub the cleaning pads clean.
Cleaning shoes are very long lasting and
should be changed as needed with PIKO
#35416 Cleaning Shoes. Grasp the shoe at
each end, between the thumb and forefinger,
and gently pull outwards to unsnap the
retainer clips and remove the cleaning shoe
from the metal holder. Press a new shoe onto
the metal holder until it snaps into place.
Cleaning
If cleaning is necessary, use only a mild
cleaning agent (such as soap and water) and
gentle action with a soft non-abrasive cloth
or brush. Never immerse the loco in liquid or
“flood” any internal parts!
Please Note! Damage to Carpets and
Other Surfaces: Normal operation of the
locomotive causes wear of mechanical
parts (rails, cleaning pads, wheels, etc.).
This produces carbonized dust, grease and
oil, which can permanently stain carpets,
wood floors and other materials. It is
the user’s responsibility to take proper
precautions against this damage. Wipe
any grease or oil from the track rails with
a clean soft cloth. PIKO Spielwaren GmbH,
as well as its representatives, distributors
and retailers, assume no liability for any
such damage.
Please Note! Important Safety Precautions
• Always remove the batteries when the loco is
not being operated. Do not store or transport
the loco with the batteries installed.
• Follow the battery and charger manufacturer’s
instructions carefully. Do not discharge and
recharge the batteries repeatedly in a short
time period. This may cause battery damage,
or even fire or explosion.
• The loco is designed to have the batteries
removed for charging. Do not attempt to
charge the batteries inside the loco.
• Do not leave the loco operating unattended.
Always observe the operation and be prepared
to stop the loco immediately if necessary.
• Dispose of expended battery cells and cleaning
shoes properly, in accordance with local
regulations.
• This product is not a toy, not suitable for
personnel under 14 years of age. This product has
small parts, sharp parts, and moving parts.
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