FAQ

We’ll try and answer a few frequently asked questions on this page.  If you don’t find the answer to your query here or in your loco’s instruction manual, use the contact page to drop us a line.

Where can I see and buy Accucraft products?

Please visit our dealers page for details of Accucraft distributors in the UK and Europe.  Many have websites as well as shops and quite a few attend model railway shows throughout the year.

How can I get news of forthcoming Accucraft products?

Simple!  Just register with us and sign up to the free website newsletter – you’ll be updated with any breaking news concerning Accucraft products.

What oils should I use with my live steam loco?

To lubricate the valve gear, axles and crank pins use a light machine oil, e.g. 3 in 1 oil. We recommend 460 steam oil for the locomotive lubricator.  Accucraft now supply their own brand, available from our dealers.

What water should I use in my live steam loco?

We recommend filtered rain-water (a tea-strainer will suffice!) or water from a household water filter (which will also supply you with nice tea!) but suggest you do not use de-ionised water.

What gas should I use in my live steam loco?

We recommend using butane gas only, however, all Accucraft locos’ burner systems will accept a butane/propane mix.  The gas tanks are robust enough to accept the higher pressure of the mixed gas.  However, since the mixed gas has a higher calorific value the water could run out before the gas, evident in a loss of pressure and decreased speed but the gas will still be alight – stop your locomotive at once and turn the gas off!  DO NOT ADD WATER via a top up valve if this has happened, allow the loco to cool down first.

How do I clear a blocked gas jet?

Instructions for clearing a blocked jet can be viewed here

Where can I find instructions for my Accucraft loco?

Look for the model on our website – at the bottom of the description of the loco there will be a link to downloadable ‘Word’ and PDF files for the loco instructions.  We often get asked for these from customers who have purchased one of our locos second-hand.

What are the standard thread sizes for most Accucraft locos?

• Steam regulator – M5 x 0.8mm
• Gas regulator – M5 x 0.5mm
• All standard pipe unions – M5 x 0.5mm
• Water/lubricator fillers – M10 x 1mm
• Water lever drain/lubricator drain – M5 x 0.5mm
• Normal hex bolts – 3mm AF Hex head, M2 thread
• Small hex bolts – 2mm AF Hex head, M1.6 thread

Why doesn’t the coupling height on the IoM coaches match the IoM locos?

The reason for them being set to 16mm height rather than 25mm (as on the loco) is that this is the 16mm standard. However if you undo the two fixing bolts for the coupling body you will find two fixing holes for the Isle of Man loco coupling height behind the couplings and it is a simple matter to raise the couplings to the
correct height.

Can I buy the safety chains fitted to your W & L stock?

Although we supply both square and round-headed chopper couplings as an accessory, we do not sell the safety chains separately as an accessory. However Brandbright do their own safety chain enhancement kit to fit to our wagons. Their code is either RSA58 or RSA118.

My loco’s safety valve is blowing off below pressure, can I adjust it?

The blow off pressure can be reduced by holding the valve body while using a fine nosed pair of pliers or tweezers in the slots in the pressure adjuster ring in the valve. Unscrewing or anticlockwise reduces the pressure and the other way increases the blow off pressure. The ideal blow off is 60psi.