Rail King F-3 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions Manual

RAILKING F-3

WITH LOCO-SOUND

READY-TO-RUN TRAIN SET

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

®

Ready-To-Run train set is complete with everything you need to get

F-3 diesel locomotive, a set of three

cars, a transformer, a loop of RealTrax, the RailKing wireless infrared remote

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

Table of Contents

Set Up

Assembling RealTrax

®

3
Plugging in the Transformer 4
Lubricating the Engine 4
Coupling the Engine and Cars 4
Remote Control 5

Basic Operation

Operation Buttons 6
Speed Control 7

Direction Lock 7
Proto-Cast and Proto-Dispatch 8
Volume Control 9

Maintenance

Care of Remote Control 10

Lubrication and Greasing Instructions 10
Cleaning the Wheels, Tires and Track 11

Locomotive Traction Tire Replacement 11
Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement 12
Passenger Car Light Bulb Replacement 13

RailWare Interactive CD-ROM 14

Troubleshooting 17
Compatibility 18
Transformer Compatibility Chart 19
Safety Precautions 20
Service and Warranty Information 24

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

• Assemble RealTrax™

• Connect the transformer

• Lubricate the train

• Place the engine and cars on the track and couple them together

• Apply power to run as described in the Basic Operation section of
these instructions.

™

Knock Out must be

removed before

Remote Lock On can

be installed

Remove Knock Out

by Holding and Twisting

with a pair of pliers

1a

1c

1b

1d

Fig. 1a-1d: Installation of Remote Lock On

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

Connecting the Transformer

The Z-750 power supply included with this set provides an easy-to-use, safe
power source for AC-powered trains and accessories.

Plug the wire from the transformer into the remote lock-on’s center port,
marked “Power,” then plug the transformer into the wall outlet. Insert two
AA batteries (not included) into the remote handheld as shown.

Lubricating the Engine

You must lubricate the engine before
operating it. Use a light household oil and
follow the lubrication points marked “L” in
Fig. 6 on pg. 10. Do not over oil. Use only
a drop or two on each pivot point.

Coupling the Engine and Cars

Our couplers are designed for realistic
operation. Place the engine and cars on the
track and couple them together. If the

coupler is already closed, press down on
the small finger that extends from under

the right side of the coupler to open the
coupler knuckle and allow the couplers to

interlock as shown in Figure 2.

Push Down on Coupler Finger to

Figure 2. Coupling the Passenger
Cars Together

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

®

Remote Control System included with this set uses wireless

™

and Z-750

®

®

Remote Control and Remote Lock-on will not

®

or

™

Proto-Plus,™ Proto-Deluxe,™ aftermarket systems.

Whistle/

Horn

Direction

Throttle Control

Rocker Switch

Bell

Emergency

Stop

Fig. 3: Overview of the Remote controls

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

Basic Operation

Operation Buttons

Use the operation buttons on your remote as described below.

• Throttle – To increase or decrease track voltage, and therefore train speed,
press the throttle control rocker switch. Pressing the top end of the throttle
will increase voltage and speed. Pressing the bottom end of the throttle will
decrease voltage and speed. The engine will maintain the speed you set after
you release the throttle until you press it again to change the voltage and
speed.

• Horn/Whistle - To sound the horn, firmly press the Horn/Whistle button.
The horn will sound for as long as you continue to depress the button. It will
stop when you release the button.

• Bell - To sound the bell, firmly press and release the Bell button. To turn the
bell off, press and release the Bell button again. The bell will continue to ring
from the time your turn it on until you press and release the button again to

turn it off.

• Direction – Your train is programmed to start in neutral. To put the engine
into forward and then to change the direction of the train or to put it into

neutral, firmly press and release the Direction button on your remote. Just as
you must stop your car between forward and reverse, this engine will not go
directly from forward to reverse; it goes into neutral between directions. If
the train has been moving forward, the first press of the Direction button will
put the train from forward into neutral, the second press into reverse, the third
press back into neutral, and the fourth back into forward. To prevent
accidental high-speed start-ups, this engine is programmed to restart in
neutral each time the track voltage is turned off for 25 seconds or more.

• Emergency Stop – To drop track voltage instantly to 0, firmly press the
Emergency Stop button. All trains on the track controlled by the remote will

stop until you reapply voltage.

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

put the engine in neutral, then press the

Feature to Be Activated:

Speed Control On/Off
Lock into a Directional State/Unlock

Button Code:

1 Whistle, 2 Bells
1 Whistle, 3 Bells

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

Proto-Cast and Proto-Dispatch:

When used with the remote lock-on included in this set, Loco-Sound-equipped
engines gain Proto-Cast™ and Proto-Dispatch™ features.

Proto-Cast: This feature allows you to
play audio recordings through your

engine’s speakers. You must supply the
audio source (a small portable is
sufficient) and a male-to-male mini cable
(1/8” plug, like that used for the headset

with a portable CD/tape player) to
connect your audio source to the Remote
Lock-On. To use Proto-Cast, simply plug
the mini-cable into your audio source
(usually into the headphone jack) and into
the “Audio” port on the right side of the
remote lock-on and adjust the volume.

Proto-Dispatch: This feature allows you
to broadcast your own voice through your
engine’s speakers. You must supply the microphone and a mini cable (1/8”
plug, like that used for the headset with a portable CD/tape player) to connect

your microphone to the Remote Lock-On. To use Proto-Dispatch, simply plug

the mini-cable into the microphone and into the “Mic” port on the left side of
the remote lock-on and speak into the microphone.

When these features are in use, the locomotive’s own sounds (engine sounds
and bells, whistles, and horns) will be muted so that only the sounds you

broadcast will be heard. Because these two features are voice activated, there
will be a 10-15 second delay after you stop speaking into the microphone or
turn off the stereo before the engine sounds resume. To stop using the feature
and return to normal operation, unplug the cable from the lock-on jack.

If using parallel tracks with multiple Loco-Sound-equipped engines,
Proto-Cast and Proto-Dispatch transmissions from one track may be picked up

by the other nearby engines.

If you experience popping and interference, try cleaning the track with
denatured alcohol as described in the “Cleaning the Wheels, Tires and Track”
section of this booklet.

Note: M.T.H. does not recommend using Proto-Cast and Proto-Dispatch
at the same time.

Cast

Dispatch

Power

Fig.4: Overview of the Inputs on the
Remote Lock On

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

– To adjust the volume of all sounds made by this

Loco-Sound

Volume Adjustment

Knob

Figure 5. Location of the Loco-Sound Volume Adjustment Knob

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

Maintenance:

Care of the Remote Control

Your RailKing Remote Control System should offer years of trouble-free
service. There are a few things you can do to ensure trouble-free operation:

• If your train responds inconsistently, replace old batteries with fresh ones.
Do not mix old and new batteries.

• Remove batteries before storing for extended periods.

• Do not drop the remote. It can damage the delicate electronics inside.

• Any attempt by anyone other than an authorized M.T.H. repair person to
open and repair the handheld transmitter or lock-on may result in damage and

the loss of warranty protection.

Lubrication and Greasing Instructions

The engine should be oiled and greased in order to run properly.

You should regularly the engine and pickup rollers to prevent them from
squeaking. Use light household oil and follow the lubrication points marked

“L” in Fig. 6. Do not over oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.

Lubricate Pick-Up

Roller (L)

Lubricate Pick-Up

Roller (L)

Lubricate Axle

Bushings (L)

Figure 6. Lubrication Points on the Engine

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

5, then

5 .

.

Motor Mount Screw

Body Mount Screw

Body Mount Screw

Idler Gear (G)

Figure 7. Body Mount Screws and Greasing Points.

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RailKing F-3 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 and prematurely wear out
the neoprene traction tires. Wheels and tires can be cleaned using denatured
(not rubbing) alcohol applied with a cotton swab.

To clean the track, use a clean rag and denatured (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. Because the
manufacturing process leaves a coat on RealTrax, you should clean the rails
after the first 30 minutes of use (you may smell something burning during

initial use as the coat burns off; this is normal). Thereafter, keep an eye on the
track and clean it when it gets dirty to ensure good electrical contact and to

lengthen the life of the tires.

Traction Tire Replacement Instructions

Your locomotive is equipped with two neoprene rubber traction tires on the
rear set of flanged drivers. While these tires are extremely durable, you may

need to replace them at some point.

1. Remove the trucks and truck sides on
the truck block from the chassis in

order to slip the new tire over the
grooved drive wheel. To do this,
remove the screws as shown in Fig. 8.

2. 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.

3. Slip the new tire onto the wheel.
You may find it useful to use two small

flathead screwdrivers to stretch the tire
over the wheel.

4. If you twist the tire while stretching it over the wheel, you will need to
remove and reinstall the tire. Otherwise your engine will wobble while

operating.

Truckside Screws

Figure 8. Screws to Remove to Access
the Traction Tires

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

5. Make sure the tire is fully seated inside the groove. Use a razor blade to
trim away any excess tire that doesn’t seat itself inside the groove properly.

6. Reassemble the truck sides to the truck blocks and then the chassis to the
body.

Replacement tires are available directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department.

Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement

To replace the light bulb in the locomotive, follow these instructions:

Follow the cab removal instructions found in the “Lubrication and Greasing”
section of this booklet. Once the body has been removed, rotate the headlight

bulb counter-clockwise as seen in Figure 9 to remove.

You can obtain replacement bulbs directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department
(phone: [phone]; e-mail: [e-mail]; mail: 7020 Columbia

Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532).

Locomotive

Headlamp

Figure 9. Location of the headlamp in the Engine.

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

Roof Mounting Screw

Roof Mounting Screw

Interior Mounting ScrewInterior Mounting Screw

Roof Mounting Screws

1

2

3

Figure 10. Instructions for Replacing the Lights in the Passenger cars.

Passenger Car Light Bulb Replacement

To replace the interior light bulbs follow these instructions and see the
diagrams below:

1. Turn the car over and remove the two mounting screws (as seen in Figure
10-1) attaching the body to the chassis.

2. Turn the car back over and gently lift the car roof away from the body and
chassis (see Figure 10-2) You may need to twist the car a little to make to roof

come loose from the body.

3. Gently pull the bulb away from its housing (see Figure 10-3) and push the
replacement bulb into the housing (like a Christmas tree light).

4. Reassemble in reverse order.

You can obtain replacement bulbs directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department.

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

®

.

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

Installing Adobe Acrobat Software

To read some of the electronic documents included on the CD-Rom, you will
need to install the Adobe Acrobat Reader® if it is not already on your

computer. To install the software:

1. On the Desktop, click on the icon that says My Computer.

2. Find your CD-Rom drive.

3. With the MTH CD-Rom in the drive, double click on the icon for the
CD-Rom drive.

4 Find the folder on the CD-Rom entitled INSTALLATION.

5. Choose the folder inside entitled ACROBAT READER.

*If you are running Windows 95, 98 or NT choose the folder 32 BIT. Run the
file AR32E301.EXE and follow the directions it provides.

If you have problems you cannot resolve by using these directions, contact
[e-mail] for further help.

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

Starting Up

Horn

Bell

Remedy

Remedy

Remedy

Remedy

When I first turn the power on, the
engine will not begin to run. I have to
turn the throttle off and then on again
to get the engine to operate.

I can’t get the horn to blow when I
press the whistle button.

I can’t get the bell to ring when I press
the bell button.

You may be pressing the button too
quickly. Try pressing the whistle button
more slowly, taking approximately one
full second to fully depress the button.

You may be pressing the button too
quickly. Try pressing the bell button
more slowly, taking approximately one
full second to fully depress the button.

This is normal behavior. To prevent
accidental high-speed start-ups, Loco­Sound is programmed to start up in
neutral anytime track power has been
turned off for several seconds. See
the "Basic Operation" section for more
details.

Lock-out Remedy

I can’t get the engine to run after I
power up the transformer. It sits still
with the engine sounds running.

The engine won’t lock into forward,
neutral, or reverse.

The engine is locked into the neutral
position. Follow the procedure in the
“Lock into a Direction State” section.

Engine speed must be below 10 scale
mph (approx. 10 volts or less in
conventional mode).

Troubleshooting Loco-Sound™ Problems

Although Loco-Sound has been designed and engineered for ease of use, you
may have some questions during initial operation. The following table should

answer most questions. If your problem cannot be resolved with this table,
contact M.T.H. for assistance (telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone];
[e-mail], 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD

21046-1532).

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

Volume Remedy

The sounds seem distorted, especially
when the whistle or bell is activated.

Loco-Sound volume is set too high.
Turn the volume control knob on the
bottom of the chassis counter­clockwise to reduce the volume.

Compatibility

While this Ready-To-Run set is equipped with everything you need to operate
it, the design allows flexibility. The train will operate on any traditional O-31
or larger O Gauge track system, including the RealTrax® included with this set
or traditional tubular track. It is also compatible with most standard AC

transformers, including the hobby transformer packaged with your set. (See
page 19 for a complete list of compatible transformers and wiring

instructions.)

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

Transformer

Model

Center Rail Outside Rail

Min/Max.

Voltage

Power
Rating

Transformer

Type

Trainmaster *

Lionel 1032 U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard

Lionel 1032M U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard

Lionel 1033 U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel 1043 U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard

Lionel 1043M U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard

Lionel 1044 U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel 1053 U A 8-17v 60-Watt Standard
Lionel 1063 U A 8-17v 60-Watt Standard

All-Trol Left Terminal Right Terminal 0-24v 300-Watt Electronic

Cab-1/Powerma

ster

A U 0-18v 135V.A. Electronic

Dallee Hostler Left Terminal Right Terminal Electronic

Lionel LW A U 8-18v 75-Watt Standard

Lionel KW A or B U 6-20v 190-Watt Standard

Lionel MW

Outside Track

Terminal

Inside Track

Terminal

5-16v 50V.A. Electronic

R.O.W. Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-24v 384-Watt Standard

Lionel RS-1 Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-18v 50V.A. Electronic

Lionel RW U A 9-19v 110-Watt Standard
Lionel SW U A Unknown 130-Watt Standard

Lionel TW

U A 8-18v 175-Watt Standard

Lionel ZW A,B,C or D U 8-20v 275-Watt Standard

Lionel

Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-18v 135-Watt Electronic

MTH Z-500 Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-18v 50-Watt Electronic
MTH Z-750 Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-21v 75-Watt Electronic

MTH Z-4000 Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-22v 390-Watt Electronic

* Conventional Mode Only

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

CAUTION: ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PRODUCT:

Not recommended for children under 10 years of age. M.T.H.
recommends adult supervision with children ages 10 - 16. As with all

electric products, precautions should be observed during handling and
use to reduce the risk of electric shock.

WARNING: When using electrical products, basic safety precautions should

be observed, including the following:

• Read this manual thoroughly before using this device.

• M.T.H. recommends that all users and persons supervising use examine the hobby transformer
and other electronic equipment periodically for conditions that may result in the risk of fire,

electric shock, or injury to persons, such as damage to the primary cord, plug blades, housing,
output jacks or other parts. In the event such conditions exist, the train set should not be used

until properly repaired.

• Do not operate your layout unattended. Obstructed accessories or stalled trains may overheat,
resulting in damage to your layout.

• This train set is intended for indoor use. Do not use if water is present. Serious injury or fatality
may result.

• Do not operate the hobby transformer with damaged cord, plug, switches, buttons or case.

• The transformer was designed to operate on regular US household current (120 volt, 50-60
Hertz). Do not connect to any other source of power.

• To avoid the risk of electrical shock, do not disassemble the transformer unit. There are no
user-serviceable parts inside. If the unit is damaged contact M.T.H. Service for instructions.

• The transformer is equipped with an internal circuit protector. If the circuit protector trips,
unplug the power cord from the electrical wall outlet, check your layout for any short circuits.

The circuit breaker will reset automatically when the short is removed from the circuit.

• Unplug the transformer from the electrical wall outlet when not in use.

• Do not use this transformer for other than its intended purpose.

Transformer Ratings:

Input: 120 VAC
60 Hz Only

Output: 21VAC, 3.75A 78VA (for sets with Z-750)

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

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RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

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Service & Warranty Information

How to Get Service Under the Terms of the Limited One-Year Warranty

For warranty repair, do not return your product to the place of purchase. Instead, follow the
instructions below to obtain warranty service as our dealer network is not prepared to service the
product under the terms of this warranty.

1. First, write, call or FAX M.T.H. Electric Trains, 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD
21046, (Tel [phone]; FAX No.: 410-423-0009; e-mail: [e-mail]), stating
when it was purchased and what seems to be the problem. You will be given a return authorization

number to assure that your merchandise will be properly handled upon its receipt.

2. CAUTION: Make sure the product is packed in its original factory packaging including its foam
and plastic wrapping material so as to prevent damage to the merchandise. The shipment must be
prepaid and we recommend that it be insured. A cover letter including your name, address, daytime
phone number, e-mail address (if available), Return Authorization number, a copy of your sales
receipt and a full description of the problem must be included to facilitate the repairs. Please include
the description regardless of whether you discussed the problem with one of our service technicians
when contacting M.T.H. for your Return Authorization number.

3. Please make sure you have followed the instructions carefully before returning any merchandise
for service.

Limited One-Year Warranty

All M.T.H. products purchased from an Authorized M.T.H. Train Merchant are covered by this
warranty.

See our website at www.mth-railking.com or call 1-888-640-3700 to identify an Authorized M.T.H.
Train Merchant near you.
M.T.H. products are warrantied for one year from the date of purchase against defects in material or

workmanship, excluding light bulbs and traction tires. We will repair or replace (at our option) the
defective part without charge for the parts or labor, if the item is returned to M.T.H. Electric Trains
within one year of the original date of purchase. This warranty does not cover damages caused by
improper care, handling, or use. Transportation costs incurred by the customer are not covered under
this warranty.

Items sent for repair must be accompanied by a return authorization number, a description of the
problem, and a copy of the original sales receipt from an Authorized M.T.H. Train Merchant, which
gives the date of purchase. Call 410-381-2580, fax [phone], or e-mail the Service Department at
[e-mail] to obtain a return authorization number.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary from state to state.

Service Department
M.T.H. Electric Trains

7020 Columbia Gateway Drive