This engine will operate on any
traditional O-31 Gauge track system,
including M.T.H.’s RealTrax® or
ScaleTrax™ or traditional tubular
track. It is also compatible with most
standard AC transformers. (See page
15 for a complete list of compatible
transformers and wiring instructions.)
PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE
Table of Contents
Set Up Checklis t...................................................................................................3
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 followi ng:
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
l
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.
l
This train set is intended for indoor use. Do not use if water is present. Serious injury or fatality may result.
l
l
Do not operate the hobby transformer with damaged cord, plug, switches, buttons or case.
Set Up Checklist
•
Lubricate the locomotive
• Apply power to run as described in the Basic Operating Section of this manual
Lubrication
You should lubricate the engine to prevent it from squeaking. Use
light household oil and follow the lubrication points marked “L” in
Fig. 1. Do not over-oil and avoid getting lubricant on flat surface of
pickup roller. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.
Lubricate Pick Up Rollers (L)Lubricate Pick Up Rollers (L)
Lubricate Wheel Axles (L)
(On Each Truck)
Figure 1. Lubrication Points on the Locomotive
DO NOT
OVER OIL
RailKing R-12 Subway Set3
Basic Operation
Proto-Sound 2.0
Throttle Throttle up the power to your track. Advance the throttle until 12 – 16 volts is
applied, then put the subway set into forward motion by either firmly pressing the
Direction button on your transformer or remote once or dropping and advancing the
throttle.
Bell - To sound the bell, quickly 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 you
turn it on until you press and release the button again to turn it off.
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.
Direction Your train is programmed to start in neutral. The first direction from neutral
upon start-up is forward. Firmly press and release the Direction button to allow the
engine to move forward. Just as you must stop your automobile 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 approximately 25
seconds or more.
Manual Volume Control
To adjust the volume of all sounds made
by this engine, turn the master volume
control knob located under the powered
unit (See Figure 2) clockwise to increase
the volume and counter-clockwise to
decrease the volume.
Cycle Phases
Neutral
ForwardReverse
Neutral
Figure 2: Manual Volume Adjustment
4 RailKing R-12 Subway Set
Volume Adjustment Knob
Loco-Sound
Operating Instructions
Activating Loco-Sound Features
This manual contains the operating instructions for Proto-Sound 2.0 in conventional
mode only. Instructions for accessing DCS command mode features accompany the DCS
Remote Control System equipment.
Timing Chart
Press
Horn
Short &
Firm
½ Sec.
Pause
Total Time Lapse: 1Seconds½
Press
Bell
Short &
Firm
½ Sec.
Pause
Press
Bell
Short &
Firm
Feature to Be Activated:
Speed Control On/Off
Lock into a Direction/Unlock
Button Code:
1 Whistle, 2 Bells
1 Whistle, 3 Bells
RailKing R-12 Subway Set5
Speed Control
M.T.H. engines equipped with Proto-Sound 2.0 have speed control capabilities that allow
the engine to maintain a constant speed up and down grades and around curves, much
like an automobile cruise control. You can add or drop cars on the run, and the engine
will maintain the speed you set.
While the engine is programmed to start with the speed control feature activated, you can
opt to turn it off. This means the engine's speed will fall as it labors up a hill and increase
as it travels downward. It is also affected by the addition or releasing of cars while on the
run. Because the engine will run more slowly at a given throttle voltage when speed
control is on than when it is off, you should adjust the throttle to a lower power level for
operation with speed control off to avoid high-speed derailments. When speed control is
off, the volume will drop to allow for better low voltage operation.
To turn speed control on and off, put the engine in neutral, then quickly tap the
transformer's Horn button one time then quickly tap the Bell button two times, allowing
approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick button press. Two horn blasts will
indicate that the engine has made the change. Repeat the 1 horn, 2 bells code to return it
to the other condition. You will want to do this during the initial neutral upon start-up if
you ever couple this engine to another engine that is not equipped with speed control to
avoid damaging the motors in either engine. Each time you shut down the engine
completely, it will automatically turn speed control on.
Place
Engine into
Neutral
Horn
BellBell
=
Speed Control
Two Horn Blasts
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition
Locking Locomotive Into A Direction
You can lock your engine into a direction (forward, neutral, or reverse) so that it will not
change directions. To do this, put the engine into the direction you want (or into neutral
to lock it into neutral), run it at a very slow crawl (as slowly as it will move without
halting), and quickly but firmly tap the Horn button once followed by three quick taps of
the Bell button, allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick button
press. Two horn blasts will indicate that the engine has made the change. The engine will
6 RailKing R-12 Subway Set
not change direction (including going into neutral) until you repeat the 1 horn, 3 bells
code to return the engine to its normal condition, even if the engine is kept without power
for extended periods of time.
Place
Engine into
Horn
Desired
Direction
Horn
BellBellBell
Direction Lock
Repeat to Return
=
to Normal Condition
Using Proto-Cast and Proto-Dispatch Features
When used with the RailKing Remote Lock-on (sold separately), 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 audio source 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.
RailKing R-12 Subway Set7
Maintenance
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions
The engine should be well oiled and greased in order to run properly.
Regularly lubricate all axles and linkage components and pickup rollers
to prevent squeaking. Use light household oil, such as that found in
M.T.H.'s maintenance kit. Do not over oil. Use only a drop or two on
each pivot point.
DO NOT
OVER OIL
Body Mount Screws
Motor Mounting Screw
Figure 3
The locomotive’s internal gearing was greased at the factory and should not need
additional grease until after 50 hours of operation or one year, whichever comes first.
Follow the greasing instructions below. Note that in some tightly packed engines you
may need to move internal components temporarily in order to access the gears.
1. Remove the eight Phillips screws from the chassis, as seen in Figure 3, then lift the
body away from the chassis.
2. Remove the truck blocks from the chassis by unscrewing the black Phillips motor
mount screw on the bottom of each truck block, as shown in Figure 3.
3. Once the motor mount screw has been removed, pull the motor away from the truck
block and lightly coat the motor worm gear and bronze drive gear (in the truck block)
with grease.
4. Reassemble the truck and motor, being careful not to pinch any wires between the
truck block and motor mount.
Body Mount Screws
8 RailKing R-12 Subway Set
5. Repeat the procedure for the other motor and truck.
6. Reassemble the chassis and body,
being careful that the wires are not
caught between the body and chassis,
as this can lead to a short that may
damage the electronics beyond repair.
7. Before replacing body mount
screws, test the unit on powered track
to make sure all light housings are in
place and functioning. Replace
screws and door slider handles.
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.
Figure 4
Lubricate Worm Gear
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 RailKing Track
Cleaning Fluid and a clean rag or
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. Thereafter,
keep an eye on the track and clean it
when it gets dirty to ensure good
RailKing R-12 Subway Set9
Lightbulb Replacement Instructions
electrical contact and to lengthen the life of
the tires.
Interior Lights
To replace the interior lights in the
powered unit:
1. Follow the shell removal instructions
found in the “Lubrication and Greasing”
section of this booklet.
2. Pull bulb straight out to remove.
Figure 5
To replace the interior lights in the unpowered units:
1. Remove the eight Phillips screws from
the chassis, then lift the body away from
the chassis. Lift the shell off carefully and
turn body shell over to reveal interior
lights.
2. Pull light bulbs straight out and push
new bulbs straight in to replace.
Figure 6
Gently Pull Bulbs
Away From Socket To Remove
Non-Powered Car Chassis & Body
Away From Socket To Remove
Figure 7
10 RailKing R-12 Subway Set
Gently Pull Bulbs
Headlights
To replace the headlights and other
end-of-car lights in the powered unit:
1. Remove the shell as described in the
“Lubrication and Greasing” section of
Gently Pull Bulbs
Away From Socket To Remove
this booklet.
2. Pull out the bulb(s) you need to
change.
Figure 8
To replace the headlights and other end-of-car lights in the rear non-powered unit:
1. Remove the shell as described for
the interior lights, above.
2. Locate the marker or headlight wire
harnesses and unplug from two-pin
connector and replace entire harness.
Replacement bulbs and wire ties are
available directly from the M.T.H. Parts
Department (order online:
www.mth-railking.com, e-mail:
parts@mth-railking.com; mail: 7020
Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia
MD 21046-1532, FAX: 410-381-6122).
Figure 9
Unplug Marker Light Wires
From Socket To Remove
RailKing R-12 Subway Set11
Traction Tire Replacement
Your subway set 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 and remove the truckside mounting
screws as seen in Figure 10.
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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Reassemble in reverse order.
One set of replacement tires is packaged with the model. Additional tires are available
directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department (order online: www.mth-railking.com,
e-mail: parts@mth-railking.com; mail: 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD
21046-1532, FAX: 410-381-6122).
Figure 10
Screws to Remove Trucksides
12 RailKing R-12 Subway Set
Troubleshooting Loco-Sound Problems
Although Proto-Sound 2.0 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: 410-381-2580; fax: 410-423-0009; service@mth-railking.com,
7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532).
Starting Up
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.
Horn
I can’t get the horn to blow when I
press the whistle button.
Bell
I can’t get the bell to ring when I press
the bell button.
Lock-outRemedy
I can’t get the engine to run after I
power up the transformer. It sits still
with the engine sounds running.
Remedy
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.
Remedy
You may be pressing the button too
quickly. Try pressing the whistle button
more slowly, taking approximately one
Remedy
full second to fully depress the button.
Remedy
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.
The engine is locked into the neutral
position. Follow the procedure in the
“Lock into a Direction” section.
The engine won’t lock into forward,
neutral, or reverse.
RailKing R-12 Subway Set13
Engine speed must be below 10 scale
mph (approx. 10 volts or less in
conventional mode).
VolumeRemedy
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.
14 RailKing R-12 Subway Set
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart
Proto-Sound 2.0 is designed to work with most standard AC transformers. The chart
below lists the many compatible transformers. Note that many of the operational
commands described in these instructions require a bell button, so if your transformer
does not have its own bell button, you should consider adding one to get the full benefit
of the system. In addition, the chart details how the terminals on these transformers
should be attached to your layout.
How to Get Service Under the Terms of the Limited One-Year Warranty
When you suspect an item is defective, please check the operator's manual for standard
operation and trouble-shooting techniques that may correct the problem. Additional
information may be found on the M.T.H. Website. Should you still require service, follow
the instructions below to obtain warranty service.
First, e-mail, write, call or fax a M.T.H. Authorized Service Center (ASC) in your area to obtain Repair
Authorization. You can find the list of ASCs on the M.T.H. Website, www.mth-railking.com. Authori zed Service
Centers are required to make warranty repairs on items sold from that store; all other repairs may-- or may not
be done at the store's own discretion. If you did not purchase the item directly from the ASC, you will need to
select a National Authorized Service Center (NASC). These centers are compensated by M.T.H. to perform
warranty service for any customer whose repair qualifies for warranty service. A list of NASC retailers can be
located on the M.T.H. Website or by calling 1-888-640-3700. Should the warranty no longer apply, you may
choose either an ASC or NASC retailer to service your M.T.H. Product. A reasonable service fee will be charged.
CAUTION: Make sure the product is packed in its original factory packaging including its foam and plastic
wrapping material to prevent damage to the merchandise. There is no need to return the entire set if only one of
the components is in need of repair .
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 (if required by the service center, 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 a service technician when contacting the
Service Center for your Return Authorization.
Please make sure you have followed the instructions carefully before returning any merchandise for service.
Authorized M.T.H. Service Centers are independently owned and operated and are not agents or representatives of
M.T.H. Electric Trains. M.T.H. assumes no responsibility, financial or otherwise, for material left in their
possession, or work done, by privately owned M.T.H. Authorized Service Centers.
If you need assistance at any time email MTH Service at , or call 410 381-2580.
unless otherwise instructed by the Service Center The shipment must be
only
service@mth-railking.com
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 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 wear
items such as light bulbs, pick-up rollers, batteries, smoke unit wicks, 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 an Authorized Service Center (ASC) or
M.T.H. National Authorized Service Center (NASC) 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
original sales receipt from an Authorized M.T.H. Train Merchant
product to an Authorized Service Center, contact that Center for their return authorization.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary from state to state. Specific questions
regarding the warranty may be forwarded to M.T.H. directly.
Service Department
M.T.H. Electric Trains
7020 Columbia Gateway Drive
.Columbia MD 21046-1532
www.mth-railking.com
M.T.H.
, which gives the date of purchase. If you are sending this