Rail King RKS SD-45 Operator's Manual

RKS SD-45 Diesel Engine

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

(Loco-Sound)

Compatibility

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
22 for a complete list of compatible
transformers and wiring instructions.)

PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE

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.

l 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.

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

This product may be protected by one or more of the following patents:
6,019,289; 6,280,278; 6,281,606; 6,291,263; 6,457,681; 6,491,263; 6,604,641;
6,619,594; 6,624,537; 6,655,640.

©2004, M.T.H. Electric Trains, Columbia, MD 21046

Table of Contents

Set Up Checklist...........................................................................................................

Lubrication.......................................................................................................

Priming the Smoke Unit.................................................................................

Basic Operation.............................................................................................................

Activating Features...........................................................................................

Manual Volume Control..................................................................................

Loco Sound Operating Instructions................................................................

Speed Control...................................................................................................

Locking Locomotive Into A Direction.........................................................

Maintenance...................................................................................................................

Lubricating and Greasing Instructions.........................................................

Cleaning The Wheels, Tires and Track.........................................................

Traction Tire Replacement Instructions.......................................................

Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement.............................................................

ProtoSmoke Unit Operation...........................................................................

Troubleshooting loco-Sound Problems.........................................................

Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart..............................................

Service & Warranty Information....................................................................

3
3
4

5
5
6

7
7
8

9

9
10
11
12
13
15
16
17

Set Up Checklist

- Lubricate the locomotive

- Prime the smoke unit

- 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
Figure 1. Do not over-oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot
point.

RKS SD-45 Diesel Engine with Loco-Sound

3

DO NOT

OVER OIL

DO NOT

OVER OIL

DO NOT

OVER OIL

Figure 1. Lubrication Points on the Locomotive

Lubricate Pick Up Roller Axles (L)

Lubricate All Wheel Axles (L)

Priming the Smoke Unit

When preparing to run this engine, add 15-20 drops of smoke fluid through the
smokestack (see Figure 2). We recommend M.T.H. ProtoSmoke, Seuthe, LGB, or
LVTS fluids. Do not overfill the unit or the fluid may leak out and coat the interior
engine components.

If you choose not to add smoke fluid (or have already added fluid but choose to
run smoke-free), turn off the smoke unit by turning the smoke unit switch to the
“OFF” position. Failure either to add fluid to the smoke unit or to turn it off

may damage the smoke unit heating element and/or wicking material.

RKS SD-45 Diesel Engine with 4Loco-Sound

Running the engine without a primed
smoke unit may cause damage

Figure 2. Adding Smoke Fluid

Figure 3. Smoke Unit Control

Add Smoke Fluid

Smoke Unit ON/OFF Control

Basic Operation

The Throttle knob controls how fast your train will travel. Turn the throttle knob
up ½-way, until the engine and caboose lights shine bright. Put the engine into
motion by pressing the Direction button on your transformer once. (hold it for
approximately 1 second)

If the engine does not begin to move as soon as you firmly press the Direction
button, you may not have sent enough voltage to the track to make the train move.
Turn the throttle up a bit higher until the train begins to move.

Activating Features

Throttle - To increase or decrease track voltage, and therefore train speed, turn the

throttle control knob. Turning clockwise will increase voltage and speed, while
turning counterclockwise will decrease voltage and speed. The engine will maintain
the speed you set after you release the throttle until you turn it again to change the
voltage and speed.

Bell - To sound the bell, in an engine equipped with a 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 you turn it on until you press and release
the button again to turn it off.

Horn/Whistle - To sound the whistle, firmly press the Horn/Whistle button. The
whistle 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 train will always
cycle neutral-forward-neutral-reverse with each press and release of the direction
button. The engine is programmed to restart in neutral each time the track voltage
is turned off for 25 seconds or more.

RKS SD-45 Diesel Engine with 5Loco-Sound

Cycle Phases

Neutral

Neutral

ForwardReverse

Manual Volume Control

To adjust the volume of all sounds made by this engine, turn the master volume
control knob located next to the fuel tank clockwise to increase the volume and
counter-clockwise to decrease the volume.

RKS SD-45 Diesel Engine with 6Loco-Sound

Figure 4. Manual Volume Adjustment Knob

Volume Adjustment Knob

RKS SD-45 Diesel Engine with 7Loco-Sound

Loco-Sound Operating Instructions

Speed Control

M.T.H. engines equipped with Loco-Sound 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. To maintain a constant speed when speed
control is turned off, you need to adjust track voltage yourself.

To turn speed control on and off, put the engine in neutral, then quickly tap the
transformer's Whistle button one time then quickly tap the Bell button two times,
allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick button press. Repeat
the 1 whistle, 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.

RKS SD-45 Diesel Engine with 8Loco-Sound

Direction Lock

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 Whistle button once followed by
three quick taps of the Bell button, allowing approximately ½ second to lapse
between each quick button press. The engine will not change direction (including
going into neutral) until you repeat the 1 whistle, 3 bells code to return the engine to
its normal condition, even if the engine is kept without power for extended periods
of time.

Timing Chart

Total Time Lapse: 1 Seconds½

Press
Whistle
Short &

Firm

½ Sec.

Pause

½ Sec.

Pause

Press

Bell

Short &

Firm

Press

Bell

Short &

Firm

Whistle

Place

Engine into

Neutral

Bell Bell

Speed Control

Repeat to Return

to Normal Condition

=

Place

Engine into

Desired

Direction

Whistle

Bell Bell Bell

Direction Lock

Repeat to Return

to Normal Condition

=

Maintenance

Lubricating and Greasing Instructions

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

Regularly lubricate all axles 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.

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. To access the gear box, remove the cab from the chassis by unscrewing the body
mount screws as seen in Figure 5 and lifting the cab from the chassis.

2. Once the cab is removed, remove the trucks by unscrewing the black Phillips
motor mount screw located on the underside of the drive trucks (see Figure 5).

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.

RKS SD-45 Diesel Engine with 9Loco-Sound

DO NOT

OVER OIL

DO NOT

OVER OIL

DO NOT

OVER OIL

Figure 5. Body Removal Screw Locations

Body Mount Screws

Motor Mount Screws

Motor Mount Screws

Body Mount Screws

Body Mount Screws

Grease Idler Gear (G)

5. After repeating the procedure for the other motor, reassemble the chassis and
body, being careful that the wire harnesses are not caught between the chassis and
body, and reinstall the body mount screws.

Lubricate the outside truck block idler and drive gears with grease. Use the
diagram shown in Figure 6 below as a guide and add grease to the points marked.

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 or denatured (not rubbing)
alcohol and a clean rag. 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
electrical contact and to lengthen the life of the tires.

RKS SD-45 Diesel Engine with 10Loco-Sound

Figure 6. Greasing The Idler Gears

Grease Idler Gear (G)

Traction Tire Replacement Instructions

Your locomotive is equipped with two neoprene rubber traction tires on each
powered truck block. While these tires are extremely durable, they may
occasionally need replacement.

First, remove the truck sides from the truck block. To do this, turn your engine
upside down and remove the chassis as detailed on page 12.

Remove the trucks from the chassis and the truck sides from the trucks in order to
slip the new tire over the grooved drive wheel. 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 will not seat inside the groove properly.

5. Reassemble in the reverse order.

Replacement parts are available directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department (order
online: www.mth-railking.com, e-mail: [e-mail]; mail: 7020
Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532, FAX: [phone]).

RKS SD-45 Diesel Engine with 11Loco-Sound

Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement

To replace the headlight and cab interior lights on this locomotive, follow these
instructions.

Follow the cab removal instructions in the “Lubrication and Greasing
Instructions” section on pg. 12 of this manual. Once the body has been removed,
follow the instructions below and remove the lights as shown in Figure 7.

Headlight

The locomotive’s headlight is controlled by a constant voltage circuit in the engine.
The headlight is easy to remove and replace when it burns out. The bulb has a
quick disconnect plug that attaches the bulb harness to a connector terminal.

Gently disconnect the bulb harness from the connector terminal and remove bulbs
through the rear of the headlight socket. Insert the new bulb harness and
reconnect. Replacement bulb harnesses are available directly from the M.T.H. Parts
Department.

Cab Interior Lights

The cab interior lights are also made with a bulb harness that attaches to a quick
disconnect plug. Gently disconnect the bulb harness from the connector, and
remove the bulb. Insert the new bulb harness and reconnect. Replacement bulb
harnesses are available directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department.

RKS SD-45 Diesel Engine with 12Loco-Sound

Figure 7. Replacing the Light Bulbs

Headlights

Interior lights

ProtoSmoke® Unit Operation

This diesel locomotive contains a Proto-Sound 2.0 controlled smoke unit that
outputs smoke through the smokestack on the roof of the engine. The smoke unit
is essentially a small heating element and wick that soaks up and then heats a
mineral oil-based fluid that emits smoke. The smoke is then forced out of the
stack by a small electric fan. Smoke volume is controlled by the Proto-Sound 2.0
system.

With a few easy maintenance steps, you should enjoy trouble-free smoke unit
operation for years.

When preparing to run this engine, add 15-20 drops of smoke fluid through the
smokestack (see Figure 8). We recommend M.T.H. ProtoSmoke, Seuthe, LGB, or
LVTS fluids. Do not overfill the unit or the fluid may leak out and coat the interior
engine components.

To adjust the amount of smoke produced, turn the smoke unit volume control
clockwise to increase the amount of smoke, or counter-clockwise to reduce the
amount (se Figure 3)

If you choose not to add smoke fluid (or have already added fluid but choose to
run smoke-free), turn off the smoke unit by turning the smoke unit switch to the
“OFF” position (see Figure 3). Failure either to add fluid to the smoke unit or

to turn it off may damage the smoke unit heating element and/or wicking
material.

When the smoke output while running the engine begins to diminish, add another
10-15 drops of smoke fluid or turn the smoke unit off.

When storing the unit for long periods of time, you may want to add about 15
drops of fluid to prevent the wick from drying out.

After removing the engine from storage, add another 25 drops of fluid, letting the
wick soak up the fluid for 15 minutes prior to operation.

RKS SD-45 Diesel Engine with 13Loco-Sound

Figure 8. Filling The Smoke Unit

Add Smoke Fluid

After removing the engine from storage, add another 25 drops of fluid, letting the
wick soak up the fluid for 15 minutes prior to operation.

If you experience poor or no smoke output when the smoke unit is on and has
fluid, check the wick to see if it has become hard, blackened, and unabsorbent
around the heating element. After removing the locomotive body from its chassis
(See Figure 5), remove the smoke unit inspection cover (see Figure 9). After
removing the inspection cover screws, lift the inspection plate away and inspect the
wick. If it is darkly discolored and hard, it should be replaced.

Replacement parts and wick replacement instructions are available directly from
the M.T.H. Parts Department (order online: www.mth-railking.com, e-mail:
[e-mail]; mail: 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD
21046-1532, FAX: [phone]).

RKS SD-45 Diesel Engine with 14Loco-Sound

Inspection Cover

Screws

Figure 9. Inspecting the Smoke Unit Wick

Inspection Cover

Screws

RKS SD-45 Diesel Engine with 15Loco-Sound

™

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 (e-mail:
[e-mail]; telephone: [phone];
fax: [phone]; mail: 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532).

Starting Up

Whistle

Bell

Remedy

Remedy

Remedy

When I first turn the power on, the
engine will not begin to run.

The engine will not start after I press
the Direction button.

I can't get the whistle 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, Loco-Sound 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.
You may not be sending enough power to the track to power
the engine. Press the throttle up for a few more seconds to
increase track power.

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 may be locked into the neutral position. Follow
the procedure in the "Lock into a Direction" section to
unlock the engine's direction.
Engine speed must be below 10 scale mph (approx. 10 volts
or less in conventional mode).

Volume Remedy

The sounds seem distorted,
especially when the Horn or bell is
activated.
No sound.

Loco-Sound volume is set too high. Turn the volume
control knob on the bottom of the tender counter-clockwise
to reduce the volume.
Volume is set too low, adjust volume control knob on the
bottom of the chassis clockwise to increase the volume or
check connector to speaker.

RKS SD-45 Diesel Engine with 16Loco-Sound

Transformer

Model

Center Rail Outside Rail

Min/Max.

Voltage

Power
Rating

Transformer

Type

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

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

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

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

Lionel Post-War

Celebration

Series ZW

A,B,C or D

A,B,C or D

U

Common

8-20v

0-20v

275-Watt

135/190 Watt

Standard

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

MTH Z-1000 Red Terminal Black Terminal

0-14v
0-18v

80-Watt

100-Watt

Electronic

Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart

Note that many of the operational commands described in these instructions require a bell
button, so if you are using a transformer other than the one included in this set and your
transformer does not have its own bell button, you should consider adding one to get the
full benefit of the system.

Service & Warranty Information

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 trouble­shooting 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. Authorized
Service Centers are required to make warranty repairs on items sold only 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 ser vice. 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 unless otherwise instructed by the Service Center. 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 (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.

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 M.T.H. 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
a copy of the original sales receipt from an Authorized M.T.H. Train Merchant, which gives the date of
purchase. If you are sending this product to an Authorized Service Center, contact that Center for their retur n
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

[e-mail]

www.mth-railking.com