RKS Dash-8 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 15 for a complete list of compatible transformers and wiring instructions.
Table of Contents Set Up Checklist........................................................................................................... Lubrication....................................................................................................... Priming the Smoke Unit................................................................................. 3 3 4 Basic Operation.............................................................................................................
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 Fig. 1. Do not over-oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point. Lubricate Pick Up Roller Axles (L) Lubricate All Wheel Axles (L) Figure 1.
Priming the Smoke Unit When preparing to run this engine, add 15-20 drops of smoke fluid through the smokestack (see Fig. 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.
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.
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. Figure 4.
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.
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. DO NOT OVER OIL Motor Mounting Screw Body Mount Screws Body Mount Screws Body Mount Screws Motor Mounting Screw Grease Idler Gear (G) Figure 5.
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. Grease Idler Gears Figure 6.
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 8. 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.
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 Fig. 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.
ProtoSmoke® Unit Operation This diesel locomotive contains a Proto-Sound 2.0 controlled smoke unit that outputs smoke through the smkestack 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 a 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.
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 Fig. 9).
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: service@mth-railking.com; telephone: 410-381-2580; fax: 410-423-0009; mail: 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532).
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart 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. Transformer Model Center Rail Outside Rail Min/Max.
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.
