RAILKING F-3 READY-TO-RUN TRAIN SET OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ® Your RailKing Ready-To-Run train set is complete with everything you need to get your model railroad up and running. You get an F-3 diesel locomotive, a set of three passenger cars, a transformer, a loop of RealTrax, the RailKing wireless infrared remote control, and the infrared activated remote lock-on. You also get M.T.H.’s exclusive RailWare CD-ROM with track layout software and other information helpful to model railroaders.
Table of Contents Set Up Set up Checklist ® Assembling RealTrax Plugging in the Transformer Lubricating the Engine Coupling the Engine and Cars Basic Operation Operation Buttons Volume Control Proto-Sound 2.0 Operation Activating Proto-Sound 2.
Set Up Checklist • Assemble RealTrax® • Connect the transformer • Lubricate the engine • Place the engine on the track and couple them together • Position remote lock-on lens • Apply power to run as described in the Basic Operation section of these instructions.
Assembling RealTrax™ Unlike other O Gauge track systems, each RealTrax section features a realistic built-in roadbed base, solid nickel-silver track rails, and realistic railroad ties, all designed to give you an authentic looking track system. The quick connectors and built-in roadbed allow you to set up RealTrax anywhere, including most carpeted surfaces, without the need for track nails or the worry of carpet stains.
Connecting the Transformer TM The Z-750 power supply included with this set provides an easy-to-use, safe power source for most 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. Lubricating the Engine You must lubricate the engine before operating it.
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.
conventional mode only. Instructions for accessing DCS command mode features accompany the DCS Remote Control System equipment. Because Proto-Sound 2.0 is an all-new system developed by M.T.H.’s own research and development team, it operates differently from original Proto-Sound. Most Proto-Sound 2.0 features are automatically enabled, and the reset state has been eliminated, so there is no need to program features as with original Proto-Sound.
sequence described below will play as long as it is left on, randomly generating sounds, but be sure to allow approximately 30 seconds between the button pushes described below to allow the PSA sufficient time to run through each sequence. 1. To cue the sound system to play the PSA, quickly but firmly press the Bell button once followed by 2 quick presses of the Whistle button while the engine is moving.
• You can terminate PSA at anytime by turning off power to the track for 15 seconds. • You do not have to be in Forward to use PSA. At the conclusion of the full sequence, the train will pull away from the station in whatever direction you were going when you activated the feature. • You can use PSA even if you are double-heading with another engine.
This locomotive is equipped with two coil-wound Proto-Couplers for remote uncoupling action. Because the Proto-Coupler is controlled through the Proto-Sound 2.0 microprocessor, it does not require an uncoupling track section or modification to your layout to function. Use the codes listed below to fire the coupler. Rear Coupler: To fire the rear coupler, press the Bell button once followed immediately by three pushes of the Whistle button.
You can lock your engine into a directional state (forward, neutral, or reverse) to prevent it from changing 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 speed (< 10 scale mph), and quickly but firmly press your remote’s Whistle button once followed immediately by three presses of the Bell button. Two horn blasts will indicate that the engine has made the change.
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.
2. Remove the truck blocks from the chassis by unscrewing the large Phillips motor mount screw on the bottom of each truck block, as shown in Figure 6. 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 the pickup and ground wires between the truck block and motor mount. 5.
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).
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 8 to remove. You can obtain replacement bulbs directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department (phone: 410-381-2580; e-mail: parts@mth-railking.com; mail: 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532).
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 9-1) holding the roof on. 2. Turn the car back over and gently lift the car roof away from the body and chassis (see Figure 9-2) You may need to twist the car a little to make to roof come loose from the body. 3.
Self-Charging Battery Back-Up The special NiCad 7-cell 8.4v self-charging battery in this engine improves performance at any speed. It ensures that power to the sound system will remain on during directional changes, or when traveling over dirty track or switches. The self-charging battery system is automatically turned on or off whenever track power is turned on or off. Track power (when applied) recharges the battery, which should last for up to five years.
RailWare Interactive CD ROM M.T.H. provides a free RailWare CD ROM in each Ready-To-Run set. It is full of helpful information on M.T.H. product history, track planning software, a dealer finder, and information and video clips on Loco-Sound and Proto-Sound 2.0. Follow the directions below to use the CD ROM. Minimum System Requirements: Pentium 100, 16MB RAM, Windows 95 or later, CD ROM drive, Sound Card, display properties set to greater than 256 ® colors.
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.
Troubleshooting Proto-Sound® 2.0 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).
Cab Chatter Remedy Sometimes the Cab Chatter sounds don’t play. Cab Chatter plays only in neutral. 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 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. Engine speed must be below 10 scale mph (approx. 10 volts or less in conventional mode).
PSA Remedy Once in PSA, the engine doesn’t go into reverse. So that PSA effects can be as realistic as possible, Proto-Sound 2.0 disables the reversing unit whenever PSA is enabled. This way the engine remains still at its stop as the operator cycles through the PSA sequences. When the PSA enters its last sequence the bell automatically comes on. PSA is programmed to start ringing the bell at that point. After approximately 12 rings of the bell, it will automatically turn off.
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. Transformer Model Center Rail Outside Rail Min/Max.
Additional Features Accessible with the DCS Remote Control System: While conventional mode operation of a Proto-Sound 2.0 engine yields wonderfully realistic sound and several train control features, command mode operation allows the user to access a world of command functions never before accessible to O Gauge railroaders.
• Direction Control Set Up-User can set initial individual start-up direction (start in forward or reverse) for double-heading operations • Locomotive Consist Set-up-User can determine locomotive values for consist make-ups, allowing multiple locomotives belonging to a consist to operate together • Query Locomotive Information-User can query locomotive programming to learn locomotive address and engine data information, including scale miles traveled • User Can Query, Set and Operate Track and Accessory Int
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.
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 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 7020 Columbia Gateway Dr. - Columbia, MD 21046 Information: 410-381-2580 Fax: 410-381-6122 www.mth-railking.com PARTICIPATING N.A.S.C. RETAILER LIST CANADA TOY TRAIN WORKSHOP CUMBERLAND 613-833-8331 CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN TRAINS & HOBBIES THURMONT 301-694-8331 MICHIGAN THE TRAIN ROOM FERGUS 519-787-3280 MICHIGAN MODEL TRAIN CENTER PINCKNEY 734-426-1651 CALIFORNIA TIN PLATE JUNCTION OAKLAND 510-444-4780 BRASSEUR ELECTRIC TRAINS INC.
AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER 7020 Columbia Gateway Dr. - Columbia, MD 21046 Information: 410-381-2580 Fax: 410-381-6122 www.mth-railking.com PARTICIPATING A.S.C.
MAINE WHEELS, WINGS & THINGS LUDLOW 207-532-6277 MARYLAND PLAZA HOBBY CUMBERLAND 301-729-6424 HOBBYTOWN U S A FREDERICK 301-694-7395 ENGINE HOUSE HOBBIES GAITHERSBURG 301-590-0816 TREASURED TOYS SALEM 603-898-7224 NEW JERSEY COUNTRY AND STUFF ANDOVER 973-786-7086 KROSS HARDWARE WEST BABYLON 631-669-3069 COLUMBUS TRAIN STATION COLUMBUS 609-518-1800 NORTH CAROLINA ATLANTIC RAILS HAMMONTON 609-567-8490 GRAND CENTRAL STATION KEARNY 201-955-6200 J & B TRAINS HAGERSTOWN 240-420-4930 J & B TRAINS, INC.
TRAINS-N- THINGS NORTH CANTON 330-499-1666 THE STATION NEW CUMBERLAND 717-774-7096 CHESTERFIELD HOBBIES MIDLOTHIAN 804-379-9091 GRAND PACIFIC JUNCTION OLMSTEAD FALLS 440-235-4777 FRYER'S STORE ORWIGSBURG 570-366-2258 DAVIS HOBBY SUPPLIES PORTSMOUTH 757-397-1983 RICK'S TOY TRAINS TOLEDO 419-478-0171 CHESTNUT TOYBOX PHILADELPHIA 215-545-0455 TOY TRAIN CENTER RICHMOND 804-288-4475 ERIE RAILWAY DEPOT TROY 937-440-9972 TOBY TYLER'S HOBBY CENTER PITTSBURGH 412-653-5030 NUTBUSH EXPRESS VICTORIA 434-696-
