M.T.H. Tinplate 385 User manual

By M.T.H. Electric Trains
®
®
Tinplate 385/1835
Steam Locomotive
Compatibility
This set will operate on any traditional 42”
diameter STD. Gauge track system,
including M.T.H.’s traditional tubular track.
It is also compatible with most standard AC
transformers. (See page 7 for a complete list
of compatible transformers and wiring
instructions.)
PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Traditional Version

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 therisk of electric shock.
WARNING:When usingelectricalproducts,basicsafetyprecautionsshouldbeobserved,includingthefollowing:
Readthis manualthoroughlybefore usingthis 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
properlyrepaired.
Donotoperateyourlayoutunattended. Obstructedaccessoriesorstalledtrainsmayoverheat,resulting in damage toyourlayout.
Thistrainsetisintended forindooruse. Donotuseifwater ispresent. Seriousinjuryorfatalitymayresult.
l
l
l
lDonotoperatethehobbytransformerwithdamagedcord,plug,switches,buttonsorcase.
Table of Contents
Set Up Checklist................................................................................................... 3
Lubrication.............................................................................................3
Basic Operation....................................................................................................4
Activating Features................................................................................4
Maintenance..........................................................................................................5
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions...................................................5
Cleaning The Wheels and Track............................................................5
Headlight Replacement Instructions......................................................6
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart.......................................7
Service & Warranty Information...........................................................8
Limited One-Year Warranty..................................................................8

Tinplate 1835/385 Locomotive 3
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 in Figures
1 and 2. Do not over-oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.
Make sure you lubricate all side rods, leading and trailing trucks and drive wheel axles.
Lubricate Pick Up Rollers (L)
Lubricate Wheel Axles (L) Lubricate Wheel Axles (L)
Figure 1. Lubrication Points on the Locomotive
DO NOT
OVER OIL
Lubricate Side Rods
Figure 2: Lubricating The Side Rods and Linkage

4Tinplate 1835/385 Locomotive
Basic Operation
The Throttle knob controls how fast your train will travel.
The locomotive is stopped, started and reversed by means of the reversing ‘E-Unit’
located inside the locomotive. The E-Unit is a three position sequence relay which cycles
whenever current to the locomotive is interrupted. This can be done by operating the
‘direction’ control on the transformer, or by moving the transformer voltage control to
the OFF position. The sequence of its operation is Forward, Neutral, Reverse, Neutral,
etc. In other words, if the locomotive is in forward motion, operate the ‘Direction’
control once to stop it, and twice to reverse it.
If you want to operate the train in one direction only, which is necessary If you have
automatic stations or Insulated blocks in your layout, you must ‘lock-out’ the E-Unit.
Make sure the locomotive is moving in the desired direction then stop it. Now, move the
E-Unit lever (located on the top of the boiler) to its OFF position or toward the left side
of the locomotive. If the E-Unit is ‘locked out’ while it is in the Neutral position, the
locomotive will not run at all. Also, because the E-Unit works partially by gravity, it will
not operate properly if the locomotive is held on its side or upside down.
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.
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.
CyclePhases
Neutral
Neutral ForwardReverse
Activating Features

Tinplate 1835/385 Locomotive 5
Maintenance
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
GreaseIdler Gears(G)
Figure 3: Ilder Gear Grease Points
The locomotive utilizes a direct drive motor that should not need direct lubrication.
However, it will be necessary to lubricate the idler gears located on the inside of the drive
wheels as seen in Figure 6 with grease.
Periodically check the locomotive wheels and pickups for dirt and buildup, which can
cause poor electrical contact and
traction. Wheels 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 electrical contact.
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions

6Tinplate 1835/385 Locomotive
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 screws into a bracket
affixed to the inside of the boilet. Replacement bulbs are available directly from the
M.T.H. Parts Department.
Gently unscrew the bulbs from the socket on the mounting bracket and replace the bulb.
Lift Clasp On Boiler Front
To Release Boiler Front From
Locomotive Body. Fold Down
To Reveal Headlight Bulb
Figure 4: Accessing The Locomotive Headlight
Headlight Replacement Instructions

Tinplate 1835/385 Locomotive 7
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.
Transformer
Model Center Rail Outside Rail Min/Max. Voltage Power Rating Transformer Type
Lionel1032 U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel 1032M U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel1033 U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel1043 U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel 1043M U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel1044 U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel1053 U A 8-17v 60-Watt Standard
Lionel1063 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 U6-20v 190-Watt Standard
LionelMW OutsideTrack
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
* Conventional Mode Only
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart

How to Get Service Under the Terms of the Limited One-Year Warranty
For warranty repair, follow the instructions below to obtain warranty service.
1. First, e-mail, write, call or fax an Authorized M.T.H. Service Center in your area or M.T.H. ElectricTrainsto
obtain Repair Authorization. You can find the list of Authorized Service Centers on the M.T.H. website,
www.mth-railking.com. Authorized Service Centers are required only 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. Otherwise, con tact M.T.H. (fill
out the Service Contact form in the Service Section of www.mth-railking.com; send US mail to the ad dress listed
below; tel: [phone]; fax: [phone]), stating when the item was purchased and describing the problem.
If you contact M.T.H., 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 a nd 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 a service technician when contacting the Service Center or M.T.H. for your Return Authorization.
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 M.T.H. Service Center or 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. If
you are sending the item to M.T.H., fill out the Service Contact form in the Service Section of
www.mth-railking.com; send US mail to the address listed below; call 410-381-2580, or fax [phone] to
obtain a return authorization number. If you are sending this 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.
Service Department
M.T.H. Electric Trains
7020 Columbia Gateway Drive
Columbia, Maryland 21046-1532
Service & Warranty Information
Limited One-Year Warranty

Tinplate 1835/385 Locomotive 9
ALABAMA
ARIZONA
CALIFORNIA
COLORADO
CONNECTICUT
DELAWARE
FLORIDA
ILLINOIS
INDIANA
LOUISIANA
MAINE
MARYLAND
MASSACHUSETTS
MICHIGAN
SOUTHERLAND STATION
HUNTSVILLE
256-533-4720
[email protected]
ARIZONA TRAIN DEPOT
MESA
480-833-9486
[email protected]
www.arizonatraindepot.com/
DOLLHOUSES, TRAINS & MORE
NOVATO
415-883-0388
[email protected]
TIN PLATE JUNCTION
OAKLAND
510-444-4780
[email protected]
MIZELLTRAINSInc
WESTMINSTER
303-429-4811
[email protected]
www.mizelltrains.com
SHELTONRAILROADSYSTEMS
SHELTON
203-924-8761
[email protected]
NEWENGLANDHOBBYSUPPLY
MANCHESTER
860-646-0610
[email protected]
K R R B MODEL TRAINS INC.
NEWARK
302-292-2779
[email protected]
www.krrb.com
DEPOTHOBBYSHOP
LAKE WORTH
561-585-1982
[email protected]
www.depothobbies.com
COLONIAL PHOTO & HOBBY
ORLANDO
407-841-1485
[email protected]
WARRICK CUSTOM HOBBIES
PLANTATION
954-370-0708
[email protected]
www.warrickcustomhobbies.com
FRANK'S TRAINS & HOBBIES INC.
OLDSMAR
813-855-1041
[email protected]
www.allhobbies.com
READY TO ROLL
MIAMI
305-688-8868
[email protected]
www.readytorolltrains.com
BIKE&CHOOCHOOCONNECTION
SCHAUMBURG
847-882-7728
[email protected]
Y.O.R.K.TRAINS
MUNSTER
219-838-9999
[email protected]
SAMUELSON'STRAINSHOP
VALPARAISO
219-462-2708
AMERICA'STRAINYARD
BATON ROUGE
225-926-5592
WHEELS,WINGS &THINGS
LUDLOW
207-532-6277
[email protected]
ENGINE HOUSE HOBBIES
GAITHERSBURG
301-590-0816
[email protected]
J&BTRAINS
HAGERSTOWN
240-420-4930
HOBBYTOWN U S A
FREDERICK
301-694-7395
PURKEY'S TOY TRAINS
SYKESVILLE
410-549-6061
[email protected]
THE TRAIN ROOM
HAGERSTOWN
301-745-6681
NORTHEAST TRAINS
PEABODY
978-532-1615
www.netrains.com
BRASSEURELECTRICTRAINSINC.
SAGINAW
517-793-4753
[email protected]
www.traindoctor.com
PARTICIPATING RETAILER LIST
AUTHORIZEDSERVICECENTER
www.mth-railking.com
7020 Columbia Gateway Dr. - Columbia, MD 21046
Information: 410-381-2580 Fax: [phone]

10 Tinplate 1835/385 Locomotive
MISSOURI
NEW HAMPSHIRE
NEW JERSEY
NEW YORK
NORTH CAROLINA
OHIO
PENNSYLVANIA
SWITCH STAND
SAINTLOUIS
314-781-4458
[email protected]
MARKTWAIN HOBBYCENTER
ST.CHARLES
636-946-2816
[email protected]
www.hobby1.com
TREASUREDTOYS
SALEM
603-898-7224
[email protected]
www.treasured-toys.com
RAILROAD SPECIALTIES
HUDSON
603-882-5566
[email protected]
www.electric-trains.com
TRAINS & THINGS
TRENTON
609-883-8790
[email protected]
GRANDCENTRALSTATION
KEARNY
201-955-6200
[email protected]
HOBBYMASTERS,INC
RED BANK
732-842-6020
[email protected]
HOLLY BEACH TRAIN DEPOT
WILDWOOD
609-522-2379
[email protected]
COASTTRAINS ANDCOLLECTIBLES
WALL
732-556-9005
[email protected]
www.coasttrains.com
J & B TRAINS, INC.
MAPLE SHADE
856-414-0092
[email protected]
HOBBY SHOP
MATAWAN
732-583-0505
hobbyshopnj.com
ATLANTIC RAILS
HAMMONTON
609-567-8490
[email protected]
www.atlanticrails.com
COUNTRYANDSTUFF
ANDOVER
973-786-7086
[email protected]
RIDGEFIELDHOBBY
RIDGEFIELD
201-943-2636
COLUMBUS TRAIN STATION
COLUMBUS
609-518-1800
AURORA RAILS & HOBBIES
EAST AURORA
716-652-5718
[email protected]
AMERICANA STORE
TIVOLI
845-757-4246
[email protected]
NASSAU HOBBY CENTER, INC.
FREEPORT
516-378-9594
[email protected]
KROSS HARDWARE
WEST BABYLON
631-669-3069
[email protected]
CITYDEPOT,INC.
NEW HAMPTON
845-374-3010
[email protected]
www.citydepot.com
DRY BRIDGE STATION
MOUNT AIRY
336-786-9811
[email protected]
www.drybridgestation.com
THE FREIGHT YARD
SMITHFIELD
919-934-6229
[email protected]
TRAINS LTD.
CHARLOTTE
704-566-9070
[email protected]
www.trainsltd.com
THE ROUNDHOUSE & BACKSHOP
CARY
919-465-0810
DIXIEUNIONSTATION
MASON
513-459-0460
[email protected]
www.dixieunionstation.com
RICK'STOYTRAINS
TOLEDO
419-478-0171
T&KHOBBYSHOP
BRIDGEPORT
740-633-6607
[email protected]
www.tkhobbies.com
TRAINS-N- THINGS
CANTON
330-499-1666
[email protected]
PARMAHOBBY
CLEVELAND
216-741-6440
[email protected]
GLEN'STRAINSHOP
AKRON
330-253-6527
E & S TRAINS
AKRON
330-745-0785
GRAND PACIFIC JUNCTION
OLMSTEAD FALLS
440-235-4777
[email protected]
HUDSON TOY, TRAIN & HOBBY
HUDSON
330-653-2997
[email protected]
DAVIS ELECTRONICS
MILFORD
513-831-6425
[email protected]
www.davistrains.com
SANDY'S HOBBY'S & COLLECTIBLES
ELYRIA
440-365-9999
[email protected]
ERIE RAILWAY DEPOT
TROY
937-440-9972
[email protected]
CLEARVIEW TRAIN & HOBBY
LORAIN
440-277-4488
[email protected]
www.clearviewtrainandhobby.com
FAIRCHANCE PHARMACY
FAIRCHANCE
724-564-7817
[email protected]
www.hhs.net/fairchance

Tinplate 1835/385 Locomotive 11
THESTATION
NEW CUMBERLAND
717-774-7096
[email protected]
BUSSINGER TRAINS
AMBLER
215-628-2366
[email protected]
www.icdc.com/~btrains
CHARLEROI SWEEPER CENTER
CHARLEROI
724-483-3397
AMERICAN HOBBY CENTER
ALIQUIPPA
724-378-3930
[email protected]
CRANBERRYHOBBYDEPOT
CRANBERRY TWP
724-776-3640
[email protected]
ALLENTOWN TOY TRAIN SERVICE
ALLENTOWN
610-821-0740
ON THE RIGHT TRACK
ALTOONA
814-942-4345
JIM'S TRAIN SHOP
HOMER CITY
724-479-2026
[email protected]
YE OLDE TRAIN & CHRISTMAS
SHOPPE
BOYERTOWN
610-369-0755
www.yeoldetrain.com
TOBY TYLER'S HOBBY CENTER
PITTSBURGH
412-653-5030
[email protected]
BUSTLETONTRAINSHOP
PHILADELPHIA
215-698-7266
CHESTNUT TOYBOX
PHILADELPHIA
215-545-0455
[email protected]
THECABOOSE
LEHIGHTON
570-386-5352
www.thecaboosehobbies.com
[email protected]
EMERALD TRAIN & HOBBY
GREENWOOD
864-223-2247
MODEL RAILROAD & HOBBY SHOP
MEMPHIS
901-384-6500
[email protected]
www.modelrailroadandhobby.com
HOBBY TIME
AMARILLO
806.352.9660
[email protected]
TRAIN DEPOT
MANASSAS
703-335-2216
NORGE STATION
WILLIAMSBURG
757-564-7623
[email protected]
NUTBUSH EXPRESS
VICTORIA
804-696-1902
[email protected]
TOYTRAINCENTER
RICHMOND
804-288-4475
TS GHOBBIES
WARRENTON
540-347-9212
[email protected]
www.mnsinc.com/tripi/tsg.htm
CHESTERFIELD HOBBIES
MIDLOTHIAN
804-379-9091
[email protected]
www.chesterfieldhobbies.com
DAVISHOBBYSUPPLIES
PORTSMOUTH
757-397-1983
[email protected]
www.davishobby.com
LOCUSTGROVETRAINS
LOCUSTGROVE
540-854-8955
[email protected]
www.locustgrovetrains.com
PATRICK'S TRAINS
WHEELING
304-232-0714
[email protected]
www.patstrains.com
SOMMERFELD'S TRAINS
BUTLER
262-783-7797
[email protected]
www.sommerfelds.com
G B T V & TRAINS
GREEN BAY
920-496-9697
[email protected]
GRAMPA'S TRAIN SHOP
RICE LAKE
715-234-2996
[email protected]
THE TRAIN STORE
WAUKESHA
262-650-6675
HOBBY OUTLET
FONDDULAC
920-924-3770
[email protected]
CREDIT VALLEY RAILWAY COMPANY
STREETSVILLE
905-826-1306
[email protected]
www.cvrco.com
TOY TRAIN WORKSHOP
CUMBERLAND
613-833-3125
[email protected]
www.toyt rainworkshop.com
THE TRAIN ROOM
FERGUS
519-787-3280
SOUTHCAROLINA
TENNESSEE
TEXAS
VIRGINIA
WEST VIRGINIA
WISCONSIN
ONTARIO
CANADA