MTH Tinplate Traditions 318E User manual
Tinplate No. 318E
Electric Locomotives
www.railking.com
Traditional Version
Compatibility
This engine 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.)
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
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 usingelectricalproducts,basic safetyprecautions shouldbe observed,including thefollowing:
Readthis manualthoroughly beforeusing thisdevice.
lM.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.
lDonot operateyour layoutunattended. Obstructed accessoriesor stalledtrains mayoverheat, resultingin damageto yourlayout.
lThistrain setis intendedfor indooruse. Do notuse ifwater ispresent. Serious injuryor fatalitymay result.
lDonot operatethe hobbytransformer withdamaged cord,plug, switches,buttons orcase.
lThe transformer was designed to operate on regular US household current (120 volt, 50-60 Hertz). Do not connect to any other
sourceof power.
lTo avoid the risk of electrical shock, do not disassemble the transformer unit. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. If the
unitis damagedcontact M.T.H.Service forinstructions.
lThe transformer is equipped with an internal circuit protector. If the circuit protector trips, unplug the power cord from the
electrical wall outlet, check your layout for any short circuits. The circuit breaker will reset automatically when the short is
removedfrom thecircuit.
lUnplugthe transformerfrom theelectrical walloutlet whennot inuse.
lDonot usethis transformerfor otherthan itsintended purpose.
Transformer Ratings:
Input: 120 VAC, 60 Hz Only, Output: Z-750: 21VAC 3.75A78VA; Z-1000: 14VAC 80W or 18VAC 100W
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-YearWarranty...................................................................................8
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.
©2007, M.T.H. Electric Trains, Columbia, MD 21046
Set Up Checklist
Lubricate the locomotive
Apply power to run as described in the Basic Operating Section of this
manual
ll
You should lubricate the engine to prevent it from squeaking. Use
light household oil and follow the lubrication points marked “L”
shown below. Do not over-oil. Use only a drop or two on each
pivot point. Make sure you lubricate all drive wheel axles.
Lubrication
p
p
DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
Lubrication Points on the Locomotive
Lubricate Pick Up Rollers (L)
Lubricate Wheel Axles (L)
No. 318E Electric Locomotive 3
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 at the rear of the motor) to its OFF position
or toward the right 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. To resume normal operation move the E unit level to the
left.
Basic Operation
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.
Cycle Phases
Neutral
Neutral ForwardReverse
44
E-Unit Lever
No. 318E Electric Locomotive
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 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.
Lubricate Pick Up
Rollers (L) Lubricate
Wheel Axles (L)
Maintenance
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions
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 as well as prematurely wear out the
neoprene traction tires.
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 electrical
contact and to lengthen the life of the tires.
5
Idler Gears
No. 318E Electric Locomotive
Lubricate
Wheel Axles (L)
Headlight Replacement Instructions
The headlights are easy to remove by unscrewing them from their housings.
Fax: 410-423-0009, Phone: 410-381-2500, Mail: 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive,
Columbia MD 21046-1532, ).
Replacement light bulbs are available directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department.
6
Headlights
Number 318E Electric Locomotive
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart
The chart below lists the many compatible transformers. Please follow the chart
details forhow the terminals on these transformers should be attached to your
layout.
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
Lionel LW
Powermaster
U
A
U
A
U
A
8-17v
8-18v
8-18v
60-Watt
75-Watt
135VA
Standard
Standard
Electronic
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
MTH Z-1000
Red Terminal
Red Terminal
Black Terminal
Black Terminal
0-21v
0-21v
75-Watt
100-Watt
Electronic
Electronic
MTH Z-4000 Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-22v 390-Watt Electronic
* Conventional Mode Only
RECOMMENDED AC TRANSFORMERS
7
No. 318E Electric Locomotive
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 (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 service. A list of NASC retailers can be located on the M.T.H. Website or by calling 410-
381-2580. 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.
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 www.mth-railking.com or call 410-381-2580 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 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
Table of contents
