MTHTrains RAILKING BLUE COMET User manual

RAILKING BLUE COMET
STEAM ENGINE
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
This RailKing Blue Comet Steam Engine is produced in detailed Die-Cast Metal and
operates on O-31 track. This RailKing Steam Engine contains M.T.H.’s Loco-Sound™
sound and train control system. The locomotive is easy to operate with any compatible
standard AC transformer (see the compatibility chart on page 14), and is completely
compatible with most other 3-rail locomotives, rolling stock, and accessories.
M.T.H. takes pride in manufacturing high quality products like your RailKing steam
engine, and we hope that you will enjoy it for a long time. Please read all the
accompanying instructions carefully before setting up and operating your locomotive.
With proper care, this engine should yield years of trouble-free performance.

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RailKing Blue Comet Steam Engine
Table of Contents
Set Up 3
Basic Operation 4
Transformer Controls 4
Speed Control 5
Direction Lock 5
Proto-Cast and Proto-Dispatch 6
Volume Control 7
Maintenance 8
Lubrication and Greasing Instructions 8
Cleaning the Wheels, Tires and Track 9
Locomotive Traction Tire Replacement 9
Smoke Unit Maintenance 10
Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement 11
Troubleshooting 12
Compatibility 13
Transformer Compatibility Chart 14
Safety Precautions 15
Service and Warranty Information 16

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RailKing Blue Comet Steam Engine
Set Up
There are a few simple steps you must take before operating this RailKing
steamer.
1. You should prime the operating smoke unit with smoke fluid before
operating. Add 15-20 drops of smoke fluid through the smokestack, then
gently blow into the stack to eliminate any air bubbles in the fluid. See Fig. 4
on pg. 10.
2. If you choose not to prime the unit with fluid, turn the smoke unit switch
located under the engine to the OFF position (Fig. 5 on pg 10). Running the
engine without a primed smoke unit may cause damage. See the “ProtoSmoke
Unit Operation” section of this book for more information on smoke unit
maintenance.
3. You should lubricate all side rods and linkage components and pickup
rollers to prevent them from squeaking. Use light household oil and follow the
lubrication points marked “L” in Fig. 2 on p. 8. Do not over-oil. Use only a
drop or two on each pivot point.
4. Put your engine on the track and insert the reverse unit plug that extends out
of the tender into the receptacle at the back of the engine. WARNING: DO
NOT CONNECT THIS ENGINE TO A TENDER FROM ANOTHER
ENGINE; IT MAY CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE. Look at the bottom of the
engine and tender where each will have a color-coded stamp. If they match
you may connect those two pieces; if not, don’t.
5. Connect the draw bar between the engine and tender. Hole farthest from
tender is for operation on O-31 curves. Second hole larger curves.
At this point, you are ready to begin running your engine.

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RailKing Blue Comet Steam Engine
Basic Operation
Transformer Controls
Use the operation controls on your transformer as described below.
Throttle - Throttle up the power to your track. Then put the engine into
motion by either firmly pressing the Direction button on your transformer or
remote once or dropping and advancing the throttle to put the engine in
forward.
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.
Bell - To sound the 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 your turn it on until you press and release the button again to
turn it off.
Direction - Your train is programmed to start in neutral. To put the engine
into forward and then to change the direction of the train or to put it into
neutral, firmly press and release the Direction button on your transformer. Just
as you must stop your car between forward and reverse, this engine will not go
directly from forward to reverse; it goes into neutral between directions. If the
train has been moving forward, the first press of the Direction button will put
the train from forward into neutral, the second press into reverse, the third
press back into neutral, and the fourth back into forward. To prevent accidental
high-speed start-ups, this engine is programmed to restart in neutral each time
the track voltage is turned off for 25 seconds or more.

Direction Lock:
You can lock your engine into a directional state (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
speed (< 10 scale mph), and quickly but firmly press your transformer’s
Whistle button once followed immediately by three presses of the Bell button.
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 state.
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RailKing Blue Comet Steam Engine
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 turn speed control on and off,put the engine in neutral, then press the
transformer’s Whistle button firmly but quickly one time then immediately
press the Bell button two times. Repeat the 1 whistle, 2 bells code to return it
to the other state. 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.
Feature to Be Activated:
Speed Control On/Off
Lock into a Direction/Unlock
Button Code:
1 Whistle, 2 Bells
1 Whistle, 3 Bells

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RailKing Blue Comet Steam Engine
Proto-Cast and Proto-Dispatch:
When used with the RailKing Remote Lock-on (sold separately),
Loco-Sound-equipped engines gain Proto-Cast™and Proto-Dispatch™features.
Proto-Cast: This feature allows you to play audio recordings through your
engine’s speakers. You must supply the audio source (a small portable is
sufficient) and a male-to-male mini cable (1/8” plug, like that used for the
headset with a portable CD/tape player) to connect your audio source to the
remote lock-on. To use Proto-Cast, simply plug the mini-cable into your audio
source (usually into the headphone jack) and into the “Audio” port on the right
side of the remote lock-on and adjust the volume.
Proto-Dispatch: This feature allows you to broadcast your own voice through
your engine’s speakers. You must supply the microphone and a mini cable
(1/8” plug, like that used for the headset with a portable CD/tape player) to
connect your microphone to the remote lock-on. To use Proto-Dispatch,
simply plug the mini-cable into the microphone and into the “Mic” port on the
left side of the remote lock-on and speak into the microphone.
When these features are in use, the locomotive’s own sounds (engine sounds
and bells, whistles, and horns) will be muted so that only the sounds you
broadcast will be heard. Because these two features are voice activated, there
will be a 10-15 second delay after you stop speaking into the microphone or
turn off the audio source before the engine sounds resume. To stop using the
feature and return to normal operation, unplug the cable from the lock-on jack.
If using parallel tracks with multiple Loco-Sound-equipped engines, Proto-Cast
and Proto-Dispatch transmissions from one track may be picked up by the other
nearby engines.
If you experience popping and interference, try cleaning the track with
denatured alcohol as described in the “Cleaning the Wheels, Tires and Track”
section of this booklet.
Note: M.T.H. does not recommend using Proto-Cast and Proto-Dispatch
at the same time.

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RailKing Blue Comet Steam Engine
Volume Control –To adjust the volume of all sounds made by this
engine, turn the master volume control knob located under the tender
clockwise to increase the volume and counter-clockwise to decrease the
volume (see Fig. 1).
Proto-Sound 2.0
Volume Adjustment Knob
Figure 1. Loco-Sound Volume Adjustment Knob

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RailKing Blue Comet Steam Engine
Maintenance:
Lubrication and Greasing Instructions
The engine should be oiled and greased in order to run properly.
You should regularly lubricate all side rods and linkage components and
pickup rollers to prevent them from squeaking. Use light household oil and
follow the lubrication points marked “L” in Fig. 2. 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. To access the gear box, do the following:
1. Turn the engine upside down.
2. Remove the Phillips screw (marked “GREASE”) located behind the third
set of drivers (counting from the front of the engine).
3. Use a grease tube dispenser to put a small amount (approx. 1-2 ml.) of
lithium-based grease into the gearbox.
4. Replace the screw.
Lubricate Pick Up Rollers (L)
Lubricate Pick Up Rollers (L)
Lubricate Side Rods (L)
Figure 2. Lubrication Points on the Engine
Body Mount Screws
Body Mount Screws
Grease Screw (G)
Figure 3. Greasing Points on the Engine and Body Mounting Screws

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RailKing Blue Comet Steam Engine
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
alcohol (not rubbing alcohol), which can be found in home improvement
stores, applied with a cotton swab.
Occasional cleaning of the track will also help to ensure good electrical
contact and to prolong the life of your engine’s tires. To clean the track, use a
clean rag and denatured alcohol (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.
Traction Tire Replacement Instructions
Your locomotive is equipped with two neoprene rubber traction tires on the
rear set of flanged drivers. While these tires are extremely durable, you may
need to replace them at some point.
1. Remove the side rods (the rods that connect each drive wheel to the other)
from the wheels in order to slip the new tire over the grooved drive wheel.
This screw can be loosened with a 5mm nutdriver.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Make sure the tire is fully seated inside the groove. Use a razor blade to
trim away any excess tire that doesn’t seat itself inside the groove properly.
One set of replacement tires is included with the model. Additional tires are
available directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department (phone: [phone];
fax: [phone]; e-mail: [email protected]; mail: 7020 Columbia
Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532).

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RailKing Blue Comet Steam Engine
ProtoSmoke®Unit Operation
This steam locomotive contains a smoke unit that outputs smoke through the
smokestack on the boiler 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 harmless smoke. The smoke is then forced out of the stack by a
small electric fan.
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 Fig. 4). We recommend M.T.H.
ProtoSmoke, Seuthe, LGB, or LVTS fluids (a
small pipette of ProtoSmoke fluid is included).
Do not overfill the unit or the fluid may leak out
and coat the interior engine components.
• If you choose not to add the fluid (or have
already added the fluid but choose to run
smoke-free), turn off the smoke unit switch
located under the engine body (see Fig. 5).
Failure either to add fluid to the 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.
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. Remove
Add Smoke
Fluid Here
Figure 4. Add Smoke Fluid
Smoke Unit
ON/OFF Switch
Figure 5. Smoke Switch
Smoke Unit
Cover Screws
Figure 6. Smoke Unit
Inspection Cover

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RailKing Blue Comet Steam Engine
the smoke unit inspection cover from the smoke unit’s body (see Fig. 6). After
removing the chassis and inspection cover screws, lift the inspection plate
away and inspect the wick. If it is darkly discolored and hard, it should be
replaced.
You can obtain replacement wicks directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department.
Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement
To replace the light bulb in the locomotive, follow these instructions and see
the diagrams below:
Remove the locomotive boiler from its chassis as shown in Figure 3. Once the
body has been removed, rotate the headlight bulb counter-clockwise as seen in
Figure 7to remove.
To replace the fire box light, unplug the wires from its harness, push the bulb
down through the bracket, replace and reassemble.
To replace the light in the tender, unscrew the six screws holding the tender
shell on. Unplug the wires from its harness and replace the bulb, reassemble.
You can obtain replacement bulbs directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department.
HeadLight
Figure 7. Replacing the Headlight and the Fire Box

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RailKing Blue Comet Steam Engine
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 (telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone];
[email protected], 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD
21046-1532).
Starting Up
Horn
Bell
Remedy
Remedy
Remedy
Remedy
When I first turn the power on, the
engine will not begin to run. I have to
turn the throttle off and then on again
to get the engine to operate.
I can’t get the horn 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.
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 is locked into the neutral
position. Follow the procedure in the
“Lock into a Direction” section.
Engine speed must be below 10 scale
mph (approx. 10 volts or less in
conventional mode).

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RailKing Blue Comet Steam Engine
Volume Remedy
The sounds seem distorted, especially
when the whistle or bell is activated. Loco-Sound volume is set too high.
Turn the volume control knob on the
bottom of the chassis counter-
clockwise to reduce the volume.
Compatibility
This engine will operate on any traditional O-31 or larger O 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 14
for a complete list of compatible transformers and wiring instructions.)

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RailKing Blue Comet Steam Engine
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart
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.
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 U6-20v 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
* Conventional Mode Only

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RailKing Blue Comet Steam Engine
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 followed including the following:
Read this manual thoroughly before using this device.
M.T.H. recommends that all users and persons supervising use examine the
hobby transformer 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 transformer should not be used until properly repaired.
As with all electrical appliances, this product should not be left in operation
when unattended.

Service & Warranty Information
How to Get Service Under the Terms of the Limited One-Year Warranty
For warranty repair, do not return your product to the place of purchase. Instead, follow the
instructions below to obtain warranty service as our dealer network is not prepared to service the
product under the terms of this warranty.
1. First, write, call or FAX M.T.H. Electric Trains, 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD
21046, (Tel [phone]; FAX No.: 410-423-0009; e-mail: [email protected]), stating
when it was purchased and what seems to be the problem. 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
and 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 one of our service technicians
when contacting M.T.H. for your Return Authorization number.
3. Please make sure you have followed the instructions carefully before returning any merchandise
for service.
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 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 light bulbs 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 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. Call 410-381-2580, fax [phone], or e-mail the Service Department at
[email protected] to obtain a return authorization number.
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 MD 21046-1532