MTHTrains RAILKING C&O 4-6-4 HUDSON User manual

RAILKING C&O 4-6-4 HUDSON
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for purchasing the die-cast RailKing C&O 4-6-4 Hudson steam
locomotive. The engine’s die-cast body and tender are traditionally sized
for operation on any O-31 or larger layout. The engine is compatible with
any standard AC transformer, (see page 33 for a complete list of compatible
transformers and wiring instructions) and is completely compatible with
most other 3-rail locomotives, rolling stock and accessories.
The locomotive and tender are equipped with either an electronic whistle
or the Proto-Sound® digital sound and train control system which contains
several deluxe features that are simple and fun to operate. Each feature is
described among the following pages which should be read before the
engine is operated. For those of you who can’t wait to get started, the
Quick Start Basic Operating Instructions found on pages 3 and 4 should
be read so that you understand the basics of the operating system. Please
note that some features are only found in the Proto-Sound® equipped
engines and are marked as such. Features not marked as Proto-Sound®
features are available in both versions.

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RailKing C&O 4-6-4 Hudson Operating Manual
Table Of Contents
QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION(All 3-Rail Models) 3
PROTOSMOKE™ UNIT OPERATION 4
PROTO-SOUND® OPERATINGINSTRUCTIONS 5
Proto-Sound® DCRU® Reverse Unit Operation (All 3-Rail Models) 5
Whistle Operation 6
Bell Operation 6
ProtoCoupler™ Operation 7
Enhanced Neutral Steam Sounds 8
Squeaking Brake Sounds 8
Tips On Using The Squeaking Brake Sounds 9
Passenger Station Sounds (PFA) 10
Activating and Triggering Passenger Sounds 13
Tips On Using PFA Features 15
Special Reverse Unit Options 16
Self-Charging Battery Backup System 17
Replacing The Proto-Sound® Battery 17
Manually Adjusting Proto-Sound® Volume 18
USING “RESET" TO PROGRAM PROTO-SOUND® 19
Setting The Engine Volume 20
Programming For Squeaking Brake Operation 20
Programming For Whistle In Neutral Operation 21
Programming For ProtoCoupler™ Operation 21
Adjusting Chuff Rate 22
Programming For PFA Operation 22
Activating Remote Lockout Control 23
ResettingAll Proto-Sound® Options To Factory Default 23
OIL & LUBRICATION INSTRUCTIONS 25
TRACTION TIRE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS 26
LIGHT BULB REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT 27
TROUBLE SHOOTING PROTOSOUND®PROBLEMS 28
Proto-Sound® RESET Feature Chart 32
Transformer Wiring Chart 33
O-31 OPERATION 34
SERVICE AND WARRANTY INFORMATION 36
HOW TO GET SERVICE 36
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY 36

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RailKing C&O 4-6-4 Hudson Operating Manual
QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION
The RailKing C&O 4-6-4 Hudson contains state-of-the art electronics with
several built-in automatic features for incredibly realistic operation. Despite
these advanced features, the C&O 4-6-4 Hudson is easy to operate with any
compatible standard AC transformer (see the compatibility chart on page
33). All models are equipped with an operating smoke system that should
be primed with smoke fluid before operating . Adding 15 - 20 drops of
fluid through the smoke stack should be sufficient. If you choose to not
prime the units with fluid, turn the smoke unit switch located under the
trailing truck to the OFF position. (See Figure 3 on page 4) This will
prevent any damage from occurring to the smoke unit when running the
engine without a primed smoke unit. For
more information see the section on page 4
on Smoke Unit operation.
The C&O 4-6-4 Hudson model is
controlled by a Proto-Sound® DCRU®
electronic reverse unit. The reverse unit
operates in the same manner that all reverse
units function by using forward, neutral and
reverse states that are entered each time the
throttle is turned on and off or by using the
transformer direction switch (if so
equipped).
The reverse unit is designed to
ignore dirty track, dead spots on
switches or minor short circuits
without disrupting the engine
operation, even at slow, prototypical
speeds. Before the engine can be
operated however, the reverse unit plug that extends out of the tender must
be inserted into the receptacle at the back of the boiler cab as seen in Figure
1. Once the plug is inserted, the throttle on the transformer can be
advanced. You will see that only the engine’s lights come on and that on
Proto-Sound® equipped engines, two dings from the sound system will
chime followed by the steam compressor pump sounds. The engine does
not run. This is known as the RESET state and is explained in more detail
beginning on Page 5. The Proto-Sound® DCRU® will not power the motor
until the throttle is turned OFF and then ON again. At this point, the engine
will now function just like any other electronic or mechanical E-unit.
Figure 1: Plugging in the tender harness
RESET
Neutral
Reverse
Neutral
Forward
Figure 2: Proto-Sound® DCRU® Cycle Phases

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RailKing C&O 4-6-4 Hudson Operating Manual
PROTOSMOKE™ UNIT OPERATION
The C&O 4-6-4 Hudson contains a self-powered smoke unit that outputs a steady stream of
smoke through the smoke stack on the roof of the engine. The ON/OFF switch located next to
the trailing truck must be in the ON position in order for the smoke unit to function. See Fig. 3
below.
The smoke unit is essentially a small heating
element and wick which soaks up and then “cooks" a
mineral oil-based fluid that omits a harmless smoke.
The smoke is then forced out of the stack via a small
electric fan which runs at a constant speed. However,
the smoke intensity can be varied by increasing the
transformer voltage setting. The higher the setting,
the more intense the smoke output.
For best results, we recommend that you add 15 -
20 drops of ProtoSmoke™, Seuthe, LGB or LVTS
fluid before you run the engine. If you don’t choose
to add the fluid, then the smoke unit switch should
be turned off. Failure to either add the fluid or turn the switch off could lead to damage to the
smoke unit heating element and or wicking. Add the fluid through the smoke stack hole. After
adding the fluid, gently blow into the stack to eliminate any air bubbles. Do not overfill the
unit as overfilling can cause the fluid to leak out and coat the interior engine components.
When the smoke output begins to diminish while running the engine, an additional 10-15
drops of smoke fluid should be added or the smoke unit switch should be turned off. When
storing the engine for long periods of time, you may want to add at least 15 drops of fluid to
keep the wick soaked with fluid and prevent it from drying out. After removing the engine
from storage, it is advisable to add another 25 drops of fluid, letting the wick soak up the fluid
for 15 minutes prior to operation.
MAINTENANCE
CAUTION: Operating the engine without smoke fluid
and with the smoke unit switch in the ON position can
damage your smoke unit wick, causing the wick to
become hard, blackened and unabsorbant around the
heating element. When this occurs, it may be difficult
for the wick to soak up the smoke fluid resulting in poor
or no smoke output. If that occurs, we recommend that
you inspect and/or replace the wick taking care to not
run the engine without fluid in the future. You can
inspect the wick to see if it needs replacement by
removing the smoke unit inspection cover from the body
as seen in Fig.4. After removing the chassis and
inspection cover screws lift the inspection plate away
and inspect the wick. If the wick is darkly discolored
and hard, it should be replaced.
smoke unit switch
Figure 3: Smoke Unit Switch
Smoke Unit
Circuit Board
Mounting Screws
Smoke Unit Frame
Mounting Screws
Figure 4: Inspecting The Smoke Unit

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RailKing C&O 4-6-4 Hudson Operating Manual
PROTO-SOUND® INSTRUCTIONS
The MTH Proto-Sound® digital sound and train control system provides
the operator with unprecedented realistic operation on your model railroad.
In addition to actual C&O 4-6-4 Hudson engine, CD-equivalent 16-bit
digital sounds, you get the following features:
1. ∗Built-In Proto-Sound® DCRU® Reverse Unit * Authentic Steam Whistle Sound*
Authentic Steam Bell Sound* Squeaking Brake Sound* Passenger Station
Sounds* Operating Remote Controlled ProtoCoupler™* Self-Charging Battery
Back-Up System With Automatic Battery Shut-Off* Remotely Controlled
Reverse Unit Lock-Out* Remotely Adjustable Steam Engine Chuffing Volume*
Authentic Steam Engine Neutral Sounds*
Each feature is described among the following pages. Though the system
is easy to use, we encourage you to read the instructions thoroughly.
Proto-Sound® DCRU® REVERSE UNIT
As mentioned in the Basic Operating section, the engine is controlled by a
DCRU® reverse unit that contains the standard forward-neutral-reverse
states found on most reverse units. However, as described earlier, when
power is first applied to the track, the reverse unit begins in RESET or what
seems like a neutral state. Power must be interrupted again to get the
locomotive to enter the forward state. It is this first RESET state that gives
Proto-Sound® its unique, remote controlled functions. The system will
enter RESET whenever power to the track is off for three or more seconds.
NEUTRAL will be referred to as the state between Forward and Reverse.
Proto-Sound® is equipped with a microprocessor, that, depending on the
amount of memory it is allotted, allows the user to utilize several remotely
activated functions. In the simplest terms, ProtoSounds® has its own
“Computer" controlling these functions. In order to access many of these
remotely controlled functions, the user must be in the RESET state to do so.
RESET is entered anytime power to the locomotive has been off for more
than 3 to 5 seconds. When the engine first enters RESET, the
microprocessor initiates a system check to determine if the system,
transformer and engine are operating correctly. This takes approximately
2.2 seconds during which you will hear the engine’s startup sounds begin.
In order for ProtoSounds® to properly initiate the system check, do not
advance the transformer throttle past 10 volts when you first enter RESET,
wait for the steam compressor sounds to begin and then slowly turn the

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RailKing C&O 4-6-4 Hudson Operating Manual
transformer throttle to the off position and then back on again to enter the
forward phase. Interrupting the power too quickly may cause the system to
re-enter RESET (signaled by two dings of the bell). Should this happen,
wait longer before interrupting the power to enter the Forward phase.
Proto-Sound® comes with several programmable functions, including
remote Steam Chuffing Volume Adjustment, Separate Bell Button
Operation (pre-programmed at the factory), Whistle In Neutral Operation,
ProtoCoupler™ On/Off Control, Squeaking Brakes and Passenger Station
or Freight Yard Proto-Effects. Each of these features are described in more
detail later. You will notice that when in RESET, your engine will not
respond to the whistle button with a horn blast or continuous bell ringing.
In fact, when in RESET and the whistle button is depressed, only one single
bell chime will be heard each time the whistle button is pressed. If you
don’t want to configure or change your locomotive using any of these
programmable features, simply leave RESET and wait 2.2 seconds before
interrupting the power to put the engine in forward. After you leave
RESET, your engine will operate normally in all the direction states of
forward, neutral and reverse. Remember though, once power is turned off
for more than 3 seconds, the next time power is applied to the track, your
engine will be back in RESET.
WHISTLE OPERATION
Your C&O 4-6-4 Hudson Proto-Sound®-equipped engine is equipped with
a digital recording of a steam whistle. The whistle sound can be activated
anytime the engine is in forward or reverse by pressing the whistle button
on your transformer. The whistle will continue to blow as long as the
whistle button is depressed. The whistle will not function in RESET and
must be configured through a RESET option to allow the whistle to work
when the engine is in neutral. See page 21 for information on whistle
programming in the Using RESET To Program ProtoSounds®section of
this manual.
BELL OPERATION
Your C&O 4-6-4 Hudson Proto-Sound®-equipped engine is equipped with
a digital recording of an actual steam engine bell. The bell can be turned on
or off with any separate bell button, like the Lionel® Railsounds® No. 5906
Bell Button, by simply pushing the button. If you don’t have a separate
bell button, the bell can be controlled through your transformer’s whistle
button whenever the engine is in NEUTRAL. The bell will never ring

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RailKing C&O 4-6-4 Hudson Operating Manual
continuously in RESET (Remember NEUTRAL is the state between
Forward and Reverse). Once the bell is turned on, it will continue to ring
when the engine is cycled into forward or reverse until you press the bell
button or re-enter NEUTRAL and turn the bell off with the whistle button.
In fact, because of Proto-Sound® state-of-the-art design, the
microprocessor remembers its last command. Therefore, unless you turn
the bell off before you quit running your train, the next time you run the
engine, the bell will come on. No matter whether you come back an hour
later or a year later, the bell will begin chiming once the engine enters one
of the three directional states.
To turn the bell on using the transformer’s whistle button, turn on power to
the track and cycle the engine into NEUTRAL. Turn the throttle to 8 volts
or less (any higher voltage will arm the ProtoCoupler™) and press the
whistle button. The bell should begin chiming. To turn the bell off, press
the whistle button again. If you want to keep the bell on while running the
engine, simply interrupt the power with the transformer throttle or the
transformer directional switch and enter forward or reverse.
PROTO-COUPLER™ OPERATION
Your C&O 4-6-4 Hudson Proto-Sound®-equipped locomotive tender is
equipped with a coil-wound ProtoCoupler™ for remote uncoupling action.
Because the ProtoCoupler™ is controlled through Proto-Sound®’s
microprocessor, it doesn’t require an uncoupling track section or
modification to your layout to function. The three simple steps below are
required to operate the coupler.
1. Put your engine in NEUTRAL and turn the throttle all the way up.
2. Press the transformer whistle button to “Arm" the coupler. (You
will hear a “Clank").
3. After arming the coupler, press the whistle button again to open
the coupler.
When the knuckle fires open you will hear the buzzing of the coil
energizing and the sound of the
air lines coming apart. It can
best be described as a
CHA-CHUSHHH sound. The
coupler doesn’t have to be fired H H
Put Engine In Neutral
At Full Power
Press & Release
The Horn/Whistle Button Press & Release
The Horn/Whistle Button
Listen For The
Ca-Clunk Sound
See The Coupler Open
And Listen For The
Cha-Chusshh Sound

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RailKing C&O 4-6-4 Hudson Operating Manual
in NEUTRAL. Once the coupler is armed it can be fired in Forward,
Neutral or Reverse. However, you may find that the coupler doesn’t open
when firing the coupler at high speeds. Reduce the voltage setting on your
transformer if this occurs and
run your engine at a slower
speed before firing the coupler.
If the coupler continues to open
erratically, try lubricating the
knuckle with light oil as
indicated in Fig. 5.
ENHANCED
NEUTRAL STEAM
SOUNDS
The enhanced Neutral Sounds
can be automatically heard whenever the engine is in neutral. The sounds,
which include Steam Pop-Off, Steam Blow-Down, and Steam Injector
sounds occur every 2 to 30 seconds. Each of the three sequences will play
at random intervals to eliminate repetitive and boring sequences. While the
sounds are selected to play randomly by the microprocessor, there is no
guarantee that you won’t hear the same sound repeated twice or more times.
SQUEAKING BRAKE SOUNDS
Proto-Sound® equipped engines feature the ability to play the sound of
squeaking brakes whenever your engine slows in speed. There are two
settings for activating the squeaking brake sounds. The default setting
allows the brake sounds to play while the engine is in forward or reverse
and the transformer throttle is lowered from a high setting to a low setting
(14 volts to 8 volts or less). The other setting requires that a bell button be
used to “arm” the brake feature and is explained in more detail in the
“Activating Passenger Sounds” section found later in this manual. The
sound itself is a stored record on the ProtoSounds® software chip and will
always play the same brake sound for the same three second length each
time the voltage is reduced from
high to low. Some practice may
be required to synchronize the
playing of the brake sounds with
the movement of the engine. It
is not uncommon for the engine
oil knuckle
Figure 5: Lubricating The ProtoCouplers
Throttle Down From
High Voltage To Low Listen For The
Squeaking Brake Sounds

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RailKing C&O 4-6-4 Hudson Operating Manual
to stop before the brake sound is completed. Operators will find that by
coordinating the movement of the throttle setting from 8 volts to off will
allow the engine to maintain its movement while the brake sounds play.
Note: The brake sounds will not be heard if the transformer throttle is
not set above 14 volts and/or not reduced below 8 volts.
TIPS ON USING THE SQUEAKING BRAKE FEATURE
Users will find the squeaking brake feature to be a very
realistic way to simulate the sound of an engine slowing down
for curves, crossings or coming to a stop at a station, side track
or switch yard. However, you may find that your engine
continues to play the brake sounds once your engine comes to a
stop, or that the sounds stop before the engine comes to a
complete halt. For example, if you simply run the engine and
turn the throttle off quickly, the brake sounds will likely
continue playing even though the engine has come to a
complete stop.
This effect can be eliminated by simply practicing with the
brake feature. In no time, you will quickly learn how to
“feather" the throttle to keep the engine moving while the brake
sounds play and then turning the throttle off just as the sounds
stop.

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RailKing C&O 4-6-4 Hudson Operating Manual
Operating Proto-Sound® Passenger Station
Sound Effects
Passenger Station Announcements (PFA)
Proto-Sound® is equipped with operator controlled Passenger Station
Sounds, referred to as PFA. The PFA sequence is designed to simulate the
arrival, disembarking, embarking and departure of a passenger train in a
Passenger Station. This easy-to-use feature allows you to play digitally
recorded sounds of Passenger Station sounds while your engine is parked in
the Neutral State. No additional wires or modifications are needed to enjoy
these amazing sound effects. The sounds themselves are randomly
“shuffled” by the Proto-Sound® computer. This gives the system the ability
to play the various sounds in a different order each time PFA is enabled.
Activating Passenger Sounds -Quick Overview-
The following is a quick overview on how you can operate PFA.
The train on track moving Forward or Reverse direction.
B
Press and Hold Bell Button For 3+
Seconds, Listen For a Horn Blast or
Air Release, then Remove your Finger
from the Button.
BPress Bell Button Again Quickly to Stop Bell Chime.
Your train is now ready for you to play the PFA.