MTHTrains Tinplate 381E Electric Locomotive User manual

Compatibility
This engine will operate on any
traditional Standard Gauge tubular track
system, including M.T.H.’s tubular track.
It is also compatible with most standard
AC transformers. (See page 7 for a
complete list of compatible transformers
andwiringinstructions.)
PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE
Tinplate 381E
Electric Locomotive
OPERATOR’S MANUAL (TRADITIONAL)
By MTH Electric Trains®
INPLATE
TINPLATE T
®
RADITIONS
TRADITIONS T

Table of Contents
Set Up Checklist...........................................................................................................
Lubrication.......................................................................................................
Basic Operation.............................................................................................................
Direction Control............................................................................................
Maintenance...................................................................................................................
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions.........................................................
Cleaning The Wheels, Tires and Track.........................................................
Headlight Replacement Instructions.............................................................
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart..............................................
Service & Warranty Information....................................................................
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. Seriousinjuryorfatalitymayresult.
lDonot operatethe hobbytransformer withdamaged cord,plug, switches,buttons orcase.
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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.
©2005, 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.
Lubrication
You should lubricate the engine to prevent it from squeaking. Use
light household oil and follow the lubrication points marked “L” in
Fig. 1. Do not over-oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.
Caution
The 381 E has additional weights added for better traction The engine
weighs almost 20lbs. Do not lift the 381 E by grasping the cab. Always lift
the 381 E by the grasping the frame.
Basic Operation
The Throttle knob controls how fast your train will travel.
Turn the throttle knob up ½-way, until the engine lights shine bright.
If the engine does not move, put the engine into motion by pressing the Direction
button on your transformer once. (hold it for approximately 1 second)
If the engine does not begin to move as soon as you firmly press the Direction
button, you may not have sent enough voltage to the track to make the train move.
Turn the throttle up a bit higher until the train begins to move.
Tinplate 381E Electric Locomotive
3
DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
Figure 1. Lubrication Points on the Locomotive
Lubricate Pick Up Rollers Axles (L)
Lubricate Wheel Axles (L) Lubricate Wheel Axles (L)
Bushings Bushings

Direction Control
The 381E is equipped with a mechanical reversing unit. Each time the power to the
track is interrupted and then restored the reversing unit will cycle through a step.
When power is first applied to the track, the engine may be in forward, neutral, or
reverse. In order to change the direction, interrupt the track power for about one
second.
If the engine does not move after changing the reverse unit state, you may need to
increase the track voltage by advancing the throttle setting and possibly interrupt
the track power again to make sure that the reversing unit is not in the neutral state.
Locking Locomotive into a Direction
The reversing unit can be locked into forward, reverse or neutral by moving the
lever to the right. This will keep the reversing unit from changing states with track
power interruptions.
Moving the lever back to the left will allow the reversing unit to cycle through the
sequence again with power interruptions.
Cycle Phases
Neutral
Neutral ForwardReverse
Tinplate 381E Electric Locomotive
4
Directional Lever

Maintenance
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions
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’s internal gearing was greased at the factory and should not need
additional grease. However, it will be necessary to lubricate the idler gears located
next to the drive wheels with grease every 25 hours of operation. Follow the
greasing points illustrated in Figure 3.
Tinplate 381E Electric Locomotive
5
Figure 3
Figure 2
DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
Lubricate Pick Up Rollers Axles (L)
Lubricate Wheel Axles (L) Lubricate Wheel Axles (L)
Bushings Bushings
Grease Idler Gear (G)