Rail King 4-6-4 J3a Hudson User manual

Compatibility
This locomotive is capable of operating on
AC or DC output power supplies (See page
28 for a complete list of compatible
transformers and wiring instructions.) and
indoors or outdoors. M.T.H. does not
recommend operating the locomotive in
inclement weather and strongly suggests that
it not be left out in the elements. The
locomotive will negotiate an R2 G-Gauge
curve track or switch. Additional features
may be utilized when controlling the engine
with M.T.H.’s Digital Command System
(DCS).
PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE
4-6-4 J3a Hudson Steam
Locomotive
OPERATOR’S MANUAL

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:Whenusingelectricalproducts,basicsafetyprecautionsshouldbeobserved,includingthefollowing:
Readthismanual thoroughlybeforeusing thisdevice.
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.
Donotoperate yourlayoutunattended. Obstructed accessoriesorstalled trainsmayoverheat, resultingindamage toyourlayout.
Thistrain setis intendedfor indooror outdoor use. Donot useif wateris present. Seriousinjury orfatalitymay result.
l
l
l
lDonotoperate thehobbytransformer withdamagedcord, plug,switches,buttons orcase.
Table of Contents
Set Up Checklist.................................................................................................... 3
Tender Coupler Installation................................................................................... 3
Lubrication............................................................................................. 5
Priming The Smoke Unit....................................................................................... 5
Placing The Engine On The Track........................................................ 6
Checking The Battery............................................................................ 6
DCS Polarity Switch.............................................................................. 7
Basic Operation....................................................................................................8
Activating Features(Using DC Power)................................................................... 8
Using DCS w/DCS Power..................................................................... 9
Activating Features Using AC Power................................................... 10
Proto-Sound 2.0 Operating Instructions .......................................................... 12
Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features.................................... 12
Passenger Station Announcements(PSA).............................................................. 13
Speed Control........................................................................................................ 15
Locking Locomotive Into A Direction.................................................................. 16
Reset To Factory Default....................................................................................... 16
Automatic Sound Effects....................................................................................... 16
Maintenance......................................................................................................... 17
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions................................................................... 17
Traction Tire Replacement Instructions................................................................. 20
Light Bulb Replacement Instructions.................................................................... 21
Self Charging Battery Back-Up............................................................................. 22
ProtoSmoke® Unit Operation............................................................................... 23
Troubleshooting Proto-Sound® 2.0 Problems...................................................... 24
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart....................................................... 27
Additional Features Accessible With The DCS System.................................................... 29
Service & Warranty Information........................................................................... 30
Limited One-Year Warranty................................................................................. 30
Participating Retailer List..................................................................................... 31

4-6-4 J3a Hudson Steam Locomotive 3
Set Up Checklist
•Install the tender coupler
•Lubricate the locomotive
•Prime the smoke unit
•Check to see whether the batteries need to be charged for full sound effects
•Apply power to run as described in the Basic Operating Section of this manual
Installing The Tender Coupler
This RailKing One-Gauge locomotive can be equipped with three different types of
G-Gauge couplers - an M.T.H. knuckle coupler, an M.T.H. hook & loop coupler or a
1/32nd Kadee coupler. For your convenience, the M.T.H. knuckle and the hook & loop
couplers have been included with your locomotive. The Kadee type must be the 1/32nd
size and can be purchased from a Kadee coupler retailer. Prior to installation, you will
need to install the Kadee coupler base included inside your locomotive’s packaging.
Both the standard knuckle and the hook and loop coupler designs attach to the tender
truck in the same manner as seen in Figures 1 and 2.
Knuckle Coupler
In Standard Factory Position “A”
Figure 1: Knuckle Coupler Position “A”
Hook & Loop Coupler
Figure 2

44-6-4 J3a Hudson Steam Locomotive
Installing The Tender Coupler (cont’d)
If the locomotive is to be mated up with a
different manufacturer’s G-Gauge
locomotive, freight or passenger car, the
knuckle coupler assembly may need to be
relocated on the coupler armature as seen in
Fig. 3. The second lower location or
position “B” is on the bottom of the
armature extending from the truck rather
than the default top position “A” which is on
top of the armature. Simply unscrew the
coupler shaft from the armature, separate the
coupler knuckle (attached by screw & nut)
from this shaft and relocate to the bottom of
the shaft. Reassemble.
Note: When the standard knuckle coupler is
installed in position B, the coupler pin must
be cut off as shown in Fig. 3. The coupler
pin has been “scored” so that it can be easily
cut off with a pair of snippers.
The Hook and Loop coupler mounts to the
truck armature in the same manner as the
Knuckle Coupler. Note that the mounting
screw is located behind the rear axle as seen
in Figure 4.
If a Kadee Coupler is to be installed, remove
the M.T.H. knuckle or hook & loop coupler and install the Kadee Coupler base included
in your locomotive packaging as seen in Figure 5a. Once the coupler base is installed,
attach the Kadee Coupler onto the mount (See Fig. 5b) by following the Kadee Coupler’s
Standard Knuckle Coupler
In Position “B”
Armature
Must Be
Cut Off
Here To
Avoid
Interfering
With Track
Roadbed
Figure 3
Install Kadee Coupler
Mount into mounting
holes on tender chassis
Figure 5a
Install Kadee Coupler
Onto Coupler Mount
Using Kadee supplied
screws
Figure 5b
Hook and Loop and
Knuckle Couplers
Attach To Truck
Armature Via This
Mounting Screw
Figure 4

4-6-4 J3a Hudson Steam Locomotive 5
Lubrication
You should lubricate the engine to prevent it from squeaking. Use
light household oil and follow the lubrication points marked “L” in
Fig. 6. Do not over-oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.
Lubricate Side Rods and Linkage (L) (Both Sides)
LubricateAxleBushings(L)
Lubricate Axle Bushings (L)
Figure 6. Lubrication Points on the Locomotive
Priming The Smoke Unit
When preparing to run this engine, add 30-40
drops of smoke fluid through the smokestack.
We recommend M.T.H. ProtoSmoke, Seuthe,
LGB, or LVTS fluids. 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), rotate the smoke unit knob located
inside the boiler front (see Fig. 7) to the off
position (rotate clockwise). If you wish to
regulate the smoke output intensity, turn the knob
between full counterclockwise and full clockwise
until the desired smoke output is reached.
Failure either to add fluid to the unit or to turn it off may damage the smoke unit
heating element and/or wicking material.
While M.T.H. does not recommend operating outdoors in inclement weather (in order to
prevent possible damage to the electronics), we have included for your convenience, a
smoke stack “cap” inside your locomotive packaging. This cap should be inserted on the
smoke stack to prevent moisture from entering the smoke unit chamber.
DO NOT
OVER OIL
Running the engine without a primed
smoke unit may cause damage
Smoke Control
Figure 7: Smoke Unit Switch Location

64-6-4 J3a Hudson Steam Locomotive
Checking The Battery
You may find, if your locomotive was built several months before you set it up, that the
rechargeable batteries have run down and need to be charged before operating. If you
notice that the sounds are garbled, test and charge the engine as described in the
"Self-Charging Battery Back-Up" on page 23.
Placing The Engine On The Track
Place the engine on the track, then insert the reverse unit plug that extends out of the
tender into the receptacle at the back of the boiler cab (Figure 8. WARNING: DO NOT
CONNECT THIS ENGINE TO A TENDER FROM ANOTHER ENGINE; IT MAY
CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE.
Connect the draw bar between the engine and tender.
At this point, you are ready to begin running your engine.
Plug Tender Plug into
Boiler Socket at back of cab.
Figure 8: Connecting Tender Harness

4-6-4 J3a Hudson Steam Locomotive 7
DCS Polarity Switch
DCS Operation
Located under the left side of the cab is a DPDT slide switch that allows the engine to
be controlled by DCS regardless of the direction the engine is facing or regardless of
which rail is connected to the high or positive (+) side of the Transformer or Powerpack.
If the engine is not recognized by the DCS System when it is placed on the track and
power is applied, this may mean that the engine is facing in the wrong direction based
on the track wiring of the layout being used.
If this is the case, just change the position of the slide switch and try again to add the
engine to the DCS system or, select the engine from the engine list and then do the
START UP function if the engine is already added to the DCS System being used.
(Fig. 9)
Conventional Operation
If the engine responds to the opposite indication of the direction switch on a DC
Powerpack, sliding the switch under the cab to the opposite position will put the
engine’s direction back into sync with the DC Powerpack indication.
DCS Polarity
Switch
Figure 9

84-6-4 J3a Hudson Steam Locomotive
Basic Operation
RailKing One-Gauge locomotives can be operated with AC or DC power output
transformers. When using DC output power supplies, the user can only control the
lcomotive speed and direction. The locomotive will still make engine sounds but no bell
or whistle control is possible when using a DC output power supply unless the user
wishes to hook up the power supply to M.T.H.’s separately sold Digital Command
System (see below).
As with all G-Gauge locomotives, the Throttle knob or handle controls how fast your
train will travel.
Throttle - To increase or decrease track voltage, and therefore train speed, turn or slide
the throttle control knob. Turning clockwise will increase voltage and speed, while
turning counterclockwise will decrease voltage and speed. Because your RailKing
One-Gauge locomotive is equipped with M.T.H.’s Proto-Speed Control feature, the
engine will maintain the speed you set after you release the throttle until you turn it again
to slow down or speed up the locomotive. This feature works very similarly to the cruise
control system found in automobiles and allows the engine to maintain its speed even as
it enters curves, traverses grades or coasts down inclines.
Direction - There are two ways to change a locomotive’s direction when operating the
engine with a DC power supply.
1. Slow the locomotive down using the throttle knob until the engine comes to a
complete stop but power still remains on the track. Slide the direction switch on the
power supply to the opposite direction and increase the throttle setting again to allow the
locomotive to begin running in the opposite direction.
2. While the locomotive is running, slide the direction switch on the power supply to the
opposite direction. The locomotive will slow to a gradual stop and then reverse direction
and slowly gain speed until it is again travelling at its original speed prior to the direction
switch change.
Activating Features Using DC Power

4-6-4 J3a Hudson Steam Locomotive 9
Using DCS With DC Power
M.T.H.’s revolutionary Digital Command System, or DCS, allows users to
control their RailKing One-Gauge locomotives in a command control
environment. User’s can remotely access hundreds of features inside each
RailKing One-Gauge locomotive with the wireless remote control. Digital
signalling and an easy-to-use interface make using DCS a snap. More
information on DCS can be found on page 26 or by visiting
www.protosound2.com.

10 4-6-4 J3a Hudson Steam Locomotive
Activating Features Using AC Power
Using an AC output transformer equipped with a whistle and bell button will unlock
dozens of features inside your RailKing One-Gauge locomotive. Operation is simple by
following the simple steps below and on the following pages.
Start Up - Turn the throttle knob up ½-way, until the engine headlight shines bright.
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.
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.
Bell - To sound the bell, in an engine
equipped with a 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 you turn it
on until you press and release the button again to turn it off.
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. Three whistle/horn endings are available depending on how long the
whistle/horn button is depressed. A short button push will cause the whistle/horn to
quickly turn off. A 3 second or 6 second button push will create two distinct
whistle/horn endings.
Direction Your train is programmed to start in neutral. The train will always cycle
neutral-forward-neutral-reverse with each press and release of the direction button. The
engine is programmed to restart in neutral each time the track voltage is turned off for 25
seconds or more.
Cycle Phases
Neutral
Neutral ForwardReverse

4-6-4 J3a Hudson Steam Locomotive 11
Manual Volume Adjustment - To adjust the volume of all sounds made by this engine,
turn the master volume control knob located inside the boiler front clockwise to increase
the volume and counter-clockwise to decrease the volume.
Volume Control
Figure 10: Manual Volume Adjustment (lower knob)

12 4-6-4 J3a Hudson Steam Locomotive
The following pages contain the operating instructions for Proto-Sound 2.0 RailKing
One-Gauge locomotives when operated with AC output transfomrers in conventional
mode only. Instructions for accessing DCS command mode features accompany the DCS
Remote Control System equipment. These features are only available when using an AC
Transformer equipped with a whistle and bell button.
Proto-Sound 2.0 features are activated by sequences of Bell and Horn button pushes
described below. Please read the full descriptions of each feature before using it. To use
these buttons to activate features rather than to blow the horn or ring the bell, you should
tap the buttons very quickly with a ½-second pause between button presses. You may
need to practice your timing to make this work smoothly.
Proto-Sound 2.0
Operating Instructions
Timing Chart
Total Time Lapse:1 Seconds½
Press
Horn
Short &
Firm
½ Sec.
Pause ½ Sec. Pause
Press
Bell
Short &
Firm
Press
Bell
Short &
Firm
Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional
Mode Features (AC Operation Only)
Feature to Be Activated ButtonCode:
Passenger Station Announcements
Speed Control On/Off
Lock into a Direction
Reset to Factory Defaults
1 Bell, 2 Horns
1 Horn, 2 Bells (from Neutral only)
1 Horn, 3 Bells
1 Horn, 5 Bells (from Neutral only)

13 4-6-4 J3a Hudson Steam Locomotive
Your engine is equipped with a sound package of freight yard sounds that you can play
when you pull into a yard. Each sequence described below will play as long as it is left
on, randomly generating sounds, but be sure to allow approximately 30 seconds between
the button pushes described below to allow the PSA sufficient time to run through each
sequence.
•To cue the sound system to play the PSA, quickly but firmly tap the Bell button
once followed by 2 quick taps of the Horn button while the engine is moving.
Tap the buttons quickly but allow approximately ½ second between each press.
•Press the Direction button once to stop the engine. This will trigger the first
sequence of PSA. The reverse unit is temporarily disabled so that the train will
not move as you use the Direction button to trigger the sounds, and Proto-Sound
2.0 has disabled operator control over the Horn and Bell buttons until the full
PSA sequence is complete.
•After waiting about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press the Direction
button again to trigger the second sequence of PSA.
•After about 30 seconds, press the Direction button again to trigger the third PSA
sequence.
•Again, after allowing about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press the
Direction button one more time to trigger the fourth and final PSA sequence.
The PSA will continue, and within a few seconds, the engine and bell will start
and move out on its own at the current throttle setting, in the same direction it
was traveling when you began the sequence. Once the bell turns off, the operator
regains control of the transformer's bell and Horn buttons and can ring the bell or
blow the Horn as usual.
Passenger Station Announcements (PSA)

14 4-6-4 J3a Hudson Steam Locomotive
Tips on Using PSA
•You can terminate PSA at any time by turning off power to the track for 15
seconds.
•You do not have to be in Forward to use PSA. At the conclusion of the full
sequence, the train will pull away from its stopping point in whatever
direction it was travelling when the feature was activated.
•You can use PSA even if you are double-heading with another engine. If the
second engine is not equipped with Proto-Sound 2.0, you must remember
not to leave the throttle at a high voltage level once you have stopped the
engine to run the PSA. Otherwise, the engine without PSA will begin
vibrating on the track as its motors strain to move the train, since they
cannot be automatically disabled during the PSA cycle (or if an original
Proto-Sound engine, PSA are triggered differently and that engine's
motor-disable feature will not be active when you run FYS in
Proto-Sound 2.0).
•PSA can be triggered from Neutral. It will operate the same as if triggered
while in motion except that, at the conclusion of the PSA, the engine will
depart in the next direction of travel, as opposed to the direction it was
traveling before entering Neutral.

4-6-4 J3a Hudson Steam Locomotive 15
M.T.H. engines equipped with Proto-Sound 2.0 are equipped with Proto-Speed Control
which allows the locomotive 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. Because the engine will run more slowly at a given throttle voltage when speed
control is on than when it is off, you should adjust the throttle to a lower power level for
operation with speed control off to avoid high-speed derailments. When speed control is
off, the sound volume will drop to allow for better low voltage operation.
To turn speed control on and off
Place the locomotive in neutral, then quickly tap the transformer's Horn button one time
then quickly tap the Bell button two times, allowing approximately ½ second to lapse
between each quick button press. Two horn blasts will indicate that the engine has made
the change. Repeat the 1 horn, 2 bells code to return it to the other condition. 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.
Horn
Place
Engine into
Neutral
Bell Bell
=SpeedControl
Two Horn Blasts
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition
(indicates change is made)
Speed Control

16 4-6-4 J3a Hudson Steam Locomotive
You can lock your locomotive into a direction (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 crawl (as slowly as it will move
without halting), and quickly but firmly tap the Horn button once followed by three quick
taps of the Bell button, allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick
button press. Two horn blasts will indicate that the engine has made the change. The
engine will not change direction (including going into neutral) until you repeat the 1
horn, 3 bells code to return the engine to its normal condition, even if the engine is kept
without power for extended periods of time.
Horn
Place
Engine into
Desired
Direction
Horn Bell Bell Bell
=Direction Lock
Two Horn Blasts
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition
(indicates change is made)
To override the settings you currently have assigned to the locomotive and reset it to its
factory defaults, while in Neutral tap the Horn button quickly once, followed by five
quick taps of the Bell button, allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between each
quick button press. Two horn blasts will indicate that the engine has made the change.
Reset
Two Horn Blasts
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition
(indicates change is made)
Horn
Place
Engine in
Neutral =
BellBellBellBellBell
Certain Proto-Sound 2.0 sound effects automatically play in programmed conventional
mode conditions:
•Squealing Brakes play any time the engine's speed decreases rapidly.
•Cab Chatter plays at random intervals when the engine idles in neutral.
•Engine Start-up and Shut-down sounds play when the engine is initially powered
on or is powered off for five seconds or more.
Locking Locomotive Into A Direction
Reset To Factory Default
Automatic Sound Effects

4-6-4 J3a Hudson Steam Locomotive 17
Maintenance
The engine should be well oiled and greased in order to run properly.
You should regularly lubricate all side rods and linkage components to
prevent them from squeaking. Use light household oil and follow the
lubrication points marked “L” in Fig. 11. Do not over-oil. Use only a
drop or two on each pivot point.
DO NOT
OVER OIL
Lubricate Side Rods and Linkage (L) (Both Sides)
Lubricate Axle Bushings (L)
Lubricate Axle Bushings (L)
Figure 11: Lubricating The Chassis
You should also grease the leading and trailing locomotive truck tongues to enhance their
ability to slide on the chassis. Follow the grease points shown on Fig. 12.
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions
Grease Pivot Point (G)
Grease Pivot Point (G)
Figure 12: Greasing the leading and trailing truck pivot points.
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 and axles, do the following:
1. Turn the engine upside down and remove the leading truck mounting screws (you will
have to remove the leading truck plate as well) to gain access to the front boiler mounting
screw. Remove that screw and the two rear boiler mounting screws as seen in Figure 13.

18 4-6-4 J3a Hudson Steam Locomotive
2. After removing the boiler mounting screws, separate the
boiler from the chassis and turn the chassis upside down.
3. Next, locate the pickup assembly behind the middle set of
drive wheels and remove its mounting screw as seen in Fig. 15.
4. Locate and remove the four gearbox bottom access cover
screws as seen in Fig. 16.
5. Turn the chassis right side up and
remove the two chassis weight monting
screws as seen in Figure 17.
6. After removing the chassis weight
mounting screws, lift the weight out of the
chassis and remove the gearbox top access
cover mounting screws as seen in Fig. 18.
BodyMountingScrews
Body Mounting Screw
(Under Leading Truck)
Figure 13: Removing The Body
Remove Truck Guide Plate
By Pulling It Up
Figure 14
Remove Pickup Mount Screw
Figure 15: Locate and remove the pickup
Remove Gearbox Inspection Screws (4)
Figure 16: Removing The Gear Box Bottom
Access Cover
Remove Chassis Weight Screws
Figure 17: Chassis Weight Mounting Screws

4-6-4 J3a Hudson Steam Locomotive 19
7. Lift the gearbox up and out of the chassis,
rotate 190 degrees to reveal the now exposed
gears and lubricate with a light grease.
Remove Gearbox Casing Screws
Figure 18: Gear Box Top Access Cover
Pull Gearbox up and rotate to expose gears for greasing
Figure 19: Insert Grease Into Gear Box
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 from the wheels in order to slip the new tire over the grooved
drive wheel. Make sure to note the position of all rods before removing.
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.
6. Reinstall the side rods in the same positions as noted. Failure to align rods may cause
binding or damage to the drive system.
One set of replacement tires is packaged with your model. Additional sets are available
directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department (order online: www.mth-railking.com,
e-mail: [email protected]; mail: 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD
21046-1532, FAX: [phone]).

4-6-4 J3a Hudson Steam Locomotive 20
Light Bulb Replacement Instructions
The locomotive and tender lights are controlled by a constant voltage circuit in the
engine. They can be removed and replaced when they burn out by separating the boiler
from the chassis as seen on page 18. Once the boiler has been separated, see the
illustrations below to remove the headlight and firebox glow light. The tender body can
be removed by unscrewing the six (6) mounting screws located on thetender chassis.
You can obtain replacement bulbs directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department (order
online: www.mth-railking.com, e-mail: [email protected]; mail: 7020 Columbia
Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532, FAX: [phone]).
Headlight Connection Firebox Glow Connection
Figure 20: Boiler Wire Harness
Firebox and Cab
Interior Harnesses
Figure21
Disconnect Headlight
Harness And Pull Wires
Through Boiler
Figure22