Rail King 6-8-6 Steam Turbine Engine User manual

RAILKING6-8-6
STEAM TURBINE WITH
PROTO-SOUND 2.0
READY-TO-RUN TRAIN SET
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Your RailKing
®Ready-To-Run train set is complete with everything you need to get
your model railroad up and running. This set includes a
6-8-6 steam turbine locomotive,
three freight cars
, a transformer, a loop of RealTrax, the RailKing wireless infrared
remote control, and the infrared activated remote lock-on. M.T.H.’s exclusive RailWare
CD-ROM, which is included with this set, provides track layout software and other
information helpful to model railroaders.
This locomotive is equipped with Proto-Sound 2.0 with Digital Command System
(DCS). This new system will allow you to operate your locomotive in Command mode
(when used with the DCS Remote Control System, sold separately) or Conventional
mode. Conventional mode operating features are described in the following pages, while
the
DCS operating features are covered in the set of operating instructions that
accompanies the DCS equipment.
Conventional Mode operation of this locomotive is
much simpler than operation of original Proto-Sound engines. Please read all the
accompanying instructions carefully before setting up and operating your train set.

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RailKing 6-8-6 Steam Turbine Engine
Table of Contents
Set Up Assembling RealTrax®3
Plugging in the Transformer 4
Lubricating the Engine 4
Priming the Smoke Unit 4
Coupling the Engine and Car 5
Remote Control 6
BasicOperation
Operation Buttons 7
VolumeControl 8
Proto-Sound 2.0 Operation
Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features 9
Freight Yard Sounds (FYS) 10
Tips on Using FYS 11
Proto-Coupler
®Operation 12
Speed Control 12
Lock into a Direction State 13
Reset to Factory Defaults 13
Automatic Sounds 13
Maintenance
Care of Remote Control 14
Lubrication and Greasing Instructions 14
Cleaning the Wheels, Tires and Track 16
Locomotive Traction Tire Replacement 16
Smoke Unit Maintenance 17
Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement 18
Caboose Light Bulb Replacement 19
Self-Charging Battery Back-Up 21
RailWare Interactive CD-ROM 22
Troubleshooting 24
Compatibility 26
Transformer Compatibility Chart 27
Additional Features with DCS Remote Control System 28
Safety Precautions 30
Service and Warranty Information 32

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RailKing 6-8-6 Steam Turbine Engine
Set Up Checklist
• Assemble RealTrax®
• Connect the transformer
• Lubricate the train
• Place the engine and cars on the track and couple them together
• Apply power to run as described in the Basic Operation section of
these instructions.
Assembling RealTrax
®
Unlike other O Gauge track systems, each RealTrax section features a realistic
built-in roadbed base, solid nickel-silver track rails, and realistic railroad ties,
all designed to give you an authentic looking track system. The quick
connectors and built-in roadbed allow you to set up RealTrax anywhere,
including most carpeted surfaces, without the need for track nails or the worry
of carpet stains.
Each RealTrax segment has at least one knock-out tab in the roadbed (on either
end of the segment) that can be removed with a pair of pliers to reveal an
opening for the lock-on that is used to connect the transformer to the track. To
assemble RealTrax, follow the instructions below.
Knock Out must be
removed before
RemoteLockOncan
be installed
Remove Knock Out
by Holding and Twisting Up
with a pair of pliers
1a
1c
1b
1d Make sure the
metal contacts
line up.
Figure 1a-1d: Installation of Remote Lock On

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RailKing 6-8-6 Steam Turbine Engine
Align Quick Connect
Plugs and Gently Push
RealTrax® Sections Together
Figure 2: Preparing to snap RealTrax®
sections together by aligning Quick
Connect Connectors.
Figure 3: RealTrax® sections in properly
connected position.
Connecting the Transformer
The Z-750®power supply included with this set provides an easy-to-use, safe
power source for AC-powered trains and accessories.
Plug the wire from the transformer into the remote lock-on’s center port, then
plug the transformer into the wall outlet. Insert two AA batteries (not
included) into the remote handheld.
Lubricating the Engine
You must lubricate the engine before operating it. Use a light household oil
and follow the lubrication points marked “L” in Fig. 10 on Page 14. Do not
over oil. Use only a drop or two on each
pivot point.
Priming the Smoke Unit
You should prime the smoke unit with smoke
fluid before operating. Add 15-20 drops of
smoke fluid from the included pipette
through the smokestack (see figure 4), then
gently blow into the stack to eliminate any air
bubbles in the fluid.
Add Smoke Fluid
ThroughSmokestack
Figure 4. Add Smoke Fluid
Through the Smoke Stack

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RailKing 6-8-6 Steam Turbine Engine
If you choose not to prime the unit
with fluid, turn the smoke unit switch
located under the
engine to the OFF
position (see Figure 5). 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.
Coupling the Engine and Cars
Our couplers are designed for realistic
operation. Place the engine and cars on
the track and couple them together. If the coupler is already closed, press
down on the small finger that extends from under the right side of the coupler
to open the coupler knuckle and allow the couplers to interlock as shown in
Figure 6.
Insert the reverse unit plug that extends out
of the tender into the receptacle at the back
of the engine. Connect the draw bar
between the engine and tender.
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THIS
ENGINE TO A TENDER FROM
ANOTHER ENGINE; IT MAY CAUSE
SERIOUSDAMAGE.
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.
SMOKE UNIT
ON/OFF SWITCH
Figure 5. Smoke Unit ON/OFF Switch
Push Down on Coupler Finger to
Release Knuckle
Figure 6.Coupling the Freight
Cars Together

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RailKing 6-8-6 Steam Turbine Engine
Whistle/
Horn
Direction
Throttle Control
Rocker Switch
Bell
Emergency
Stop
Figure 8: Overview of the Remote
controls
Figure 7. Aim the Remote at the Rounded
Side of the Receiver’s Lens, the Slanted
Side Should Face Away.
Remote Control
The RailKing®Remote Control System included with this set uses wireless
infrared technology, much like a television remote control, to allow users
remote control of their trains from up to 15 feet away. The remote and lock-on
replace the control box found with M.T.H.’s Z-750®transformer, and they are
designed for use with moderately powered transformers such as this one. It is
compatible with most manufacturer’s engines.
Because the RailKing remote is an infrared line-of-sight remote, you must aim
it at the lock-on in order to send signals to the track. You need to rotate the
lock-on’s receiver lens so that it faces the direction you will most often signal
from (see Figure 7 below). The receiver lens can be repositioned later as
needed. The green LED atop the lock-on will come on, indicating the track is
receiving power. Subsequent pushes of any buttons on the remote will cause
the LED to blink, indicating it is receiving the signal.
Note: The RailKing®Remote Control and Remote Lock-on will not
operate engines equipped with pre-1997 versions of Proto-Sound®or with
Proto-One,™Proto-Plus,™Proto-Deluxe,
™aftermarket systems.

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RailKing 6-8-6 Steam Turbine Engine
Basic Operation
Throttle up the power to your track.
Give your train enough power so that
the head light shines brightly. Then put the engine into motion by firmly
pressing the Direction button on your remote once.
Operation Buttons
Use the operation buttons on your remote as described below.
•
Throttle – To increase or decrease track voltage, and therefore train speed,
press the throttle control rocker switch. Pressing the top end of the throttle
will increase voltage and speed. Pressing the bottom end of the throttle will
decrease voltage and speed. The engine will maintain the speed you set after
you release the throttle until you press it again to change the voltage and
speed.
•
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.
The whistle has four different endings,
depending on whether you hold the button for less than three seconds, three
seconds, four seconds, or five seconds or longer.
•
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 remote. 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.
•
Emergency Stop – To drop track voltage instantly to 0, firmly press the
Emergency Stop button. All trains on the track controlled by the remote will
stop until you reapply voltage.

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RailKing 6-8-6 Steam Turbine Engine
Proto-Sound 2.0
Volume Adjustment
Knob
Figure 9. Location of Proto-Sound 2.0 Volume Adjustment Knob
Manual 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. 9).

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RailKing 6-8-6 Steam Turbine Engine
Proto-Sound 2.0 Operating Instructions
This manual contains the operating instructions for Proto-Sound 2.0 in
conventional mode only. Instructions for accessing DCS command mode
features accompany the DCS Remote Control System equipment.
Because Proto-Sound 2.0 is an all-new system developed by M.T.H.’s own
research and development team, it operates differently from original
Proto-Sound. Most Proto-Sound 2.0 features are automatically enabled, and
the reset state has been eliminated, so there is no need to program features as
with original Proto-Sound. Although the new system is easier to operate than
original Proto-Sound, you should read these instructions thoroughly before
using Proto-Sound 2.0 features in order to prevent harm to yourself or your
equipment.
Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features:
Proto-Sound 2.0 features are activated by sequences of Bell and Whistle
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 whistle or ring the bell, you should press the buttons for a shorter
time (½ second); you may need to practice your timing to make this work
smoothly.
FeaturetoBeActivated:
Freight Yard Sounds
Fire the Rear Coupler
Speed Control On/Off
Lock into a Directional State/Unlock
Reset to Factory Defaults
Button Code:
1 Bell, 2 Whistles
1 Bell, 3 Whistles
1 Whistle, 2 Bells (from Neutral only)
1 Whistle, 3 Bells
1 Whistle, 5 Bells (from Neutral only)

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RailKing 6-8-6 Steam Turbine Engine
Freight Yard Sounds (FYS):
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 FYS sufficient time to run through each sequence.
1. To cue the sound system to play the FYS, quickly but firmly press the Bell
button once followed by 2 quick presses of the Whistle button while the engine
is moving.
2. Press the Direction button once to stop the engine. This will trigger the first
sequence of FYS. 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 Whistle and Bell
buttons until the full FYS sequence is complete.
3. After waiting about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press the Direction
button again to trigger the second sequence of FYS.
4. After about 30 seconds, press the Direction button again to trigger the third
FYS sequence.
5. Again, after allowing about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press the
Direction button one more time to trigger the fourth and final FYS sequence.
The FYS will continue, and within a few seconds, the engine 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 whistle buttons and can ring the
bell or blow the whistle as usual.

11
RailKing 6-8-6 Steam Turbine Engine
Tips on Using FYS
•You can terminate FYS at anytime by turning off power to the
track for 15 seconds.
• You do not have to be in Forward to use FYS. At the
conclusion of the full sequence, the train will pull away from the
station in whatever direction you were going when you activated
the feature.
• You can use FYS even if you are double-heading with another
engine. If the second engine is not equipped with FYS at all,
you must remember not to leave the throttle at a high voltage
level once you have stopped the engine to run the FYS.
Otherwise, the engine without FYS will begin vibrating on the
track as its motors strain to move the train, since they cannot be
automatically disabled during the FYS cycle. If the second
engine is an original Proto-Sound engine equipped with FYS,
you may choose to disable it when used in double-heading
operations, so you will not experience competing FYS sounds.
To disable FYS in an original Proto-Sound engine, see the
operating instructions for that engine.
• FYS can be triggered from Neutral. It will operate the same as
if triggered while in motion except that, at the conclusion of the
FYS, the engine will depart in the next direction of travel, as
opposed to the direction it was traveling before entering Neutral.

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RailKing 6-8-6 Steam Turbine Engine
Proto-Coupler®Operation
This locomotive is equipped with a coil-wound Proto-Coupler for remote
uncoupling action. Because the Proto-Coupler is controlled through the
Proto-Sound 2.0 microprocessor, it does not require an uncoupling track
section or modification to your layout to function. Use the code listed below to
fire the coupler.
Rear Coupler:
To fire the rear coupler, press the Bell button once followed immediately by
three pushes of the Whistle button. The sound of the liftbar and air line
depletion will play, and the knuckle will be released.
Speed Control:
M.T.H. engines equipped with Proto-Sound 2.0 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 maintain a constant speed
when speed control is turned off, you need to adjust track voltage yourself.
When speed control is off, the volume will drop to allow for better low voltage
operation. Full volume is restored upon reactivation of speed control.
To turn speed control on and off,put the engine in neutral, then press the
transformer’s Whistle button one time then immediately press the Bell button
two times. Two horn blasts will indicate that the engine has made the change.
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.

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RailKing 6-8-6 Steam Turbine Engine
Lock into a Directional State:
You can lock your engine into a directional state (forward, neutral, or reverse)
to prevent it from changing 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 remote’s Whistle
button once followed immediately by three presses of the Bell button.
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
whistle, 3 bells code to return the engine to its normal state, even if the engine
is kept without power for extended periods of time.
Reset to Factory Defaults:
To override the settings you currently have assigned to the engine and reset it
to its factory defaults, while in Neutral press the Whistle button once, followed
immediately by five quick pushes of the Bell button.
Two horn blasts will
indicate that the engine has made the change.
Automatic Sounds:
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 when the engine idles in neutral.
• Engine Start-up and Shut-downsounds play when the engine is
initially powered on or is powered off for five seconds or more.

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RailKing 6-8-6 Steam Turbine Engine
Maintenance:
Care of the Remote Control
Your RailKing Remote Control System should offer years of trouble-free
service. There are a few things you can do to ensure trouble-free operation:
• If your train responds inconsistently, replace old batteries with fresh ones.
Do not mix old and new batteries.
• Remove batteries before storing for extended periods.
• Do not drop the remote. It can damage the delicate electronics inside.
• Any attempt by anyone other than an authorized M.T.H. repair person to
open and repair the handheld transmitter or lock-on may result in damage and
the loss of warranty protection.
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. 10. Do not over oil. Use only
a drop or two on each pivot point.
Lubricate Siderods (L)
Lubricate Pick Up Rollers (L)
Lubricate Pivot Point (L)
Figure 10. Lubrication Points on the Locomotive

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RailKing 6-8-6 Steam Turbine Engine
Engine-mounted PCB:
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. Unscrew the body mount screws as shown in Fig.
11 and remove the boiler.
2. Once the boiler is removed, you need to remove the two screws that screw
the PCB bracket to the gear box cover.
3. Carefully lift out the PCB board to access the gear box cover. Take care not
to rotate or shift the portion of the electrical component screwed to the chassis
just below the smoke unit.
4. Open the gear box cover by unscrewing the screw on the plate located in
front of the motor.
5.Use a grease tube dispenser to put a small amount of lithium-based grease
into the gearbox.
Reassemble the engine in reverse order.
x2 x1
Grease Drive Gear (G)
Body Mount Screws
Body Mount Screws
Figure 11. Locations of Body Mount Screws and Diagram for Greasing the Drive Gear

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RailKing 6-8-6 Steam Turbine 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
(not rubbing) alcohol applied with a cotton swab.
To clean the track, use a clean rag and 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. Because the
manufacturing process leaves a coat on RealTrax, you should clean the rails
after the first 30 minutes of use (you may smell something burning during
initial use as the coat burns off; this is normal). 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.
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.
These screws 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.
Replacement tires are available directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department.

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RailKing 6-8-6 Steam Turbine 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 figure 4 on pg. 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 body (see
figure 5 on pg. 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
the smoke unit inspection cover from the smoke
unit’s body (see Fig.
12 ). 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 and instructions
from the M.T.H. Parts Department.
Smoke Unit
Cover Screws
Figure 12. Inspection
Cover Screws

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RailKing 6-8-6 Steam Turbine Engine
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 10. Once
the body has been removed, rotate the headlight bulb counter-clockwise as
seen in Figure 13 to remove.
You can obtain replacement bulbs directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department
(phone: [phone]; e-mail: [email protected]; mail: 7020 Columbia
Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532).
Headlight
Figure 13. Changing the Locomotive’s Headlight Bulb

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RailKing 6-8-6 Steam Turbine Engine
Caboose Light Bulb Replacement
To replace the interior light bulbs, follow these steps.
1. To remove the shell from chassis remove the four screws located underneath
the trucks (figure 14-1).
2. With the four screws removed, lower the chassis from the shell, take care
not to pull the wires out (figure 14-2).
3. To be able to separate the interior from the shell you need to remove the step
platform from both ends. In order to do this you need to loosen the end frames
from the step platform. You must do this carefully so that you don't break
them. Grasp the end frame by the bottom and pivot outwards 5°. You can then
remove the step platforms (figure 14-3).
4. With the step platforms removed you can then lower the interior down from
the shell (figure 14-4).
5. You can now replace the bulbs by pushing the socket up from the bulb
holder and pull the bulb from its socket. Replace with a new one, and reverse
the steps to reassemble the caboose (figure 14-5).
Remove these
four screws
1
2
Figure 14-1,2. First two Steps of Changing the Caboose Lights

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RailKing 6-8-6 Steam Turbine Engine
Grasp here
END FRAME
STEP
PLATFORM
33
4
5
Figure 14-3,4,5. Next three Steps of Changing the Caboose Lights