Rail King F-3 Diesel User manual

Thank you for purchasing this RailKing product.
PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE
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F-3 Diesel
Freight/Passenger Set
Operation Manual
(3V PS2)
PSA FYS

Table of Contents
SetUpChecklist........................................3
GettingStarted..........................................4
AssemblingRealTrax..............................................4
LubricatingtheEngine............................................4
CheckingtheBattery..............................................5
CouplingtheEngineandCars .....................................5
ManualVolumeControl...........................................6
Connecting the Transformer and Installing DCS Remote Commander . . 7
BasicOperation ........................................8
OperationButtons................................................9
Freight Yard Sounds (FYS)/Passenger Station Announcement (PSA) . . 10
TipsonUsingFYS/PSA.........................................10
™
Proto-Coupler Operation .......................................10
SpeedControl..................................................11
ResettoFactoryDefaults.........................................11
AutomaticSounds...............................................11
Maintenance...........................................12
LubricationandGreasingInstructions.............................12
CleaningtheWheels,TiresandTrack..............................13
Troubleshooting........................................18
TransformerCompatibilityChart..........................20
teractiveCDROM............................21
Additional Features with DCS Remote Control System . . . . . . . . . 22
ServiceandWarrantyInformation .........................23
TractionTireReplacement........................................14
LocomotiveLightbulbReplacement...............................15
CabooseCarLightBulbReplacement..............................15
PassengerCarLightBulbReplacement.............................16
RailWare In
CAUTION: ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PRODUCT:
WARNING:Whenusingelectricalproducts,basicsafetyprecautionsshouldbeobserved,includingthefollowing:
Readthismanualthoroughlybeforeusingthisdevice.
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.
lDonotoperateyourlayoutunattended. Obstructedaccessoriesorstalledtrainsmayoverheat,resultingindamagetoyourlayout.
lThistrainsetisintendedforindooruse. Donotuseifwaterispresent. Seriousinjuryorfatalitymayresult.
lDonotoperatethehobbytransformerwithdamagedcord,plug,switches,buttonsorcase.
lThe transformer was designed to operate on regular US household current (120 volt, 50-60 Hertz). Do not connect to any other
sourceofpower.
lTo avoid the risk of electrical shock, do not disassemble the transformer unit. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. If the
unitisdamagedcontactM.T.H.Serviceforinstructions.
lThe transformer is equipped with an internal circuit protector. If the circuit protector trips, unplug the power cord from the
electrical wall outlet, check your layout for any short circuits. The circuit breaker will reset automatically when the short is
removedfromthecircuit.
lUnplugthetransformerfromtheelectricalwalloutletwhennotinuse.
lDonotusethistransformerforotherthanitsintendedpurpose.
Transformer Ratings:
Input: 120 VAC, 60 Hz Only, Outpu
Recommended for Ages 14 and up. Not recommended for children under 14 years of age without adult supervision. As
with all electric products, precautions should be observed during handling and use to prevent electric shock.
t: Z-750: 21VAC 3.75A78VA; Z-1000: 14VAC 80W or 18VAC 100W
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.
©2011, M.T.H. Electric Trains, Columbia, MD 21046

Set Up Checklist
®
rAssemble RealTrax
rLubricate the engine
rPlace the engine and cars on the track and couple them together
rCheck to see whether the battery needs to be charged for full sound effects
rConnect the transformer and installing DCS Remote Commander
rApply power to run as described in the Basic Operation section of these instructions.
r Steam Engine
r 3 Cars
Tools Needed
Cotton Swab or Rag
Philips Screwdriver
M.T.H. Maintenance Kit (30-50051)
Optional Battery Charger (50-1019)
Set Includes
Pliers
8-Pieces O-31 Curve
RealTrax (40-1002)
DVD/CD-Rom
4-Pieces
Straight RealTrax (40-1001)
Lighted Lock-On
(40-1003)
Real Trax
wire harness (40-1015)
Scissors
DCS Remote
Commander Set (50-1033) Z-500 Transformer
Remote
Receiver
RailKing F-3 Freight/Passenger Set with Proto-Sound® 2.0
3

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.
Gently push together RealTrax
Insert lock-on into
knock-out tab
(Lock-on is the interface between
the track and transformer)
Make sure the metal
contacts line up. Align Quick
Connect Plugs
Knock-out must be removed
before remote lock-on can
be installed
Remove knock-out from
outer edge of track by
holding and twisting up
with a pair of pliers
REMOVE TAB
FROM OUTER EDGE
STEP
11STEP 22STEP 33
STEP
44STEP 55STEP 66
Lubricating the Engine
Lubricate all exposed moving parts before operating using a multi-purpose, plastic-
compatible oil (available with M.T.H.'s Maintenance Kit (#30-50010) , sold separately) or a
light household oil. Follow the lubrication points.
Lubricate Axles Lubricate Pick-Up Rollers
(Do Not Lube the Flat Part
of Pick-Up Rollers)
Grease Gears
RailKing F-3 Freight/Passenger Set with Proto-Sound® 2.0
4

Checking the Battery
You may find, if your locomotive was built several months before you set it up,
that the rechargeable battery has run down and needs 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 16.
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 below.
STEP
22
Position
armiture
for proper
operation
Incorrect
Position
STEP
11Place the engine and cars
on the track.
Open couplers by pressing
down on plunger.
Push cars together
to couple.
STEP
33
RailKing F-3 Freight/Passenger Set with Proto-Sound® 2.0
5
Figure 1

Manual Volume Control– To adjust the volume of all sounds made by this
engine, turn the manual volume control (shown below) clockwise to increase
the volume and counter-clockwise to decrease the volume (see Fig. 2).
Figure 2: Manual Volume Control Manual Volume Control
RailKing F-3 Freight/Passenger Set with Proto-Sound® 2.0
6

Connecting the Transformer & Installing DCS Remote
Commander Set
Your set comes with M.T.H.'s latest DCS System, the DCS Remote Commander.
The DCS Remote Commander includes a handheld Remote which communicates
with a Receiver powered by a UL approved Transformer to provide an easy-to-use,
safe power source for your new train set. To install the DCS Remote Commander
and Transformer please use the following instructions:
1. Ensure the Z-500 transformer is unplugged.
2. Install two AA batteries (not included) into the Remote. You will need a small
screw driver.
3. Plug the Z-500 transformer barrel jack into the port labeled “Power” on the
Receiver. Using the RealTrax Wire Harness plug the color-coded wires from the
Receiver to the Lighted Lock-on.
4. Make sure that the engine and cars are properly assembled and coupled on the
track and then plug the Z-500 transformer into any 110 volt AC wall outlet. You
will know that you have power to the receiver and the track if you see the green
LED atop the Receiver and the green light atop the Lighted Lock-on will come on.
Subsequent pushes of any buttons on the remote will cause the green LED atop
the Receiver to blink, indicating it is receiving the signal.
See Illustrations Below
Red Harness
Wire/Plug
Black Harness
Wire/Plug Lighted Lock-on
Receiver
Z-500 Transformer
Remote
Red Harness
Wire/Plug
Black Harness
Wire/Plug
RailKing F-3 Freight/Passenger Set with Proto-Sound® 2.0
7

Basic Operation
After making sure everything is properly assembled, aim the Remote at the
Receiver and press the SU/SD Button on the Remote. (** NOTE - Because this is
an infrared line-of-sight remote, you must aim the remote at the receiver in order to
send signals to the track. **). Once pressed the Engine start up sound will begin as
well as the lights and smoke unit will turn on. Now press the + end of the
Remote's Throttle Control and the train will start to move forward. Each time you
press the + end of the Throttle Control the train will move faster and faster. Please
see the Operating Buttons Using the Handheld Remote for more information on
using the Remote to operate the train.
PFA
Activates Passenger/Freight
Sounds
SND
Plays accent sounds
SU/SD
Start-Up/Shut-Down
Activates or Deactivates
sound,smoke,lights
BELL
Rings Bell WHISTLE/HORN
Blows Whistle/Horn
CPLR
Fires front & rear couplers
VOL
Volume
DIR
Direction
R
-
Throttle Down
F
+
Throttle Up
Note: You cannot use this Remote and Receiver with pre-1997 versions of Proto-Sound™
or with Proto-One™, Proto-Plus™, Proto-Deluxe II™ engines, whatever the date.
RailKing F-3 Freight/Passenger Set with Proto-Sound® 2.0
8

Operation Buttons Using the Remote Handheld
START UP/SHUT DOWN (SU/SD)- Pressing this button will start your
engine. Its lights, sound and smoke (if equipped) will turn on when pressed once
and off when pressed again (if the train is already on).
Throttle Control (+ and -) (center rocker)- After START UP, quickly pressing
and releasing the +end of the Throttle Control allows you to increase the speed
of your locomotive in 1mph increments. Holding the+end of the Throttle
Control down without releasing it will bring the engine up to top speed in about 7
seconds. Pressing and holding the –end of the Throttle Control for about 7
seconds will allow you to gradually bring your speed down until your engine
reaches a complete stop. Quickly pressing and releasing the +or –end of the
Throttle Control will increase or reduce your locomotives speed by 1 mph
increments.
PFA– Pressing this button will activate the Passenger or Freight announcements
on your engine. Pressing it again will shut the feature off. (See the instructions later
in this manual for the PFA operational sequence.)
BELL – Pressing and releasing this button will turn on the bell sound in your
engine. Press and release the button again to shut it off.
Whistle/Horn – Pressing and holding this button will play the whistle or horn
sound on your engine. Release the button and whistle sound will decay just like the
real thing. Also, depending upon how long you hold the button, once you release it
the engine will play up to three different whistle endings
CPLR – Pressing the button will activate the coupler sound and functions. Within
2 seconds of pressing the CPLR button you must then press either the +(front
coupler) or –(rear coupler). Doing so will trigger the coupler sound effect.
VOL – Selecting the volume button and then pressing either the +or –allows you
to set your engine at any volume you desire.
SND – Pressing the sound button once will initiate a host of different idle sound
effects on your engine. These randomly generated idle sound effects only work
when the train is in a neutral or stopped position.
DIR – Pressing this button will bring your engine to a gradual stop and then sit at
0mph in the opposite direction it was traveling. After the engine has come to a
complete stop, press the +end of the Throttle Control to start the engine moving
in the opposite direction and to increase its speed.
Note: If your locomotive is so equipped, the smoke unit is not controlled by this remote. In
order to turn the smoke unit off/on you must first disconnect power from the track,
manually turn the smoke unit control to the “OFF” or “ON” position, full counter-
clockwise or some degree of clockwise position, and reapply power. (Small screwdriver may
be required for this operation)
RailKing F-3 Freight/Passenger Set with Proto-Sound® 2.0
9

Freight Yard Sounds (FYS) or
Passenger Station Announcements (PSA):
Your engine is equipped with a sound package of either freight yard or passenger station
sounds that you can play. 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/PSA sufficient time to
run through each sequence.
!To cue the sound system to play the FYS/PSA, press the PFA Button on the remote.
!Press the Direction button once to stop the engine. This will trigger the first sequence of
FYS/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/Whistle and Bell buttons until the full FYS/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 FYS/PSA.
!After about 30 seconds, press the Direction button again to trigger the third FYS/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 FYS/PSA sequence.
!The FYS/PSA 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 Horn/Whistle buttons and can ring the bell or blow the
horn/whistle as usual.
Tips on Using FYS/PSA
!You can terminate FYS/PSA at any time by pressing the PFA Button on the remote.
!You do not have to be in Forward to use FYS/PSA. 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.
!FYS/PSA can be triggered from Neutral. It will operate the same as if triggered
while in motion except that, at the conclusion of the FYS/PSA, the engine will
depart in the next direction of travel, as opposed to the direction it was traveling
before entering Neutral.
Proto-Coupler™ Operation
This locomotive is equipped with one or more coil-wound Proto-Couplers for
remote uncoupling action. Because Proto-Couplers are controlled through the
Proto-Sound® 2.0 microprocessor, they do not require an uncoupling track section
or modification to your layout to function. You can fire a coupler from neutral or
while in motion.
RailKing F-3 Freight/Passenger Set with Proto-Sound® 2.0
10

Fire
Rear
Coupler
=
Rear Coupler:
To fire the rear coupler, press the CPLR Button on the remote and then press the
end of the throttle control. The sound of the liftbar and air line depletion will play,
and the knuckle will be released.
Front Coupler:
To fire the front coupler (if your engine has one), press the CPLR Button on the
remote and then press the +end of the throttle control. 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.
Reset to Factory Defaults
From the factory your engine is set to run with the DCS Remote Commander System at the
factory default. If for some reason your engine address changes, the engine must be reset to
factory default in order to operate from your DCS Remote Commander. The factory
defaults cannot be reset with a DCS Remote Commander, you must use a DCS system, a
DCS Commander, or see your local dealer. When using a DCS Commander or a DCS
System, follow the reset instructions in those device’s operating manuals.
–
Automatic Sounds
The following sound effects automatically play in your engine:
Squealing Brakes: This sound plays anytime the engine speed decreases rapidly.
Cab Chatter: This sound play when the engine idles in neutral.
Engine Start-up and Shut-down: This sound plays when the engine is initially
powered on or is powered off for five seconds or more.
CPLR –
RailKing F-3 Freight/Passenger Set with Proto-Sound® 2.0
11

Maintenance:
Lubrication and Greasing Instructions
The engine should be oiled and greased in order to run properly.
You should regularly oil the engine and pickup rollers to prevent them from
squeaking. Use light household oil and follow the lubrication points marked
“L” in Fig. 3. 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. Use a lithium based grease and follow the greasing
instructions below.
1. Remove the Body Mounting Screws from the chassis, as seen in Figure 4,
then lift the body away from the chassis.
2. Remove the truck blocks from the chassis by unscrewing the large Phillips
motor mount screw on the bottom of each truck block, as shown in Figure 4.
3. Once the motor mount screw has been removed, pull the motor away from
the truck block and lightly coat the motor worm gear and bronze drive gear
(in the truck block) with grease.
4. Reassemble the truck and motor, being careful not to pinch the pickup and
ground wires between the truck block and motor mount.
Figure 3: Lubrication Points
Lubricate Axles Lubricate Pick-Up Rollers
(Do Not Lube the Flat Part of Pick-Up Rollers)
Grease Gears
Lubricate Pick-Up Roller (L)
Lubricate Axle Bushings (L) Lubricate Axle Bushings (L)
Lubricate Pick-Up Roller (L)
RailKing F-3 Freight/Passenger Set with Proto-Sound® 2.0
12

5. Repeat the procedure for the other motor and truck
6. Reassemble the chassis and body, being careful that the wires are not caught
between the body and chassis, as this can lead to a short that may damage the
electronics beyond repair.
It is also a good idea to lubricate the outside truck block idler and drive gears
with grease occasionally. Add grease to the points marked with “G” in Figure 3.
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
RailKing Track Cleaning Fluid or
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.
Figure 4: Mounting Screws
Motor Mount Screw
Body Mount Screw
Body Mount Screw
Motor Mount Screw
Idler Gear (G)
RailKing F-3 Freight/Passenger Set with Proto-Sound® 2.0
13
Track Cleaning
Block (40-1099)
Maintenance Kit (30-50051)

TractionTire 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 truck sides from the truck block in order to slip the new tire over
the grooved drive wheel. To do this, remove the screws as shown in Fig. 5.
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. Reassemble the truck sides to
the truck blocks.
Replacement Tires are available
directly from the M.T.H.
Parts Department. (Order online:
www.mthtrains.com, e-mail: [email protected],Fax: [phone],
Phone: [phone], Mail: 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD
21046-1532).
Figure 5: Tire Replacement
Truckside Screws
RailKing F-3 Freight/Passenger Set with Proto-Sound® 2.0
14

You can obtain replacement parts and replacement instructions from the
M.T.H. Parts Department (Order online: www.mthtrains.com, e-mail:
[email protected],Fax: [phone], Phone: [phone], Mail: 7020
Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532).
Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement
To replace the burned out light bulbs on this locomotive, follow these
instructions.
Follow the cab removal instructions in the “Lubrication and Greasing
Instructions” section on pg.11 of this manual. Once the body has been removed,
locate burned out light bulb(s). Carefully remove bulb(s) from mounting.
Disconnect light bulb harness from main harness wire.
Connect replacement bulb harness and reassemble in reverse.
Caboose Light Bulb Replacement
To replace the interior light bulbs follow these instructions and see the diagrams below.
Remove the four (4)
screws located under
the caboose's trucks.
Lower the chassis from the
shell, taking care not to pull
the wires out.
STEP
11STEP 22
Carefully loosen the
end frames on both
ends from the step
platform.
Then grasp the end
frame by the bottom
and pivot outward 5
degrees. Remove
the step platforms
from both ends. Lower the chassis from the shell, taking
care not to pull the wires out.
Step
Platform
End
Frame
STEP
33STEP 44
STEP
55Replace the bulb by pushing the socket up
at an angle from the bulb holder and pulling
the bulb from its socket.
Replace with a new bulb and reverse the
steps to reassemble the caboose.
Light Bulb
(Part #CG-0000017)
RailKing F-3 Freight/Passenger Set with Proto-Sound® 2.0
15

Passenger Car Light Bulb Replacement
To replace the interior light bulbs follow these instructions and see the diagrams
below:
1. Turn the car over and remove the two mounting screws holding the roof on.
2. Turn the car back over and gently lift the car roof away from the body and
chassis. You may need to twist the car a little to make to roof come loose from
the body.
3. Gently pull the bulb away from its housing and push the replacement bulb into
the housing (like a Christmas tree light).
4. Reassemble in reverse order.
RailKing F-3 Freight/Passenger Set with Proto-Sound® 2.0
16

Self-Charging Battery Back-Up
The special NiCad 2.4v self-charging battery pack recharges continuously
during train operation and should last for up to five years. The battery is a dry
battery that should not leak or cause any damage to your engine. Depending
upon when your engine was built, it may need to be charged right out of the box.
If engine sounds seem distorted or garbled at low voltages or become silent
when power from the transformer is turned off, test the battery to determine
whether it should be recharged or replaced.
Test: Put the engine in neutral and leave the track voltage at 10-12 volts (high
enough for the lights to shine brightly) for 15 minutes.
Recharge: If the sounds are improved at the end of the 15-minute test charge,
the battery charge has run down and can be recharged. There are a number of
ways you can do this:
Leave the engine in neutral with track
voltage at 10-12 volts for 6-7 hours so
the battery can fully recharge (if your
engine has a smoke unit, be sure it is
turned off).
Use M.T.H.'s battery recharger (sold
separately) that plugs into a wall outlet
and a special port under the engine to
recharge the battery overnight without
leaving it on the track.
Replace: If the sounds are
not improved at the end of
the 15-minute test charge, it
is time to replace the battery.
Available through M.T.H.
Parts.
DO NOT substitute alkaline
batteries for these NiCad
batteries. Using alkaline
batteries in this system can
result in damamge to the PS
2.0 circuit board and/or the
batteries.
**Do not use alkaline batteries for testing or checking purposes for the 3-Volt
PS2 boards. Using alkaline batteries will damage the 3-Volt battery charging
circuit.**
Battery
Locomotive
Headlamp
RailKing F-3 Freight/Passenger Set with Proto-Sound® 2.0
17

Troubleshooting Proto-Sound® 2.0 Problems
Although Proto-Sound 2.0 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 (www.mthtrains.com, e-mail:parts@mth-
railking.com; fax: [phone]; telephone: [phone], Mail: 7020
Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532).
Starting Up
Horn
Bell
Remedy
Remedy
Remedy
When I first turn the power on, the engine
will not begin to run.
The engine will not start after I press the
Direction button.
My engine sounds are distorted and garbled.
I can't get the horn to blow when I press the
Horn 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 Horn 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, Proto-Sound 2.0 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.
You may not be sending enough power to the track
to power the engine. Rotate throttle clockwise to
increase track power.
The battery may have run down, especially if the
engine has been in storage for some time. See the
"Self-Charging Battery Back-Up" section of these
instructions for how to test, recharge, and (if
necessary) replace the battery.
Coupler Remedy
When I try to fire the coupler, FYS starts.
The Proto-Coupler won't let the engine
uncouple on the fly.
The coupler does not fire or stay coupled.
The rear coupler does not fire, but coupler
sounds play.
You are waiting too long between Horn button
presses. See the timing instructions located at the
beginning of the "Proto-Sound 2.0 Operating
Instructions" section.
Try lubricating the coupler knuckle and rivet with
a dry graphite lubricant.
The coupler needs to be cleaned. Wipe with
denatured alcohol (not rubbing alcohol) and let
dry.
Check position of Auxiliary Proto-Coupler
Control Switch. Switch Should be in the “OFF”
position for the rear coupler to fire.
Cab Chatter Remedy
Sometimes the Cab Chatter sounds don't
play. Cab Chatter plays only in neutral at random
intervals.
RailKing F-3 Freight/Passenger Set with Proto-Sound® 2.0
18

Volume Remedy
The sounds seem distorted, especially when
the Horn or bell is activated.
No Sound
Proto-Sound 2.0 volume is set too high. Turn the
volume control knob on the bottom of the chassis
counter-clockwise to reduce the volume.
Volume is set too low, adjust volume control knob
on the bottom of the chassis clockwise to increase
the volume or check connector to speaker.
Battery Remedy
The engine will not leave the initial neutral
setting.
I get no sounds when the engine shifts
between directions.
After I turn off my transformer, my engine
continues to make sounds before quitting.
Check to be sure the battery is installed and fully
charged. See the "Self-Charging Battery Back-
Up" section.
The battery may be dead or need to be charged.
See the "Self-Charging Battery Back-Up" section.
Proto-Sound 2.0 is designed to continue to sound
for a few seconds after power to the track has
been shut off to allow for a more realistic shut-
down.
Lock-out Remedy
I can't get the engine to run after I power up
the transformer. It sits still with the diesel
and compressor sounds running.
The engine won't lock into forward, neutral,
or reverse.
The engine maybe locked into the neutral
position. Follow the procedure in the "Lock into a
Direction" section to unlock the engine's direction.
Engine speed must be below 10 scale mph
(approx. 10 volts or less in conventional mode).
FYS/PSA Remedy
The FYS/PSA sounds occasionally repeat
themselves. Proto-Sound 2.0 has a built-in random number
generator that randomly selects each sound clip to
play. Because there are a limited number of
sound clips available in each FYS/PSA sequence,
it is probable that some of these sound clips will
be repeated from time to time.
Once in FYS/PSA, the engine doesn’t go
into reverse.
When the FYS/PSA enters its last sequence
the bell automatically comes on
When FYS/PSA is enabled, pressing the
whistle and bell has no effect
I push the direction button but the next
sound clip in the sequence does not play or
the engine does not come out of FYS/PSA
after fourth press of the direction button.
So that FYS/PSA effects can be as realistic as
possible, Proto-Sound 2.0 disables the reversing
unit whenever FYS/PSA is enabled. This way the
engine remains still at its stop as the operator
cycles through the FYS/PSA sequences.
FYS/PSA is programmed to start ringing the bell
at that point. After approximately 12 seconds, it
will automatically turn off.
Because FYS/PSA must control various effects in
each sequence, Proto-Sound 2.0 takes control of
these sound effects until you exit FYS/PSA
Each FYS/PSA clip must play for aprox. 30
seconds before FYS/PSA will advance to the next
step in the FYS/PSA cycle. Wait at least 30
seconds in each FYS/PSA sound clip before
pressing the direction button.
RailKing F-3 Freight/Passenger Set with Proto-Sound® 2.0
19

TransformerCompatibility and Wiring Chart
Note that many of the operational commands described in these instructions
require a bell button, so if you are using a transformer other than the one
included in this set and 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 U 6-20v 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
MTH Z-1000 Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-14v
0-18v
80-Watt
100-Watt Electronic
Compatibility
While this Ready-To-Run set is equipped with everything you need to operate
it, the design allows flexibility. The train will operate on any traditional O-31 or
larger O Gauge track system, including the RealTrax® included with this set or
traditional tubular track. It is also compatible with most standard AC
transformers, including the hobby transformer packaged with your set. (See
below for a complete list of compatible transformers and wiring instructions.)
RailKing F-3 Freight/Passenger Set with Proto-Sound® 2.0
20