Rail King F40-PH User manual

RAILKING F40-PH
WITH LOCO-SOUND
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. You get an
F40-PH diesel locomotive, a set of 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, has track layout software and other information helpful to
model railroaders.
Please read all the accompanying instructions carefully before setting up and operating
your train set.

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RailKing F40-PH Diesel Engine
Table of Contents
Set Up Assembling RealTrax®3
Plugging in the Transformer 4
Lubricating the Engine 4
Coupling the Engine and Cars 4
Remote Control 5
BasicOperation
Operation Buttons 6
Speed Control 7
Direction Lock 7
Proto-Cast and Proto-Dispatch 8
VolumeControl 9
Maintenance
Care of Remote Control 10
Lubrication and Greasing Instructions 10
Cleaning the Wheels, Tires and Track 12
Locomotive Traction Tire Replacement 12
Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement 13
Caboose Light Bulb Replacement 14
RailWare Interactive CD-ROM 16
Troubleshooting 18
Compatibility 19
Transformer Compatibility Chart 20
Safety Precautions 21
Service and Warranty Information 24

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RailKing F40-PH Diesel 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
copper contacts
lineup.
Fig. 1a-1d: Installation of Remote Lock On

Connecting the Transformer
The Z-750
®power supply included with this set provides an easy-to-use, safe
power source for most 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. 9 on Page 10. Do not
over oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.
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 4. Push Down on Coupler Finger to
Release Knuckle
Figure 4.
Coupling the Freight Cars
Together
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RailKing F40-PH Diesel 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.

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RailKing F40-PH Diesel Engine
Whistle/
Horn
Direction
Throttle Control
Rocker Switch
Bell
Emergency
Stop
Fig. 6: Overview of the Remote controls
Figure 5. 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 5 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.

6
RailKing F40-PH Diesel 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 horn, firmly press the Horn/Whistle button.
The horn will sound for as long as you continue to depress the button. It will
stop when you release the button. The horn will have a different ending
depending on whether you hold the button for less than 3, 4, or 5 seconds.
• 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.

7
RailKing F40-PH Diesel Engine
Speed Control:
M.T.H. engines equipped with Loco-Sound 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. The engine will run more slowly
at a given throttle voltage when speed control is on than when it is off.
To turn speed control on and off,put the engine in neutral, then press the
remote’s Whistle button firmly but quickly one time then immediately press
the Bell button two times. 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.
Direction Lock:
You can lock your engine into a directional state (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
speed (< 10 scale mph), and quickly but firmly press your remote’s Whistle
button once followed immediately by three presses of the Bell button. 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.
Feature to Be Activated:
Speed Control On/Off
Lock into a Directional State/Unlock
Button Code:
1 Whistle, 2 Bells
1 Whistle, 3 Bells

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RailKing F40-PH Diesel Engine
Proto-Cast and Proto-Dispatch:
When used with the remote lock-on included in this set, Loco-Sound-equipped
engines gain Proto-Cast™and Proto-Dispatch™features.
Proto-Cast: This feature allows you to
play audio recordings through your
engine’s speakers. You must supply the
audio source (a small portable is
sufficient) and a male-to-male mini cable
(1/8” plug, like that used for the headset
with a portable CD/tape player) to
connect your audio source to the Remote
Lock-On. To use Proto-Cast, simply plug
the mini-cable into your audio source
(usually into the headphone jack) and into
the “Audio” port on the right side of the
remote lock-on and adjust the volume.
Proto-Dispatch: Thisfeatureallows you
to broadcast your own voice through your
engine’s speakers. You must supply the microphone and a mini cable (1/8”
plug, like that used for the headset with a portable CD/tape player) to connect
your microphone to the Remote Lock-On. To use Proto-Dispatch, simply plug
the mini-cable into the microphone and into the “Mic” port on the left side of
the remote lock-on and speak into the microphone.
When these features are in use, the locomotive’s own sounds (engine sounds
and bells, whistles, and horns) will be muted so that only the sounds you
broadcast will be heard. Because these two features are voice activated, there
will be a 10-15 second delay after you stop speaking into the microphone or
turn off the stereo before the engine sounds resume. To stop using the feature
and return to normal operation, unplug the cable from the lock-on jack.
If using parallel tracks with multiple Loco-Sound-equipped engines,
Proto-Cast and Proto-Dispatch transmissions from one track may be picked up
by the other nearby engines.
If you experience popping and interference, try cleaning the track with
denatured alcohol as described in the “Cleaning the Wheels, Tires and Track”
section of this booklet.
Note: M.T.H. does not recommend using Proto-Cast and Proto-Dispatch
at the same time.
Proto-CastProto-DispatchPower
Figure 7: Overview of the Inputs on
the Remote Lock On

9
RailKing F40-PH Diesel Engine
Manual Volume Control
–To adjust the volume of all sounds made by
this engine, turn the master volume control knob located under the engine
clockwise to increase the volume and counter-clockwise to decrease the
volume (see Fig.
8).
Loco-Sound
VolumeAdjustment
Knob
Figure 8. Location of the Loco-Sound Volume Adjustment Knob

10
RailKing F40-PH Diesel Engine
Lubricate Pick Up Roller (L)
Lubricate Axle Bushings (L)
LubricatePick UpRoller(L)
Figure 9. Lubrication Points on the 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 the engine and pickup rollers to prevent them
from squeaking. Use light household oil and follow the lubrication points
marked “L” in Fig. 9. Do not over oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot
point.

11
RailKing F40-PH Diesel Engine
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 six Phillips screws from the chassis, as seen in Figure
10, 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 10
.
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.
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
10.
MotorMountScrew
Body Mount Screws Body Mount Screws
Idler Gear (G)
Figure 10. Body Mount Screws and Greasing Points.

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RailKing F40-PH Diesel 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 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. 11.
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.
Truckside Screws
Figure 11. Screws to Remove to Access the
Traction Tires

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RailKing F40-PH Diesel Engine
Locomotive
Headlamp
Figure 12. Location of the headlamp in the Engine.
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.
Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement
To replace the light bulb in the locomotive, follow these instructions:
Follow the cab removal instructions found in the “Lubrication and Greasing”
section of this booklet. Once the body has been removed, rotate the headlight
bulb counter-clockwise as seen in Figure 12
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).

14
RailKing F40-PH Diesel Engine
Caboose Light Bulb Replacement
To replace the interior light bulbs, follow these steps.
1. To remove the shell from the chassis, remove the four mounting screws
located underneath the trucks. (Figure 12-1)
2. With the four screws removed, lower the chassis from the shell, taking care
not to pull the wires out. (Figure 12-2)
3. Separate the interior from the shell by removing the step platform from
both ends. In order to do this you need to loosen the Ladder from the Catwalk.
You must do this carefully so that you don't scratch the paint on the roof of
the caboose. First remove the ladder from the Catwalk by pulling the ladder
upward and outward. You can then remove the step platforms. (Figure 12-3)
4. With the step platforms removed you can then lower the interior from the
shell. (Figure 12-4)
5. Replace the bulbs by pushing the socket up from the bulb holder and
pulling the bulb from its socket. Remove the vertical bulb simply by pulling it
from its socket. Replace with a new bulb, and reverse the steps to reassemble
the caboose. (Figure 12-5)
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).

15
RailKing F40-PH Diesel Engine
Figure 12. Changing the Caboose Light Bulbs
STEP
Remove these
four screws
STEP
1
2

16
RailKing F40-PH Diesel Engine
RailWare Interactive CD-ROM
M.T.H. provides a free RailWare CD-ROM in each Ready-To-Run set. It is
full of helpful information on M.T.H. product history, track planning software,
a dealer finder, and information and video clips on Loco-Sound and
Proto-Sound 2.0. Follow the directions below to use the CD-ROM.
Minimum System Requirements: Pentium 100, 16MB RAM, Windows 95 or
later, CD-ROM drive, Sound Card, display properties set to greater than 256
colors. The CD will not work on a Mac OS unless you run VirtualPC ®.
Running RR-Track Software
You may run the RR-Track software directly off of the CD-Rom or you may
install the software to your hard drive.
1. On the Desktop, click on the icon that says My Computer.
2. Find your CD-Rom drive.
3. With the MTH CD-Rom in the drive, double click on the icon for the
CD-Rom drive.
4. Find the folder on the CD-Rom entitled INSTALLATION.
5. Choose the folder inside entitled RRTRAXSETUP.
6. Run the file in that folder called SETUP.EXE and follow the directions it
provides.
The program may ask you for a registration code. If it does type in MTH and it
will run.

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RailKing F40-PH Diesel Engine
Installing Adobe Acrobat Software
To read some of the electronic documents included on the CD-Rom, you will
need to install the Adobe Acrobat Reader
®if it is not already on your
computer. To install the software:
1.
On the Desktop, click on the icon that says My Computer.
2. Find your CD-Rom drive.
3.
With the MTH CD-Rom in the drive, double click on the icon for the
CD-Rom drive.
4. Find the folder on the CD-Rom entitled INSTALLATION.
5.
Choose the folder inside entitled ACROBAT READER.
*If you are running Windows 95, 98 or NT choose the folder 32 BIT. Run the
file AR32E301.EXE and follow the directions it provides.
If you have problems you cannot resolve by using these directions, contact
[email protected] for further help.

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RailKing F40-PH Diesel Engine
Troubleshooting Loco-Sound™Problems
Although Loco-Sound 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 (telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone];
[email protected], 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD
21046-1532).
Starting Up
Horn
Bell
Remedy
Remedy
Remedy
Remedy
When I first turn the power on, the
engine will not begin to run. I have to
turn the throttle off and then on again
to get the engine to operate.
I can’t get the horn to blow when I
press the whistle 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 whistle 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.
Thisisnormalbehavior. Toprevent
accidental high-speed start-ups, Loco-
Sound 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.
Lock-out Remedy
I can’t get the engine to run after I
power up the transformer. It sits still
with the engine sounds running.
The engine won’t lock into forward,
neutral,orreverse.
The engine is locked into the neutral
position. Follow the procedure in the
“Lock into a Direction State” section.
Engine speed must be below 10 scale
mph (approx. 10 volts or less in
conventional mode).

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RailKing F40-PH Diesel Engine
Volume Remedy
The sounds seem distorted, especially
when the whistle or bell is activated. Loco-Sound volume is set too high.
Turn the volume control knob on the
bottom of the chassis counter-
clockwise to reduce the volume.
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
page 19 for a complete list of compatible transformers and wiring
instructions.)

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RailKing F40-PH Diesel Engine
Transformer
Model Center Rail Outside Rail Min/Max. Voltage Power Rating Transformer Type
Trainmaster *
Lionel1032 U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel 1032M U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel1033 U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel1043 U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel 1043M U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel1044 U A 5-16v 90-Watt Standard
Lionel1053 U A 8-17v 60-Watt Standard
Lionel1063 U A 8-17v 60-Watt Standard
All-Trol Left Terminal Right Terminal 0-24v 300-Watt Electronic
Cab-1/Powerma
ster A U 0-18v 135V.A. Electronic
Dallee Hostler Left Terminal Right Terminal Electronic
Lionel LW A U 8-18v 75-Watt Standard
Lionel KW A or B U6-20v 190-Watt Standard
Lionel MW Outside Track
Terminal InsideTrack Terminal 5-16v 50V.A. Electronic
R.O.W. Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-24v 384-Watt Standard
LionelRS-1 Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-18v 50V.A. 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 A,B,C or D U8-20v 275-Watt Standard
Lionel Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-18v 135-Watt Electronic
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
* Conventional Mode Only
Transformer Compatibility 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.