Rail King SANTA FE STEEL RAIL FREIGHT HAULER 2-6-0 User manual

RK
AIL ING
By MT H ElectricTrains
®
SANTA FE STEEL RAIL FREIGHT HAULER
2-6-0 STEAM ENGINE TRAIN SET
OPERATING & PROTO-SOUND®
INSTRUCTIONS
Making the Most of Your Investment
Thank you for purchasing this RailKing Ready-to-Run 2-6-0 Train Set.
We at MTH Electric Trains take pride in manufacturing quality products
like your set, and we hope that you will enjoy it for a long time. To
ensure the maximum durability and pleasure from locomotive, rolling
stock, track and transformer, please read all the way through the Quick
Start Basic Operating Instructions you will find on pages 4.
Remember that a little attention to routine maintenance yields a
maximum of trouble-free performance.
RAILKING

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RailKing 2-6-0 Train Set Operating Manual
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Table Of Contents
QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION 4
Reverse Unit Operation 7
Whistle Operation 9
Bell Operation 9
ProtoCoupler® Operation 9
Enhanced Neutral Sounds 11
Squeaking Brake Sounds 11
Tips On Using The Squeaking Brake Sounds 12
Freight Yard Sounds (FYS) 13
Activating and Triggering Freight Yard Sounds 15
Tips On Using PFA Features 18
REVERSE UNIT LOCK-OUT OPERATION 19
Locking The Engine Into Forward or Reverse 19
Unlocking The Engine 19
Locking The Engine Into Neutral 20
OTHER PROTO-SOUND® OPERATING FEATURES 20
Self-Recharging Battery Backup System 20
Replacing The ProtoSound® Battery 21
ProtoSound® Volume Adjustment 22
OPERATING AND PROGRAMMING PROTO-SOUNDS® 22
Using RESET To Program Proto-Sound® 24
Remotely Setting The Engine Volume 24
Bell Button Programming 25
Squeaking Brake Operation Programming 26
Whistle In Neutral Operation Programming 27
ProtoCoupler® Operation Programming 27
FYS Operation Programming 28
Activating Remote Lockout Control 28
ResettingAll Proto-Sound® Options To Factory Default 29
TRAIN SET MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS 30
Oiling Directions 30
Greasing Directions 30
Locomotive Lamp Replacement 31
Caboose Car Lamp Replacement 32
Locomotive Traction Tire Replacement 32
Locomotive Smoke Unit Maintenance 34
RITETRAX® TRACK LAYOUT PLANS 35
TRANSFORMER AND PROTO-SOUND® REFERENCE 38
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart 38
Trouble-Shooting Proto-Sound® Problems 39
Proto-Sound® RESET Feature Chart 42
LOCOMOTIVE EXPLODED PARTS DIAGRAM 43
WARNING AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 46
SERVICE AND WARRANTY INFORMATION 47
How To Get Warranty/Repair Service 47
Limited One-Year Warranty 47

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RailKing 2-6-0 Train Set Operating Manual
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Compatibility
Our designers have sized the engine to operate on any traditional 0-27
or larger O Gauge track system, including RiteTrax using any standard
AC transformer including the Z-500 transformer packaged in your set.
(See page 39 for a complete list of compatible transformers as well as
wiring instructions.) All RailKing products are compatible with most
other 3-rail locomotives, rolling stock, and accessories.
Equipment Options
Your ready-to-run set features a three-car freight set and a 2-6-0
locomotive equipped with an operating headlight, Proto-Sound® Digital
Sound and Train Control System and remote controlled ProtoCoupler®
uncoupling system. All are simple and fun to operate. In addition to
the locomotive, your set should also include a circle of RiteTrax® track
(8 curved sections), a RiteTrax® lighted lock-on and wire harness set
(for connecting the track to the transformer) and a 50-watt Z-500
transformer and controller.
You’ll find complete instructions for choosing and setting up options in
the following pages. If you don’t read through the entire manual before
starting to operate your equipment, be sure to check the Quick Start
Basic Operating Instructions, which will give you the basics of the
operating system.
CAUTION -- ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PRODUCT:
Not recommended for children under ten years of age without adult
supervision. As with all electric products, precautions should be
observed during handling and use to reduce the risk of electric shock.
Transformer Ratings:
Input: 120 VAC
60 HZ Only
Output: 18VAC, 3A 54VA

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RailKing 2-6-0 Train Set Operating Manual
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Quick Start Operating Instructions
Track and Power
Although MTH Electric Trains manufactures its own track and
transformers, you can run your locomotive on 0-27 or wider-radius O
gauge track wired to draw power from any of the standard compatible
AC transformers listed in the chart on page 39. Be sure your track is in
good condition—clean and securely connected—to keep the locomotive
running and to prevent derailments. If you intend to utilize the
RiteTrax® track sections included in the set, see the directions below.
Setting Up the RiteTrax® Oval
Unlike other O Gauge track systems, each RiteTrax® track section
features a realistic built-in roadbed base, solid nickel-silver track rails and
realistic railroad ties all
designed to give the owner
an authentic looking track
system. In addition, each
RiteTrax® track section
employs the use of quick-
connect connectors instead
of track pins or railjoiners to
assemble the track sections
to one another. The quick
connectors and built-in base
allow RiteTrax® track
sections to be setup
anywhere, including some
carpeted surfaces without the need for track nails or the worry of carpet
stains.
You can set up literally hundreds of
different track designs utilizing
RiteTrax® components. We’ve
included just a few later in this
manual for your reference. Each
layout specifies the space required
and the components needed to
Align Quick Connect
Plugs and Gently Push
RiteTrax® Sections Together
Figure 1: Preparing to snap RiteTrax® sections together by
aligning Quick Connect Connectors together.
Figure 2: RiteTrax® sections in proper connected
position.

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RailKing 2-6-0 Train Set Operating Manual
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complete the track design. You can purchase additional track
components from any authorized MTH reseller.
The lighted lockon included in
your set snaps into any RiteTrax®
track section roadbed and
functions as the interface
between the track and the
transformer. Each RiteTrax® track
section includes a “knock-out” in
the roadbed that must be removed
to reveal the opening for the
lighted lockon. To remove this
knock-out grab the knock-out with a
pair of pliers and gently twist the
knock-out until it snaps away from
the roadbed base. Once the knock-
out has been removed, snap the
lighted lockon into the roadbed
taking care to make sure that the
lockon arms snap into the roadbed
electrical receptors. To complete
the connection between the
RiteTrax® track section and the
transformer, simply plug in the
color-coded wire harness that was
included in your set.
Knock-out
Must Be Removed
Before Lighted Lockon
Can Be Inserted
Figure 3: Top view position of lighted lockon
preparing to enter RiteTrax® section.
Figure 5: Underside view of RiteTrax® track
section with lighted lockon in fully seated position.
Remove
Knock-out
By Holding
& Twisting
With A Pair
Of Pliers
Figure 4: Underside view of RiteTrax® section
with knock-out removed and lighted lockon in
position for insertion.
Figure 6: Top view of RiteTrax® section with
lighted lockon in fully seated position.

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Preparing the Locomotive
Before you fun your locomotive, you must oil the locomotive.
Oiling the locomotive
Before you run the locomotive, use a light household or hobby oil to
lubricate the gears and pick up rollers. Apply a small drop of oil (a
pinpoint oiler will help place the right amount of oil where you need it)
to each of the points
indicated by in the diagram
in Figure 8. You may also
what to use either a
locomotive repair cradle or
an old towel folded over to
provide a protective bed
for the locomotive shell
while you’re working on it.
Because the locomotives’s
internal gearing has been
-750
DIRECTION
BELL
HORN
WHISTLE
POWER
RK
AIL ING
By MT H ElectricTrains
®
T R A NS FOR M E R CONT ROL L E R
OFF
FU LL
POWER
Also functions as a binding post.
Red Harness
Wire/Plug
Red Harness
Wire/Plug
Black Harness
Wire/Plug Black Harness
Wire/Plug
Figure 7: Wiring up the Z-500 transformer to the lighted lockon.
Grease Gears
Lubricate Pickup Rollers
And Side Rod Linkage
Figure 8: Lubrication points of RailKing 2-6-0 locomotive.

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RailKing 2-6-0 Train Set Operating Manual
RAILKING
greased at the factory, you shouldn’t need to add more grease until you
have run the locomotive for 50 hours or owned it for a year, whichever
comes first. See the section on lubrication, pages(s) 31-32, for detail.
QuickStart: Operating The Engine and Cars
Once the track has been assembled and the transformer wired to the
track lock-on, you are almost ready to begin running your new train set.
Place the engine and cars on the track and couple each up to one
another. If the coupler is already
closed, pressing down on the
coupler armature will open the
coupler knuckle to allow the
couplers to interlock with one
another. Before turning on the
transformer, it is important to
understand the features of your new
train set.
Electronic Reverse Unit
The locomotive is controlled by a ProtoSound® DCRU® electronic
reverse unit. The reverse unit operates in the same manner that all
reverse units function by using forward, neutral and reverse states that
are entered each time the throttle is turned on and off or by using the
transformer direction switch
(if so equipped).
The reverse unit is designed
to ignore dirty track, dead
spots on switches or minor
short circuits without
disrupting the engine
operation, even at slow, prototypical speeds. Once the engine is
placed on the track, the transformer throttle can be advanced. You will
see that only the engine’s lights come on and two dings from the
sound system will chime followed by the air compressor pump sounds.
The engine does not run. This is known as the RESET state and is
explained in more detail below. The ProtoSound® DCRU® will not
power the motor until the throttle is turned OFF and then ON again. At
RESET
Neutral
Reverse
Neutral
Forward
Pushing Down
On The Coupler
Armature Opens
The Coupler
Knuckle
Figure 9: Pushing down on the coupler armature
to open up the coupler knuckle.

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RailKing 2-6-0 Train Set Operating Manual
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this point, the engine will now function just like any other electronic or
mechanical E--unit.
Now, if you’ve lubricated the locomotive and freight car friction
points as indicated earlier, you’re ready to start running your train.
Transformer Operation
The Z--500 provides the model railroad enthusiast with an easy to use,
safe power source for AC--powered trains and accessories. Set up is
quick and easy by following the setup diagram below.
FUNCTIONS:
Bell: Press to activate, press again to deactivate.
Horn/Whistle: Press to activate.
Direction: Press to stop motion of train and press again to change
direction
Starting to Roll
Advanced the transformer throttle.The locomotive’s light will come on
but the engine will not move out in the forward direction until you turn
the throttle back OFF and then ON again. At this point, advancing the
throttle further will allow the engine to pick up speed, reducing the
throttle will slow the engine down. Turning the throttle OFF and then
back ON will park the engine into neutral. Cycling the throttle OFF and
then back ON again one more time will allow the locomotive to enter
reverse.
-500
DIRECT ION
BELL
HORN
WHIS T LE
POWER
RK
AIL ING
By MT H ElectricTrains
®
T R ANS F OR ME R CON T R OL L E R
OFF
FU L L
POWER
Figure 10: Z-500 Controls

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RailKing 2-6-0 Train Set Operating Manual
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An alternative method to using the throttle to enter the next reverse
unit phase is to press the direction button. When depressed, the
transformer interrupts all power to the track as long as the button is
depressed. Releasing the button reapplies power to the track at
whatever voltage level the transformer throttle is set at.
Blowing The Whistle
Your Proto-Sound® equipped engine features a digital recording of a
steam engine whistle. The whistle can be activated anytime the engine
is in forward or reverse by pressing the whistle/horn button on your
transformer. The whistle will continue to blow as long as the
whistle/horn button is depressed. The whistle will not function in RESET
and must be configured through a RESET option to allow the horn to
work when the engine is in neutral. See page 27 for information on
whistle programming in the Using RESET To Program Proto-Sound®
section of this manual.
Ringing The Bell
Your Proto-Sound® equipped engine also features a digital recording of
an actual diesel engine bell. The bell can be turned on or off by simply
pressing the Bell button on your transformer anytime the engine is in
forward or reverse. The bell will continue to ring until the bell button is
depressed a second time. The bell will not function in RESET. Once
the bell is turned on, it will continue to ring when the engine is cycled
into forward or reverse until you press the bell button.
Proto-Sound® Tip: Because of Proto-Sound® state-of-the-art design, the
microprocessor remembers its last command. Therefore, unless you
turn the bell off before you quit running your train, the next time you
run the engine, the bell will come on. No matter whether you come
back an hour later or a year later, the bell will begin chiming once the
engine enters one of the three directional states.
Operating The Remote Controlled ProtoCoupler®
Coupler System
Your Proto-Sound® equipped locomotive is equipped with one coil-
wound ProtoCoupler® for remote uncoupling action. Because the
ProtoCoupler® is controlled through the Proto-Sound® microprocessor,
it doesn’t require an uncoupling track section or modification to your

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RailKing 2-6-0 Train Set Operating Manual
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layout to function. The three simple steps below are required
to operate the coupler.
1. Put your engine in NEUTRAL and turn the throttle all
the way up.
2. Press the transformer whistle button to “Arm" the
coupler. (You will hear a “Clank")
3. After arming the coupler, press the whistle button again to
open the coupler.
When the knuckle
fires open you will
hear the buzzing of
the coil energizing
and the sound of
the air lines coming
apart. It can best
be described as a
CHA-CHUSHHH
sound. The coupler doesn’t have to be fired in NEUTRAL. Once the
coupler is armed it can be fired in Forward, Neutral or Reverse.
However, you may find that the coupler doesn’t open when firing the
coupler at high speeds. Reduce the voltage setting on your
transformer if this occurs and run your engine at a slower speed before
firing the coupler. If the coupler continues to open erratically, try
lubricating the knuckle with light oil as indicated in Fig. 11.
HH
Ca-Clunk
Cha-Chussshhh
Put Engine In Neutral
At Full Power
Press & Release
The Whistle Button
Press & Release
The Whistle Button
Listen For The
Ca-Clunk Sound
See The Coupler Open
And Listen For The
Cha-Chusshh Sound
-500
DIRECTION
BELL
HORN
WHISTLE
POWER
RK
AIL ING
By MT H E lectricTrains
®
T R AN S F OR M ER CONT R OL L E R
OFF
FULL
POWER
Lubricate
ProtoCoupler® Knuckle
Figure 11: Lubricating the ProtoCoupler® Coupler Knuckle