Tinplate Traditions 408E User manual
By MTH Electric Trains
Tinplate Traditions®
Traditional 408E Electric Engine
Operating Instructions
Thank you for purchasing the M.T.H. Tinplate Traditions 408E Locomotive. This
locomotive runs on Standard Gauge three-rail track and can handle a 72” curve. It runs
on 14-20 volts AC (Alternating Current).
Warning:
Do not lift this engine by its handrails. They cannot support the weight of the
engine.
CAUTION:
THIS LOCOMOTIVE WEIGHTS 20LBS. USE CARE WHEN
LIFTING OR MOVING THIS LOCOMOTIVE.
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Tinplate Traditions 408E Electric Engine
Mechanical Reversing Unit
The locomotive is stopped, started, and reversed by means of the reversing
“E-Unit” located inside the locomotive. The E-Unit is a four-position
sequence relay that cycles whenever current to the locomotive is interrupted.
The engine may come up in forward, neutral or reverse.
Firmly press and release the Direction button on the transformer or quickly
drop and restore the throttle to allow the engine to change direction. Just as
you must stop your automobile 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.
If you want to operate the train in one direction only, which is necessary if you
have automatic stations or insulated blocks in your layout, you must “lock out”
the E-Unit.
1. Make sure the locomotive is moving in the desired direction, then turn off
the track power.
2. Move the E-Unit lever to the “OFF” position.
If the E-Unit is locked out while it is in the Neutral position, the locomotive
will not run at all. Because the E-Unit worked partially by gravity, it may not
operate properly if the locomotive is held on its side or upside down.
E-Unit “On Position”
E-Unit “Off Position”
Figure 1. Positioning the E-Unit Switch to Lock or Un-Lock the Direction
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Tinplate Traditions 408E Electric Engine
Lubricating the Locomotive
Use motor oil (10W-40 or 10W-30) for lubrication. Apply oil sparingly, using
a toothpick or similar applicator. Before beginning, please be sure to have
several toothpicks and cotton swabs handy to apply oil and clean up the excess.
Familiarize yourself with the location of the oiling points (see Fig. 2 on page
4) before beginning. Apply oil before operating and after every seven hours of
operation.
Lubricating the Wheel Gears (Fig. 2, #1)
Slowly turn the drive wheels by hand an apply oil to the wheel gears until all
teeth on all four gears are moist. Wipe away excess oil with a cotton swab.
Lubricating the Intermediate Gears (Fig. 2, #2)
Slowly turn the drive wheels by hand and oil the six intermediate gears until all
gear teeth are moist. Note: Four gears are double-gears: both sets of teeth
should be oiled. Wipe away excess oil with a cotton swab.
Lubricating the Ends of the Armature Shafts (Fig. 2, #3)
On the geared end of the armature shafts: place a single drop of oil at the point
where the shafts just protrude through the bearings.
On the other end of the armature shafts: place a single drop of oil where the
shafts extend through the insulating plate between the brass brush holders. Do
not put oil on the brush holders.
Wipe away excess oil with a cotton swab.
Lubricating the Drive Axles (Fig. 2, #4)
Position one end of the locomotive downward so that you can see one of the
drive axles on each motor. Using a toothpick or length of wire, carefully apply
two drops of oil to the axles at all four bronze bearings.
Turn the locomotive around so that you can see the other two drive axles.
Carefully apply two drops of oil on the axles at the bronze bearings.
Lubricating the Pickup Rollers (Fig. 2, #5)
Apply a small drop of oil at the axles of the pickup rollers. Wipe away excess
oil with a cotton swab. The rolling surface should be free of oil.
4
Tinplate Traditions 408E Electric Engine
Replacing the Lamps
The 408E uses three types of bulbs (red, green & clear) all are 18v screwbase
bulbs.
To replace a burned out bulb, twist the bulb counter clockwise until the bulb
comes out, then screw in the replacement bulb.
Replace the clear headlamps with M.T.H. MS-0000016 clear lamps.
Replace the red marker lamps with M.T.H. MS-0000017 red lamps.
Replace the green marker lamps with M.T.H. MS-0000006 green lamps.
Replacement bulbs are available directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department
Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532).
Figure 2. Lubrication Diagram
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Tinplate Traditions 408E Electric Engine
CAUTION: Electrically Operated Product:
Not recommended for children under 10 years of age. M.T.H.
recommends adult supervision with children ages 10 - 16. As with all
electric products, precautions should be observed during handling and
use to reduce the risk of electric shock.
WARNING:
When using electrical products, basic safety precautions should
be followed including the following:
-
Read this manual thoroughly before using this device.
- M.T.H. recommends that all users and persons supervising use examine the
hobby transformer 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 transformer should not be used until properly repaired.
- As with all electrical appliances, this product should not be left in operation
when unattended.
Service & Warranty Information
How to Get Service Under the Terms of the Limited One-Year Warranty
For warranty repair, do not return your product to the place of purchase. Instead, follow the
instructions below to obtain warranty service as our dealer network is not prepared to service the
product under the terms of this warranty.
1. First, write, call or FAX M.T.H. Electric Trains, 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD
when it was purchased and what seems to be the problem. You will be given a return authorization
number to assure that your merchandise will be properly handled upon its receipt.
2. CAUTION: Make sure the product is packed in its original factory packaging including its foam
and plastic wrapping material so as to prevent damage to the merchandise. The shipment must be
prepaid and we recommend that it be insured. A cover letter including your name, address, daytime
phone number, e-mail address (if available), Return Authorization number, a copy of your sales
receipt and a full description of the problem must be included to facilitate the repairs. Please include
the description regardless of whether you discussed the problem with one of our service technicians
when contacting M.T.H. for your Return Authorization number.
3. Please make sure you have followed the instructions carefully before returning any merchandise
for service.
Limited One-Year Warranty
All M.T.H. products purchased from an Authorized M.T.H. Train Merchant are covered by this
warranty.
See our website at www.mth-railking.com or call 1-888-640-3700 to identify an Authorized M.T.H.
Train Merchant near you.
M.T.H. products are warrantied for one year from the date of purchase against defects in material or
workmanship, excluding light bulbs and traction tires. We will repair or replace (at our option) the
defective part without charge for the parts or labor, if the item is returned to M.T.H. Electric Trains
within one year of the original date of purchase. This warranty does not cover damages caused by
improper care, handling, or use. Transportation costs incurred by the customer are not covered under
this warranty.
Items sent for repair must be accompanied by a return authorization number, a description of the
problem, and a copy of the original sales receipt from an Authorized M.T.H. Train Merchant, which
gives the date of purchase. Call 410-381-2580, fax 410-423-0009, or e-mail the Service Department at
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary from state t o state.
Service Department
M.T.H. Electric Trains
7020 Columbia Gateway Drive
Columbia MD 21046-1532
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Tinplate Traditions 408E Electric Engine
ALABAMA
ARIZONA
CALIFORNIA
COLORADO
CONNECTICUT
DELAWARE
FLORIDA
ILLINOIS
INDIANA
LOUISIANA
MAINE
MARYLAND
MASSACHUSETTS
MICHIGAN
SOUTHERLAND STATION
HUNTSVILLE
256-533-4720
ARIZONA TRAIN DEPOT
MESA
480-833-9486
www.arizonatraindepot.com/
DOLLHOUSES,TRAINS&MORE
NOVATO
415-883-0388
TIN PLATE JUNCTION
OAKLAND
510-444-4780
MIZELLTRAINSInc
WESTMINSTER
303-429-4811
www.mizelltrains.com
SHELTONRAILROADSYSTEMS
SHELTON
203-924-8761
NEWENGLANDHOBBYSUPPLY
MANCHESTER
860-646-0610
K R R B MODEL TRAINS INC.
NEWARK
302-292-2779
www.krrb.com
DEPOT HOBBY SHOP
LAKEWORTH
561-585-1982
www.depothobbies.com
COLONIALPHOTO&HOBBY
ORLANDO
407-841-1485
WARRICKCUSTOMHOBBIES
PLANTATION
954-370-0708
www.warrickcustomhobbies.com
FRANK'S TRAINS & HOBBIES INC.
OLDSMAR
813-855-1041
www.allhobbies.com
READY TO ROLL
MIAMI
305-688-8868
www.readytorolltrains.com
BIKE & CHOO CHOO CONNECTION
SCHAUMBURG
847-882-7728
Y. O. R. K. TRAINS
MUNSTER
219-838-9999
SAMUELSON'S TRAIN SHOP
VALPARAISO
219-462-2708
AMERICA'S TRAIN YARD
BATON ROUGE
225-926-5592
WHEELS,WINGS&THINGS
LUDLOW
207-532-6277
ENGINE HOUSE HOBBIES
GAITHERSBURG
301-590-0816
J&BTRAINS
HAGERSTOWN
240-420-4930
HOBBYTOWNUSA
FREDERICK
301-694-7395
PURKEY'S TOY TRAINS
SYKESVILLE
410-549-6061
THE TRAIN ROOM
HAGERSTOWN
301-745-6681
NORTHEAST TRAINS
PEABODY
978-532-1615
www.netrains.com
BRASSEUR ELECTRIC TRAINS INC.
SAGINAW
517-793-4753
www.traindoctor.com
PARTICIPATING RETAILER LIST
AUTHORIZEDSERVICECENTER
www.mth-railking.com
7020 Columbia Gateway Dr. - Columbia, MD 21046
Information: 410-381-2580 Fax: 410-381-6122
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Tinplate Traditions 408E Electric Engine
MISSOURI
NEW HAMPSHIRE
NEW JERSEY
NEW YORK
NORTH CAROLINA
OHIO
PENNSYLVANIA
SWITCH STAND
SAINT LOUIS
314-781-4458
MARK TWAIN HOBBY CENTER
ST.CHARLES
636-946-2816
www.hobby1.com
TREASUREDTOYS
SALEM
603-898-7224
www.treasured-toys.com
RAILROAD SPECIALTIES
HUDSON
603-882-5566
www.electric-trains.com
TRAINS & THINGS
TRENTON
609-883-8790
GRAND CENTRAL STATION
KEARNY
201-955-6200
HOBBYMASTERS, INC
RED BANK
732-842-6020
HOLLY BEACH TRAIN DEPOT
WILDWOOD
609-522-2379
COAST TRAINS AND COLLECTIBLES
WALL
732-556-9005
www.coasttrains.com
J&BTRAINS,INC.
MAPLE SHADE
856-414-0092
HOBBY SHOP
MATAWAN
732-583-0505
hobbyshopnj.com
ATLANTIC RAILS
HAMMONTON
609-567-8490
www.atlanticrails.com
COUNTRY AND STUFF
ANDOVER
973-786-7086
RIDGEFIELD HOBBY
RIDGEFIELD
201-943-2636
COLUMBUS TRAIN STATION
COLUMBUS
609-518-1800
AURORA RAILS & HOBBIES
EASTAURORA
716-652-5718
AMERICANA STORE
TIVOLI
845-757-4246
NASSAUHOBBYCENTER,INC.
FREEPORT
516-378-9594
KROSS HARDWARE
WEST BABYLON
631-669-3069
CITY DEPOT, INC.
NEW HAMPTON
845-374-3010
www.citydepot.com
DRY BRIDGE STATION
MOUNT AIRY
336-786-9811
www.drybridgestation.com
THE FREIGHT YARD
SMITHFIELD
919-934-6229
TRAINS LTD.
CHARLOTTE
704-566-9070
www.trainsltd.com
THE ROUNDHOUSE & BACKSHOP
CARY
919-465-0810
DIXIEUNIONSTATION
MASON
513-459-0460
www.dixieunionstation.com
RICK'S TOY TRAINS
TOLEDO
419-478-0171
T& K HOBBY SHOP
BRIDGEPORT
740-633-6607
www.tkhobbies.com
TRAINS-N- THINGS
CANTON
330-499-1666
PARMA HOBBY
CLEVELAND
216-741-6440
GLEN'S TRAIN SHOP
AKRON
330-253-6527
E & S TRAINS
AKRON
330-745-0785
GRANDPACIFICJUNCTION
OLMSTEAD FALLS
440-235-4777
HUDSON TOY, TRAIN & HOBBY
HUDSON
330-653-2997
DAVIS ELECTRONICS
MILFORD
513-831-6425
www.davistrains.com
SANDY'S HOBBY'S & COLLECTIBLES
ELYRIA
440-365-9999
ERIE RAILWAY DEPOT
TROY
937-440-9972
CLEARVIEW TRAIN & HOBBY
LORAIN
440-277-4488
www.clearviewtrainandhobby.com
FAIRCHANCE PHARMACY
FAIRCHANCE
724-564-7817
www.hhs.net/fairchance
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Tinplate Traditions 408E Electric Engine
THESTATION
NEW CUMBERLAND
717-774-7096
BUSSINGER TRAINS
AMBLER
215-628-2366
www.icdc.com/~btrains
CHARLEROI SWEEPER CENTER
CHARLEROI
724-483-3397
AMERICANHOBBYCENTER
ALIQUIPPA
724-378-3930
CRANBERRY HOBBY DEPOT
CRANBERRY TWP
724-776-3640
ALLENTOWN TOY TRAIN SERVICE
ALLENTOWN
610-821-0740
ON THE RIGHT TRACK
ALTOONA
814-942-4345
JIM'S TRAIN SHOP
HOMER CITY
724-479-2026
YE OLDE TRAIN & CHRISTMAS
SHOPPE
BOYERTOWN
610-369-0755
www.ye oldetrain.com
TOBY TYLER'S HOBBY CENTER
PITTSBURGH
412-653-5030
BUSTLETONTRAINSHOP
PHILADELPHIA
215-698-7266
CHESTNUT TOYBOX
PHILADELPHIA
215-545-0455
THECABOOSE
LEHIGHTON
570-386-5352
www.thecaboosehobbies.com
EMERALDTRAIN&HOBBY
GREENWOOD
864-223-2247
MODEL RAILROAD & HOBBY SHOP
MEMPHIS
901-384-6500
www.modelrailroadandhobby.com
HOBBYTIME
AMARILLO
806.352.9660
TRAIN DEPOT
MANASSAS
703-335-2216
NORGESTATION
WILLIAMSBURG
757-564-7623
NUTBUSH EXPRESS
VICTORIA
804-696-1902
TOY TRAIN CENTER
RICHMOND
804-288-4475
TSGHOBBIES
WARRENTON
540-347-9212
www.mnsinc.com/tripi/tsg.htm
CHESTERFIELD HOBBIES
MIDLOTHIAN
804-379-9091
www.chesterfieldhobbies.com
DAVIS HOBBY SUPPLIES
PORTSMOUTH
757-397-1983
www.davishobby.com
LOCUSTGROVETRAINS
LOCUST GROVE
540-854-8955
www.locustgrovetrains.com
PATRICK'S TRAINS
WHEELING
304-232-0714
www.patstrains.com
SOMMERFELD'S TRAINS
BUTLER
262-783-7797
www.sommerfelds.com
GB TV & TRAINS
GREEN BAY
920-496-9697
GRAMPA'S TRAIN SHOP
RICE LAKE
715-234-2996
THETRAINSTORE
WAUKESHA
262-650-6675
HOBBY OUTLET
FONDDULAC
920-924-3770
CREDITVALLEYRAILWAYCOMPANY
STREETSVILLE
905-826-1306
www.cvrco.com
TOYTRAINWORKSHOP
CUMBERLAND
613-833-3125
www.toyt rainworkshop.com
THETRAINROOM
FERGUS
519-787-3280
SOUTH CAROLINA
TENNESSEE
TEXAS
VIRGINIA
WEST VIRGINIA
WISCONSIN
ONTARIO
CANADA
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