Tinplate Flying Colonel User manual

By MTH Electric Trains®
®
Tinplate Flying Colonel
Electric Locomotive
PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE
Compatibility
This engine will operate on any traditional
Standard Gauge tubular track system,
including M.T.H.’s tubular track. It is also
compatible with most standard AC
transformers. (See page 18 for a complete
list of compatible transformers and wiring
instructions.)
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
TRADITIONAL MODEL

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:Whenusingelectricalproducts,basicsafetyprecautionsshouldbeobserved,includingthefollowing:
Readthismanual thoroughly beforeusingthis device.
M.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.
Donotoperate your layoutunattended. Obstructedaccessories or stalledtrainsmay overheat, resultingindamage to yourlayout.
Thistrain setis intendedfor indooruse. Do notuse ifwater ispresent. Serious injuryor fatalitymayresult.
l
l
l
lDonotoperate the hobbytransformerwith damaged cord,plug,switches, buttons orcase.
Table of Contents
Set Up Checklist...................................................................................................3
Lubrication.............................................................................................3
Basic Operation....................................................................................................4
Traditional Reversing Unit and Ringing Bell........................................ 4
Maintenance.........................................................................................................6
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions...................................................6
Cleaning The Wheels and Track............................................................7
Headlight Replacement Instructions......................................................7
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart.......................................8
Service & Warranty Information...........................................................9
Limited One-Year Warranty..................................................................9

Tinplate Flying Colonel Electric Locomotive 3
Set Up Checklist
•Lubricate the locomotive
•Apply power to run as described in the Basic Operating Section of this manual
•Headlight bulbs and Couplers need to be installed by operator. Included,
packaged separately
Lubrication
You should lubricate the engine to prevent it from squeaking. Use
light household oil and follow the lubrication points marked “L” in
Figure 1. Lubrication Points on the Locomotive
DO NOT
OVER OIL
Lube Pickup Rollers (L)
Lube Wheel Axles (L)
Lube Bushings (L)

4Tinplate Flying Colonel Electric Locomotive
Basic Operation
The Throttle knob controls how fast your train will travel.
Turn the throttle knob up ½-way, until the engine and caboose lights shine bright.
Put the engine into motion by pressing the Direction button on your transformer once.
(hold it for approximately 1 second)
If the engine does not begin to move as soon as you firmly press the Direction button,
you may not have sent enough voltage to the track to make the train move. Turn the
throttle up a bit higher until the train begins to move.
Traditional Reversing Unit and Ringing Bell
Mechanical Automatic Reversing Unit
The automatic mechanical reversing unit in the Flying Colonel does not have a neutral
position. This reversing unit changes direction any time the power is interrupted.
The automatic mechanical reversing unit can be locked into either the forward direction
or reverse direction by pulling out on the rod in the front of the cab while the engine is
stopped. Pushing in the rod will allow the reversing unit to change direction of the engine
at each power interruption.
When the reversing unit is locked into forward or reverse, moving the lever that sticks
through the left front roof section will change the direction of the engine. The lever
should be moved only while the engine is stopped. Moving the lever forward will cause
the engine to run backwards. Moving the lever to the rear will cause the engine to run
forward.
Direction Locking
Rod DirectionLever
Bell Ringer

Tinplate Flying Colonel Electric Locomotive 5
Ringing Bell
The Flying Colonel is equipped with mechanical bell ringer. When activated, the bell will
ring and the decorative bell on the roof will swing back and forth while the engine is
moving in forward or reverse.
To activate the ringing bell, move the lever towards the rear of the engine. To turn off the
ringing bell, move the bell lever towards the front of the engine.
Bell Ringer

6Tinplate Flying Colonel Electric Locomotive
Maintenance
The engine should be well oiled and greased in order to run properly.
Regularly lubricate all axles and linkage components and pickup rollers to prevent
squeaking. Use light household oil, such as that found in M.T.H.'s
maintenance kit. Do not over oil. Use only a drop or two on each
pivotpoint.
DO NOT
OVER OIL
Figure 3
The locomotive’s internal gearing was greased at the factory and should not need
additional grease. However, it will be necessary to lubricate the idler gears located next
to the drive wheels with grease every 25 hours of operation. Follow the greasing points
illustrated in Figure 4.
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions
Figure 4
Lube Pickup Rollers (L)
Lube Wheel Axles (L) Lube Bushings (L)
Grease Idler Gear (G)

Tinplate Flying Colonel Electric Locomotive 7
Periodically check the locomotive wheels and pickups for dirt and buildup, which can
cause poor electrical contact and traction. Wheels can be cleaned using denatured (not
rubbing) alcohol applied with a cotton swab.
To clean the track, use RailKing Track
Cleaning Fluid and a clean rag 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. 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.
The locomotive’s headlights are controlled by a constant voltage circuit in the engine.
The headlight is easy to remove and replace when it burns out. The bulb(s) simply
unscrew from their sockets. Replacement bulbs are available directly from the M.T.H.
Parts Department.
Cleaning The Wheels and Track
Headlight Replacement Instructions
ReplaceableBulb
Replaceable Bulbs

8Tinplate Flying Colonel Electric Locomotive
Proto-Sound 2.0 is designed to work with most standard AC transformers. The chart
below lists the many compatible transformers. Note the chart details how the terminals
on these transformers should be attached to your layout.
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 U6-20v 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 BlackTerminal 0-18v 50-Watt Electronic
MTH Z-750 Red Terminal BlackTerminal 0-21v 75-Watt Electronic
MTH Z-4000 Red Terminal BlackTerminal 0-22v 390-Watt Electronic
* Conventional Mode Only
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart

9Tinplate Flying Colonel Electric Locomotive
Service & Warranty Information
Limited One-Year Warranty
How to Get Service Under the Terms of the Limited One-Year Warranty
When you suspect an item is defective, please check the operator's manual for standard
operation and trouble-shooting techniques that may correct the problem. Additional
information may be found on the M.T.H. Website. Should you still require service, follow
the instructions below to obtain warranty service.
First, e-mail, write, call or fax a M.T.H. Authorized Service Center (ASC) in your area to obtain Repair
Authorization. You can find the list of ASCs on the M.T.H. Website, www.mth-railking.com. Authorized Service
Centers are required to make warranty repairs on items sold from that store; all other repairs may-- or may not
be done at the store's own discretion. If you did not purchase the item directly from the ASC, you will need to
select a National Authorized Service Center (NASC). These centers are compensated by M.T.H. to perform
warranty service for any customer whose repair qualifies for warranty service. A list of NASC retailers can be
located on the M.T.H. Website or by calling 1-888-640-3700. Should the warranty no longer apply, you may
choose either an ASC or NASC retailer to service your M.T.H. Product. A reasonable service fee will be charged.
CAUTION: Make sure the product is packed in its original factory packaging including its foam and plastic
wrapping material to prevent damage to the merchandise. There is no need to return the entire set if only one of
the components is in need of repair .
Please make sure you have followed the instructions carefully before returning any merchandise for service.
Authorized M.T.H. Service Centers are independently owned and operated and are not agents or repres entatives of
M.T.H. Electric Trains. M.T.H. assumes no responsibility, financial or otherwise, for material left in their
possession, or work done, by privately owned M.T.H. Authorized Service Centers.
If you need assistance at any time email MTH Service at , or call 410 381-2580.
only
unless otherwise instructed by the Service Center 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 (if required by the service center, 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 a service technician when contacting the
Service Center for your Return Authorization.
All M.T.H. products purchased from an Authorized M.T.H. Train Merchant are covered by this warranty.
acopy of the
original sales receipt from an Authorized M.T.H. Train Merchant
See our website at 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 wear
items such as light bulbs, pick-up rollers, batteries, smoke unit wicks, 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 an Authorized Service Center (ASC) or
M.T.H. National Authorized Service Center (NASC) 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
, which gives the date of purchase. If you are sending this
product to an Authorized Service Center, contact that Center for their return authorization.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary from state to state. Specific questions
regarding the warranty may be forwarded to M.T.H. directly.
Service Department
M.T.H. Electric Trains
7020 Columbia Gateway Drive
.Columbia MD 21046-1532
M.T.H.
[email protected]
www.mth-railking.com

10 Tinplate Flying Colonel Electric Locomotive
CANADA
CALIFORNIA
COLORADO
CONNECTICUT
FLORIDA
MARYLAND
MICHIGAN
NEW HAMPSHIRE
NEW YORK
OHIO
PENNSYLVANIA
VIRGINIA
WISCONSIN
TOY TRAIN WORKSHOP
CUMBERLAND
613-833-8331
THE TRAIN ROOM
FERGUS
519-787-3280
TIN PLATE JUNCTION
OAKLAND
510-444-4780
MIZELL TRAINS INC
WESTMINSTER
303-429-4811
NEW ENGLAND HOBBY
SUPPLY
MANCHESTER
860-646-0610
ROUNDHOUSE SOUTH
PORT ORANGE
386-304-7002
PLAZAHOBBY
CUMBERLAND
301-729-6424
ENGINE HOUSE HOBBIES
GAITHERSBURG
301-590-0816
CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN TRAINS
& HOBBIES
THURMONT
301-694-8331
MICHIGAN MODEL TRAIN
CENTER
PINCKNEY
734-426-1651
BRASSEUR ELECTRIC TRAINS
INC.
SAGINAW
989-793-4753
TREASURED TOYS
SALEM
603-898-7224
AURORA RAILS & HOBBIES
EAST AURORA
716-652-5718
DAVIS ELECTRONICS
MILFORD
513-831-6425
RICK'S TOY TRAINS
TOLEDO
419-478-0171
BUSSINGERTRAINS
AMBLER
215-628-2366
FAIRCHANCE PHARMACY
FAIRCHANCE
724-564-7817
TOBY TYLER'S HOBBY
CENTER
PITTSBURGH
412-653-5030
LOCUST GROVE TRAINS
LOCUST GROVE
540-854-8955
DAVIS HOBBY SUPPLIES
PORTSMOUTH
757-397-1983
T S G HOBBIES
WARRENTON
540-347-9212
SOMMERFELD'S TRAINS
BUTLER
262-783-7797
GRAMPA'S TRAIN SHOP
RICE LAKE
715-234-2996
PARTICIPATING N.A.S.C.
RETAILER LIST
AUTHORIZEDSERVICECENTER
www.mth-railking.com
7020 Columbia Gateway Dr. - Columbia, MD 21046
Information: 410-381-2580 Fax: [phone]

CANADA
ALABAMA
ARIZONA
CALIFORNIA
COLORADO
CONNECTICUT
FLORIDA
ILLINOIS
INDIANA
IOWA
KENTUCKY
LOUISIANA
TOY TRAIN WORKSHOP
CUMBERLAND
613-833-8331
THE TRAIN ROOM
ERGUS
519-787-3280
CREDITVALLEYRAILWAY
COMPANY
STREETSVILLE
905-826-1306
B H TRAINS
TERREBONNE
450-492-0317
SOUTHERLAND STATION
HUNTSVILLE
256-533-4720
LIL' BOBBY'S HOBBIES
MONTGOMERY
334-277-1715
ARIZONA TRAIN DEPOT
MESA
480-833-9486
CENTRAL COAST TRAINS
ATASCEDERO
805-466-1391
TRAIN SHACK
BURBANK
818-842-3330
ROUNDHOUSE
NORTH HOLLYWOOD
818-769-0403
DOLLHOUSES TRAINS & MORE
NOVATO
415-883-0388
TIN PLATE JUNCTION
OAKLAND
510-444-4780
RON'S WORLD
SAN CLEMENTE
949-361-5596
TRUCKS & TRAINS HOBBIES
SANTA ROSA
707-537-6586
CUSTOM RAILWAY SUPPLY
COLORADOSPRINGS
719-634-4616
CABOOSE HOBBIES
DENVER
303-777-6766
MIZELLTRAINS
WESTMINSTER
303-429-4811
NEW ENGLAND HOBBY
SUPPLY
MANCHESTER
860-646-0610
HOLLYWOOD STATION
HOLLYWOOD
954-921-2700
DEPOT HOBBY SHOP
LAKE WORTH
561-585-1982
READY TO ROLL
MIAMI
305-688-8868
FRANK'S TRAINS & HOBBIES
OLDSMAR
813-855-1041
COLONIAL PHOTO & HOBBY
ORLANDO
407-841-1485
WARRICK CUSTOM HOBBIES
PLANTATION
954-370-0708
ROUNDHOUSESOUTH
PORT ORANGE
386-304-7002
BIKE & CHOO CHOO
CONNECTION
SCHAUMBURG
847-882-7728
Y. O. R. K. TRAINS
MUNSTER
219-838-9999
SAMUELSON'STRAINSHOP
VALPARAISO
219-462-2708
CABOOSESTOPHOBBIES
CEDAR FALLS
800-642-7012
L&N TRAINS & THINGS
LOUISVILLE
502-897-9005
AMERICA'S TRAIN YARD
BATON ROUGE
225-926-5592
PARTICIPATING A.S.C.
RETAILER LIST
AUTHORIZEDSERVICECENTER
www.mth-railking.com
7020 Columbia Gateway Dr. - Columbia, MD 21046
Information: 410-381-2580 Fax: [phone]

MAINE
MARYLAND
MASSACHUSETTS
MICHIGAN
MISSOURI
NEVADA
NEW HAMPSHIRE
NEW JERSEY
NEW YORK
NORTH CAROLINA
OHIO
WHEELS, WINGS & THINGS
LUDLOW
207-532-6277
PLAZAHOBBY
CUMBERLAND
301-729-6424
HOBBYTOWN U S A
FREDERICK
301-694-7395
ENGINE HOUSE HOBBIES
GAITHERSBURG
301-590-0816
J & B TRAINS
HAGERSTOWN
240-420-4930
THE TRAIN ROOM
HAGERSTOWN
301-745-6681
PURKEY'S TOY TRAINS
SYKESVILLE
410-549-6061
CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN TRAINS
&HOBBIES
THURMONT
301-694-8331
NORTHEAST TRAINS
PEABODY
978-532-1615
EASTBAYHOBBIES
SEEKONK
508-336-5573
MICHIGAN MODEL TRAIN
CENTER
PINCKNEY
734-426-1651
BRASSEUR ELECTRIC TRAINS
INC.
SAGINAW
989-793-4753
SWITCH STAND
SAINT LOUIS
314-781-4458
MARK TWAIN HOBBY CENTER
ST. LOUIS
636-946-2816
RENO RAILS
RENO
775-337-6669
RAILROAD SPECIALTIES
NASHUA
603-801-0801
TREASURED TOYS
SALEM
603-898-7224
COUNTRY AND STUFF
ANDOVER
973-786-7086
COLUMBUS TRAIN STATION
COLUMBUS
609-518-1800
ATLANTICRAILS
HAMMONTON
609-567-8490
GRAND CENTRAL STATION
KEARNY
201-955-6200
J & B TRAINS, INC.
MAPLE SHADE
856-414-0092
HOBBY SHOP
MATAWAN
732-583-0505
HOBBYMASTERS, INC
REDBANK
732-842-6020
RIDGEFIELD HOBBY
RIDGEFIELD
201-943-2636
TOM’S MODEL TRAINS
SCOTCH PLAINS
908-322-6122
TRAINS & THINGS
TRENTON
609-883-8790
COAST TRAINS AND
COLLECTIBLES
WALL
732-556-9005
HOLLY BEACH TRAIN DEPOT
WILDWOOD
609-522-2379
AURORA RAILS & HOBBIES
EASTAURORA
716-652-5718
NASSAU HOBBY CENTER, INC.
FREEPORT
516-378-9594
HOBBY WORLD
MONTICELLO
845-794-8770
CITY DEPOT, INC.
NEW HAMPTON
845-374-3010
SCAG’S ELECTRIC TRAINS
STATEN ISLAND
718-727-7373
AMERICANA STORE
TIVOLI
845-757-4246
KROSS HARDWARE
WEST BABYLON
631-669-3069
THE ROUNDHOUSE &
BACKSHOP
CARY
919-465-0810
TRAINS LTD.
CHARLOTTE
704-566-9070
DRY BRIDGE STATION
MOUNT AIRY
336-786-9811
THE FREIGHT YARD
SMITHFIELD
919-934-6229
TRAIN LOFT
WINSTON-SALEM
336-760-9817
GLEN'S TRAIN SHOP
AKRON
330-253-6527
E & S TRAINS
AKRON
330-745-0785
T & K HOBBY SHOP
BRIDGEPORT
740-633-6607
PARMAHOBBY
CLEVELAND
216-741-6440
SANDY'S HOBBY'S &
COLLECTIBLES
ELYRIA
440-365-9999
HUDSON TOY, TRAIN &
HOBBY
HUDSON
330-653-2997
CLEARVIEW TRAIN & HOBBY
LORAIN
440-277-4488
DIXIE UNION STATION
MASON
513-459-0460
DAVIS ELECTRONICS
MILFORD
513-831-6425

TRAINS-N- THINGS
NORTH CANTON
330-499-1666
GRAND PACIFIC JUNCTION
OLMSTEADFALLS
440-235-4777
RICK'S TOY TRAINS
TOLEDO
419-478-0171
ERIE RAILWAY DEPOT
TROY
937-440-9972
AMERICAN HOBBY CENTER
ALIQUIPPA
724-378-3930
ALLENTOWN TOY TRAIN
SERVICE
ALLENTOWN
610-821-0740
ON THE RIGHT TRACK
ALTOONA
814-942-4345
BUSSINGER TRAINS
AMBLER
215-628-2366
JIM’S HOBBY SERVICE
BERWICK
570-759-2695
YE OLDE TRAIN & CHRISTMAS
SHOPPE
BOYERTOWN
610-369-0755
NICHOLAS SMITH
BROOMALL
610-353-8585
CHARLEROI SWEEPER
CENTER
CHARLEROI
724-483-3397
CRANBERRY HOBBY DEPOT
CRANBERRY TWP
724-776-3640
FAIRCHANCEPHARMACY
FAIRCHANCE
724-564-7817
TOY TRAIN STATION
FEASTERVILLE TREV
215-322-5182
THE CABOOSE
LEHIGHTON
570-386-5352
HOBBY CITY
MC MURRAY
724-942-2557
THE STATION
NEWCUMBERLAND
717-774-7096
FRYER'S STORE
ORWIGSBURG
570-366-2258
CHESTNUT TOYBOX
PHILADELPHIA
215-545-0455
TOBYTYLER'SHOBBY
CENTER
PITTSBURGH
412-653-5030
WILCOX GREENHOUSE &
NURSERY
TITUSVILLE
814-827-3823
EASTERN DEPOT
TROY
570-297-1975
J&J RAILROAD CROSSING
TURTLE CREEK
412-824-6009
TRAINS R FUN
FRAZER
610-644-4585
EMERALD TRAIN & HOBBY
GREENWOOD
864-223-2247
MODEL RAILROAD & HOBBY
SHOP
MEMPHIS
901-384-6500
HOBBYTIME
AMARILLO
806.352.9660
RIVERVIEW TRAINS
ANGLETON
979-848-3895
GREAT TRAINS & HOBBIES
LONGVIEW
903-757-2720
LEESBURG HOBBIES
LEESBURG
703-779-8600
LOCUST GROVE TRAINS
LOCUSTGROVE
540-854-8955
TRAINDEPOT
MANASSAS
703-335-2216
CHESTERFIELD HOBBIES
MIDLOTHIAN
804-379-9091
DAVIS HOBBY SUPPLIES
PORTSMOUTH
757-397-1983
TOY TRAIN CENTER
RICHMOND
804-288-4475
NUTBUSH EXPRESS
VICTORIA
434-696-1902
T S G HOBBIES
WARRENTON
540-347-9212
NORGE STATION
WILLIAMSBURG
757-564-7623
EASTSIDE TRAINS
KIRKLAND
425-828-4098
PATRICK'STRAINS
WHEELING
304-232-0714
WOODCRAFTERS SHOP
BURLINGTON
262-763-5239
SOMMERFELD'STRAINS
BUTLER
262-783-7797
HOBBY OUTLET
FOND DU LAC
920-924-3770
G B T V & TRAINS
GREEN BAY
920-496-9697
GRAMPA'S TRAIN SHOP
RICE LAKE
715-234-2996
THE TRAIN STORE
WAUKESHA
262-650-6675
PENNSYLVANIA
SOUTH CAROLINA
TENNESSEE
TEXAS
VIRGINIA
WASHINGTON
WEST VIRGINIA
WISCONSIN