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Rail King NORTHERN STEAM ENGINE Operating Instructions Manual

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RAILKING NORTHERN
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for purchasing the RailKing die-cast Northern steam
locomotive. The engine's die-cast body and tender are traditionally sized
for operation on any O-27 or larger layout. The engine is compatible with
any standard AC transformer, (see page 34 for a complete list of compatible
transformers and wiring instructions) and is completely compatible with
most other 3-rail locomotives, rolling stock and accessories.
The locomotive and tender are equipped with either an electronic whistle
or the ProtoSound® digital sound and train control system which contains
several deluxe features that are simple and fun to operate. Each feature is
described among the following pages which should be read before the
engine is operated. For those of you who can't wait to get started, the
Quick Start Basic Operating Instructions found on pages 3 and 4 should
be read so that you understand the basics of the operating system. Please
note that some features are only found in the ProtoSound® equipped
engines and are marked as such. Features not marked as ProtoSound®
features are available in both versions.
R
AIL
B y M T H E lectr ic T r ains
STEAM ENGINE
K
ING
®

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  • Page 1 ® B y M T H E lectr ic T r ains RAILKING NORTHERN STEAM ENGINE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Thank you for purchasing the RailKing die-cast Northern steam locomotive. The engine’s die-cast body and tender are traditionally sized for operation on any O-27 or larger layout. The engine is compatible with any standard AC transformer, (see page 34 for a complete list of compatible transformers and wiring instructions) and is completely compatible with most other 3-rail locomotives, rolling stock and accessories.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table Of Contents QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION(All 3-Rail Models) PROTOSMOKE™ UNIT OPERATION PROTOSOUNDS® OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ProtoSound® DCRU® Reverse Unit Operation (All 3-Rail Models) Whistle Operation Bell Operation ProtoCoupler™ Operation Enhanced Neutral Steam Sounds Squeaking Brake Sounds Tips On Using The Squeaking Brake Sounds Freight Yard Sounds (FYS) Activating and Triggering Freight Yard Sounds Tips On Using FYS Features...

  • Page 3: Quick Start - Basic Operation(All 3-Rail Models)

    QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION The RailKing Northern contains state-of-the art electronics with several built-in automatic features for incredibly realistic operation. Despite these advanced features, the Northern is easy to operate with any compatible standard AC transformer (see the compatibility chart on page 34). All models are equipped with an operating smoke system that should be primed with smoke fluid before operating.

  • Page 4: Protosmoke™ Unit Operation

    PROTOSMOKE™ UNIT OPERATION The Northern contains a self-powered smoke unit that outputs a steady stream of smoke through the smoke stack on the roof of the engine. The ON/OFF switch located next to the trailing truck must be in the ON position in order for the smoke unit to function. See Fig. 3 below.

  • Page 5: Protosounds® Operating Instructions

    PROTOSOUNDS® INSTRUCTIONS The MTH ProtoSound® digital sound and train control system provides the operator with unprecedented realistic operation on your model railroad. In addition to actual Northern engine, CD-equivalent 16-bit digital sounds, you get the following features: * Built-In ProtoSound® DCRU® Reverse Unit * Authentic Steam Whistle Sound* Authentic Steam Bell Sound* Squeaking Brake Sound* Freight Yard Sounds* Operating Remote Controlled ProtoCoupler™* Self-Recharging Battery Back- Up System With Automatic Battery Shut-Off* Remotely Controlled Reverse Unit...

  • Page 6: Whistle Operation

    the system check, do not advance the transformer throttle past 10 volts when you first enter RESET, wait for the compressor sounds to begin and then slowly turn the transformer throttle to the off position and then back on again to enter the forward phase. Interrupting the power too quickly may cause the system to re-enter RESET (signaled by two dings of the bell).

  • Page 7: Protocoupler™ Operation

    Button, by simply pushing the button. If you don’t have a separate bell button, the bell can be controlled through your transformer’s whistle button whenever the engine is in NEUTRAL. The bell will never ring continuously in RESET (Remember NEUTRAL is the state between Forward and Reverse).

  • Page 8: Enhanced Neutral Steam Sounds

    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.

  • Page 9: Tips On Using The Squeaking Brake Sounds

    found later in this manual. The sound itself is a stored record on the ProtoSounds® software chip and will always play the same brake sound for the same three second length each time the voltage is reduced from high to low.

  • Page 10: Freight Yard Sounds (Fys)

    FREIGHT YARD SOUNDS (FYS) ProtoSounds® comes equipped with operator controlled Freight Yard Sounds, hereby referred to as FYS. This easy to use feature plays digitally reproduced freight yard sounds whenever your engine stops on your layout and is parked in the Neutral position. No additional wires or modifications are needed on your layout to enjoy these amazing sound effects.
  • Page 11 hear an air release sound effect after three seconds have passed at which time you can release the bell button. (Note: because the air release sound may be difficult to hear, we recommend that you count out a full three seconds before releasing the bell button).
  • Page 12 Once the Feature is activated, FYS will be played the next time the engine enters the Neutral position. In order for FYS to begin, power must remain on once the engine enters the Neutral position. At this point, ProtoSounds® has taken over control of your engine and disabled the bell and whistle buttons from any further operator actions.
  • Page 13 a man whistling and a freight car door sliding open. Immediately following the man’s whistle, the sound of freight car doors can be heard opening, followed by the sounds of freight loading and unloading. At this Listen For Air Release Sound And Yard Man Whistling point various freight yard sounds can be heard including the loading/unloading...
  • Page 14 sound of the freight car door closing. Within 2 seconds of the door closing, the locomotive bell begins chiming. After approximately 8 chimes of the bell, the engine begins moving in the forward phase with the bell continuing to ring another 8 chimes before automatically turning off.

  • Page 15: Tips On Using Fys Features

    TIPS ON USING FYS FEATURES FYS is a unique feature of ProtoSounds™ that is completely controlled by the operator. You decide how, when or if you want to utilize the feature. By reviewing the following tips, you should find solutions or suggestions to the various operating scenarios you might encounter when using FYS.

  • Page 16: Self-Recharging Battery Backup System

    SELF-RECHARGING BATTERY BACKUP ProtoSounds® state-of-the-art design includes a self-recharging battery backup system for improved performance at any speed. The battery ensures that power to the sound system will remain on during directional changes, setting RESET options or when travelling over dirty track and switches. The self-recharging battery backup system is automatically turned on or off whenever track power is turned on or are off.

  • Page 17: Protosound® Volume Adjustment

    substituted as a temporary fix, but since alkaline batteries can’t take a charge, it will eventually wear down. Regardless, it should give you a week to a couple of months use while you wait for your replacement ProtoSound® battery to arrive. PROTOSOUND®...

  • Page 18: Using "Reset" To Program Protosounds

    USING “RESET" TO PROGRAM PROTOSOUNDS® As mentioned earlier, there are several programmable options in each ProtoSound-equipped engine that can be remotely set from any compatible standard AC transformer equipped with a whistle button. For a list of compatible transformers, see the chart on page 34. This hands-off approach gives you unprecedented control of your railroad empire’s motive power never before seen in model railroading.

  • Page 19: Setting The Engine Volume

    times the throttle is advanced by playing back the number of “Clinks" and “Clanks" to confirm the feature you’ve selected. SETTING THE ENGINE VOLUME Of all the sounds that come with each ProtoSound® equipped locomotive, the one most often turned down is that of the engine volume because it is the one sound normally heard whenever the engine is running and is what usually can become tiresome to the ear over prolonged running sessions.

  • Page 20: Programming For A Separate Bell Button Controller

    PROGRAMMING FOR A SEPARATE BELL BUTTON CONTROLLER To operate ProtoSounds® with a separate bell button controller, like the Lionel® No. 5906 bell button, you will need to wire up the controller to your Common transformer and track as shown in Fig. 7. Once the button is RED Wire BLACK Wire wired, ProtoSounds®...

  • Page 21: Programming For Whistle In Neutral Operation

    (See the section Using RESET To Program ProtoSounds on page 18). Once in Feature 45, press the whistle button and wait for the module to sound a bell ding(s). Continue pressing the whistle button until the module plays back three dings for option 3 - Squeaking brakes OFF.. Press the whistle button again until the module plays back one ding for option 1 - Squeaking brakes activated by bell button.

  • Page 22: Programming For Protocoupler™ Operation

    horn in neutral, repeat the above procedure but keep pressing the whistle button in Feature 25 until ProtoSounds® only dings once instead of twice. Note: When “Whistle In Neutral" is set, the bell will only operate with a separate bell button and the whistle will not sound in neutral if the transformer throttle setting is over 11 volts.

  • Page 23: Programming For Fys Operation

    PROGRAMMING FOR SQUEAKING BRAKES AND FYS OPERATION ProtoSounds® is equipped with a RESET setting to turn off the Freight Yard Proto-Effects (FYS) features. This is especially useful if you are double-heading engines that are both equipped with FYS. You may not want to stop at a freight yard and have both engines playing their FYS sound effects.

  • Page 24: Resettingall Protosound® Options To Factory Default

    Using RESET To Program ProtoSounds® on page 18). Once in Feature 40, press the transformer whistle button and wait for ProtoSounds® to sound a bell ding. Continue pressing the whistle button until ProtoSounds® sounds two bell dings signifying that the Remote Lockout Control has been selected.

  • Page 25: Reverse Unit Lock-Out Operation

    REVERSE UNIT LOCK-OUT OPERATION ProtoSounds® unique design eliminates the need for a lock-out switch on the locomotive by allowing the customer to lock the engine into any directional state (forward, neutral or reverse) from the transformer. This will allow users to run the engine on layouts equipped with block signals or stop stations which would normally cycle the engine back into neutral.
  • Page 26 of the horn. QUICKLY TURN THE POWER BACK ON AGAIN. Your engine is now locked into NEUTRAL. : When locking the engine in the Forward or Reverse positions, the whistle button will NOTE blow the whistle. But when locking the engine into the NEUTRAL position, the whistle button may turn on or off sounds of the bell, coupler arming or coupler firing depending on the transformer throttle voltage settings prior to the user’s attempt to lock out the engine.

  • Page 27: Oil & Lubrication Instructions

    OIL & LUBRICATION INSTRUCTIONS In order for the engine to perform correctly and quietly, it is important that the chassis be lubricated before operation. Lubrication should include all side rods and linkage components and pickup rollers to prevent them from Grease Truck Grease Truck Pivot Points...

  • Page 29: Traction Tire Replacement Instructions

    In addition to the internal gearing, it is a good idea to lubricate the leading and trailing locomotive truck “tongues” to enhance their ability to slide on the chassis. Follow the grease points as seen in Figure 8 on page 27. Periodically, check the locomotive wheels and pickups for dirt buildup as this can significantly affect the engine’s ability to perform properly.
  • Page 30 over the wheel. If a twist occurs, the tire will have to be removed and reinstalled or a noticeable wobble in your engine will occur when operating the locomotive. In addition, it is important to make sure that the tire is fully seated inside the groove.

  • Page 31: Trouble Shooting Protosound® Problems

    TROUBLE SHOOTING PROTOSOUND® PROBLEMS Although ProtoSound™ has been designed and engineered for ease of use, some questions may arise during initial operation. The following table should answer most questions. If you find that your problem can’t be resolved with this manual, contact MTH ProtoSound Electronics (7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046, 410-381-2580) for additional assistance.
  • Page 32 COUPLER PROBLEMS REMEDY LOCKOUT PROBLEMS REMEDY VOLUME PROBLEMS REMEDY BATTERY PROBLEMS REMEDY...
  • Page 33 RAILKING...

  • Page 34: Protosound Reset Feature Chart

    FYS PROBLEMS REMEDY PROTOSOUND RESET FEATURE CHART The following chart lists the available features found in your ProtoSound equipped engine. The default settings are listed for each feature as well as the operation of the feature. You can reset all features to their original factory settings by accessing Feature 18 in RESET and then pressing and holding the transformer whistle button until you hear a soft, warbled bell sound.
  • Page 35 TRANSFORMER COMPATIBILITY AND WIRING CHART ProtoSounds® is designed to work with any standard AC transformer that uses a “Pure Sine-Wave" format. The chart below lists the many Lionel® compatible transformers, such as the Lionel KW or ZW models. In addition, the chart details how the terminals on these compatible transformers should be attached to your layout.
  • Page 36 O-27 OPERATION While the Northern engine is more than capable of operating on O-27 curves and switches, you may find that certain light freight cars are prone to derailing when being pulled or pushed by the Northern through O-27 switches. Should this occur, we suggest adding weight to the cars making them heavier and less likely to derail.

  • Page 37: Service And Warranty Information

    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.

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