RAILKING 2-8-4 BERKSHIRE STEAM ENGINE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS This RailKing 2-8-4 Berkshire Steam Engine is produced in detailed Die-Cast Metal and operates on O-31 track. This RailKing Steam Engine contains M.T.H.’s Loco-Sound™ sound and train control system. The locomotive is easy to operate with any compatible standard AC transformer (see the compatibility chart on page 14), and is completely compatible with most other 3-rail locomotives, rolling stock, and accessories.
Table of Contents Set Up Basic Operation Transformer Controls Speed Control Direction Lock Proto-Cast and Proto-Dispatch Volume Control Maintenance Lubrication and Greasing Instructions Cleaning the Wheels, Tires and Track Locomotive Traction Tire Replacement Smoke Unit Maintenance Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement Troubleshooting Compatibility Transformer Compatibility Chart...
Set Up There are a few simple steps you must take before operating this RailKing steamer. 1. You should prime the operating smoke unit with smoke fluid before operating. Add 15-20 drops of smoke fluid through the smokestack, then gently blow into the stack to eliminate any air bubbles in the fluid. See Fig. 4 on pg.
Basic Operation Transformer Controls Use the operation controls on your transformer as described below. Throttle - Throttle up the power to your track. Then put the engine into motion by either firmly pressing the Direction button on your transformer or remote once or dropping and advancing the throttle to put the engine in forward.
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.
Proto-Cast and Proto-Dispatch: When used with the RailKing Remote Lock-on (sold separately), ™ ™ 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”...
Volume Control – To adjust the volume of all sounds made by this engine, turn the master volume control knob located under the tender clockwise to increase the volume and counter-clockwise to decrease the volume (see Fig. 1 ). Loco-Sound Volume Adjustment Knob Figure 1.
Maintenance: Lubrication and Greasing Instructions The engine should be oiled and greased in order to run properly. You should regularly lubricate all side rods and linkage components and pickup rollers to prevent them from squeaking. Use light household oil and follow the lubrication points marked “L”...
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 alcohol (not rubbing alcohol), which can be found in home improvement stores, applied with a cotton swab.
® ProtoSmoke Unit Operation This steam locomotive contains a smoke unit that outputs smoke through the smokestack on the boiler of the engine. The smoke unit is essentially a small heating element and wick that soaks up and then heats a mineral oil-based fluid that emits a harmless smoke.
the smoke unit inspection cover from the smoke unit’s body (see Fig. 6 ). After removing the chassis and inspection cover screws, lift the inspection plate away and inspect the wick. If it is darkly discolored and hard (see figure 7), it should be replaced.
™ 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: 410-381-2580; fax: 410-423-0009; service@mth-railking.com, 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532).
Compatibility This engine will operate on any traditional O-31 or larger O Gauge track ® ™ system, including M.T.H.’s RealTrax or ScaleTrax or traditional tubular track. It is also compatible with most standard AC transformers. (See page 14 for a complete list of compatible transformers and wiring instructions.) RailKing 2-8-4 Berkshire Steam Engine...
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart Note that many of the operational commands described in these instructions require a bell button, so if your transformer does not have its own bell button, you should consider adding one to get the full benefit of the system. RailKing 2-8-4 Berkshire Steam 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.
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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