UNPACKING THE LOCOMOTIVE
It is recommended that the locomotive and tender be removed from the wooden case
while still surrounded by the foam insert, the locomotive and tender can be more easily
separated from the foam with less chance of doing damage to the model. It is highly
recommended that all of the original packing materials be saved for future use.
PREPARING THE LOCOMOTIVE FOR OPERATION
Although the Lionel Smithsonian K4 is ready to operate, a few preventative maintenance
steps may be taken to ensure the smooth operation and longevity of the model. The K4
has been lubricated during assembly and testing, while this will suffice for initial operation
and break-in, you may wish to further lubricate the side rod and valve gear assemblies
by applying 1 or 2 small drops of good quality fine oil to areas where moving parts are
in contact with each other. Your local hobby dealer should be able to guide you in the
selection of a suitable lubricant. Care must be taken to avoid soiling the surface of the
sound cam located on the rearmost drive axle. Should this occur you will notice an
alteration of the chuffing pattern heard during the operation of the locomotive. This may
be corrected by carefully removing the lubricant with a cotton swab.
It is recommended that you operate the locomotive on the roller base during the break-
in period. Operate the locomotive at a variety of speeds and in both directions for a
period of approximately 30 minutes. This will help the drive system to 'run-in' resulting
in smoother running characteristics.
NOTE: Use lubricants sparingly and with care.
LOCOMOTIVE AND TENDER CONNECTIONS
The Lionel Smithsonian K4 locomotive and tender require that one pair of connectors be
joined to allow the operation of the model. The locomotive will not operate without the
tender connected. The connection is made by matching the shape of the connectors
and firmly pressing them together while holding them by the black housings. With the
connection made, the excess wire may be carefully pushed into the locomotive and
tender to allow the drawbar connection to be made. When disconnecting the locomotive
from the tender, pull only on the housings -
Do Not Pull On The Wires!
It is advised
that the wire connections be made with the locomotive and tender in place either on the
rollerbase or on the track.
POWER SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS
The Lionel Smithsonian K4 is a Direct Current (DC) electric model train. Do not attempt
to use AC power as damage will occur. The following criteria should be followed when
selecting your power supply:
1) Direct Current (DC) which is filtered
2) 0-15volts DC
3) Minimum available current should be approximately 2.0amps
Should you choose to use a less expensive power supply or one which does not meet
the above criteria, undesirable operating characteristics may result as well as possible
damage to the model.
PREPARING THE SOUND SYSTEM FOR OPERATION
The Lionel Smithsonian K4 contains a state-of-the-art sound system which digitally
recreates actual locomotive sounds including steam whistle, bell, blowers, air pumps,
emergency relief valve and cylinder chuff. While this sound unit requires track volt-
age to actuate certain sounds, the actual power used to operate the sound system
is supplied by two standard 9 volt batteries that are placed in the tender coal bunker
during operation of the locomotive. The batteries are packed separately with the wiring
harness already attached and ready for operation. At the end of the wiring harness is
a male plug which needs to be inserted into the receptacle on the floor of the tender
coal bunker, with this connection made, the coal load can be placed over the batteries
to conceal their installation.
NOTE: Your tender and sound control unit come equipped with batteries. If you
do not plan to use your locomotive for an extended period of time it is highly
recommended that you remove these batteries. Please also note that this system
is not compatible with traditional Lionel sound unit controllers. Any attempt to
utilize such controllers may cause damage to the sound system.
The supplied sound system controller may be connected to either an operating layout or
to the included rollerbase. The sound system controller has two sets of wire leads. One
set of leads terminate with a male plug matching the female plug mounted on the bottom
of the included rollerbase, while the other set of leads terminate with two bare wire ends.
To hook up the control unit to the rollerbase, first attach the bare wire leads to your power
supply's DC terminals. Next, insert the male plug into your rollerbase receptacle. Your
power supply and sound controller are now ready for operation.
Due to the infinite variety of model railroading wiring schemes this owners manual will
only cover the direct wiring of the controller to a simple layout. First, attach the bare
wire leads to your power supply as before. Next, remove the black male plug used for
the rollerbase and attach those wires to your track terminals. You are now ready for
layout operation.
ROLLERBASE ASSEMBLY
When your supplied rollerbase is unpacked, there is one simple setup procedure re-
quired to make the base ready for operation. When the rollerbase is removed from the
packing carton you will see a brass pin approximately two inches in length taped to the
top surface of the base. This pin needs to be tapped into the predrilled hole located
approximately 5 1/2 inches to the rear of the rear roller assembly. With this pin in place,
the rollerbase is ready for operation.
OPERATING THE LOCOMOTIVE
Using the procedures already discussed, you are now ready to put the locomotive into
operation. You will need to place the model on the rollerbase by positioning the drive
wheels directly over the roller assemblies and lowering it on to the base. The retaining
pin will project into the rearmost hole of the drawbar to keep the locomotive from moving
during operation.
To activate the sound system, locate the sound system switch on the bottom side of the
tender. Approximately 10 seconds after turning the system on you will hear the blowers
activate. With the locomotive stationary you will hear, in addition to the blowers, the air
compressors and pressure relief valves on an intermittent basis. When 'track' power
is applied to the locomotive, the blowers will turn off and the brake release will sound.
As soon as the drivers begin to turn, the chuffing of the cylinder exhausts will start in
synchronization with the drivers. When the loco is brought to a stop, the blowers will
again start up while the intermittent sounds continue. The whistle may be sounded at
any time, when the system is turned on, using the supplied controller. The bell also
