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RailKing 0-8-0 Operating Manual
QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION
The RailKing 0-8-0 contains state-of-the art electronics with several built-
in automatic features for incredibly realistic operation. Despite these
advanced features, the 0-8-0 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. Adding 15 - 20 drops of fluid through the
smoke stack should be sufficient. If you choose to not prime the units with
fluid, turn the smoke unit switch located under the trailing truck to the
OFF position. (See Figure 1) This will prevent any damage from
occurring to the smoke unit when running the engine without a primed
smoke unit. For more information see the section on page 4 on Smoke Unit
operation.
The 0-8-0 model is controlled by a
ProtoSound® DCRU® electronic reverse
unit. The reverse unit operates in the same
manner that all reverse units function by
using forward, neutral and reverse states
that are entered each time the throttle is
turned on and off or by using the
transformer direction switch (if so equipped).
The reverse unit is designed to ignore dirty track, dead spots on switches
or minor short circuits without disrupting the engine operation, even at
slow, prototypical speeds. Before
the engine can be operated however,
the reverse unit plug that extends out
of the tender must be inserted into
the receptacle at the back of the
boiler cab as seen in Figure 1. Once
the plug is inserted, the throttle on the transformer can be advanced. You
will see that only the engine’s lights come on and that on ProtoSound
equipped engines, two dings from the sound system will chime followed by
the steam compressor pump sounds. The engine does not run. This is
known as the RESET state and is explained in more detail beginning on
Page 6. The ProtoSound® DCRU® will not power the motor until the
throttle is turned OFF and then ON again. At this point, the engine will
now function just like any other electronic or mechanical E-unit.
Plug Tender & ProtoCoupler™ Harnesses
Into Boiler Socket & Harness
As Shown At Back Of Cab
Figure 1: Plugging in the tender harness
RESET
Neutral
Reverse
Neutral
Forward
Figure 2: ProtoSound® DCRU® Cycle Phases
