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RailKing F-3 AA Set Operating Manual
QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION
The RailKing F-3 AA Set contains state-of-the art electronics with several
built-in automatic features for incredibly realistic operation. Despite these
advanced features, the F-3 AA Set is easy to operate with any compatible
standard AC transformer (see the compatibility chart on page 32).
All models are controlled by a Proto-Sound® 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). See Fig. 1 for the location of the lock-out switch.
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. Once the engine is placed
on the track, the throttle on the
transformer can be advanced. You
will see that only the engine’s lights
come on and that only two dings of
the Proto-Sound® bell occur
followed by the diesel start-up
sounds (on Proto-Sound® equipped 3-rail models). The engine does not
run. This is known as the RESET state (see Fig. 2) and is explained in more
detail beginning on Page 4. The
Proto-Sound® DCRU® will not power
the motors 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. On Proto-Sound® equipped
engines, the diesel engine sounds will change in volume as the engine
begins to move. The horn can be activated by pressing the whistle button
on the transformer just as any horn would be activated. See the sections
later in this guide, beginning on page 5, for more information on activating
the horn and bell sounds.
RESET
Neutral
Reverse
Neutral
Forward
Figure 2: DCRU™ Cycle Phases
Reverse Unit
Lock-Out Switch
ProtoCoupler®
Selection Switch
Figure 1: Lock-Out Switch Location