Rapido Trains FP9A Product Manualline - Function Keys
11
FUNCTION KEYS
Your Rapido FP9A includes several standard functions and a few functions unique to our
model. Here is a list of all the function assignments:
F0: Headlight (on/off)
F1: Bell (on/off)
F2: Air Horn
F3: Straight to 8 – See information below.
F4: Dynamic Brakes (CN didn’t have them so CN guys leave this alone!)
F5: Roof Light(s) (where applicable)
F6: Ditch Lights (where applicable)
F7: Rule 17 headlight dimming – dims headlight when meeting an opposing train.
F8: Sound Mute
F9: Number Boards
F10: Class Lights – cycles from off to white (extra train) to green (second section follow-
ing). To go from one setting to the next simply apply F10 again. More info below.
F11: Brake Release/Squeal
F12: Doppler Horn – Activating F12 as you near a grade crossing will start a long-long-
short-long grade crossing horn sequence complete with a Doppler effect. This is not
fancy programming in the decoder. It’s a recording of the real thing.
PROTOTYPICAL OPERATION
F3 – STRAIGHT TO 8: This unique feature simulates the prototypical operation of the
FP9A locomotive. CN, CP and VIA engineers did not slowly go through the notches if
leaving a station on a clear signal. They would put the locomotive straight from notch
2 to notch 8. Similarly, when approaching a station (especially in commuter service),
engineers would go right back down to idle and coast to a stop. This sounds very differ-
ent from a typical freight engine slowly notching up to 8 and back down again. When
F3 is selected, applying any throttle to the locomotive will cause the locomotive sound to
ramp up quickly to “Run 8” (full power). If you decelerate, it will go right back down to
idle. If you push F3 when the locomotive is at notch 8 and then you decelerate, it will
notch down normally. Note that this function controls the sound only and not the motor
speed. Motor speed is still controlled using the throttle settings as normal.