MTHTrains HO 4-8-8-4 Big Boy, HO 2-6-6-6 Allegheny Engineer's Manual

M.T.H. HO 4-8-8-4 Big Boy

Steam Engine

Congratulations! You've just purchased the most
feature-rich and technically advanced HO Steam
locomotive ever produced! This highly detailed model
includes a broader range of features than you’ll find on
any other HO scale steam, including smooth
performance from a three-scale-mile-per-hour crawl to
full throttle; “cruise control” for steady speeds regardless
of curves, switches and grades; built-in decoders for
DCC and the M.T.H. Digital Command System (DCS);
and a full range of prototypical sounds. If you’re looking
for motive power that’s accurately detailed, smooth
running, and a great deal of fun to operate, it doesn’t get
any better than this!

PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE

(Ps3)

ENGINEER’S GUIDE

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** Ps3 model operates on 18” Radius Curves

PFA

Passenger/Freight

Sound

M.T.H. HO 4-8-8-4 Big Boy Steam Engine

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This product may be protected by one or more of the following patents: 6,019,289;
6,280,278; 6,281,606; 6,291,263; 6,457,681; 6,491,263; 6,604,641; 6,619,594; 6,624,537;
6,655,640.
©2013, M.T.H. Electric Trains®, Columbia, MD 21046

CAUTION: ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PRODUCT:

WARNING: When using electrical products, basic safety precautions should be observed, including the following:

Read this manual thoroughly before using this device.

l M.T.H. recommends that all users and persons supervising use examine the hobby transformer and other electronic equipment

periodically for conditions that may result in the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, such as damage to the primary cord,
plug blades, housing, output jacks or other parts. In the event such conditions exist, the train set should not be used until properly
repaired.

l Do not operate your layout unattended. Obstructed accessories or stalled trains may overheat, resulting in damage to your layout.
l This train set is intended for indoor use. Do not use if water is present. Serious injury or fatality may result.
l Do not operate the hobby transformer with damaged cord, plug, switches, buttons or case.

Recommended for Ages 14 and up. Not recommended for children under 14 years of age without adult supervision. As
with all electric products, precautions should be observed during handling and use to prevent electric shock.

Rev.: HO ChallengerPS3 6/20/2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Unpacking Your Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Product Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Getting to Know Your Engine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Engine Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Set-up/Maintenence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Installing Mechanical Couplers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Engine and Tender Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Smoke Unit Preparation and Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Removal/Installation of Drive Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lubrication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Features and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Modes of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Analog DC (standard DC power pack) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Volume Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Smoke Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DCC Digital Command Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Start-Up/Shut-Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sounds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PFA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Forward/Reverse Signal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Engine Sounds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F Function List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DCS Digital Command System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Proto-Sound® 3.0 Expanded DCC Functionality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Configuration Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cv29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Feature/Factory Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CV Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Advanced Consisting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Programming Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recommended Transformers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Service and Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Limited One-Year Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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QUICK START GUIDE

Of course, you should read your manual over before running your Steam
Engine. But if you just can’t wait, choose how you want to run below and
enjoy!! It is important to pay attention to which model you have purchased
and to make sure you are following the proper instructions for your Engine.

I USE A REGULAR DC SUPPLY…

Step 1: Unpack your engine (refer to unpacking instructions on pg 4)…
Step 2: Set the engine on the track …
Step 3: Apply increasing DC voltage until she starts up and pulls out!

I'M A DCC OPERATOR….

Step 1: Unpack your engine (refer to unpacking instructions on pg 4)…
Step 2: Set the engine on the track …
Step 3: Power up your DCC system…
Step 4: Select engine address 3 and press “F3” to start her up…
Step 5: Turn the throttle and head on down the pike…

I RUN DCS….

Step 1: Unpack your engine (refer to unpacking instructions on pg 4)…

Step 2: Set the engine on the track …
Step 3: Power up your DCS system…
Step 4: Add the engine to your system and start her up…
Step 5: Turn the throttle and move out….

UNPACKING YOUR ENGINE

Removing and Unwrapping Your Engine

Carefully remove and unwrap the model on a soft surface. By nature, models with
high levels of detail have some small fragile parts.

Carefully remove any foam packing pieces that may be surrounding the model.

What Else is in the Box?

The following items are packed with your engine.

Quick Start Guide (1)

For those who can’t wait to get started! This will give you the basic information to
get your engine up and running!

Smoke Fluid Pipette (1)

Enough fluid to get you started, and then some.

Rear Drive Wheel Set without Traction Tires (1)

For Those who prefer not to use traction tires.

3mm Nut Driver (1)

In case you want to install the drivers with traction tires or replace the standard
drive wheels.

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PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Getting to Know Your M.T.H. HO Locomotive

Key Features

Your new HO is equipped with the exclusive M.T.H. Proto­Sound® 3.0 digital sound and control system. In plain English, this means your
locomotive contains state-of-the-art electronics providing realistic digital sounds,
puffing smoke perfectly synchronized with chuffing sounds and motion, precisely
controlled speed in increments of 1 scale mile per hour, and much, much, more.

Compatibility

The Proto-Sound 3 system is universally compatible with track power and/or signal
combinations including analog DC (regular DC transformer), DCC (NMRA
Digital Command Control), or DCS (MTH Digital Command System). Simply set
your engine on the rails, apply any one of these power/signal sources, and move
out! The Proto-Sound 3 system automatically senses the track environment and
adapts accordingly. A vast array of realistic operation is automatic when the engine
is run on analog DC. You can expand access to features in a DCC environment.
Experience the most your new locomotive has to offer in the simple to use yet
powerful world of DCS. To be clear, DCS is NOT a proprietary version of DCC, as
some other manufacturers offer. DCS is a comprehensive layout control system
designed with one primary goal: make model trains do amazingly realistic things
using a simple and intuitive controller. We put the complexity on the inside, and
the fun in your hands!

Digital Sound

Your Proto-Sound 3 (PS3) equipped engine contains over 100 individual
recordings. These recordings are played back dynamically at appropriate times to
create a symphony of realism for your ears. Hear the chuffs automatically
intensify or lighten when speeding up or slowing down, listen to the sounds of
brakes squeaking and squealing as you come to a stop, or enjoy the random
conversations of railmen working as your model sits at idle. It's all there and it's
incredible.

Now, your HO Steam engine includes the ultimate in realism Proto-Whistle.
With this incredible new feature you have variable control over the steam whistle
sound in your locomotive (when operated in DCS mode with the DCS
Commander or DCS software version 4.0 or greater).

Steam engine

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Digital Control

In standard analog DC mode, your model still operates under digital control. The
PS3 advance speed control system converts track voltage into digital speed
commands. Your model will run smoothly and consistently at any speed regardless
of load, hills, or curves. If you are a DCC user, you'll quickly learn to appreciate
the precision of our speed control and linear speed curve. DCS users will enjoy the
added benefits of controlling speeds in increments of 1 scale mile per hour
displayed on DCS controllers or easily changing acceleration and deceleration rates
independently without any discussion of bits or bytes. To be clear, DCS is NOT

DCC.

Lights & Smoke

As you read on, you'll notice there are no instructions for replacing light bulbs in
your engine. That's because there aren't any. We use specially designed and
controlled LEDs to create realistic lighting effects that occur automatically. Again,

NO PROGRAMMING!! Just come to a stop and watch as the headlight dims
automatically in accordance with rule 17. Of course, as you pull away, the

headlight returns to it's fully bright, yet warm, glow. Your new HO Steam

engine includes realistic Classification lighting with appropriately colored LED's in

the boiler. We even included a light in the cab so the engineer and fireman can see
to do their jobs!

MTH is renowned for our realistic smoke systems. When the smoke is on, you will
experience copious puffs synchronized precisely with chuffing sounds at 4 times
per revolution of the drive wheels. Of course, when you stop, the smoke wafts out
of the stack steadily, just like the real thing! The smoke behavior applies to all
operating modes, analog DC, DCC, or DCS. With some DCC controllers, you can
turn smoke on and off remotely. In DCS mode, you can not only toggle smoke on
and off with the press of single button, you can actually select from 3 output levels
to keep those smoke alarms from going off!

More…

In analog DC operation, just flip the track polarity or direction switch at any
speed and watch your engine gradually come to stop, turn on the appropriate
directional lighting, and smoothly accelerate back up to speed. No other HO

locomotive has features like these. There are so many more things to learn and
enjoy about the engine, we could write a book. But, that's no fun. So, if you
haven't already done so, flip to the Quick Start Guide and let's run your new

engine!!

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ENGINE DIAGRAM

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Tender

Drive Wheels

Cab Interior
Light

Fireman/
Engineer
Figures

Lighted
Classification
Lights

Pilot Truck

Smoke Stack

Drive Wheels

Control Hatch

Boiler

Connecting the Engine to the Tender

Your MTH steam engine is equipped with a tetherless drawbar. There is no unsightly
cable or box showing between the engine and the tender to detract from the
appearance of the model. The electrical connections pass through conductors in the
drawbar, so it is important that the connector be properly inserted. The connector is
fixed to the rear end of the drawbar. The mating connector is attached to a swivel
connection on the front of the tender frame. The drawbar is connected to the engine
chassis with a screw and should not need any attention.

In order to mate the connectors of the drawbar and the tender, place the engine and
the tender on the track. Position the tender over the drawbar connector and insert the
drawbar pin on the swivel connector into the hole in the drawbar.

Installing The Mechanical Couplers

Your HO engine comes with a mechanical coupler that can be attached to the rear
of the tender. Follow the steps below to install your mechanical coupler or any
other Kadee-compatible couplers.

M.T.H. HO Steam Engine

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Place the spacer

Insert the coupler (as shown) and
screw into place

SET-UP

Now grasp the tender with both hands as shown below and place a finger on each
side of the drawbar near the connector. Now using your fingers, push the
connectors together. The connector will make a slight click when

Connecting Engine & Tender

SET-UP

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Smoke Unit Preparation and Use

Your is equipped with a proven fan-driven smoke system design featured in
MTH products for over 10 years. The performance and realism of this system is
unparallel in the model train industry.

Your smoke unit comes primed from the factory
however, before running the smoke unit for more
than a few minutes, you should add more fluid.
Add between 10-15 drops initially and whenever
smoke output diminishes or if the engine has
been stored for a long period of time. We
provided some fluid with your model to get you
started.

The smoke unit is controlled differently depending upon how your run your
engine so, for particulars on turning it on or off or setting the output levels, check
out the features and operation section. You shouldn't run your smoke unit without
fluid. Doing so can cause overheating and reduce the performance and/or life of
the unit. Of course, we recommend using only MTH ProtoSmoke fluid. Super
Smoke and LVTS brands also work fine.

Removal/Installation of Drive Wheel Sets

Your HO Steam engine comes from the factory with traction tire equipped drive
wheels installed and an alternate set without traction tires available separately in the
box. The traction tires provide exceptional pulling power on grades and through
curves but should you prefer the traditional appearance of steel drive wheels, the
alternate set can be easily installed by following the steps below.

First, position the engine upside down in a foam cradle or other soft surface.
Using the 3mm nut driver tool we provided in the box, carefully remove the drive
rod screws (2) on the set of drive wheels located 2nd from the rear. There's one on
each side.

engine

Smokestack

Next, remove brake shoe detail by gently prying and pulling up the part and set
aside. Remove the 5 screws holding down the rectangular chassis bottom cover.
Carefully remove the cover... then carefully remove the 2 screws holding down the
gearbox cover, set them aside and then stop. Don’t do anything further until
reading the next step completely.

Before proceeding, there are a couple of important things to know. First, under the
square bushings on each end of the axle are tiny springs. They are critical to the
proper operation of your engine and you don't want to drop them. Next, look
closely at the wheel set and bushings and take note of their orientation.

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Screws

Brake Shoe Lever & Bellcrank

Traction tire

Nontraction tire

Brake Shoe Detail/bottom plate

Brake Shoe Lever & Bellcrank

Driver springs

Gearbox Cover

Gearbox Cover

Gearbox Screws

Gearbox cover

Gearbox cover
removed

Bushings

Gearbox Cover

Gearbox Screws

Now, very slowly and carefully lift the wheel set upward. Keep a close eye out for
the driver springs as they sometimes stick to the bushings and lift out. If you drop
one, you'll need some really good eyes or a magnet to find them. If they should
lift out with the wheel set, carefully set them back into cavities from which they
came.

Drop the replacement wheel set into the chassis. Make sure the bushings are in the
correct orientation. The small rectangular tabs on the front and rear must be
upward (with the engine upside down) toward the chassis bottom cover.

Reinstall the gearbox cover with 2 screws...and then reinstall the chassis bottom
cover with 5 screws, gently press the plastic molded brake shoe detail back into
place, and install the rear drive rod screws. See, you've done it.

Lubrication

Using light machine or
household oil, apply a
very small amount to
all drive rods, linkages,
axles, and other moving
parts as shown.

Your gearbox is properly
greased at the factory and
probably never needs service
however, if you run excessive hours pulling heavy loads, it's a good idea to remove
the 2 screws from the gearbox cover and re-grease using MTH gear grease or
equivalent.

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Driver springs

Lubricate Side Rods and Linkage(Both Sides) (LL)

(L)

(L)

Lubricate Axles (L)

(L)

(L)

(L)

(L)

(LL)

(LL)

FEATURES AND OPERATION

Now, for the fun stuff! Your new MTH HO Steam engine has more features and
operating capabilities than any HO engine ever built by any manufacturer. We're
going to walk you through everything she does in general but, you'll probably find
a few we forgot to mention on your own.

Modes of Operation

There are 3 modes of operation with different levels of features accessible in each.
We refer to them as analog DC, DCC, and DCS. Here's a little more explanation
before we get into the features of each mode.

Analog DC

This is when there is nothing connected to the rails except a conventional DC
power pack. These power packs generally have at least one variable output
controlled by a throttle of some sort and a means of reversing DC polarity on the
track to change the direction of your engine.

DCC

DCC is a popular digital command control scheme wherein the track power is also
a digital control signal. That is, using a DCC controller, you can communicate
with multiple engines and have them all moving at different speeds or moving in
opposite directions on the same track at the same time. The power/command
signal remains constant and engines are “commanded” to perform as desired.
MTH is new to DCC but, we recognize it's importance to many HO operators. So,
we loaded our engine with more DCC features easily accessible to the operator than
any HO engine ever built previously. You DCC guys are in for a real treat!

DCS or Digital Control System

While the acronyms are close, this is about where the similarities between DCS and
DCC end. Yes, they are both digital control systems however, MTH DCS is NOT
DCC. There are several proprietary versions of DCC on the market but friend, this
is NOT one of them. MTH's DCS system is proven technology in the O and One
gauge markets and now, we've brought its power and simplicity it to you.

First, the power signal in DCS is NOT the command signal. Next, DCS employs a
fully functional bi-directional communication scheme opening a vast range of

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advanced features and yet, is so simple and intuitive, you can enjoy them! No
programming tracks, bits and bytes, or conversion of binary to hexadecimal
numbers here! To add an engine in DCS, just press “ADD ENGINE.” After that, If
you want to start your engine, just press “START UP” or, to turn the smoke on or
off, just press “SMOKE.” No combinations of letters or numbers to remember! We
think you're really going to like this!

Analog DC

Not much explanation is required here, and that's exactly why you run your trains
this way! Here's the good news, even if you like to keep it simple, your MTH HO
engine is packed with cool sounds, sights, and smells yes, smells, that you're going
to love.

Running the Engine

Set the engine on the rails, and apply DC power. Refer to the Set-Up section of
this guide for instructions on how to lubricate the chassis.

As you increase power, at about 6 volts, the lights and sounds will come on. Keep
going on up to about 8 and she'll move out! About 16 volts DC is adequate for
prototypical speeds however, your engine can handle up to 24 volts DC if you feel
the need for speed!

Changing Direction

If you flip the direction (polarity) switch on your power pack while the engine is
moving, it will gradually slow to a stop, and slowly accelerate back up to speed in the
opposite direction. This is an exclusive feature of MTH engines that we're sure you'll
enjoy. You can also change direction the old fashioned way by reducing throttle
until the engine stops, flip the direction switch, and then increase throttle again.
Either way is OK, we just thought a graceful transition from any speed would be
cool.

If you switch track polarity too slowly, the engine may stop abruptly and not move
in the reverse direction. This is normal. There is a feature we call “anti-jack rabbit”
that prevents the engine from taking off at high speeds when high voltage is applied
to the track instantly. Some direction switches have a “dead” spot where the power is
completely off during polarity changes. This can invoke the anti-jack rabbit feature.
The solution is to flip the direction switch more quickly. Don't worry you won't
hurt the engine.

Speed Control

Your engine is equipped with speed control. This feature is always active, even in
analog DC mode. Basically, your engine constantly measures track voltage and
converts this to a digital speed command. You should notice the speed remains
constant up and down grades, around curves, and with varying loads. This is no
accident. You've got the most precise speed control system available today.

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