Premier Norfolk & Western 4-8-4 J Steam Locomotive OPERATOR’S MANUAL Compatibility This engine is available in 2-rail and 3-rail versions and will operate on any traditional O-42 Gauge track system(3-rail) or any 40” radius 2-rail track system. It is also compatible with most standard AC and DC transformers. (See page 23 for a complete list of compatible transformers and wiring instructions.
Table of Contents Configuring Locomotive for 2-Rail or 3-Rail Operation................................. Installing/Removing Pickup Rollers....................................................... Configuring for 2-rail or 3-rail power input........................................... Ensuring Proper Power to Track Polarity............................................... Changing Track Polarity Inside Locomotive......................................... Locomotive Coupler Options.................................
Configuring Locomotive for 2-Rail or 3-Rail Operation Installing/Removing 3-Rail Pickup Rollers Both 2-Rail and 3-Rail versions of this locomotive can be configured to operate on either 2-rail or 3-rail track by removing or adding the center rail pickups. 3-rail rack operation requires the pickups, 2rail track operation does not. The pickups are factory installed on 3rail versions and packaged separately in the locomotive box for 2-rail versions.
Ensuring Proper Power to Track Polariy For 2-rail DCS operation, it is important that the polarity from the transformer to the engine is properly configured. Correct polarity can be accomplished by ensuring that the wiring from the TIU to the track and orientation of the locomotive when sitting on the track follows the illustration in Figure 3.
Locomotive Coupler Options All 2-rail locomotive models do not come with a rear coupler since many 2-rail enthusiasts may utilize different coupler types on their 2rail locomotives and cars. Each tender does have pre-drilled holes for use when installing a Kadee® scale coupler as seen in Figure 5. Follow the individual coupler installation instructions when installing another manufacturer’s coupler system.
Set Up Checklist •Lubricate the locomotive •Prime the smoke unit •Check to see whether the battery needs to be charged for full sound effects •Apply power to run as described in the Basic Operating Section of this manual Lubrication You should lubricate the engine to prevent it from squeaking. Use light household oil and follow the lubrication points marked “L” in Fig. 1. Do not over-oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.
Placing The Engine On The Track Place the engine on the track, then insert the reverse unit plug that extends out of the tender into the receptacle at the back of the boiler cab (Figure 9. WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THIS ENGINE TO A TENDER FROM ANOTHER ENGINE; IT MAY CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE. Look at the bottom of the engine and tender where each will have a color-coded stamp. If they match you may connect those two pieces; if not, don’t. Connect the draw bar between the engine and tender.
Basic Operation The Throttle knob controls how fast your train will travel. Turn the throttle knob up ½-way, until the engine and caboose lights shine bright. Put the engine into motion by pressing the Direction button on your transformer once. (hold it for approximately 1 second) If the engine does not begin to move as soon as you firmly press the Direction button, you may not have sent enough voltage to the track to make the train move. Turn the throttle up a bit higher until the train begins to move.
Proto-Sound 2.0 Operating Instructions This manual contains the operating instructions for Proto-Sound 2.0 in conventional mode only. Instructions for accessing DCS command mode features accompany the DCS Remote Control System equipment. Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features Proto-Sound 2.0 features are activated by sequences of Bell and Horn button pushes described below. Please read the full descriptions of each feature before using it.
Passenger Station Announcements (PSA) Your engine is equipped with a sound package of passenger station announcements that you can play when you pull into a station. Each sequence described below will play as long as it is left on, randomly generating sounds, but be sure to allow approximately 30 seconds between the button pushes described below to allow the PSA sufficient time to run through each sequence.
Tips on Using PSA •You can terminate PSA at any time by turning off power to the track for 15 seconds. •You do not have to be in Forward to use PSA. At the conclusion of the full sequence, the train will pull away from the station in whatever direction you were going when you activated the feature. •You can use PSA even if you are double-heading with another engine. If the second engine is not equipped with Proto-Sound 2.
Speed Control M.T.H. engines equipped with Proto-Sound 2.0 have speed control capabilities that allow the engine to maintain a constant speed up and down grades and around curves, much like an automobile cruise control. You can add or drop cars on the run, and the engine will maintain the speed you set. While the engine is programmed to start with the speed control feature activated, you can opt to turn it off.
Reset to Factory Default To override the settings you currently have assigned to the engine and reset it to its factory defaults, while in Neutral tap the Horn button quickly once, followed by five quick taps of the Bell button, allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick button press. Two horn blasts will indicate that the engine has made the change.
Maintenance Lubricating and Greasing Instructions The engine should be well oiled and greased in order to run properly. You should regularly lubricate all side rods, linkage components and pickup rollers to prevent them from squeaking. Use light household oil and follow the lubrication points marked “L” in Fig. 7. Do not over-oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.
Grease Pivot Point (G) Body Mounting Screw (Under Leading Truck) Body Mounting Screws Grease Screw (G) Figure 12: Lubricating The Grease Points Grease Pivot Point (G) Cleaning the Wheels, Tires and Track Periodically check the locomotive wheels and pickups for dirt and buildup, which can cause poor electrical contact and traction as well as prematurely wear out the neoprene traction tires. Wheels and tires can be cleaned using denatured (not rubbing) alcohol applied with a cotton swab.
5. Make sure the tire is fully seated inside the groove. Use a razor blade to trim away any excess tire that doesn’t seat itself inside the groove properly. 6. Reinstall the side rods in the same positions as noted. Failure to align rods may cause binding or damage to the drive system. One set of replacement tires is packaged with your model. Additional sets are available directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department (phone: 410-381-2580; e-mail: parts@mthrailking.
Headlight Replacement Instructions The locomotive’s lights are controlled by a constant voltage circuit in the engine. They are easy to remove and replace when they burn out. See the diagrams and directions below for instructions on accessing and replacing the light bulbs in this locomotive. Figure 13 Headlight: The locomotive’s headlight is controlled by a constant voltage circuit in the engine. The headlight is easy to remove and replace when it burns out.
Self Charging Battery Backup The two special AA size 1.5v NiCad self-charging batteries recharges continuously during train operation and should last for up to five years. The batteries are dry batteries that should not leak or cause any damage to your engine. Depending upon when your engine was built, they may need to be charged right out of the box.
ProtoSmoke® Unit Operation This Premier steam locomotive contains a self-powered smoke unit that outputs smoke through the smokestack on the roof of the engine. The smoke unit is essentially a small heating element and wick that soaks up and then heats a mineral oil-based fluid that emits a harmless smoke. The smoke is then forced out of the stack by a small electric fan. Smoke volume is controlled by the Proto-Sound 2.0 system.
If you experience poor or no smoke output when the smoke unit is on and has fluid, check the wick to see if it has become hard, blackened, and nonabsorbent around the heating element. To remove the smoke unit you will first have to remove the boiler shell (by removing the body mounting screws shown in Fig. 11 on pg. 14). Inspect Cover Screws Figure 18 1. Once the boiler has been removed, remove the inspection cover (See figure 18).
Troubleshooting Proto-Sound® 2.0 Problems Although Proto-Sound 2.0 has been designed and engineered for ease of use, you may have some questions during initial operation. The following table should answer most questions. If your problem cannot be resolved with this table, contact M.T.H. for assistance (telephone: 410-381-2580; fax: 410-423-0009; service@mth-railking.com, 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532).
Lock-out I can't get the engine to run after I power up the transformer. It sits still with the diesel and compressor sounds running. The engine won't lock into forward, neutral, or reverse. Volume The engine maybe locked into the neutral position. Follow the procedure in the "Lock into a Direction" section to unlock the engine's direction. Engine speed must be below 10 scale mph (approx. 10 volts or less in conventional mode).
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart Proto-Sound 2.0 is designed to work with most standard AC transformers. The chart below lists the many compatible transformers. Note that many of the operational commands described in these instructions require a bell button, so if your transformer does not have its own bell button, you should consider adding one to get the full benefit of the system. In addition, the chart details how the terminals on these transformers should be attached to your layout.
Additional Features Accessible With The DCS Remote Control System (Additional equipment required) While conventional mode operation of a Proto-Sound 2.0 engine yields wonderfully realistic sound and several train control features, command mode operation allows the user to access a world of command functions never before accessible to O Gauge railroaders.
Service & Warranty Information How to Get Service Under the Terms of the Limited One-Year Warranty When you suspect an item is defective, please check the operator's manual for standard operation and trouble-shooting techniques that may correct the problem. Additional information may be found on the M.T.H. Website. Should you still require service, follow the instructions below to obtain warranty service. First, e-mail, write, call or fax a M.T.H.
AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER 7020 Columbia Gateway Dr. - Columbia, MD 21046 Information: 410-381-2580 Fax: 410-381-6122 www.mth-railking.com PARTICIPATING A.S.C. RETAILER LIST ALABAMA COLORADO ILLINOIS SOUTHERLAND STATION HUNTSVILLE 256-533-4720 CUSTOM RAILWAY SUPPLY COLORADO SPRINGS 719-634-4616 BERWYN'S TOY TRAINS & MODELS BERWYN 708-484-4384 ARIZONA CABOOSE HOBBIES, INC.
LOUISIANA MINNESOTA AMERICA'S TRAIN YARD BATON ROUGE 225-926-5592 DON'S HOBBY CO. MANKATO 507-387-1330 MAINE MISSOURI WHEELS, WINGS & THINGS LUDLOW 207-532-6277 SWITCH STAND SAINT LOUIS 314-781-4458 MARYLAND MARK TWAIN HOBBY CENTER ST.
THE FREIGHT YARD SMITHFIELD 919-934-6229 CHARLEROI SWEEPER CENTER CHARLEROI 724-483-3397 RHODE ISLAND GRANDMA'S HOUSE GRANDPA'S TRAIN WARWICK 401-463-7803 LITTLE CHOO CHOO SHOP INC.
T S G HOBBIES WARRENTON 540-347-9212 NORGE STATION WILLIAMSBURG 757-564-7623 WASHINGTON EASTSIDE TRAINS KIRKLAND 425-828-4098 WEST VIRGINIA PATRICK'S TRAINS WHEELING 304-232-0714 WISCONSIN WOODCRAFTERS SHOP BURLINGTON 262-763-5239 SOMMERFELD'S TRAINS BUTLER 262-783-7797 HOBBY OUTLET FOND DU LAC 920-924-3770 G B T V & TRAINS GREEN BAY 920-496-9697 THE TRAIN ROOM FERGUS 19-787-3280 CREDIT VALLEY RAILWAY COMPANY TREETSVILLE 905-826-1306 B&H TRAINS TERREBONNE 514-793-9696 GRAMPA'S TRAIN SHOP RICE LAKE 715
