Lionel 255 User manual

PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE
No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engine
Operation Manual
www.lionelcorporation.com
3
Compatibility
This engine will operate on any
traditional O-31 Gauge track system,
including M.T.H.’s RealTrax® or
ScaleTrax™ or traditional tubular
track. It is also compatible with most
standard AC transformers. (See page
45 & 46 for a complete list of
compatible transformers, power packs,
and wiring instructions.)
PFA
Passenger/Freight
Announcements

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.
©2012, 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.
lM.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.
lDo not operate your layout unattended. Obstructed accessories or stalled trains may overheat, resulting in damage to your layout.
lThis train set is intended for indoor use. Do not use if water is present. Serious injury or fatality may result.
lDo 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: _Lionel No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines 8/16/12
Table of Contents
Set-Up Checklist..............................................................................3
Getting Started ...............................................................................3
Lubrication...........................................................................................3
Priming the Smoke Unit...............................................................................3
Placing the Engine on the Track........................................................................4
DCS or DCC.........................................................................................5
PS 3.0 Enhancements..........................................................................6
Conventional AC/DC Start-up/Shut-down...............................................................6
DCS/DCC Switch ....................................................................................6
Programming Track (for DCC operation)................................................................6
Loading Engine Firmware..............................................................................6
LED Lighting.........................................................................................7
Modes of Operation...........................................................................7
Conventional AC Operation...........................................................................7
®
Proto-Sound 3.0 Conventional AC Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
®
Activating Proto-Sound 3.0 Conventional AC Mode Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Manual Volume Control...............................................................................9
PFA .................................................................................................10
Proto-Coupler™ Operation............................................................................11
Speed Control........................................................................................12
Locking Locomotive Into A Direction...................................................................12
Reset To Factory Default...............................................................................13
Automatic Sound Effects ..............................................................................13
Conventional DC Operation...........................................................................13
DCS Operation.......................................................................................14
DCC / Digital Command Control......................................................................14
Basic DCC Operation.................................................................................15
Start up / Shut Down .................................................................................15
Sounds...............................................................................................15
Lights................................................................................................16
Master Volume .......................................................................................16
Couplers.............................................................................................17
Forward/Reverse Signal................................................................................17
Crossing Signal ......................................................................................17
Smoke...............................................................................................17
Engine Sounds........................................................................................17
Additional F Functions................................................................................18
Function Chart.......................................................................................20
CV29................................................................................................21
Long and Short Addressing ............................................................................21
Feature/Factory Resetting..............................................................................22
M.T.H. Proto-Sound 3.0 Expanded DCC Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Advanced DCC Operation.............................................................................25
Configuration Variables ...............................................................................25
Advanced Consisting..................................................................................28
Programming Track...................................................................................31
Maintenance.................................................................................33
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions...................................................................33
Removing the Boiler ..................................................................................33
Cleaning The Wheels, Tires and Track...................................................................34
Traction Tire Replacement Instructions .................................................................35
Proto-Smoke Unit Operation...........................................................................35
LED Lighting (Engine Only)...........................................................................36
®
Troubleshooting Proto-Sound 3.0 Problems.............................................................37
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart............................................................45
DC Power Supply Chart...............................................................................46
Additional Features Accessible Of DCS Remote Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Service & Warranty Information........................................................................48
Limited One-Year Warranty ...........................................................................48

You can obtain replacement parts and replacement instructions from the
M.T.H. Parts Department (Order online: www.mthtrains.com, e-mail:
Fax: [phone], Phone: [phone], Mail: 7020
Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532).
[email protected],
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
3
Set Up Checklist
rLubricate the engine
rPrime the Smoke Unit
rPlace the engine on the track
rApply power to run as described in the Basic Operation section of these instructions.
Getting Started
DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
Fig. 1: Lubricating the Locomotive
Lubricating the Engine
Lubricate all exposed moving parts before operating using a multi-purpose,
plastic-compatible oil (available with M.T.H.'s Maintenance Kit, sold
separately) or a light household oil. Follow the lubrication points.
Priming the Smoke Unit
You should prime the smoke unit with smoke fluid before operating. Add 15-20 drops of
smoke fluid from the included pipette through the smokestack, then gently blow into the
stack to eliminate any air bubbles in the fluid.
If you choose not to prime the unit with fluid, turn the smoke unit control located under
the tender to the OFF position (Full Counter Clockwise Position).
Running the engine without a primed smoke unit may cause damage. See the
"ProtoSmoke Unit Operation" section of this book for more information on smoke unit
maintenance.
Lubricate Pick Up Rollers (L)
Lubricate Gears (L)
Lubricate Front and Rear Axles
Lubricate Pivot Points
Lubricate Side Rods (L)

Add 15-20 Drops
Smoke Fluid
Figure 3: Smoke Unit Control
Running the engine without primed
Smoke unit may cause damage
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
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Figure 2: Adding Smoke Fluid
Placing The Engine On The Track
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.
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 it is properly
seated. At this point you are ready to begin operating your engine.
260 Style Tender
Smoke Unit Control
Your Locomotive
will be paired with
one of the following
styles of tender.
Please reference the
picture for your
locomotive.
263 Style Tender
Smoke Unit Control

To disconnect the engine
and tender use the
instructions above going in
reverse order.
If the drawbar is not
properly connected your
engine may exhibit erratic
or no operation. If this
happens turn off the track
power and make sure that
the drawbar connectors are
properly seated. Then
reapply power to the track
and continue operation.
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
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Figure 5: Connected Engine and Tender
Figure 4: Pushing Connectors Together
DCS or DCC
If you are operating with command control you must set the selector switch to
DCC for DCC operation and DCS for DCS operation. Refer to page 14 to see
and learn about the differences.
CAUTION:
Do not apply DCS signals and DCC signals to the same track simultaneously.
The signals are not compatible, mixing the DCS and DCC signals will damage
the DCS TIU unit.
260 Style Tender 263 Style Tender
DCS/DCC Switch DCS/DCC Switch
Figure 6: DCS/DCC Switch
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THIS ENGINE TO A TENDER FROM
ANOTHER ENGINE. ALSO, DO NOT CONNECT THIS TENDER TO
ANOTHER ENGINE. THIS MAY CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE. The
features and wiring in each model are unique and therefore engines and tenders
cannot be interchanged.

PS 3.0 Enhancements
Here are some of the exciting changes incorporated into your new MTH Proto-
®
Sound 3.0 Locomotives. More advanced features such as Custom Speed Tables
and Advanced Consisting can be found in the DCC section of this manual.
Conventional (Analog) AC/DC Start-up/Shut-down
Your new MTH PS3.0-equipped locomotive no longer has batteries. It uses Super
Capacitors to hold the engine board alive for a short time when you shut off or
interrupt track power. Because of this, when you first apply track power to your
PS3.0-equipped O Gauge engine, you will notice the headlight comes on but
nothing else. This is perfectly normal. The capacitors are charging up during this
time. The wait time depends upon how long it’s been since you last applied
power to the engine. Typically it will take 1-15 seconds to fully charge. NOTE:
The 1-15 second charging wait time ONLY applies to conventional AC track
power.
Once the headlight shuts off, the engine will play its start-up sounds and all the
lights will come back on, simultaneously. Smoke too if you have it turned on.
The capacitors hold enough charge to play the full shut-down sounds. Also, the
capacitors allow you to operate your engine in conventional mode just like you
would any other conventionally-controlled engine. Finally, because there are no
batteries, you will notice there is no external charge jack on the engine.
DCS/DCC Switch
Your MTH PS3.0-equipped engine has a DCS/DCC selector switch (located on
the underside of the tender in steam engines). To operate the engine in DCS
mode, ensure the switch is set to DCS. If you wish to run the engine in DCC
mode, ensure the switch is set to DCC.
If you inadvertently leave the switch in DCC it won’t hurt anything, you just
won’t be able to communicate with your engine with your DCS system. Likewise,
if you leave the switch in DCS and try to operate the engine under DCC you
may notice a humming coming from your engine and you will likely notice that
your DCC system’s overload light will be on.
Programming Track (for DCC operation)
Your MTH PS3.0-equipped O Gauge engine can function on Programming Track
outputs from DCC systems. Most DCC systems can support the current
requirements of the engine as long as it’s not started up. If you plan on powering
up the MTH engine on your programming track, you may want to consider a
DCC Programming Track Booster.
Loading Engine Firmware
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
6

to the Loader program’s instructions for more details. So, as MTH releases new
features or updates you will be able to take full advantage without having to ship
your favorite engine anywhere. All new updates are available on our website.
MTH will make announcements as they are available. Not all updates will apply
to all engines.
NOTE: Requires a TIU w/ version 4.20 or later firmware, and requires
Consumer Loader version 2.30 or later.
LED Lighting
Gone are the incandescent bulbs. Your new PS3.0-equipped engine has LED
lighting. MTH uses various colored LEDs to simulate the correct lighting on
your engines from the warm, yellow-orange colored light coming out of an old
lantern on your favorite steam engine to the high-intensity halogen lamp on the
latest modern diesels, LED's allow for various, correct colors. Also, they require
less power and do not emit as much heat as incandescent bulbs.
Modes of Operation
®
There are 4 options for operating your MTH Proto-Sound 3.0-equipped engine;
-Conventional AC
-Conventional DC
-DCS - MTH Digital Command System
-DCC
When the locomotive is placed on the track and power is applied to the track the
locomotive will detect the type of control system being used and respond
accordingly.
Below is an overview of the 4 different systems.
NOTE: You’ll need to have the DCC/DCS switch set correctly if your using
one of those two modes.
Conventional AC Operation
When using conventional AC power, the engine will respond to changes in track voltage.
An increase in track voltage will increase the locomotive speed and a reduction in track
voltage will reduce the engine speed.
A short interruption (approximately 1 to 2 seconds) in the track voltage will cause the
engine to cycle in the sequence for each track voltage interruption (neutral – forward –
neutral – reverse) When power is first applied to the track, the locomotive will be silent for
1-20 seconds and the headlight will be on, indicating the super capacitors are charging
(The super capacitors provide power to the sound
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
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system during direction changes or intermittent drops in track power due to dirty
track switches, when operating in conventional mode). When the super
capacitors are charged, all the lights will come on and the engine sounds will start up.
There should be no movement, as the engine is in neutral. Causing a short
interruption of track power by using the direction button on the transformer, or by
bringing the throttle to 0 volts and back again, will change the sequence to the
forward state. Then increasing the throttle will begin to move the engine forward, and
speed will increase as the throttle is advanced.
If there is another interruption in track power the sequence will change to the neutral
position again. The engine will remain in the neutral state until there is another
interruption in track power. The next interruption in track power will move the
sequence to the reverse state. The engine will now move in the reverse direction. If the
power interruption was accomplished by using the direction button and the throttle
position was not changed, the engine will run in the reverse direction at the same
speed that it was traveling in the forward position.
Subsequent interruptions in track power of 1-2 seconds will continue the sequence
rotation. If you happen to interrupt track power for longer than about 2 seconds, the
engine will begin its shut down sounds. If this occurs you can cycle the direction
sequence again to get back to the direction you wish to move and once the engine
starts moving its shut down sounds will stop playing (SEE PAGE 9 (direction cycle
phases)).
In conventional AC operation the whistle sound, the bell sound, PFA sounds and
other operational functions can be accessed if your transformer has a horn/whistle
button and a bell button. By using combinations of button presses, different
commands besides blowing the whistle and ringing the bell can be initiated.
or on
®
Proto-Sound 3.0 Conventional AC Operating
Instructions
®
Activating Proto-Sound 3.0 Conventional AC Mode Features
Throttle - To increase or decrease track voltage, and therefore train speed, turn
the throttle control knob. Turning clockwise will increase voltage and speed,
while turning counterclockwise will decrease voltage and speed. The engine will
maintain the speed you set after you release the throttle until you turn it again to
change the voltage and speed.
Bell - To sound the bell, in an engine equipped with a bell firmly press and
release the Bell button. To turn the bell off, press and release the Bell button
again. The bell will continue to ring from the time you turn it on until you press
and release the button again to turn it off.
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
8

Horn/Whistle - To sound the whistle, firmly press the Horn/Whistle button.
The whistle will sound for as long as you continue to depress the button. It will
stop when you release the button.
Direction - Your train is programmed to start in neutral. The train will always
cycle neutral-forward-neutral-reverse with each press and release of the direction
button. The engine is programmed to restart in neutral each time the track
voltage is turned off for 25 seconds or more.
Fig. 7: Manual Volume Control
®
Proto-Sound 3.0 features are activated by sequences of Bell and Horn button
pushes described below. Please read the full descriptions of each feature before
using it. To use these buttons to activate features rather than to blow the horn or
ring the bell, you should tap the buttons very quickly with a ½-second pause between
button presses. You may need to practice your timing to make this work smoothly.
Manual Volume Control
To adjust the volume of all sounds made by this engine, turn the manual volume
control (fig. 7) clockwise to increase the volume and counterclockwise to reduce
the volume. Turning the manual volume control completely counterclockwise
will turn of all of the engine sounds and announcements.
Timing Chart
Total Time Lapse: 1 Seconds½
Press
Horn
Short &
Firm
½ Sec.
Pause
½ Sec.
Pause
Press
Bell
Short &
Firm
Press
Bell
Short &
Firm
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
9
Cycle Phases
Neutral
Neutral
ForwardReverse
260 Style Tender 263 Style Tender
PS3.0 Manual Volume Control PS3.0 Manual Volume Control

Passenger/Freight Announcements (PFA)
Your engine is equipped with a sound package of either passenger station
announcements or freight yard sounds that you can play when you pull into a
station or a yard. 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 PFA sufficient time to
run through each sequence.
•To cue the sound system to play the PFA, quickly but firmly tap the
Bell button once followed by 2 quick taps of the Horn button while the
engine is moving. Tap the buttons quickly but allow approximately ½
second between each press.
• Press the Direction button once to stop the engine. This will trigger
the first sequence of PFA. The reverse unit is temporarily disabled so
that the train will not move as you use the Direction button to trigger
the sounds. Proto-Sound 3.0 has disabled operator control over the
Horn and Bell
buttons until the full PFA sequence is complete.
•After waiting about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press the
Direction button again to trigger the second sequence of PFA.
•After about 30 seconds, press the Direction button again to trigger the
third PFA sequence.
•Again, after allowing about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press
the Direction button one more time to trigger the fourth and final PFA
sequence. The PFA will continue and within a few seconds the bell will
begin ringing, then the engine will begin moving at the current throttle
setting, in the same direction it was traveling when you began the sequence.
Once the bell turns off, the operator regains control of the transformer's
bell and Horn buttons and can ring the bell or blow the Horn as
usual.
Feature to Be Activated Button Code:
PFA (Passenger/Freight Announcements)
Fire the Rear Coupler
Fire the Front Coupler
Speed Control On/Off
Lock into a Direction
Reset to Factory Defaults
1 Bell, 2 Horn/Whistles
1 Bell, 3 Horn/Whistles
1 Bell, 4 Horn/Whistles
1 Horn/Whistle, 2 Bells (from Neutral only)
1 Horn/Whistle, 3 Bells
1 Horn/Whistle, 5 Bells (from Neutral only)
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
10

Tips on Using PFA
•You can terminate PFA at any time by turning off power to the track for 15 seconds.
•You do not have to be in Forward to use PFA. At the conclusion of the full sequence,
the train will pull away from the station or yard in whatever direction you were going
when you activated the feature.
•You can use PFA even if you are double-heading with another engine. If the second
®
engine is not equipped with Proto-Sound 3.0, you must remember not to leave the
throttle at a high voltage level once you have stopped the engine to run the PFA.
Otherwise, the engine without PFA will begin vibrating on the track as its motors strain
to move the train, since they cannot be automatically disabled during the PFA cycle (or if
®
an original Proto-Sound engine, PFA are triggered differently and that engine's motor-
®
disable feature will not be active when you run PFA in Proto-Sound 3.0).
•PFA can be triggered from Neutral. It will operate the same as if triggered while in
motion except that, at the conclusion of the PFA, the engine will depart in the next
direction of travel, as opposed to the direction it was traveling before entering Neutral.
™
Proto-Coupler Operation
This locomotive is equipped with one or more coil-wound Proto-Couplers for
remote uncoupling action. Because Proto-Couplers are controlled through the
®
Proto-Sound 3.0 microprocessor, they do not require an uncoupling track
section or modification to your layout to function. You can fire a coupler from
neutral or while in motion. Use the code shown below (and in the chart on p.
25) to fire the coupler(s).
Rear Coupler:
To fire the rear coupler, quickly tap the Bell button once followed by three quick
taps of the Horn button, allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between each
quick button press. The sound of the liftbar and air line depletion will play, and the
knuckle will be released.
Front Coupler (Not Included):
To fire the front coupler (if your engine has one), quickly tap the Bell button
once followed by four quick taps of the Horn button, allowing approximately ½
second to lapse between each quick button press. The sound of the liftbar and air
line depletion will play, and the knuckle will be released.
Horn Horn
Fire
Rear
Coupler
=
Horn
Bell
Horn Horn
Fire
Front
Coupler
=
Horn Horn
Bell
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
11

M.T.H. engines equipped with Proto-Sound 3.0 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. This means the engine's speed will fall as it labors up
a hill and increase as it travels downward. It is also affected by the addition or
releasing of cars while on the run. Because the engine will run more slowly at a
given throttle voltage when speed control is on than when it is off, you should
adjust the throttle to a lower power level for operation with speed control off to
avoid high-speed derailments. When speed control is off, the volume will drop to
allow for better low voltage operation.
To turn speed control on and off, put the engine in neutral, then quickly tap the
transformer's Horn button one time then quickly tap the Bell button two times,
allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick button press. Two
horn blasts will indicate that the engine has made the change. Repeat the 1 horn,
2 bells code to return it to the other condition. You will want to do this during
the initial neutral upon start-up if you ever couple this engine to another engine
that is not equipped with speed control to avoid damaging the motors in either
engine. Each time you shut down the engine completely, it will automatically
turn speed control on.
Speed Control
Horn
Place
Engine into
Neutral
Bell Bell
=
Speed Control
Two Horn Blasts
(indicates change is made)
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition
Locking Locomotive Into A Direction
You can lock your engine into a direction (forward, neutral, or reverse) so that it
will not change directions. To do this, put the engine into the direction you
want (or into neutral to lock it into neutral), run it at a very slow crawl (as slowly
as it will move without halting), and quickly but firmly tap the Horn button
once followed by three 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.
The engine will not change direction (including going into neutral) until you
repeat the 1 horn, 3 bells code to return the engine to its normal condition, even
if the engine is kept without power for extended periods of time.
Horn
Place
Engine into
Desired
Direction
Horn
Bell Bell Bell
=
Direction Lock
Two Horn Blasts
(indicates change is made)
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
12

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.
Reset
Two Horn Blasts
(indicates change is made)
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition
Horn
Place
Engine in
Neutral =
BellBellBellBellBell
Automatic Sound Effects
®
Certain Proto-Sound 3.0 sound effects automatically play in programmed
conventional mode conditions:
•Squealing Brakes play any time the engine's speed decreases rapidly.
•Cab Chatter plays at random intervals when the engine idles in
neutral.
•Engine Start-up and Shut-down sounds play when the engine is
initially powered on or is powered off for five seconds or more.
Conventional DC Operation
Your MTH locomotive will operate on conventional DC track voltage also.
However, functions such as sounding the horn, ringing the bell and the PFA sounds
cannot be initiated in conventional DC. Only the diesel engine sounds, smoke,
squealing brakes and idle sounds will function.
Operation of your MTH Proto-Sound® 3.0 engine in conventional DC is very
similar to operating a conventional AC engine. As you increase track voltage, engine
speed increases.
As the track voltage is decreased, engine speed is decreased. When track voltage
polarity is reversed using the polarity or direction switch on the power pack, the
engine will run in the opposite direction. The electronics in your MTH Proto-
Sound® 3.0 locomotive are designed to slowly change direction without a need to
change the throttle, if you so desire.
Just change the polarity switch on your DC power pack and the engine will
gradually come to a stop and then automatically begin traveling in the opposite
direction. The speed will build up to the same speed that the engine was going in
the previous direction. When power is first applied to the locomotive, the engine’s
sounds will start up when the track voltage reaches about 8 VDC. To get your
locomotive moving, after the startup sounds have finished and the locomotive is
idling, slowly increase the track voltage until the locomotive is traveling at the
desired speed.
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
13

NOTE – If you apply more than 9.0VDC to the engine at start-up the engine will
not move. This is normal. We refer to this as “Anti-Jackrabbit” and this feature
prevents your model from taking off at high track voltages. Simply lower the
track voltage down below 9.0VDC and then back up to get your engine moving.
This applies only when you start up your engine.
DCS - Digital Command System
While the acronyms are close, this is where the similarity ends between DCC and DCS.
Yes they are both digital control systems. However, M.T.H. DCS is not DCC.
There are several proprietary versions of DCC on the market, but DCS is not one
of them. M.T.H.'s DCS System is a proven technology in the O Gauge, One
Gauge, and HO Gauge markets. 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 advanced features and yet so
simple and intuitive that you can enjoy them. No programming tracks, bits and
bytes, or conversion of binary to hexadecimal numbers here. To add an engine in
DCS, press “ADD ENGINE”. After that, if you want to start your engine just
press “START UP” or to turn the smoke unit on or off, just press “SMOKE”. No
combination of letters or numbers to remember.
Additional details can be found in the DCS manual that accompanies your DCS
system or on the MTH Web site, www.mthtrains.com With DCS, you can have a
whole fleet of MTH PS 3.0 engines on the rails and they will remain shut down
until you command them to start up.
DCC - Digital Command Control
DCC is a popular digital command 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 all of them moving at different speeds and in
varying directions on the same track at the same time. The power/command
signal remains constant and engines are commanded to perform as desired. Your
MTH PS3.0-equipped engine has the ability to decode and respond to these DCC
commands. This allows you to mix and match MTH PS3—equipped engines as
well as operate them with any other manufacturer's DCC-decoder equipped
engine. The best part about your MTH PS3.0-equipped engine is that the decoder
is built right in. No need to remove the hood and install speakers or boards. It's
all done for you at the factory. Each PS3.0-equipped engine has a full
complement of lights, sounds, smoke (if equipped). Just set the model on the
rails, apply DCC power and hit F3 on your DCC handheld controller and you're
off and running.
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
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Basic DCC Operation:
Your MTH PS3.0-equipped engine takes full advantage of DCC's capabilities.
Below are the basic commands you'll want to know to get started running quickly.
Please refer to the Advanced DCC Operation section of the manual if you want to
dig into the full capability of DCC.
Each engine type may have a slightly different F Function list. This depends upon
whether it's steam, diesel, or electric and whether it has smoke or not. Please refer
to the table of Default CV Values for your particular engine's F Functions.
A note about enabling/disabling F Functions in DCC - Depending upon the
DCC system you have you may need to toggle a particular F Function on then off
to actually get it to enable. Some DCC systems do this for you automatically and
others allow you to set particular F Function buttons to either be set for
momentary or toggle. Please refer to your DCC control station manufacturer's
manual for more information on how they handle F Function buttons.
Your MTH PS3.0-equipped engine's default short address is 3. So all you have
to do is power up your DCC system and call up Locomotive 3 to begin.
Start-Up/Shut-Down
F3 – Start-Up/Shut-Down
Pressing this twice (toggle on then off) will start up your engine. When you apply
DCC power your MTH PS3.0-equipped engine will remain dark and quiet. Since
you likely don't want to run the engine this way, simply press F3 twice to start
your engine. The lights, sound and smoke (if equipped) will come on.
Note – You are actually able to move the engine in DCC without starting it up.
Just increasing the throttle will cause the engine to move. In order for F3 to
function correctly the engine must NOT be moving.
To shut your engine down, press the F3 button twice. This will play the shut
down sounds and then turn the lights and smoke and sounds off. As long as there
is DCC power still on the track the engine can be started up again by pressing the
F3 button twice.
Sounds
Bell/Whistle (Horn)
F1 – Bell
To activate the Bell press F1. To deactivate it, hit F1 again
F2 – Whistle (Horn)
To activate the Whistle/Horn, press F2. To shut it off either let off the F2 button
or press and release it
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
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PFA
F4 – PFA.
PFA in MTH lingo stands for Passenger/Freight Announcements. Your engine is
pre-programmed for the appropriate type of sounds based upon the type of
service the real-life engine used in daily operation.
There are five sound sequences or segments in the PFA feature. Each segment is
advanced by you, the operator.
You hit the F4 button twice on the DCC controller to let the engine know you
want it to advance (this toggles the PFA function on then off to clear the remote
for the next sequence). In most PFA sequences there is a minimum wait time of
about 20-30 seconds before it will advance. So, here is how a typical PFA sequence
operates:
1. Press the F4 button twice (toggle F4 on then off) to start the PFA sequence on
the engine. You'll hear “Now arriving…” for passenger sound sets and cab
chatter for freight sound sets. The bell will then begin ringing.
2. Slowly reduce the throttle until the train stops at the desired location and speed
reaches zero. Press the F4 button twice (toggle F4 on then off) again and the bell
will stop ringing. You will hear the engine sounds switch from the cab to the
station or yard with all the ambient sounds you'd hear in the real thing.
3. Press the F4 button twice (toggle F4 on then off) again to advance the sequence.
You'll hear “Now boarding…” for passenger sound sets and freight yard sounds for
freight sound sets.
4. Press the F4 button twice (toggle F4 on then off) again to advance the sequence.
You'll hear “Now departing…” for passenger sound sets and more freight yard
sounds for freight sound sets.
5. Press the F4 button twice (toggle F4 on then off) the last time to advance the
sequence. You'll hear “All aboard…” for passenger sound sets and more freight
yard sounds for freight sound sets. The engine sounds will switch over to the cab
again. When the bell begins to ring, advance the throttle to move the engine out of
the station or yard. The bell will shut off automatically.
Lights
F0 – Headlight/Taillight
This toggles your headlight/taillight on and off.
F5 – Lights
This toggles your firebox and cab interior light on and off.
Master Volume
F6 – Master Volume
There are 10 volume levels. Pressing F6 twice (toggling on then off) raises the
Master Volume one level. The Master Volume loops. That is, if you go past the
10th level it will loop back around to the 1st or lowest volume level.
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Couplers
Your MTH PS3.0-equipped engine comes with remotely controlled Proto-
Couplers. They can be fired using your DCC handheld.
F7 – Front Coupler (Not Included)
Pressing F7 twice (toggling on then off) will fire your Front Coupler
F8 – Rear Coupler
Pressing F8 twice (toggling on then off) will fire your Rear Coupler
Forward/Reverse Signal
Just like a real engine, you can announce the direction of intended movement
using your DCC handheld and F9 and F10.
F9 – Forward Signal
Pressing F9 twice (toggling on then off) will sound the Forward Signal. This is
two whistle/horn blasts
F10 – Reverse Signal
Pressing F10 twice (toggling on then off) will sound the Reverse Signal. This is
three whistle/horn blasts
Grade Crossing Signal
Again, just like a real engine, you can trigger the Grade Crossing Signal on your
engine. This is two long, one short, one long whistle/horn blast.
F11 – Grade Crossing Signal
Pressing F11 twice (toggling on then off) will sound your Crossing Signal.
Smoke (if Equipped)
F12 – Smoke On/Off
Enabling F12 will turn the smoke unit on. Disabling F12 will turn your smoke unit off.
F13 – Smoke Volume
There are three smoke volume levels in your MTH PS3.0-equipped engine
–Low/Med/High. The default for this is set to High. You can adjust the smoke
output (amount of smoke the generator puts out) by pressing the F13 button
twice. This sets the level to the next step. For example, if you are currently at the
High smoke output level, pressing F13 twice (toggling it on then off) will set the
smoke volume to Low. Pressing F13 twice again will set it to Medium and so on.
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
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Engine Sounds
F25 – Engine Sounds
You can turn the Engine Sounds On/Off by pressing the F25 button. Pressing it
once (enabling F25) will cause the Engine Sounds to shut off. TheWhistle/Horn
and Bell sounds will still be active, however. To turn the engine sounds back on
press the F25 button again (disable F25).
Additional F Functions
F14-F16 – Idle Sequence
Pressing F14, F15, or F16 twice (toggling on then off) will trigger an Idle
Sequence if the engine is not moving. These vary from engine to engine and may
include things like checking the coal load, checking the water level, using the
Alemite grease gun on the drivers, etc. When triggered, these will run through the
sequence that varies in duration.
NOTE – The engine must be sitting still in order to trigger these
F17 – Extended Start-Up
If your engine is shut down or you've just applied DCC power pressing F17 twice
(toggling it on then off) will start the Extended Start-Up
sounds. This is very similar to F3 except you will hear the crew talking back and
forth about getting the engine ready to run.
F18 – Extended Shut-Down
If your engine is already up and running you can play the Extended Shut Down
sounds by pressing F18 twice (toggling on then off). The Extended Shut Down is
very similar to F3 in that the engine will ultimately shut down, but in the case of
Extended Shut Down you will hear the crew talking back and forth about how
the engine ran, time schedules, etc.
F19 – Labor Chuff
To force the Labor Chuff sound in a steam engine, press the F19 button once
(enable F19). As long as F19 is enabled the engine will play its Labor Chuff
sounds. To set the sound back to Normal Chuff press the F19 button again
(disable F19).
F20 – Drift Chuff
To force the Drift Chuff sound in a steam engine, press the F20 button once
(enable F20). As long as F20 is enabled the engine will play its Drift Chuff
sounds. To set the sound back to Normal Chuff press the F20 button again
(disable F20).
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
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F21 – One Shot Doppler
You can set your MTH PS3.0-equipped engine to simulate the actual Doppler
Effect sound a real engine makes as it passes you. To do this, press the F21 button
once (enable F21) and then listen as the engine makes that pitch shift that mimics
the Doppler Effect perfectly. Press the F21 button again (disable F21) to shut off
the Doppler Effect. With a little practice in timing and speed you can make this
happen right in front of you.
F22 – Coupler Slack
When an engine hooks up and pulls a train it has to take up the coupler slack.
You can play this sound by pressing F22 twice (toggling on then off). This feature
works two ways – While the engine is sitting still, press F22 twice to enable it.
Then, when you move the engine, it will play the Coupler Slack sound.
The second way is to simply force the sound while the engine is moving. To do
this, simply press F22 twice (toggling it on then off). The sound will play.
F23 – Coupler Close
To play the Coupler Close sound press the F23 button twice (toggling it on then
off). You can play this sound as you're coupling cars together to add realism.
F24 – Single Whistle/Horn Blast
To play a Single Horn Blast press the F24 button twice (toggling in on then off).
This plays a single, short horn blast.
F26 – Brake Sounds
Pressing the F26 button (enable F26) will disable the Brake Sounds for your
engine. The Brake Sounds occur when you reduce the speed of your engine
rapidly. To enable the Brake Sounds press the F26 button (disable F26). Brake
Sounds are On by default.
F27 – Cab Chatter
Cab Chatter occurs when the engine is sitting at idle. There are various times
when the crew will talk to each other when the engine is sitting at idle. Pressing
the F27 button (enable F27) will disable the Cab Chatter. Pressing the F27 button
again (disable F27) will enable Cab Chatter. Cab Chatter is On by default.
F28 – Feature Reset
Resets features to default.
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
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Function Chart
F0
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
F6
F7
F8
F9
F10
F11
F12
F13
F14
F15
F16
F17
F18
F19
F20
F21
F22
F23
F24
F25
F26
F27
F28
Headlight
Bell
Horn
Start-Up/Shut Down
PFA
Lights
Master Volume
Front Coupler (Not Included)
Rear Coupler
Forward Signal
Reverse Signal
Grade Crossing
Smoke On/Off
Smoke Volume
Idle Sequence 3
Idle Sequence 2
Idle Sequence 1
Extended Start-Up
Extended Shut Down
Labor Chuff
Drift Chuff
One Shot Doppler
Coupler Slack
Coupler Close
Single Horn Blast
Engine Sounds
Brake Sounds On/Off
Cab Chatter On/Off
Feature Reset
*Refer to page 24, 25 & 26 for CV
Data and Function ID
Description
Function
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
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