M.T.H. HO 4-6-2 K-4S Quick start guide

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
(PS 3.0)
ENGINEER’S GUIDE
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PFA
Passenger/Freight
Announcements
M.T.H. HO 4-6-2 K-4S
Steam Engine

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.
©2016, 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.
• 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.
• Do not operate your layout unattended. Obstructed accessories or stalled trains may overheat, resulting in damage to your layout.
• This train set is intended for indoor use. Do not use if water is present. Serious injury or fatality may result.
• 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.: _4-6-2 K-4S Ps3 7/28/16
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Quick Start Guide ...........................................................................................................3
Unpacking Your Engine.................................................................................................4
Product Overview ...........................................................................................................5
Getting to Know Your Engine ...................................................................................5
Engine Diagram ............................................................................................................7
Set-up/Maintenence ...................................................................................................................8
Engine and Tender Connection..................................................................................8
Smoke Unit Preparation and Use...............................................................................8
Removal/Installation of Drive Wheels .....................................................................8
Lubrication.....................................................................................................................10
Features and Operation ............................................................................................................11
Modes of Operation ....................................................................................................11
Important Note: DCS/DCC Selector Switch ..........................................................11
Analog DC (standard DC power pack) .....................................................................13
Volume Control.............................................................................................................14
Smoke Control ..............................................................................................................14
DCC - Digital Command Control..............................................................................16
Start-Up/Shut-Down.................................................................................16
Sounds ..........................................................................................................16
PFA ...............................................................................................................17
Lights ............................................................................................................17
Forward/Reverse Signal.............................................................................18
Engine Sounds ............................................................................................20
F-Function List ...........................................................................................21
DCS - Digital Command System................................................................................22
Proto-Sound® 3.0 Expanded DCC Functionality ...........................................................24
Configuration Variables ..............................................................................................24
CV29 ..............................................................................................................................25
Feature/Factory Reset..................................................................................................26
CV Programming..........................................................................................................31
Advanced Consisting ...................................................................................................34
Programming Track......................................................................................................37
Specifications.................................................................................................................................39
Recommended Transformers......................................................................................40
Troubleshooting Guide ............................................................................................................41
Service and Warranty Information .......................................................................................47

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)
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/MOTOROLA OPERATOR…
Step 1: Unpack your engine (refer to unpacking instructions)
Step 2: Set the engine on the track
Step 3: Make sure the DCS/DCC selector switch is in the DCC position
(see Modes of Operation section for more detailed information)
Step 4: Power up your DCC system
Step 5: Select engine address 3 and press “F3” to start her up
Step 6: Turn the throttle and head on down the pike
I RUN DCS...
Step 1: Unpack your (refer to unpacking instructions)
Step 2: Set the engine on the track
Step 3: Make sure the DCS/DCC selector switch is in the DCS position
(see Modes of Operation section for more detailed information)
Step 4: Power up your DCS system
Step 5: Add the engine to your system and start her up
Step 6: Turn the throttle and move out
engine
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M.T.H. HO 4-6-2 K-4S Steam Engine

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.
Nut Driver (1)
In case you want to install the drivers with traction tires or replace the standard
drive wheels.
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M.T.H. HO 4-6-2 K-4S Steam Engine

PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Getting to Know Your M.T.H. HO Locomotive
Key Features
Your new HO is equipped with the exclusive M.T.H. Proto-Sound®
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 3.0 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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M.T.H. HO 4-6-2 K-4S Steam Engine

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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M.T.H. HO 4-6-2 K-4S Steam Engine

ENGINE DIAGRAM
Tender
Drive Wheels
Cab Interior
Light
Fireman/
Engineer
Figures
Sliding Roof Vent
Pilot Truck
Smoke Stack
Wireless Close-
Coupling Receiver
Control Hatch
Wireless
Close-Coupling
Drawbar
Wireless Close-Coupling Drawbar
Your HO Steam Engine features our new wireless close-coupling drawbar. To
attach the engine to the tender, simply insert the prongs of the drawbar into the
receiver as depicted in the images above.
Boiler
Receiver
Close-coupling
Drawbar (prongs)
Coupled
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M.T.H. HO 4-6-2 K-4S Steam Engine

SET-UP
Connection of the Engine and Tender
Your MTH HO Steam engine features our new wireless close drawbar. Along
with providing a mechanical connection of the tender to the engine, the wireless
close coupling drawbar also provides an electrical connection between the engine
and tender. No assembly is required.
Smoke Unit Preparation and Use
Your engine 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.
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M.T.H. HO 4-6-2 K-4S Steam Engine
Add Smoke Fluid

Next, remove brake shoe detail by gently prying and pulling up the part and set
aside. Remove the 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.
Brake Shoe Lever & Bellcrank
Traction tire Nontraction tire
Brake Shoe Detail/bottom plate Brake Shoe Lever & Bellcrank
Driver springs
Gearbox Cover
Gearbox cover
Gearbox cover
removed
Bushings
Gearbox Screws
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M.T.H. HO 4-6-2 K-4S Steam Engine
Gearbox Cover
ScrewsScrews

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 screws...and then reinstall the chassis bottom cover
with 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.
Driver springs
Lubricate Axles (L)
(Both Sides)
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M.T.H. HO 4-6-2 K-4S Steam Engine
Lubricate Side Rods and Linkage
(Both Sides) (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.
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M.T.H. HO 4-6-2 K-4S Steam Engine
IMPORTANT
DCS/DCC Selector Switch
Your M.T.H. PS 3.0-equipped engine includes a DCS/DCC selector switch.
The switch along with the manual smoke unit and volume controls are located
under the water hatch on top of the tender as shown below.
FRONT OF TENDER
REAR OF TENDER
DCS
DCC
Smoke
Unit
Control
Volume
Control
Manual

DCC/Motorola or Digital Command Control
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
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!
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M.T.H. HO 4-6-2 K-4S Steam Engine
From the factory, the DCS/DCC selector switch is set to the DCC position.
When operating your engine with DCS, make sure the selector switch is in the
DCS position. When operating your engine in DCC, make sure the selector
switch is in the DCC position.
CAUTION: Do not operate the engine using DCC with the DCS/DCC
Selector Switch set to the DCS position. This will overheat the circuit board in
the tender.
If you try to operate the engine in the DCS mode with the DCS/DCC switch
set to DCC, the engine will not respond to the DCS commands.
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.
Your M.T.H. PS 3.0 equipped engine includes a DCS/DCC selector switch.
The switch along with the manual smoke unit and volume controls are
located under the water hatch on top of the tender as shown below.
From the factory, the DCS/DCC selector switch is set to the DCC position.
When operating your engine with DCS, make sure the selector switch is in
the DCS position. When operating your engine in DCC, make sure the
selector switch is in the DCC position.
CAUTION: Do not operate the engine using DCC with the DCS/DCC
Selector Switch set to the DCS position. This will overheat the circuit board in
the tender.
If you try to operate the engine in the DCS mode with the DCS/DCC switch
set to DCC, the engine will not respond to the DCS commands.
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.
For more detailed information and instructions for operating your engine
please refer to the complete instruction manual which you may download
from the M.T.H. Website - www.mthtrains.com.
DCS/DCC Switch
FRONT OF TENDER
REAR OF TENDER
DCS
DCC
Smoke
Unit
Control
Volume
Control
Manual

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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M.T.H. HO 4-6-2 K-4S Steam Engine

Smoke Unit Cover
Wick in
Poor
Condition
Wick in
Good
Condition
Sounds
In this mode, sounds are pretty much automatic. If you're moving, you'll hear
chuffing sounds. If you increase or decrease the throttle quickly, you'll hear labored
or drift chuffing, respectively. Of course, if the engine has been sitting for a while,
the engineer may open the steam cocks and release the moisture, don't worry, he
never forgets to close them.
When your sitting at idle, there may be some maintenance done. You could hear
someone dopping the siderods or checking the water level in the tender and
filling it if necessary. Don't worry, all of this and more is just a normal part of
everyday operations.
When your moving at a pretty good clip and you reduce the throttle quickly, you may
hear the brakes squeak and squeal as the engineer applies them. Of course, they'll
stop when the engine does.
If things get too noisy, just locate the sound volume pot under the hatch on top of
the tender and adjust the volume from maximum down to off, whatever suits you.
Turn it counterclockwise to reduce the volume or clockwise to increase it.
Smoke
There is also a potentiometer for smoke control (exactly like volume control). To
increase or decrease smoke volume, simply use a Phillips head screwdriver to turn
the potentiometer clockwise (increase output) or counterclockwise (decrease
output).
When you turn the smoke on, just give it a few seconds to warm up. It doesn't start
instantly. Once you see smoke gently streaming out (or not if you prefer) snap the
hatch back in place and away you go. Once on, like the sounds, the behavior is fully
automatic. The model will puff out smoke in exact synchronization with the chuffing
sounds and driver rotation at 4 per revolution. Amazing!
When the output begins to diminish significantly, add 10-12 drops to recharge the
unit. Again, give it a few seconds to warm back up. The cool fluid slows the action
for a few seconds. Also, watch out for bubbles that may block the stack. You may
need to gently blow down the stack to clear it.
Smoke
Potentiometer
Volume
Potentiometer
Running the engine without
a primed smoke unit may
cause damage
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M.T.H. HO 4-6-2 K-4S Steam Engine
Add Smoke Fluid

Lighting
The first thing to know about the lighting is there aren't any bulbs. It's all LEDs so,
if you look for a section on how to replace them, you won't find it. You should
never have to.
As with sounds and smoke, in analog DC mode, lighting operation is fully
automatic. They're always on and behave appropriately. The headlight functions
under rule 17 and dims when stopped for a time or while backing up. Of course,
just as you begin to move forward, it goes bright to show the way.
The cab light is always on so the engineer and fireman can always see clearly!
The tender back-up light only illuminates when in reverse, even if you're not
moving. It goes off when in forward. This is really handy since you'll always know
which direction the model will move next.
Depending upon the engine type you could have several different operating lights
like - Headlight, Taillight, Cab Interior, Number Board, Boiler Classification or
others.
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M.T.H. HO 4-6-2 K-4S Steam Engine

DCC/Motorola Digital Command Control
Now, if your operating in this mode, you may very well know more about DCC than
we do so, we're going to stick to telling you about our engine in this operating
environment. First of all, in DCC mode, we brought all the features of analog DC
along and of course, added to them. Your new engine has more user features than
any DCC engine ever built. Some of them are even ahead of the world of DCC!
Running the Engine
Set the engine on the rails, and apply DCC power. Refer to the Set-Up section of this
guide for instructions on how to connect the boiler and tender.
The first thing you will notice is the engine does absolutely nothing! Don't panic.
This is by design. MTH HO engines never do anything in command mode until told
to do so, regardless of what brand DCC controller you use. In this way, you could
have a fleet of MTH HO engines on the rails and they will remain shutdown until
you command them to start up.
F3 Start up/Shut Down
Select engine address 3 (factory default), press the F3 (Start Up/Shut Down) key, and
your engine will start-up. Lights, sounds, smoke, ACTION! Roll the throttle and away
you go. Our models are compatible with 14, 28, and 128 speed steps. We strongly
recommend 128 because in this mode, speed steps correspond directly to scale
speeds. That is, speed step 10 = 10 smph, speed step 47 = 47 smph, etc. You get the
idea. When your done, press the F3 key again, your engine will shut down.
To be clear, pressing F3 when the engine is shut down will start it up. Pressing F3
when the engine is started up will shut it down. Pretty clever, eh?
On your HO S3/6 models we have made this even simpler. If you don't want to or
forget to hit F3 to start up the engine all you have to do is make it move and it will
automatically start up for you. This is especially good for you operators that use
auto start/stop blocks in your layout.
Sounds
As in analog DC mode, the default sound arrangement is automatic. So, you can just
run your engine and its sounds will follow the action. But, you operate in DCC for a
reason. You want access to more features, right? Well, depending upon the
capabilities of your DCC controller, you now have access to a range of sound
features including bell, whistle, PFA, engine sounds on/off, master volume, Doppler,
and more.
Here's a brief description of commonly used sound features.
F1 Bell
Toggles bell sounds on/off. Listen to the last half ring of the bell when it stops!
–
–
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M.T.H. HO 4-6-2 K-4S Steam Engine

F2 Whistle
Blows the whistle for as long as it's on. There are several different ending signatures
depending on how long you hold the button down. Check it out!
F4 PFA
PFA in MTH lingo stands for passenger and freight announcements. Since your engine
provides freight service, you'll hear freight yard sounds. PFA is a very popular sound
feature that's a staple in almost all MTH products. We had to give you this!
(Depending on your system, you might need to press F4 to move through each sequence.)
There are 4 sound sequences or segments in PFA. You advance through them at your
command. Each segment has a minimum time of ~10 seconds but more sounds play
the longer you listen.
-When running the engine, simply press the F4 key to activate PFA. When you bring the
engine to a stop, the arrival sequence will play. You can remain in this segment as long
as you like.
-Press F4 again, and advance to disembarking sequence. Again, you can listen to this
sequence as long as you like.
-Press F4 again, and advance to the embarking sequence. Again, you can listen to this
sequence as long as you like.
-Press F4 again, and advance to the departure sequence. After the engineer says
“Just keep the steam up” and the engine will automatically pull out and resume the
speed and direction of when you entered the feature. The bell ring for a short while and
then turn off automatically.
Lighting
As with other feature categories, lighting in DCC mode operates just like conventional
DC with regard to rule 17, constant brightness and directional behavior. See that
section for details. DCC provides some additional control to suit your preferences.
F0 Headlight
Toggles the headlight on/off.
F5 Lights (Also see F19 & F20 for more Lighting Controls)
Toggles all lighting (except the head & tail light) on/off, including Marker LED's.
When on, all lighting behaves automatically as described elsewhere. When F5 is off, all
lighting is off.
–
–
–
–
Master Volume
F6 – Master Volume
The Master Volume operation in DCC is different. In order to change the master
volume (F6) you need to do the following:
A. If you have F6 set as momentary you would hold down F6 and it will
increase the volume to 100%. You would want to release F6 when you get to
the volume level you desire. It will stop at 100%. To decrease the volume
press and hold F6 and release when you get to the desired volume. If you go
too far then release F6 and then press and hold F6 again and it will increase
the volume.
B. If you have F6 set as a toggle then pressing F6 will start the volume
increasing to 100%. Press it again to shut F6 off when you reach the desired
level. If you activate F6 again it will start the volume decreasing to 0. Press F6
again to deactivate the bit and set your volume.
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M.T.H. HO 4-6-2 K-4S Steam Engine

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-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.
The smoke system in DCC mode operates exactly as it does in analog DC mode with
the added benefit of being able to turn it on or off remotely. Pressing F12 on your
DCC controller will toggle the smoke unit on and off again.
The manual smoke potentiometer under the control hatch (on top of the tender)
must be fully clockwise for the F12 key to function. When the smoke potentiometer
is fully counterclockwise, the smoke is always off.
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M.T.H. HO 4-6-2 K-4S Steam Engine

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.
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.
NOTE: The engine must be sitting still in order to trigger F-Functions F14
through F18
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).
F21 – One Shot Doppler
You can set your MTH PS 3-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.
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M.T.H. HO 4-6-2 K-4S Steam Engine

F22 – Coupler Slack
When an engine couples to a train and pulls out, 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 defaults.
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. The Whistle/Horn
and Bell sounds will still be active, however. To turn the engine sounds back on
press the F25 button again (disable F25).
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M.T.H. HO 4-6-2 K-4S Steam Engine