M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4 Steam Engine Quick start guide

M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4
Steam Engine
Congratulations! You’ve just purchased the most
feature-rich and technically advanced HO Steam
locomotive ever produced! This highly detailed model
includes a broader range of features than you’ll find
on any other HO scale steam, including smooth
performance from a three-scale-mile-per-hour crawl
to full throttle; “cruise control” for steady speeds
regardless of curves, switches and grades; built-in
decoders for DCC and the M.T.H. Digital Command
System (DCS); and a full range of prototypical
sounds. If you’re looking for motive power that’s
accurately detailed, smooth running, and a great deal
of fun to operate, it doesn’t get any better than this!
*Ps3 model operates on 42” Radius Curves
PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE
www.mthtrains.com
(Ps3)
ENGINEER’S GUIDE
3
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PFA
Passenger/Freight
Sound

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.
©2020, M.T.H. Electric Trains®, Columbia, MD 21046
CAUTION: ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PRODUCT:
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.
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.
Rev: 80st11351i_GS-4 4-8-4 Ps3 2019 02/2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Quick Start Guide...................................................................................................3
Unpacking Your Engine.........................................................................................4
Product Overview....................................................................................................5
Getting Started ........................................................................................................7
Lubrication ................................................................................................................7
Priming the Smoke Unit..........................................................................................7
Smoking Whistle.......................................................................................................8
Connecting the Engine and Tender.......................................................................8
Installing Mechanical Couplers ..............................................................................9
Removal/Installation of Drive Wheels ..............................................................10
Features and Operation........................................................................................12
Modes of Operation..............................................................................................12
Analog DC (standard DC power pack) ..............................................................13
Sounds............................................................................................................14
Smoke.............................................................................................................14
Lighting ..........................................................................................................15
DCC - Digital Command Control ......................................................................16
Start-Up/Shut-Down...................................................................................16
Sounds............................................................................................................16
Smoking Whistle...........................................................................................17
PFA .................................................................................................................17
Lighting ..........................................................................................................17
Master Volume..............................................................................................18
Forward/Reverse Signal ..............................................................................18
Engine Sounds ..............................................................................................19
Additional F Functions................................................................................19
F Function Chart ..........................................................................................21
Proto-Sound® 3.0 Expanded DCC Functionality ............................................22
Configuration Variables.........................................................................................22
CV29 ........................................................................................................................23
Feature/Factory Reset ...........................................................................................24
CV Programming ...................................................................................................26
Advanced Consisting.............................................................................................29
Programming Track ...............................................................................................32
Specifications.........................................................................................................34
Recommended Transformers...............................................................................35
Care and Maintenance .........................................................................................36
Troubleshooting Guide .........................................................................................36
Service and Warranty Information.....................................................................42
Limited One-Year Warranty .................................................................................42

M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4 Steam Engine
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QUICK START GUIDE
Of course, you should read your manual over before running your Steam Engine.
But if you just can’t wait, choose how you want to run below and enjoy! It is
important to pay attention to which model you have purchased and to make sure
you are following the proper instructions for your Engine.
I USE A REGULAR DC SUPPLY…
Step 1: Unpack your engine
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
Step 2: Set the engine on the track
Step 3: Power up your DCC system
Step 4: Select engine address 3 and press “F3” to start her up
Step 5: Turn the throttle and head on down the pike
I RUN DCS…
Step 1: Unpack your engine
Step 2: Set the engine on the track
Step 3: Power up your DCS system
Step 4: Add the engine to your system and start her up
Step 5: Turn the throttle and move out
CAUTION: M.T.H. HO engines DO NOT OPERATE ON AC VOLTAGE.
Applying AC power to your locomotive could cause permanent damage and will
void your warranty.

M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4 Steam Engine
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UNPACKING YOUR ENGINE
Removing and Unwrapping Your Engine
Carefully remove and unwrap the model on a soft surface. By nature, models with
high levels of detail have some small fragile parts.
Carefully remove any foam packing pieces that may be surrounding the model.
What Else is in the Box?
The following items are packed with your engine.
Quick Start Guide (1)
For those who can’t wait to get started! This will give you the basic information to
get your engine up and running!
Smoke Fluid Pipette (1)
Enough fluid to get you started, and then some.
Rear Drive Wheel Set without Traction Tires (1)
For Those who prefer not to use traction tires.
3mm Nut Driver (1)
In case you want to install the drivers with traction tires or replace the standard
drive wheels.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Getting to Know Your M.T.H. HO Locomotive
Key Features
Your new HO Steam engine 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 more.
Compatibility
The Proto-Sound 3.0 (PS3) 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 PS3 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 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).
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4 Steam Engine
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Digital Control
In standard analog DC mode, your model still operates under digital control. The
PS3 advance speed control system converts track voltage into digital speed
commands. Your model will run smoothly and consistently at any speed regardless
of load, hills, or curves. If you are a DCC user, you'll quickly learn to appreciate the
precision of our speed control and linear speed curve. DCS users will enjoy the
added benefits of controlling speeds in increments of 1 scale mile per hour
displayed on DCS controllers or easily changing acceleration and deceleration rates
independently without any discussion of bits or bytes. To be clear, DCS is NOT
DCC.
Lights & Smoke
As you read on, you'll notice there are no instructions for replacing light bulbs in
your engine. That's because there aren't any. We use specially designed and
controlled LEDs to create realistic lighting effects that occur automatically. Again,
NO PROGRAMMING! Just come to a stop and watch as the headlight dims
automatically in accordance with rule 17. Of course, as you pull away, the headlight
returns to it's fully bright, yet warm, glow. Your new HO Steam engine includes
realistic Classification lighting with appropriately colored LED's in the boiler. We
even included a light in the cab so the engineer and fireman can see to do their
jobs!
MTH is renowned for our realistic smoke systems. When the smoke is on, you will
experience copious puffs synchronized precisely with chuffing sounds at 4 times
per revolution of the drive wheels. Of course, when you stop, the smoke wafts out
of the stack steadily, just like the real thing! The smoke behavior applies to all
operating modes, analog DC, DCC, or DCS. With some DCC controllers, you can
turn smoke on and off remotely. In DCS mode, you can not only toggle smoke on
and off with the press of single button, you can actually select from 3 output levels
to keep those smoke alarms from going off!
More…
In analog DC operation, just flip the track polarity or direction switch at any speed
and watch your engine gradually come to stop, turn on the appropriate directional
lighting, and smoothly accelerate back up to speed. No other HO locomotive has
features like these. There are so many more things to learn and enjoy about the
engine, we could write a book. But, that's no fun. So, if you haven't already done
so, flip to the Quick Start Guide and let's run your new engine!
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4 Steam Engine
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GETTING STARTED
Lubrication
The engine should be well oiled and greased in order to run properly. Regularly
lubricate all axles, linkage, and pivot points to prevent squeaking. Use light household
oil, such as that found in M.T.H.'s maintenance kit. Do not over oil. Use only a drop on
each pivot point.
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.
Priming the Smoke Unit
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.
Running the engine without
a primed smoke unit may
cause damage
Add Smoke Fluid
Smoke Switch
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4 Steam Engine
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Lubricate Axles (L) Lubricate Axles (L)Lubricate Axles (L)
Lubricate Side Rods and Linkage (LL)

Smoking Whistle - Available in both DCS and DCC in HO
The smoking whistle has its own smoke fluid reservoir. To refill the reservoir, use a
dropper to apply 4 drops of smoke fluid into the hole. Gently blow into the hole to
breakup any air bubbles that may have formed.
DCC: The F7 key activates the smoking whistle. Learn more about this feature in
the DCC section of this manual.
DCS: The FSW softkey (feature smoking whistle) activates the feature. Also, SPW
activates the playable whistle in DCS, but this is independent of the smoking
whistle. However, it works in conjunction if both features are active. Learn more
about this feature in the DCS or DCS App manuals that can be found on the MTH
Web site, www.mthtrains.com/DCS
NOTE: In DCS and DCC, when the smoking whistle is active, the regular whistle
(whistle button in DCS; F2 in DCC) will play the whistle sound with simulated
steam coming from the whistle. When the regular whistle is played and held on
long enough to initiate the variable endings, the simulated steam coming from the
whistle directly follows the sound level.
Connection of the Engine and Tender
Your MTH HO Steam engine is presented and packaged as a pre-connected unit,
and 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.
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4 Steam Engine
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Use Dropper to Apply
4 Drops of Smoke Fluid

Installing The Mechanical Couplers
Your HO engine comes with a mechanical coupler that can be attached to the rear
of the tender. Follow the steps below to install your mechanical coupler or any
other Kadee-compatible couplers.
Place the spacer
Insert the coupler (as shown) and screw into place
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4 Steam Engine
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Next, remove brake shoe detail by gently prying and pulling up the part and set
aside. Remove the 5 screws holding down the rectangular chassis bottom cover.
Carefully remove the cover... then carefully remove the 2 screws holding down the
gearbox cover, set them aside and then stop. Don’t do anything further until reading
the next step completely.
Before proceeding, there are a couple of important things to know. First, under the
square bushings on each end of the axle are tiny springs. They are critical to the
proper operation of your engine and you don't want to drop them. Next, look
closely at the wheel set and bushings and take note of their orientation.
Screws
Gearbox CoverGearbox Screws
Brake Shoe Lever & Bellcrank Gearbox Cover
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.
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4 Steam Engine
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Traction tire Nontraction tire
Brake Shoe Detail/bottom plate
Brake Shoe Lever & Bellcrank
Driver springs
Gearbox Cover
Gearbox cover
removed
Bushings
Now, very slowly and carefully lift the wheel set upward. Keep a close eye out for
the driver springs as they sometimes stick to the bushings and lift out. If you drop
one, you'll need some really good eyes or a magnet to find them. If they should lift
out with the wheel set, carefully set them back into cavities from which they came.
Drop the replacement wheel set into the chassis. Make sure the bushings are in the
correct orientation. The small rectangular tabs on the front and rear must be
upward (with the engine upside down) toward the chassis bottom cover.
Reinstall the gearbox cover with 2 screws...and then reinstall the chassis bottom
cover with 5 screws, gently press the plastic molded brake shoe detail back into
place, and install the rear drive rod screws. See, you've done it.
Driver springs
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4 Steam Engine
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FEATURES AND OPERATION
Now, for the fun stuff! Your new MTH HO Steam engine has more features and
operating capabilities than any HO engine ever built by any manufacturer. We're
going to walk you through everything she does in general but, you'll probably find a
few we forgot to mention on your own.
Modes of Operation
There are 3 modes of operation with different levels of features accessible in each.
We refer to them as analog DC, DCC, and DCS. Here's a little more explanation
before we get into the features of each mode.
Analog DC
This is when there is nothing connected to the rails except a conventional DC
power pack. These power packs generally have at least one variable output
controlled by a throttle of some sort and a means of reversing DC polarity on the
track to change the direction of your engine.
DCC/Motorola - 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 - Digital Control 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/DCS. 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.
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4 Steam Engine
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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.
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4 Steam Engine
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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 you’re 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.
Running the engine without
a primed smoke unit may
cause damage
Smokestack
Smoke SwitchVolume Control
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4 Steam Engine
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Lighting
Your model is equipped with a headlight, backup light, cab interior light, number
board lights and classification lights. (GS-4 includes Mars light)
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.
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4 Steam Engine
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DCC - 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.
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 shut down
until you command them to start up.
Start-Up/Shut-Down
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?
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!
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4 Steam Engine
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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!
Smoking Whistle
Since there is no playable whistle feature available in DCC, you enable the
smoking whistle by activating F7. When F7 is active, the smoking whistle
feature is now active and you can get smoke out of the whistle detail by hitting
F2 (regular whistle). It will also emit smoke for the whistle endings, Crossing
Signal, fwd and rev signals, and single toot. For additional information, see the
Smoking Whistle section at the beginning of this manual.
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.
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
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.
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4 Steam Engine
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Master Volume
F6 – Master Volume
When you activate F6, the Master Volume will begin increasing. If you are at 0 (no
volume), the first time you turn on F6 it will take approximately 3 seconds to get to
100% volume. When you get to your desired volume level, turn F6 off.
The next time you toggle F6 on it will drive the Master Volume to 0. If you are at
100% it will take approximately 3 seconds to get to 0. When you arrive at your
desired level turn F6 off.
It works like a volume slider – the first time you enable F6 it goes up and stops at
100%. Toggle F6 off and then back on and it will go down to 0 and stop.
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.
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Smoke
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.
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
NOTE: The engine must be sitting still in order to trigger F-Functions F14
through F18
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.
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).
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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.
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.
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