M.T.H. PREMIER DASH-9 DIESEL ENGINE User manual

This Dash 9 Diesel Engine features a detailed ABS body, die-cast trucks and
runs on O-42 curves. This Premier Diesel Engine contains state-of-the-art
electronics with many built-in automatic features for incredibly realistic
operation. Despite these advanced features, the locomotive is easy to operate
with any compatible standard AC transformer that is equipped with whistle and
bell buttons (see the compatibility chart on page 20), and is compatible with
most other 3-rail locomotives, rolling stock, and accessories.
This locomotive is equipped with Proto-Sound 2.0 with
Digital Command System (DCS). This new system will
allow you to operate your locomotive in Command mode
(when used with the DCS Remote Control System, sold
separately) or Conventional mode. Conventional
operating features are described in the following pages,
while the DCS operating features are covered in the set of
operating instructions that accompanies the DCS
equipment. Conventional Mode operation of this
locomotive is much simpler than operation of original
Proto-Sound engines. For your own safety and that of
your equipment, please read the instructions before you
operate this engine.
PREMIER
DASH-9 DIESEL
ENGINE
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE
Freight Yard Sound

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Premier Dash 9 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Table of Contents
Set Up 3
Basic Operation 4
Throttle 4
Operation Buttons 4
Manual Volume Control 4
Proto-Sound 2.0 Operation 5
Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features 5
Freight Yard Sounds (FYS) 6
Tips on Using FYS 7
Proto-Coupler®Operation 8
Speed Control 8
Lock into a Direction 9
Reset to Factory Defaults 9
Automatic Sounds 9
Maintenance 10
ProtoSmoke Unit Operation 10
Lubrication and Greasing Instructions 12
Traction Tire Replacement 13
Light Bulb Replacement 14
Self-Charging Battery Back-Up 16
Troubleshooting 17
Compatibility 19
Transformer Compatibility Chart 19
Additional Features with DCS Remote Control System 20
Safety Precautions 22
Service and Warranty Information 23

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Premier Dash 9 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Set Up
There are a couple of simple steps you must take before operating this
Premier diesel.
1. Although the engine was lubricated at the factory, it is important that
you lubricate the chassis before operation. Lightly grease the outside idler
and drive gears (marked “G” in Fig. 7 on pg. 13) with lithium-based
grease to prevent them from squeaking and premature wear. Use light
household oil and follow the lubrication points (marked “L” in Fig. 5 on
pg. 12). Do not over-oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.
2. Prime the operating smoke unit with smoke fluid before operating.
Add 15-20 drops of smoke fluid through the smokestack (see Fig. 2 on pg.
10), then gently blow into the stack to eliminate any air bubbles in the
fluid.
3. If you choose not to prime the unit with fluid, turn the smoke unit
switch located under the engine to the OFF position (see Fig. 3 on pg. 10).
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.
At this point, you are ready to put your engine on the track and begin
running it.

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Premier Dash 9 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Basic Operation
Throttle – Throttle up the power to your track. Give about 10-12 volts or enough
power so that the engine’s headlight shines brightly. Then put the engine into motion
by either firmly pressing the Direction button on your transformer or remote once or
dropping and advancing the throttle to put the engine in forward.
Operation Buttons
Use the operation buttons on your transformer or remote as described below.
Horn/Whistle -To sound the horn, firmly press the Horn/Whistle button. The horn
will sound for as long as you continue to depress the button. It will stop when you
release the button.
Bell - To sound the 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
your turn it on until you press and release the button again to turn it off.
Direction – Your train is programmed to start in neutral. To put the engine into
forward and then to change the direction of the train or to put it into neutral, firmly
press and release the Direction button on your transformer. Just as you must stop
your car between forward and reverse, this engine will not go directly from forward
to reverse; it goes into neutral between directions. If the train has been moving
forward, the first press of the Direction button will put the train from forward into
neutral, the second press into reverse, the third press back into neutral, and the fourth
back into forward. To prevent accidental high-speed start-ups, this engine is
programmed to restart in neutral each time the track voltage is turned off for 10
seconds or more.
Manual Volume Control – To adjust the volume of all sounds made by this engine,
turn the master volume control knob located under the engine clockwise to increase
the volume and counter-clockwise to decrease the volume (see Fig. 1).
Figure 1. Adjusting the Proto-Sound 2.0 Volume

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Premier Dash 9 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Proto-Sound 2.0 Operating Instructions
This manual contains the operating instructions for Proto-Sound 2.0
in conventional mode only. Instructions for accessing DCS command
mode features accompany the DCS Remote Control System
equipment.
Because Proto-Sound 2.0 is an all-new system developed by M.T.H.’s
own research and development team, it operates differently from original
Proto-Sound. Most Proto-Sound 2.0 features are automatically enabled,
and the reset state has been eliminated, so there is no need to program
features as with original Proto-Sound. Although the new system is easier
to operate than original Proto-Sound, you should read these instructions
thoroughly before using Proto-Sound 2.0 features in order to prevent harm
to yourself or your equipment.
Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features:
Proto-Sound 2.0 features are activated by sequences of Bell and Whistle
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 whistle or ring the bell, you should press the buttons for a
shorter time (1/2 second); you may need to practice your timing to make
this work smoothly.

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Premier Dash 9 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Freight Yard Sounds (FYS):
Your engine is equipped with a sound package of freight yard sounds that you can
play when you pull into 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 FYS
sufficient time to run through each sequence.
1. To cue the sound system to play the FYS, quickly but firmly tap the Bell button
once followed by 2 quick taps of the Whistle button while the engine is moving.
Tap the buttons quickly but allow approximately ½ second between each press.
2. Press the Direction button or drop and advance the throttle once to stop the
engine. This will trigger the first sequence of FYS. The reverse unit is temporarily
disabled so that the train will not move as you use the Direction button to trigger the
sounds, and Proto-Sound 2.0 has disabled operator control over the Whistle and Bell
buttons until the full FYS sequence is complete.
3. After waiting about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press the Direction
button again to trigger the second sequence of FYS.
4. After about 30 seconds, press the Direction button again to trigger the third FYS
sequence.
5. Again, after allowing about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press the
Direction button one more time to trigger the fourth and final FYS sequence. The
FYS will continue, and within a few seconds, the engine will start and move out on
its own at the current throttle setting, in the same direction it was traveling when you
began the sequence with the bell ringing. Once the bell turns off, the operator
regains control of the transformer’s bell and whistle buttons and can ring the bell or
blow the whistle as usual.

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Premier Dash 9 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Tips on Using FYS
• You can terminate FYS at anytime by turning off power to the
track for 15 seconds.
•You do not have to be in Forward to use FYS. At the conclusion
of the full sequence, the train will pull away from the station in
whatever direction you were going when you activated the feature.
• You can use FYS even if you are double-heading with another
engine. If the second engine is not equipped with FYS at all, you
must remember not to leave the throttle at a high voltage level once
you have stopped the engine to run the FYS. Otherwise, the engine
without FYS will begin vibrating on the track as its motors strain to
move the train, since they cannot be automatically disabled during
the FYS cycle. If the second engine is an original Proto-Sound
engine equipped with FYS, you may choose to disable it when used
in double-heading operations, so you will not experience
competing FYS sounds. To disable FYS in an original
Proto-Sound engine, see the operating instructions for that engine.
•FYS can be triggered from Neutral. It will operate the same as if
triggered while in motion except that, at the conclusion of the FYS,
the engine will depart in the next direction of travel, as opposed to
the direction it was traveling before entering Neutral.

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Premier Dash 9 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Proto-Coupler® Operation
This locomotive is equipped with two coil-wound Proto-Couplers for remote
uncoupling action. Because the Proto-Coupler is controlled through the
Proto-Sound 2.0 microprocessor, it does not require an uncoupling track section or
modification to your layout to function. Use the codes listed below to fire the
coupler.
Rear Coupler:
To fire the rear coupler, quickly tap the Bell button once followed by three quick
taps of the Whistle 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:
To fire the front coupler, quickly tap the Bell button once followed by four quick
taps of the Whistle 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.
Speed Control:
M.T.H. engines equipped with Proto-Sound 2.0 have speed control capabilities that
allow the engine to maintain a constant speed up and down grades and around
curves, much like an automobile cruise control. You can add or drop cars on the
run, and the engine will maintain the speed you set.
While the engine is programmed to start with the speed control feature activated,
you can opt to turn it off. 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.
To turn speed control on and off, put the engine in neutral, then quickly tap the
transformer’s Whistle 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 whistle,
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. Note: When speed control is turned off, the Proto-Sound 2.0
system will limit the volume in order to operate more smoothly at lower voltages.
Full volume is restored upon reactivating speed control.

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Premier Dash 9 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Lock 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.
Reset to Factory Defaults:
To override the settings you currently have assigned to the engine and
reset it to its factory defaults, while in Neutral tap the Whistle 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.
Automatic Sounds:
Certain Proto-Sound 2.0 sound effects automatically play in programmed
conventional mode conditions:
Squealing Brakes play when the engine’s speed is decreased rapidly.
Cab Chatter plays 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.

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Premier Dash 9 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Maintenance
ProtoSmoke®Unit Operation
This Premier diesel locomotive contains a self-powered smoke unit that outputs
smoke through the smokestack on the roof of the engine. The smoke unit is
essentially a small heating element and wick that soaks up and then heats a mineral
oil-based fluid that emits a harmless smoke. The smoke is then forced out of the
stack by a small electric fan. Smoke volume is controlled by the Proto-Sound 2.0
system.
With a few easy maintenance steps, you should
enjoy trouble-free smoke unit operation for
years.
When preparing to run this engine, add 15-20
drops of smoke fluid through the smokestack
(see Fig. 2). We recommend M.T.H.
ProtoSmoke, Seuthe, LGB, or LVTS fluids. Do
not overfill the unit or the fluid may leak out and
coat the interior engine components.
If you choose not to add the fluid (or have
already added the fluid but choose to run
smoke-free), turn off the smoke unit switch
located under the engine (see Fig. 3). Failure
either to add fluid to the unit or to turn it off may
damage the smoke unit heating element and/or
wicking material.
When the smoke output while running the engine
begins to diminish, add another 10-15 drops of
smoke fluid or turn the smoke unit off.
When storing the unit for long periods of time,
you may want to add about 15 drops of fluid to
prevent the wick from drying out.
Figure 2. Add Smoke through the
Smokestack
Figure 3. Smoke Unit ON/OFF
Switch

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Premier Dash 9 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
After removing the engine from
storage, add another 25 drops of fluid,
letting the wick soak up the fluid for 15
minutes prior to operation.If you
experience poor or no smoke output
when the smoke unit is on and has
fluid, check the wick to see if it has
become hard, blackened, and
unabsorbent around the heating
element. Remove the smoke unit
inspection cover from the smoke unit’s
body (see Fig. 4). After removing the
chassis and inspection cover screws,
lift the inspection plate away and
inspect the wick. If it is darkly
discolored and hard, it should be
replaced.
Replacement wicks are available from the M.T.H. Parts Department.
Figure 4. Inspecting the Smoke Unit

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Premier Dash 9 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Lubrication and Greasing Instructions
The engine should be well oiled and greased in order to run properly.
You should regularly lubricate the engine to prevent it from squeaking. Use light
household oil and follow the lubrication points marked “L” in Fig. 5. Do not
over-oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.
The locomotive’s internal gearing was greased at the factory and should not need
additional grease until after 50 hours of operation or one year, whichever comes first.
Follow the greasing instructions below. Note that in some tightly packed engines
you may need to move internal components temporarily in order to access the gears.
1. To access the gear box, remove the cab from the chassis by unscrewing the chassis
screws as seen in Figure 6 and lifting the cab from the chassis.
2. Once the body is removed, remove the trucks by unscrewing the black Phillips
motor mount screw located on the underside of the drive trucks (see Fig. 7 on pg.
13).
3. Once the motor mount screw has been removed, pull the motor away from the
truck block and lightly coat the motor worm gear and bronze drive gear (in the truck
block) with grease.
Figure 5. Lubrication Points on the Locomotive
Figure 6. Locations of the Body Mounting Screws

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Premier Dash 9 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
4. Reassemble the truck and motor, being careful not to pinch any wires
between the truck block and motor mount.
5. After repeating the procedure for the other motor, reassmble the chassis
and body, being careful that the wire harnesses are not caught between the
chassis and body and reinstall the chassis screws.
Lubricate the outside truck block idler and drive gears with grease. Use
the diagram shown in Figure 7 above as a guide and add grease to the
points marked with a “G.”
Periodically check the locomotive wheels and pickups for dirt and
buildup, which can cause poor electrical contact and traction as well as
prematurely wear out the neoprene traction tires.
Traction Tire Replacement Instructions
Your locomotive is equipped with two neoprene rubber traction tires on
each powered truck block. While these tires are extremely durable, you
may need to replace them at some point.
First, remove the truck sides from the truck
block. To do this, turn your engine upside
down. If there are visible Phillips screw heads
between the truck frame and truck block (see
Fig. 8), go to step A. If not, go to step B.
A. Remove the two Phillips screws that attach
the truck sides to the truck block.
B. Remove the trucks from the chassis and the
truck sides from the trucks in order to slip the
new tire over the grooved drive wheel. See
Fig. 8 for which screws you must remove to
do this.
Figure 7. Locations of Greasing Points on the Locomotive
Figure 8. Truckside
Mounting Screws to Access
the Traction Tires

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Premier Dash 9 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Light Replacement Instructions
The locomotive’s lighting is controlled by a constant voltage circuit in the engine.
The lights are easy to replace when they burn out. The bulb has a quick disconnect
plug that attaches the bulb harness to a light circuit. Replacement bulbs are available
directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department.
Follow the body removal instructions found in the Lubrication and Greasing
Instructions.
Gently disconnect the bulb harness from the socket on the constant voltage circuit
and replace the bulb.
Once the truck sides have been removed:
1. Make sure the old tire has been completely removed from the groove in the drive
wheel, using a razor blade or small flathead screwdriver to pry away any remains.
2. Slip the new tire onto the wheel. You may find it useful to use two small flathead
screwdrivers to stretch the tire over the wheel.
3. If you twist the tire while stretching it over the wheel, you will need to remove
and reinstall the tire. Otherwise your engine will wobble while operating.
4. Make sure the tire is fully seated inside the groove. Use a razor blade to trim
away any excess tire that will not seat inside the groove properly.
5. Reassemble in the reverse order.
One set of replacement tires is packaged with your model. Additional sets are
available directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department (phone: [phone]; e-mail:
[email protected]; mail: 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD
21046-1532).
Figure 9. Replacing the Lights in your Engine

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Premier Dash 9 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
To replace the lights mounted to the inside of the shell, remove the shell,
and slide the spring contact bracket off of its post. Remove the light bulb
and wires taking care to notice the path that the wires take on the inside
of the shell. Replace the bulb and reassemble the engine.
Figure 10. Replacing the Lights Mounted on the inside of the Shell

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Premier Dash 9 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Self-Charging Battery Back-Up
The special NiCad 7-cell 8.4v self-charging battery in this engine improves
performance at any speed. It ensures that power to the sound system will remain on
during directional changes, or when travelling over dirty track or switches. The
self-charging battery system is automatically turned on or off whenever track power
is turned on or off.
Track power (when applied) recharges the battery, which should last for up to five
years, and the special NiCad battery is a dry battery that should not leak or cause any
damage to your engine. However, even this special battery will eventually wear
down and need to be replaced. When you notice that your engine sounds seem
distorted or garbled at low voltages or become silent when power from the
transformer is turned off, test the battery to determine whether it should be recharged
or replaced.
• Put the engine in neutral and leave the track voltage at 12 volts for 15 minutes
• If the garbled or distorted sounds are reduced, the battery charge has run down and
can be recharged. Do this by leaving the engine in neutral with track voltage at 12
volts for 6-7 hours so the battery can fully recharge (if your engine has a smoke unit,
be sure it is turned off). Or you can remove the battery (as described below) and
charge it in any standard slow charge battery recharger, following the recharger’s
directions.
• If the sounds are not improved at the end of the 15 minute test charge, it is time to
replace the battery (see directions below). Contact the M.T.H. Parts Department
(phone: [phone]; e-mail: [email protected]; mail: 7020 Columbia
Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532) for a replacement battery. A standard
9v alkaline battery can be substituted until your replacement arrives, but since
alkaline batteries cannot be recharged, it will eventually wear down. Do NOT use a
6-cell 7.2v battery like those found in most convenience stores.
Figure 11. Replacing the Battery (Remove the remaining 2 screws on the fuel tank to
access the battery.)

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Premier Dash 9 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Troubleshooting Proto-Sound®2.0 Problems
Although Proto-Sound 2.0 has been designed and engineered for ease of use, you
may have some questions during initial operation. The following table should
answer most questions. If your problem cannot be resolved with this table, contact
M.T.H. for assistance (telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; e-mail:
[email protected], mail: 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD
21046-1532).

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Premier Dash 9 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions

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Premier Dash 9 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Compatibility
This engine will operate on any traditional O-42 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 20 for a complete list of compatible
transformers and wiring instructions.)
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart
Proto-Sound 2.0 is designed to work with most standard AC transformers. The chart
below lists the many compatible transformers. Note that many of the operational
commands described in these instructions require a bell button, so if your transformer
does not have its own bell button, you should consider adding one to get the full
benefit of the system. In addition, the chart details how the terminals on these
transformers should be attached to your layout.

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Premier Dash 9 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Additional Features Accessible with the DCS Remote
Control System:
While conventional mode operation of a Proto-Sound 2.0 engine yields wonderfully
realistic sound and several train control features, command mode operation allows
the user to access a world of command functions never before accessible to O Gauge
railroaders. With the addition of the DCS Remote Control System (including a DCS
remote handheld and Track Interface Unit) users gain many advanced features,
including:
• DCS Proto-Speed Control - Establishes desired locomotive speed in scale miles per
hour increments via a thumbwheel control and allows operator to set maximum
speed and acceleration/deceleration rates
• ProtoSmoke®Variable Output Control - Controls how much smoke each engine
outputs and matches smoke to locomotive speed
• Locomotive Lighting Control - Controls locomotive headlights, marker and interior
lights, beacon lights, ditch lights, and MARS lights
• Emergency Stop-Single button push stops all Proto-Sound 2.0 trains but does not
turn off the power
• One Touch Global Mute/UnMute-Single button mutes or unmutes all
DCS-controlled locomotives’ user-defined actions, including sound, lights, and
smoke
• Proto-Dispatch Operation-Public Address-like feature allows users to speak
through locomotive speaker during operation
• Proto-Cast-Allows users to play audio recordings through locomotive speaker
during operation
• Proto-Doppler Sound Effects Set Up-Users can configure locomotive for Doppler
Operation, including setting distance points for Doppler start, repeat, and stop modes
• Independent Volume Control of Engine Sounds, Bell, Horn & Whistle for each
Locomotive
• Control up to 50 different DCS-Equipped Locomotives at one time with multiple
TIUs• Proto-Effects™ Set Up-User can select individual Proto-Effects™ operations
to be active or inactive, including cab chatter, train wreck sounds, coupler sounds,
and wheel clickety-clack sounds