M.T.H. Premier Norfolk & Western 4-8-4 J Steam... User manual

Compatibility
This engine is available in 2-rail and 3-rail
versions and will operate on any traditional
O-42 Gauge track system(3-rail) or any 40”
radius 2-rail track system. It is also
compatible with most standard AC and DC
transformers. (See page 23 for a complete list
of compatible transformers and wiring
instructions.)
Premier
Norfolk & Western
4-8-4 J Steam
Locomotive
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE

Table of Contents
Configuring Locomotive for 2-Rail or 3-Rail Operation................................. 3
Installing/Removing Pickup Rollers....................................................... 3
Configuring for 2-rail or 3-rail power input........................................... 3
Ensuring Proper Power to Track Polarity............................................... 4
Changing Track Polarity Inside Locomotive......................................... 4
Locomotive Coupler Options................................................................. 5
Set Up Checklist................................................................................................... 6
Lubrication............................................................................................. 6
Priming The Smoke Unit....................................................................... 6
Checking The Battery............................................................................ 7
Basic Operation.................................................................................................... 8
Activating Features................................................................................ 8
Proto-Sound 2.0 Operating Instructions........................................................... 9
Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features.................... 9
Passenger Station Announcements (PSA)............................................. 10
Proto-Coupler® Operation.................................................................... 11
Speed Control........................................................................................ 12
Locking Locomotive Into ADirection.................................................. 12
Reset To Factory Default....................................................................... 13
Automatic Sound Effects....................................................................... 13
Maintenance......................................................................................................... 14
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions................................................... 14
Cleaning The Wheels, Tires and Track.................................................. 15
Traction Tire Replacement Instructions................................................. 15
Headlight Replacement Instructions...................................................... 17
Self Charging Battery Back-Up............................................................. 18
ProtoSmoke® Unit Operation................................................................ 19
Troubleshooting Proto-Sound® 2.0 Problems....................................... 21
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart....................................... 23
Additional Features Accessible Of DCS Remote Control System........ 24
Service & Warranty Information........................................................... 25
Limited One-Year Warranty.................................................................. 25

Premier Norfolk & Western J Steam Locomotive 3
Configuring Locomotive for
2-Rail or 3-Rail Operation
Installing/Removing 3-Rail Pickup Rollers
Both 2-Rail and 3-Rail versions of
this locomotive can be configured
to operate on either 2-rail or 3-rail
track by removing or adding the
center rail pickups. 3-rail rack
operation requires the pickups, 2-
rail track operation does not. The
pickups are factory installed on 3-
rail versions and packaged
separately in the locomotive box
for 2-rail versions. Each pickup
roller installs with a single phillips
screw seen in Figure 1.
Once you have configured the
engine for 2-rail or 3-rail operation,
you must manually select the
power input switch located in the
first tender top hatch for 2 rail
operation as seen in Figure 2.
Configuring for 2-Rail or 3-Rail Power Input
Figure 1: 3-Rail Pickups installed with a single Phillips Screw
Figure 2: Selecting 2-rail or 3-rail power input setting
2-Rail/3-Rail Switch

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Ensuring Proper Power to Track Polariy
Figure 3: Proper 2-Rail polarity wiring and locomotive orientation
Changing Track Polarity Inside the Locomotive
Figure 4: Changing the polarity with the locomotive polarity switch
For 2-rail DCS operation, it is important that the polarity from the transformer to the
engine is properly configured. Correct polarity can be accomplished by ensuring that
the wiring from the TIU to the track and orientation of the locomotive when sitting on
the track follows the illustration in Figure 3.
To TIU Black Terminal
To TIU Red Terminal
(The DCS Polarity
Switch should be moved
toward the rail that is
connected to the red
terminal of the TIU.)
DCS Polarity Switch
Failing to properly configure the
polarity will result in the
locomotive starting in reverse
instead of forward or not receiving
the DCS signal. Should this occur,
it is not necessary to swap the
wires from the transformer to the
track or reverse the locomotive’s
orientation on the track itself.
Instead, simply slide the polarity
switch on the bottom of the Tender
as seen in Figure 4.

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Figure 6: 3-Rail Proto-Coupler
Locomotive Coupler Options
Figure 5: Pre-drilled Kadee® Coupler mounting holes
All 2-rail locomotive models do
not come with a rear coupler since
many 2-rail enthusiasts may utilize
different coupler types on their 2-
rail locomotives and cars. Each
tender does have pre-drilled holes
for use when installing a Kadee®
scale coupler as seen in Figure 5.
Follow the individual coupler
installation instructions when
installing another manufacturer’s
coupler system.
Owners of 2-rail models who
intend to run this locomotive on a
3-rail layout may wish to purchase
a separately sold M.T.H. Proto-
Coupler (M.T.H. Item Number DD-
0000033) and bracket so that they
may enjoy remote uncoupling
action anywhere on a layout. The
Proto-Couplers are available
directly from the M.T.H. Parts
Department (phone: 410-381-
2580l; email: parts@mth-
railking.com; mail: 7020
Columbia Gateway Drive,
Columbia Maryland 21046-1532).

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•Lubricate the locomotive
•Prime the smoke unit
•Check to see whether the battery needs to be charged for full sound effects
•Apply power to run as described in the Basic Operating Section of this manual
Set Up Checklist
Lubrication
You should lubricate the engine to prevent it from squeaking. Use light
household oil and follow the lubrication points marked “L” in Fig. 1. Do
not over-oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.
Lubricate Axle Bushings (L)
Lubricate Pick Up Rollers (L)
Lubricate Side Rods and Linkage (L) (Both Sides)
Drawbar Screw
Lubricate Axle Bushings (L)
Figure 7: Lubrication Points on the Locomotive
Priming the Smoke Unit
When preparing to run this engine, add 15-
20 drops of smoke fluid through the
smokestack. 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 on top of the tender (see Fig. 8).
Failure either to add fluid to the unit or
to turn it off may damage the smoke unit
heating element and/or wicking material. Figure 8: Smoke Unit Switch Location
(Inside Tender Hatches)
Smoke Switch

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Place the engine on the track, then insert the reverse unit plug that extends out of the
tender into the receptacle at the back of the boiler cab (Figure 9. WARNING: DO
NOT CONNECT THIS ENGINE TOA TENDER FROMANOTHER ENGINE;
IT MAY CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE. Look at the bottom of the engine and tender
where each will have a color-coded stamp. If they match you may connect those two
pieces; if not, don’t.
Connect the draw bar between the engine and tender. The draw bar hole located
farthest from the tender is for applications such as display. The second hole is for
normal operation on the track.
At this point, you are ready to begin running your engine.
Placing The Engine On The Track
Figure 9
Plug Tender Plug into
Boiler Socket at back of cab.
Checking the Battery
You may find, if your locomotive was built several months before you set it up, that the
rechargeable battery has run down and needs to be charged before operating. If you
notice that the sounds are garbled, test and charge the engine as described in the "Self-
Charging Battery Back-Up" on page 18.

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The Throttle knob controls how fast your train will travel.
Turn the throttle knob up ½-way, until the engine and caboose lights shine bright.
Put the engine into motion by pressing the Direction button on your transformer once.
(hold it for approximately 1 second)
If the engine does not begin to move as soon as you firmly press the Direction button,
you may not have sent enough voltage to the track to make the train move. Turn the
throttle up a bit higher until the train begins to move.
Activating Features
Throttle - To increase or decrease track voltage, and therefore train speed, turn the
throttle control knob. Turning clockwise will increase voltage and speed, while turning
counterclockwise will decrease voltage and speed. The engine will maintain the speed
you set after you release the throttle until you turn it again to change the voltage and
speed.
Bell - To sound the bell, in an engine equipped with a bell firmly press and release the
Bell button. To turn the bell off, press and release the Bell button again. The bell will
continue to ring from the time you turn it on until you press and release the button again
to turn it off.
Horn/Whistle - To sound the whistle, firmly press the Horn/Whistle button.The whistle
will sound for as long as you continue to depress the button. It will stop when you
release the button.
Direction - Your train is programmed to start in
neutral. The train will always cycle neutral-forward-
neutral-reverse with each press and release of the
direction button. The engine is programmed to restart
in neutral each time the track voltage is turned off for
25 seconds or more.
Basic Operation
Proto-Sound 2.0
Volume Adjustment
Knob
Manual Volume Control
To adjust the volume of all sounds
made by this engine, turn the master
volume control knob located under the
left water hatch on the tender deck
clockwise to increase the volume and
counter-clockwise to decrease the
volume.
Figure 10: Manually Adjusting the Volume
Cycle Phases
Neutral
Neutral ForwardReverse

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Proto-Sound 2.0 Operating Instructions
This manual contains the operating instructions for Proto-Sound 2.0 in conventional
mode only. Instructions for accessing DCS command mode features accompany the
DCS Remote Control System equipment.
Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features
Proto-Sound 2.0 features are activated by sequences of Bell and Horn button pushes
described below. Please read the full descriptions of each feature before using it. To
use these buttons to activate features rather than to blow the horn or ring the bell, you
should tap the buttons very quickly with a ½-second pause between button presses.
You may need to practice your timing to make this work smoothly.
Timing Chart
Total Time Lapse: 1 Seconds½
Press
Horn
Short &
Firm
½ Sec.
Pause ½ Sec. Pause
Press
Bell
Short &
Firm
Press
Bell
Short &
Firm
Feature to Be Activated Button Code:
Passenger Station Announcements
Fire the Rear Coupler
Fire the Front Coupler
Speed Control On/Off
Lock into a Direction
Reset to Factory Defaults
1 Bell, 2 Horns
1 Bell, 3 Horns
1 Bell, 4 Horns
1 Horn, 2 Bells (from Neutral only)
1 Horn, 3 Bells
1 Horn, 5 Bells (from Neutral only)

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Your engine is equipped with a sound package of passenger station announcements that
you can play when you pull into a station. Each sequence described below will play as
long as it is left on, randomly generating sounds, but be sure to allow approximately 30
seconds between the button pushes described below to allow the PSA sufficient time to
run through each sequence.
•To cue the sound system to play the PSA, quickly but firmly tap the Bell
button once followed by 2 quick taps of the Horn button while the engine is
moving. Tap the buttons quickly but allow approximately ½ second between
each press.
• Press the Direction button once to stop the engine. This will trigger the first
sequence of PSA. 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 Horn and Bell buttons until
the full PSA sequence is complete.
•After waiting about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press the Direction
button again to trigger the second sequence of PSA.
•After about 30 seconds, press the Direction button again to trigger the third
PSA sequence.
•Again, after allowing about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press the
Direction button one more time to trigger the fourth and final PSA sequence.
The PSA will continue, and within a few seconds, the engine and bell 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. Once the bell turns off, the
operator regains control of the transformer's bell and Horn buttons and can
ring the bell or blow the Horn as usual.
Passenger StationAnnouncements (PSA)

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Tips on Using PSA
•You can terminate PSA at any time by turning off power to the track for 15 seconds.
•You donot have to be in Forward to use PSA. At the conclusion of the full sequence,
the train will pull away from the station in whatever direction you were going when you
activated the feature.
•You can use PSA even if you are double-heading with another engine. If the second
engine is not equipped with Proto-Sound 2.0, you must remember not to leave the
throttle at a high voltage level once you have stopped the engine to run the PSA.
Otherwise, the engine without PSA will begin vibrating on the track as its motors strain
to move the train, since they cannot be automatically disabled during the PSA cycle (or
if an original Proto-Sound engine, PSA are triggered differently and that engine's
motor-disable feature will not be active when you run PSA in Proto-Sound 2.0).
•PSA can be triggered from Neutral. It will operate the same as if triggered while in
motion except that, at the conclusion of the PSA, the engine will depart in the next
direction of travel, as opposed to the direction it was traveling before entering Neutral.
Proto-Coupler® Operation
This locomotive is equipped with one or more coil-wound Proto-Couplers for remote
uncoupling action. Because Proto-Couplers are controlled through the Proto-Sound 2.0
microprocessor, they do not require an uncoupling track section or modification to your
layout to function. You can fire a coupler from neutral or while in motion. Use the
code shown below (and in the chart on p. 7) to fire the coupler(s).
Rear Coupler:
To fire the rear coupler, quickly tap the Bell button once followed by three quick taps of
the Horn button, allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick button
press. The sound of the liftbar and air line depletion will play, and the knuckle will be
released.
Front Coupler:
To fire the front coupler (if your engine has one), quickly tap the Bell button once
followed by four quick taps of the Horn button, allowing approximately ½ second to
lapse between each quick button press. The sound of the liftbar and air line depletion
will play, and the knuckle will be released.
Horn Horn
Fire
Rear
Coupler
=
Horn
Bell
Horn Horn
Fire
Front
Coupler
=
Horn Horn
Bell

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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. Because the engine will run more slowly at a given throttle voltage
when speed control is on than when it is off, you should adjust the throttle to a lower
power level for operation with speed control off to avoid high-speed derailments.
When speed control is off, the volume will drop to allow for better low voltage
operation.
To turn speed control on and off, put the engine in neutral, then quickly tap the
transformer's Horn button one time then quickly tap the Bell button two times,
allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick button press. Two horn
blasts will indicate that the engine has made the change. Repeat the 1 horn, 2 bells
code to return it to the other condition. You will want to do this during the initial
neutral upon start-up if you ever couple this engine to another engine that is not
equipped with speed control to avoid damaging the motors in either engine. Each time
you shut down the engine completely, it will automatically turn speed control on.
Speed Control
Horn
Place
Engine into
Neutral
Bell Bell
=
Speed Control
Two Horn Blasts
(indicates change is made)
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition
Locking Locomotive Into ADirection
You can lock your engine into a direction (forward, neutral, or reverse) so that it will not change
directions. To do this, put the engine into the direction you want (or into neutral to lock it into
neutral), run it at a very slow crawl (as slowly as it will move without halting), and quickly but
firmly tap the Horn button once followed by three quick taps of the Bell button, allowing
approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick button press. Two horn blasts will indicate
that the engine has made the change. The engine will not change direction (including going into
neutral) until you repeat the 1 horn, 3 bells code to return the engine to its normal condition, even
if the engine is kept without power for extended periods of time.
Horn
Place
Engine into
Desired
Direction
Horn
Bell Bell Bell
=
Direction Lock
Two Horn Blasts
(indicates change is made)
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition

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Automatic Sound Effects
Certain Proto-Sound 2.0 sound effects automatically play in programmed conventional
mode conditions:
•Squealing Brakes play any time the engine's speed decreases rapidly.
•Cab Chatter plays at random intervals when the engine idles in neutral.
•Engine Start-up and Shut-down sounds play when the engine is initially
powered on or is powered off for five seconds or more.
Reset to Factory Default
To override the settings you currently have assigned to the engine and reset it to its
factory defaults, while in Neutral tap the Horn button quickly once, followed by five
quick taps of the Bell button, allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between each
quick button press. Two horn blasts will indicate that the engine has made the change.
Reset
Two Horn Blasts
(indicates change is made)
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition
Horn
Place
Engine in
Neutral =
BellBellBellBellBell

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The engine should be well oiled and greased in order to run properly.
You should regularly lubricate all side rods, linkage components and
pickup rollers to prevent them from squeaking. Use light household oil
and follow the lubrication points marked “L” in Fig. 7. Do not over-oil.
Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.
Maintenance
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions
Body Mount Screws Body Mount Screw
(Under truck)
Pivot Screw
Figure 11: Removing the Body
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.
To access the gear box and axles, do the following:
1. Turn the engine upside down.
2. Remove the Phillips screws (marked “GREASE”). One is located directly under the
front pick up roller. The other is located in the center of the drive wheels.
3. Use a grease tube dispenser to put a small amount (approx. 1-2 ml.) of lithium-based
grease into the gearbox and axles.
4. Replace the screws.
You should also grease the leading and trailing locomotive truck tongues to enhance
their ability to slide on the chassis. Follow the grease points shown on Fig. 12.

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Grease Screw (G)
Grease Pivot Point (G)
Body Mounting Screws Body Mounting Screw
(Under Leading Truck)
Grease Pivot Point (G)
Figure 12: Lubricating The Grease Points
Periodically check the locomotive wheels and pickups
for dirt and buildup, which can cause poor electrical
contact and traction as well as prematurely wear out the
neoprene traction tires.
Wheels and tires can be cleaned using denatured (not
rubbing) alcohol applied with a cotton swab.
Tire Traction Replacement Instructions
(3-Rail Version Only)
Your 3-rail locomotive is equipped with two neoprene rubber traction tires on the rear
set of flanged drivers. While these tires are extremely durable, you may need to
replace them at some point.
1. Remove the side rods from the wheels in order to slip the new tire over the grooved
drive wheel. Make sure to note the position of all rods before removing.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
Cleaning the Wheels, Tires and Track

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5. Make sure the tire is fully seated inside the groove. Use a razor blade to trim away
any excess tire that doesn’t seat itself inside the groove properly.
6. Reinstall the side rods in the same positions as noted. Failure to align rods may cause
binding or damage to the drive system.
One set of replacement tires is packaged with your model. Additional sets are available
directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department (phone: [phone]; e-mail: parts@mth-
railking.com; mail: 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532).

The locomotive’s lights are controlled by a constant voltage circuit in the engine. They
are easy to remove and replace when they burn out. See the diagrams and directions
below for instructions on accessing and replacing the light bulbs in this locomotive.
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Headlight Replacement Instructions
Figure 13
Headlight:
The locomotive’s headlight is controlled by a constant voltage circuit in the engine.
The headlight is easy to remove and replace when it burns out. 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.
1. Remove boiler from chassis as shown in Figure 11 on page 14
2. Pull wires from inside boiler
3. Unplug connector
4. Remove bulb from headlight shell
5. Install new bulb in reverse order

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The two special AAsize 1.5v NiCad self-charging batteries recharges continuously
during train operation and should last for up to five years. The batteries are dry
batteries that should not leak or cause any damage to your engine. Depending upon
when your engine was built, they may need to be charged right out of the box.
If engine sounds seem distorted or garbled at low voltages or become silent when
power from the transformer is turned off, test the batteries to determine whether they
should be recharged or replaced.
Test: Put the engine in neutral and leave the track voltage at 10-12 volts (high enough
for the lights to shine brightly and the engine to move steadily) for 15 minutes.
Recharge: If the sounds are improved at the end of the 15-minute test charge, the
batteries charge has run down and can be recharged. There are a number of ways you
can do this:
Leave the engine in neutral with track voltage at 10-12 volts for 6-7 hours so the
batteries can fully recharge (if your engine has a smoke unit, be sure it is turned off).
Use M.T.H.'s battery recharger (sold separately) that plugs into a wall outlet and a
special port under the tender water hatch to recharge the batteries overnight without
leaving it on the track. (See figure 15)
Replace: If the sounds are not improved at the end of the 15-minute test charge, it is
time to replace the batteries. Available through M.T.H. Parts. (See figure 14)
DO NOT substitute alkaline batteries for these NiCad batteries. Using alkaline
batteries in this system will result in damage to the PS 2.0 circuit board and/or the
batteries.
Self Charging Battery Backup
Figure 14 Figure 15

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This Premier steam locomotive contains a self-powered smoke unit that outputs smoke
through the smokestack on the roof of the engine. The smoke unit is essentially a
small heating element and wick that soaks up and then heats a mineral oil-based fluid
that emits a harmless smoke. The smoke is then forced out of the stack by a small
electric fan. Smoke volume is controlled by the Proto-Sound 2.0 system.
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 figure 16). Werecommend 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 water hatch on the right
side of the tender (See figure 17). Failure either to add fluid to the unit or to turn it
off may damage the smoke unit heating element and/or wick 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.
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.
ProtoSmoke® Unit Operation
Figure 17
Figure 16
Smoke Switch
Add 15 - 20 Drops
of Smoke Fluid

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1. Once the boiler has been removed, remove the inspection cover (See figure 18).
Inspect the wick; if it is darkly discolored and hard, it should be replaced.
Replacement parts and wick replacement instructions are available directly from the
M.T.H. Parts Department phone: [phone]; e-mail: [email protected]:
7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532
Inspect Cover
Screws
Figure 18
If you experience poor or no smoke output when the smoke unit is on and has fluid,
check the wick to see if it has become hard, blackened, and nonabsorbent around the
heating element. To remove the smoke unit you will first have to remove the boiler
shell (by removing the body mounting screws shown in Fig. 11 on pg. 14).