MTHTrains HO 2-6-6-6 Allegheny Quick start guide

M.T.H. HO 2-6-6-6 Allegheny
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!
PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE
(Ps3)
ENGINEER’S GUIDE
3
A
R
D
O
B
H
N
O
O
S
M
Y
S
E
T
** Ps3 model operates on 18” Radius Curves PFA
Passenger/Freight
Sound

M.T.H. HO 2-6-6-6 Allegheny Steam Engine
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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.
©2014, M.T.H. Electric Trains®, Columbia, MD 21046
CAUTION: ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PRODUCT:
WARNING: When using electrical products, basic safety precautions should be observed, including the following:
Read this manual thoroughly before using this device.
lM.T.H. recommends that all users and persons supervising use examine the hobby transformer and other electronic equipment
periodically for conditions that may result in the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, such as damage to the primary cord, plug
blades, housing, output jacks or other parts. In the event such conditions exist, the train set should not be used until properly repaired.
lDo not operate your layout unattended. Obstructed accessories or stalled trains may overheat, resulting in damage to your layout.
lThis train set is intended for indoor use. Do not use if water is present. Serious injury or fatality may result.
lDo not operate the hobby transformer with damaged cord, plug, switches, buttons or case.
Recommended for Ages 14 and up. Not recommended for children under 14 years of age without adult supervision.
As with all electric products, precautions should be observed during handling and use to prevent electric shock.
Rev.: 80st18070i_2-6-6-6 Allegheny Ps3 12/9/14
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Unpacking Your Engine.................................................................................4
Product Overview.............................................................................................................5
Getting to Know Your Engine ..................................................................................................5
Engine Diagram ...........................................................................................................................7
Set-up/Maintenence.................................................................................................7
Installing Mechanical Couplers..................................................................................................8
Smoke Unit Preparation and Use..............................................................................................9
Removal/Installation of Drive Wheels....................................................................................9
Lubrication..................................................................................................................................11
Features and Operation..........................................................................................12
Modes of Operation .................................................................................................................12
Analog DC (standard DC power pack)..................................................................................13
Volume Control .........................................................................................................................14
Smoke Control ...........................................................................................................................14
DCC Digital Command Control............................................................................................16
Start-Up/Shut-Down................................................................................................................16
Sounds .........................................................................................................................................16
PFA ..............................................................................................................................................17
Lights ...........................................................................................................................................17
Forward/Reverse Signal............................................................................................................18
Engine Sounds ...........................................................................................................................19
F Function List...........................................................................................................................21
DCS Digital Command System..............................................................................................22
Proto-Sound® 3.0 Expanded DCC Functionality......................................................24
Configuration Variables ............................................................................................................24
Cv29.............................................................................................................................................25
Feature/Factory Reset .............................................................................................................26
CV Programming.......................................................................................................................27
Advanced Consisting.................................................................................................................30
Programming Track...................................................................................................................34
Specifications ...........................................................................................................35
Recommended Transformers ..................................................................................................36
Troubleshooting Guide .................................................................................37
Service and Warranty Information.......................................................................43
Limited One-Year Warranty.....................................................................................................43
Engine and Tender Connection ................................................................................................7

M.T.H. HO 2-6-6-6 Allegheny 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 (refer to unpacking instructions on pg 4)…
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 OPERATOR….
Step 1: Unpack your engine (refer to unpacking instructions on pg 4)…
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 (refer to unpacking instructions on pg 4)…
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….

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.
M.T.H. HO 2-6-6-6 Allegheny Steam Engine
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PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Getting to Know Your M.T.H. HO Locomotive
Key Features
Your new HO is equipped with the exclusive M.T.H. Proto-Sound® 3.0
digital sound and control system. In plain English, this means your locomotive contains
state-of-the-art electronics providing realistic digital sounds, puffing smoke perfectly
synchronized with chuffing sounds and motion, precisely controlled speed in increments
of 1 scale mile per hour, and much, much, more.
Compatibility
The Proto-Sound 3 system is universally compatible with track power and/or signal
combinations including analog DC (regular DC transformer), DCC (NMRA Digital
Command Control), or DCS (MTH Digital Command System). Simply set your engine on
the rails, apply any one of these power/signal sources, and move out! The Proto-Sound 3
system automatically senses the track environment and adapts accordingly. A vast array of
realistic operation is automatic when the engine is run on analog DC. You can expand
access to features in a DCC environment. Experience the most your new locomotive has to
offer in the simple to use yet powerful world of DCS. To be clear, DCS is NOT a
proprietary version of DCC, as some other manufacturers offer. DCS is a comprehensive
layout control system designed with one primary goal: make model trains do amazingly
realistic things using a simple and intuitive controller. We put the complexity on the inside,
and the fun in your hands!
Digital Sound
Your Proto-Sound 3 (PS3) equipped engine contains over 100 individual recordings.
These recordings are played back dynamically at appropriate times to create a symphony
of realism for your ears. Hear the chuffs automatically intensify or lighten when speeding
up or slowing down, listen to the sounds of brakes squeaking and squealing as you come
to a stop, or enjoy the random conversations of railmen working as your model sits at idle.
It's all there and it's incredible.
Now, your HO Steam engine includes the ultimate in realism Proto-Whistle. With this
incredible new feature you have variable control over the steam whistle sound in your
locomotive (when operated in DCS mode with the DCS Commander or DCS software
version 4.0 or greater).
Steam engine
M.T.H. HO 2-6-6-6 Allegheny 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 2-6-6-6 Allegheny Steam Engine
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ENGINE DIAGRAM
M.T.H. HO 2-6-6-6 Allegheny Steam Engine
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Tender
Drive Wheels
Cab Interior
Light
Fireman/
Engineer
Figures
Lighted
Classification
Lights
Pilot Truck
Smoke Stack
Drive Wheels
Control Hatch
Boiler
Connecting the Engine to the Tender
Your MTH steam engine is equipped with a tetherless drawbar. There is no unsightly
cable or box showing between the engine and the tender to detract from the appearance
of the model. The electrical connections pass through conductors in the drawbar, so it is
important that the connector be properly inserted. The connector is fixed to the rear end
of the drawbar. The mating connector is attached to a swivel connection on the front of
the tender frame. The drawbar is connected to the engine chassis with a screw and should
not need any attention.
In order to mate the connectors of the drawbar and the tender, place the engine and the
tender on the track. Position the tender over the drawbar connector and insert the
drawbar pin on the swivel connector into the hole in the drawbar.
SET-UP

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.
M.T.H. HO 2-6-6-6 Allegheny Steam Engine
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Place the spacer
Insert the coupler (as shown) and
screw into place
SET-UP
Now grasp the tender with both hands as shown below and place a finger on each side of
the drawbar near the connector. Now using your fingers, push the connectors together.
The connector will make a slight click.

M.T.H. HO 2-6-6-6 Allegheny Steam Engine
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SET-UP
Smoke Unit Preparation and Use
Your is equipped with a proven fan-
driven smoke system design featured in MTH
products for over 10 years. The performance
and realism of this system is unparallel in the
model train industry.
Your smoke unit comes primed from the
factory however, before running the smoke unit
for more than a few minutes, you should add
more fluid. Add between 10-15 drops initially
and whenever smoke output diminishes or if
the engine has been stored for a long period of time. We provided some fluid with your
model to get you started.
The smoke unit is controlled differently depending upon how your run your engine so, for
particulars on turning it on or off or setting the output levels, check out the features and
operation section. You shouldn't run your smoke unit without fluid. Doing so can cause
overheating and reduce the performance and/or life of the unit. Of course, we
recommend using only MTH ProtoSmoke fluid. Super Smoke and LVTS brands also
work fine.
Removal/Installation of Drive Wheel Sets
Your HO Steam engine comes from the factory with traction tire equipped drive wheels
installed and an alternate set without traction tires available separately in the box. The
traction tires provide exceptional pulling power on grades and through curves but should
you prefer the traditional appearance of steel drive wheels, the alternate set can be easily
installed by following the steps below.
First, position the engine upside down in a foam cradle or other soft surface. Using the
3mm nut driver tool we provided in the box, carefully remove the drive rod screws (2) on
the set of drive wheels located 2nd from the rear. There's one on each side.
engine
Smoke Unit

Next, remove brake shoe detail by gently prying and pulling up the part and set aside.
Remove the screws holding down the rectangular chassis bottom cover. Carefully remove
the cover, then carefully remove the 2 screws holding down the gearbox cover, set them
aside and then stop. Don’t do anything further until reading the next step completely.
Before proceeding, there are a couple of important things to know. First, under the square
bushings on each end of the axle are tiny springs. They are critical to the proper operation
of your engine and you don't want to drop them. Next, look closely at the wheel set and
bushings and take note of their orientation.
M.T.H. HO 2-6-6-6 Allegheny Steam Engine
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Screws
Brake Shoe Lever & Bellcrank
Traction tire Nontraction tire
Brake Shoe Detail/bottom plate
Brake Shoe Lever & Bellcrank
Driver springs
Gearbox Cover
Gearbox Cover
Gearbox Screws
Gearbox cover
Gearbox cover
removed
Bushings
Gearbox Cover
Gearbox Screws

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.
Lubrication
Using light machine or household oil, apply a very small amount to all drive rods, linkages,
axles, and other moving parts as shown.
Your gearbox is properly greased at the factory and probably never needs service however,
if you run excessive hours pulling heavy loads, it's a good idea to remove the 2 screws
from the gearbox cover and re-grease using MTH gear grease or equivalent.
M.T.H. HO 2-6-6-6 Allegheny Steam Engine
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Driver springs
Lubricate Side Rods and Linkage (Both Sides) (LL)
Lubricate Axles (L)
(L)
(L)
(LL)
(LL)
(L) (L)
(L)(L)

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
DCC is a popular digital command control scheme wherein the track power is also a
digital control signal. That is, using a DCC controller, you can communicate with multiple
engines and have them all moving at different speeds or moving in opposite directions on
the same track at the same time. The power/command signal remains constant and
engines are “commanded” to perform as desired. MTH is new to DCC but, we recognize
it's importance to many HO operators. So, we loaded our engine with more DCC features
easily accessible to the operator than any HO engine ever built previously. You DCC guys
are in for a real treat!
DCS or Digital Control System
While the acronyms are close, this is about where the similarities between DCS and DCC
end. Yes, they are both digital control systems however, MTH DCS is NOT DCC. There
are several proprietary versions of DCC on the market but friend, this is NOT one of
them. MTH's DCS system is proven technology in the O and One gauge markets and
now, we've brought its power and simplicity it to you.
First, the power signal in DCS is NOT the command signal. Next, DCS employs a fully
functional bi-directional communication scheme opening a vast range of advanced
features and yet, is so simple and intuitive, you can enjoy them! No programming tracks,
bits and bytes, or conversion of binary to hexadecimal numbers here! To add an engine in
DCS, just press “ADD ENGINE.” After that, if you want to start your engine, just press
“START UP” or, to turn the smoke on or off, just press “SMOKE.” No combinations of
letters or numbers to remember! We think you're really going to like this!
M.T.H. HO 2-6-6-6 Allegheny 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 2-6-6-6 Allegheny 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 your moving at a pretty good clip and you reduce the throttle quickly, you may hear
the brakes squeak and squeal as the engineer applies them. Of course, they'll stop when the
engine does.
If things get too noisy, just locate the sound volume pot under the hatch on top of the
tender and adjust the volume from maximum down to off, whatever suits you. Turn it
counterclockwise to reduce the volume or clockwise to increase it.
Smoke
There is also a potentiometer for smoke control (exactly
like volume control). To increase or decrease smoke
volume, simply use a Phillips head screwdriver to turn the
potentiometer clockwise (increase output) or
counterclockwise (decrease output).
When you turn the smoke on, just give it a few seconds to
warm up. It doesn't start instantly. Once you see smoke
gently streaming out (or not if you prefer) snap the hatch
back in place and away you go. Once on, like the sounds, the
behavior is fully automatic. The model will puff out smoke
in exact synchronization with the chuffing sounds and driver
rotation at 4 per revolution. Amazing!
When the output begins to diminish significantly, add 10-12 drops to recharge the unit.
Again, give it a few seconds to warm back up. The cool fluid slows the action for a few
seconds. Also, watch out for bubbles that may block the stack. You may need to gently
blow down the stack to clear it.
M.T.H. HO 2-6-6-6 Allegheny Steam Engine
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Running the engine without
a primed smoke unit may
cause damage
Smoke Unit
Smoke
Potentiometer
Volume
Potentiometer

Lighting
Your model is equipped with a headlight, backup light, cab interior light, number board
lights and classification lights.
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 2-6-6-6 Allegheny Steam Engine
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DCC/Motorola Digital Command Control
Now, if your operating in this mode, you may very well know more about DCC than we do
so, we're going to stick to telling you about our engine in this operating environment. First
of all, in DCC mode, we brought all the features of analog DC along and of course, added
to them. Your new engine has more user features than any DCC engine ever built. Some
of them are even ahead of the world of DCC!!
Running the Engine
Set the engine on the rails, and apply DCC power. Refer to the Set-Up section of this guide
for instructions on how to connect the boiler and tender.
The first thing you will notice is the engine does absolutely nothing! Don't panic. This is by
design. MTH HO engines never do anything in command mode until told to do so,
regardless of what brand DCC controller you use. In this way, you could have a fleet of
MTH HO engines on the rails and they will remain shutdown until you command them to
start up.
F3 Start up/Shut Down
Select engine address 3 (factory default), press the F3 (Start Up/Shut Down) key, and your
engine will start-up. Lights, sounds, smoke, ACTION!!! Roll the throttle and away you go.
Our models are compatible with 14, 28, and 128 speed steps. We strongly recommend 128
because in this mode, speed steps correspond directly to scale speeds. That is, speed step
10 = 10 smph, speed step 47 = 47 smph, etc. You get the idea. When your done, press the
F3 key again, your engine will shut down.
To be clear, pressing F3 when the engine is shut down will start it up. Pressing F3 when
the engine is started up will shut it down. Pretty clever, eh?
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!
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!
M.T.H. HO 2-6-6-6 Allegheny Steam Engine
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F4 PFA
PFA in MTH lingo stands for passenger and freight announcements. Since your engine
provides freight service, you’ll hear freight yard sounds. PFA is a very popular sound
feature that's a staple in almost all MTH products. We had to give you this!
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.
Master Volume
F6 – Master Volume
There are 10 volume levels. Pressing F6 twice (toggling on then off) raises the Master
Volume one level. The Master Volume loops. That is, if you go past the 10th level it will
loop back around to the 1st or lowest volume level.
M.T.H. HO 2-6-6-6 Allegheny Steam Engine
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Couplers
Your MTH PS3-equipped engine comes with remotely controlled Proto-Couplers. They can
be fired using your DCC handheld at F7 and F8.
F7 – Front Coupler
Pressing F7 twice (toggling on then off) will fire your Front Coupler
F8 – Rear Coupler
Pressing F8 twice (toggling on then off) will fire your Rear Coupler
Forward/Reverse Signal
Just like a real engine, you can announce the direction of intended movement using your
DCC handheld and F9 and F10.
F9 – Forward Signal
Pressing F9 twice (toggling on then off) will sound the Forward Signal. This is two
whistle/horn blasts
F10 – Reverse Signal
Pressing F10 twice (toggling on then off) will sound the Reverse Signal. This is three
whistle/horn blasts
Grade Crossing Signal
Again, just like a real engine, you can trigger the Grade Crossing Signal on your engine. This
is two long, one short, one long whistle/horn blast.
F11 – Grade Crossing Signal
Pressing F11 twice (toggling on then off) will sound your Crossing Signal.
Smoke (if Equipped)
F12 – Smoke On/Off
Enabling F12 will turn the smoke unit on. Disabling F12 will turn your smoke unit off.
F13 – Smoke Volume
There are three smoke volume levels in your MTH PS3-
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.
M.T.H. HO 2-6-6-6 Allegheny Steam Engine
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Smoke
Potentiometer

M.T.H. HO 2-6-6-6 Allegheny Steam Engine
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Engine Sounds
F25 – Engine Sounds
You can turn the Engine Sounds On/Off by pressing the F25 button. Pressing it once
(enabling F25) will cause the Engine Sounds to shut off. TheWhistle/Horn and Bell sounds
will still be active, however. To turn the engine sounds back on press the F25 button again
(disable F25).
Additional F Functions
F14-F16 – Idle Sequence
Pressing F14, F15, or F16 twice (toggling on then off) will trigger an Idle Sequence if the
engine is not moving. These vary from engine to engine and may include things like checking
the coal load, checking the water level, using the Alemite grease gun on the drivers, etc. When
triggered, these will run through the sequence that varies in duration.
F17 – Extended Start-Up
If your engine is shut down or you've just applied DCC power pressing F17 twice (toggling it
on then off) will start the Extended Start-Up sounds. This is very similar to F3 except you will
hear the crew talking back and forth about getting the engine ready to run.
F18 – Extended Shut-Down.
If your engine is already up and running you can play the Extended Shut Down sounds by
pressing F18 twice (toggling on then off). The Extended Shut Down is very similar to F3 in
that the engine will ultimately shut down, but in the case of Extended Shut Down you will
hear the crew talking back and forth about how the engine ran, time schedules, etc.
NOTE – The engine must be sitting still in order to trigger F-Functions F14 through
F18
F19 – Labor Chuff
To force the Labor Chuff sound in a steam engine, press the F19 button once (enable F19). As
long as F19 is enabled the engine will play its Labor Chuff sounds. To set the sound back to
Normal Chuff press the F19 button again (disable F19).
F20 – Drift Chuff
To force the Drift Chuff sound in a steam engine, press the F20 button once (enable F20). As
long as F20 is enabled the engine will play its Drift Chuff sounds. To set the sound back to
Normal Chuff press the F20 button again (disable F20).
F21 – One Shot Doppler
You can set your MTH PS 3-equipped engine to simulate the actual Doppler Effect sound a
real engine makes as it passes you. To do this, press the F21 button once (enable F21) and then
listen as the engine makes that pitch shift that mimics the Doppler Effect perfectly. Press the
F21 button again (disable F21) to shut off the Doppler Effect. With a little practice in timing
and speed you can make this happen right in front of you.

M.T.H. HO 2-6-6-6 Allegheny Steam Engine
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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.