MTHTrains MTH F-3 DIESEL ENGINE User manual

R
ELECTRIC TRAINS
MTH F-3 DIESEL ENGINE
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for purchasing the MTH Electric Trains F-3 diesel locomotive.
This ¼” scale reproduction of the famous F-3 A-B-A locomotive consist
measures over 39” in length and weighs over 11 pounds. Despite its scale
size, the locomotive is capable of operating on O-31 3-rail track with any
compatible AC transformer (see the chart on page 33 for a complete list of
compatible transformers and wiring instructions) and is completely
compatible with most other 3-rail locomotives, rolling stock and
accessories.
The locomotive is equipped with several deluxe features that are simple
and fun to operate. Each feature is described among the following pages
which should be read before the engine is operated. For those of you who
can’t wait to get started, the Quick Start Basic Operating Instructions
found on Pages 3 and 4 should be read so that you understand the basics of
the operating system. Please note that some features are only found in the
ProtoSound® models and are marked as such. Features not marked as
ProtoSound features are available in all models.

2
MTH F3 Diesel Engine
Table Of Contents
QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION 3
PROTOSOUNDS® OPERATINGINSTRUCTIONS 4
DCRU® Reverse Unit Operation(All 3-Rail Models) 5
Horn Operation 5
Bell Operation 5
ProtoCoupler® Operation 6
Squeaking Brake Sounds 7
Tips On Using Squeaking Brakes 8
Passenger Station Sounds (PFA) 9
Tips On Using The Passenger Station Sounds 13
Self-Recharging Battery Backup System 15
Replacing The Battery 15
ProtoSound® Volume Adjustment 16
USING “RESET" TO PROGRAM PROTOSOUNDS™ 17
Entering RESET Options 17
Setting The Engine Volume 18
Programming For A Separate Bell Button Controller 19
Programming For Squeaking Brake Operation 19
Programming For Horn In Neutral Operation 20
Programming For Cab Chatter Sounds 21
Programming For ProtoCoupler Operation 22
Programming For PFA Operation 22
Activating Reverse Unit Lock-Out Control 23
Resetting All ProtoSound® Options To Factory Defaults 24
Reverse Unit Lockout Control Functions 25
Locking The Engine Into Forward or Reverse 25
Unlocking The Engine 25
Locking The Engine Into Neutral 25
OIL & LUBRICATION INSTRUCTIONS 27
TRACTION TIRE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS 28
LIGHT BULB REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT 29
TROUBLE SHOOTING PROTOSOUND®PROBLEMS 30
ProtoSound® RESET Feature Chart 32
Transformer Wiring Chart 33
O-31 OPERATION 34
SERVICE AND WARRANTY INFORMATION 40
HOW TO GET SERVICE 40
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY 40
WARNING:
When using electrical products, basic safety precautions should be followed including the
following:
-- Read this and all related manuals (transformer/power supply, locomotive, etc.) thoroughly
before using this device.
-- This device is not recommended for children under 8 years of age without adult supervision.
-- MTH recommends parents examine the toy transformer used to power this device periodically
for conditions that may result in the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, such as
damage to the primary or output cord, plug blades, housing or other parts (including proper
functioning of the circuit breaker), and that, in an event such conditions exist, the transformer
should not be used until properly repaired.

3
MTH F3 Diesel Engine
QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION
The MTH F-3 contains state-of-the art electronics with several built-in
automatic features for incredibly realistic operation. Despite these advanced
features, the F-3 is easy to operate with any compatible standard AC
transformer (see the compatibility chart on page 33). The F-3 locomotive
is controlled by a ProtoSound® DCRU® electronic reverse unit. The
reverse unit operates in the same manner that all reverse units function by
using forward, neutral and reverse states that are entered each time the
throttle is turned on and off or by using the transformer direction switch (if
so equipped).
The reverse unit is designed to ignore dirty track, dead spots on switches
or minor short circuits without disrupting the engine operation, even at
slow, prototypical
speeds. Once the
engine is placed on
the track, the throttle
on the transformer
can be advanced.
You will see that
only the engine’s
lights come on and that
only two dings of the
ProtoSound bell occur
followed by the diesel
start-up sounds (on
ProtoSound equipped
3-rail models). The
engine does not run. This
is known as the RESET
state and is explained in
more detail beginning on
Page 4. The
ProtoSound® DCRU®
will not power the motors until the throttle is turned OFF and then ON
again. At this point, the engine will now function just like any other
electronic or mechanical E-unit.
AA SETS
Plug wire harness from
powered A unit into pow-
ered A unit in order to op-
erate directional head-
lights and coil couplers
AB SETS
Plug wire harness from
powered A unit into non-
poweredBunit.
ABA SETS
Plug wire harness from
powered A unit into non-
powered B unit. Then
plug wire harness from
non-powered B unit into
non-powered A unit in or-
der to operate directional
headlights and coil cou-
plers in the non-powered
Figure 1: Plugging In the ProtoSound® Cable Harness
RESET
Neutral
Reverse
Neutral
Forward
Figure 2: DCRU™ Cycle Phases
ProtoSoundVolume
ControlKnob
CouplerDirection
Switch
Figure 2: Locating The Proto-Coupler® Selection Switch

4
MTH F3 Diesel Engine
PROTOSOUNDS® INSTRUCTIONS
The MTH ProtoSound® digital sound and train control system provides
the operator with unprecedented realistic operation on your model railroad.
In addition to actual diesel engine, CD-equivalent 16-bit digital sounds,
you get the following features:
1. ∗Built-In DCRU Reverse Unit * Authentic Diesel Engine Horn Sound *
Authentic Diesel Engine Bell Sound * Squeaking Brake Sound * Passenger
Station Sounds * Operating Remote Controlled Proto-Coupler® *
Self-Recharging Battery Back-Up System With Automatic Battery Shut-Off *
Remotely Controlled Reverse Unit Lock-Out * Remotely Adjustable Diesel
Engine Volume * Upgradeable Microprocessor Options * Authentic Diesel
Engine Start Up & Shut Down Sounds * Random Selection of Four “Cab
Chatter" Radio Transmission Sound Clips * Authentic Diesel Shut Down Sounds
Each feature is described among the following pages. Though the system
is easy to use, we encourage you to read the instructions thoroughly.
PROTOSOUND® DCRU® REVERSE UNIT
As mentioned in the Basic Operating section, the engine is controlled by a
ProtoSound® DCRU® reverse unit that contains the standard
forward-neutral-reverse states found on most reverse units. However, as
described earlier, when power is first applied to the track, the reverse unit
begins in RESET or what seems like a neutral state. Power must be
interrupted again to get the locomotive to enter the forward state. It is this
first RESET state that gives ProtoSound® its unique, remote controlled
functions. The system will enter RESET whenever power to the track is off
for three or more seconds. NEUTRAL will be referred to as the state
between Forward and Reverse.
ProtoSounds® is equipped with a microprocessor, that, depending on the
amount of memory it is allotted, allows the user to utilize several remotely
activated functions. In the simplest terms, ProtoSounds® has its own
“Computer" controlling these functions. In fact, the power of this
microprocessor is the same as that of a 286 desktop computer! In order to
access many of these remotely controlled functions, the user must be in the
RESET state to do so. RESET is entered anytime power to the locomotive
has been off for more than 3 to 5 seconds. When the engine first enters

5
MTH F3 Diesel Engine
RESET, the microprocessor initiates a system check to determine if the
system, transformer and engine are operating correctly. This takes
approximately 2.2 seconds during which you will hear the engine’s startup
sounds begin. In order for ProtoSounds to properly initiate the system
check, do not advance the transformer throttle past 10 volts when you first
enter RESET, wait for the diesel startup sounds to begin and then slowly
turn the transformer throttle to the off position and then back on again to
enter the forward phase. Interrupting the power too quickly may cause the
system to re-enter RESET (signaled by two dings of the bell). Should this
happen, wait longer before interrupting the power to enter the Forward
phase.
ProtoSounds® comes with several programmable functions, including
Engine Volume Adjustment, Separate Bell Button Operation
(pre-programmed at the factory), Cab Chatter On/Off Control, ProtoCoupler
On/Off Control and Horn-In-Neutral Operation. Each of these features are
described in more detail later. You will notice that when in RESET, your
engine will not respond to the whistle button with a horn blast or continuous
bell ringing. In fact, when in RESET and the whistle button is depressed,
only one single bell chime will be heard each time the whistle button is
pressed. If you don’t want to configure or change your locomotive using
any of these programmable features, simply leave RESET and wait 2.2
seconds before interrupting the power to put the engine in forward. After
you leave RESET, your engine will operate normally in all the direction
states of forward, neutral and reverse.
HORN OPERATION
Your MTH F-3 ProtoSound-equipped engine is equipped with a digital
recording of a diesel horn. The horn sound can be activated anytime the
engine is in forward or reverse by pressing the whistle button on your
transformer. The horn will continue to blow as long as the whistle button is
depressed. The horn will not function in RESET and must be configured
through a RESET option to allow the horn to work when the engine is in
neutral. See page 17 for information on horn programming in the Using
RESET To Program ProtoSounds® section of this manual.
BELL OPERATION
Your MTH F-3 ProtoSound-equipped engine is equipped with a digital
recording of an actual diesel bell. Unlike previous versions of ProtoSounds,
the bell can be turned on or off with any separate bell button, like the

6
MTH F3 Diesel Engine
Lionel® Railsounds® No. 5906 Bell Button, by simply pushing the button.
If you don’t have a separate bell button, the bell can be controlled through
your transformer’s whistle button whenever the engine is in NEUTRAL.
The bell will never ring continuously in RESET (Remember NEUTRAL is
the state between Forward and Reverse). Once the bell is turned on, it will
continue to ring when the engine is cycled into forward or reverse until you
press the bell button or re-enter NEUTRAL and turn the bell off with the
whistle button.
In fact, because of ProtoSounds® state-of-the-art design, the
microprocessor remembers its last command. Therefore, unless you turn
the bell off before you quit running your train, the next time you run the
engine, the bell will come on. No matter whether you come back an hour
later or a year later, the bell will begin chiming once the engine enters one
of the three directional states.
To turn the bell on using the transformer’s whistle button, turn on power to
the track and cycle the engine into NEUTRAL. Turn the throttle to 8 volts
or less (any higher voltage will arm the ProtoCoupler) and press the whistle
button. The bell should begin chiming. To turn the bell off, press the
whistle button again. If you want to keep the bell on while running the
engine, simply interrupt the power with the transformer throttle or the
transformer directional switch and enter forward or reverse.
PROTO-COUPLER® OPERATION
Your MTH F-3 ProtoSound-equipped locomotive has two coil-wound
Proto-Couplers® for remote uncoupling action. The couplers are mounted
on the leading power trucks of each A Unit. Because the Proto-Coupler® is
controlled through ProtoSound’s microprocessor, it doesn’t require an
uncoupling track section or modification to your layout to function. The
three simple steps below are required to operate the coupler.
1. Put your engine in NEUTRAL and turn the throttle all the way up.
2. Press the transformer whistle button to “Arm" the coupler. (You
will hear a “Clank")
3. After arming the
coupler, press the
whistle button again to
open the coupler. H H
Put Engine In Neutral
At Full Power
Press & Release
The Whistle Button Press & Release
The Whistle Button
Listen For The
Ca-Clunk Sound
See The Coupler Open
And Listen For The
Cha-Chusshh Sound

7
MTH F3 Diesel Engine
When the knuckle fires open you will hear the buzzing of the coil
energizing and the sound of the air lines coming apart. It can best be
described as a CHA-CHUSHHH sound. The coupler doesn’t’t have to be
fired in NEUTRAL. Once the coupler is armed it can be fired in Forward,
Neutral or Reverse. However,
you may find that the coupler
doesn’t’t open when firing the
coupler at high speeds. Reduce
the voltage setting on your
transformer if this occurs and
run your engine at a slower
speed before firing the coupler.
If the coupler continues to open
erratically, try lubricating the
knuckle with light oil as
indicated in Fig. 3.
For multiple heading purposes, only one of the two Proto-Couplers will
function at any one time. Use the coupler direction switch as shown in Fig.
1 on page 3 to select either the front or rear coupler. Simply slide the
switch toward the direction of the coupler you want to make active.
NEUTRAL-ACTIVATED CAB CHATTER SOUNDS
Your engine is equipped with four dispatacher-to-engineer “Cab Chatter”
radio transmissions that occur every 2 to 30 seconds. Each sequence will
play at random intervals to eliminate repetition. While the sounds are
selected to play randomly by the microprocessor, there is no guarantee that
you won’t hear the same message repeated twice or more times.
SQUEAKING BRAKE SOUNDS
ProtoSound equipped engines feature the ability to play the sound of
squeaking brakes whenever your engine slows in speed. There are two
settings for activating the squeaking brake sounds. The default setting
allows the brake sounds to play
while the engine is in forward or
reverse and the transformer
throttle is lowered from a high
setting to a low setting (14 volts
to 8 volts or less). The second
Lubricate
Coupler
Knuckle
Figure 3: Lubricating The ProtoCoupler Knuckle
Throttle Down From
High Voltage To Low Listen For The
Squeaking Brake Sounds

8
MTH F3 Diesel Engine
setting requires that a bell button be used to “arm” the brake feature and is
explained in more detail in the “Activating Freight Yard Sounds” section
found later in this manual. The sound itself is a stored record on the
ProtoSounds software chip and will always play the same brake sound for
the same three second length each time the voltage is reduced from high to
low. Some practice may be required to synchronize the playing of the brake
sounds with the movement of the engine. It is not uncommon for the engine
to stop before the brake sound is completed. Operators will find that by
coordinating the movement of the throttle setting from 8 volts to off will
allow the engine to maintain its movement while the brake sounds play.
Note: The brake sounds will not be heard if the transformer throttle is not
set above 14 volts and/or not reduced below 8 volts.
TIPS ON USING THE SQUEAKING BRAKE
FEATURE
Because the squeaking brake feature always plays for approximately 3
seconds, it is possible that the brake sounds will play longer or shorter than
what visually seems prototypical. You will find that by practicing with the
brake feature, you can quickly determine how quickly to throttle down and
what speeds and voltage settings give you the most prototypical braking
effect.
Typical users will find the feature to be a very realistic way to simulate the
sound of an engine slowing down for curves, crossings or coming to a stop at
a station, side track or switch yard. As mentioned above, you will find that
initially your engine may continue to play the brake sounds once your engine
comes to a stop or that the sounds stop prematurely before the engine comes
to a complete halt. For example, if you simply run the engine and turn the
throttle off quickly, the brake sounds will likely continue playing even
though the engine has come to a complete stop. This annoying effect can be
eliminated by simply practicing with the brake feature. In no time, you will
quickly learn how to “feather" the throttle to keep the engine moving while
the brake sounds play and then turning the throttle off just as the sounds stop.
Remember that once you stop the engine, you should turn the throttle to the
off position if you don’t want to activate the Freight Yard Sounds feature
described later in this manual.
The ProtoSound squealing brake feature also has the ability to simulate the
squeal of wheel flanges when your train enters a curve at high speeds. The
same brake squealing sound plays, but you don’t need to reduce the
transformer throttle to activate the squealing sounds. To play the squealing
sounds as wheel flange sounds, trigger the brake feature using either method
1 or 2 above. Once triggered set the transformer throttle setting at 14 volts or
higher. As your engine enters a curve (or anywhere on the layout) quic[ky
“flick" your transformer whistle button about half way. This “flicking"
action causes the transformer to release a short DC signal that ProtoSounds
reads as an indicator to activate the brake sounds. The engine won’t slow

9
MTH F3 Diesel Engine
down even though the sounds play. This simulates the wheel flange squeal of
a train travelling through a turn too quickly.
Note: Consistent activation of the wheel flange squealing is determined by the
condition of your transformer’s whistle button rectifier disc. Older rectifier
discs may not release a clear and strong enough DC signal required by
ProtoSound’s computer to play the wheel flange squealing.
SELF-RECHARGING BATTERY
BACKUP
ProtoSounds® state-of-the-art design includes a self-recharging battery
backup system for improved performance at any speed. The self-recharging
battery backup system is automatically turned on or off whenever track
power is turned on or off. There are no switches to turn on or off to enjoy
the benefits of the automatic battery backup system. The battery ensures
that power to the sound system will remain on during directional changes,
setting RESET options, or when traveling over dirty track and switches.
The battery is a rechargeable NiCad type which is continually charged from
the track when power is applied. NiCad batteries are a dry battery and
should not leak or cause any damage to your locomotive and will last up to
five years or longer. If you notice that the sounds seem distorted or garbled
at low voltages or become silent when power from the transformer is shut
off, the battery may be going bad. Before replacing the battery, you should
put the engine in NEUTRAL and leave the transformer throttle at about 12
volts for fifteen minutes. This should temporarily recharge the battery. If
the garbled or distorted sounds are reduced, then your battery charge has
worn down. You can give your battery a full charge by leaving the engine
ON in NEUTRAL for 16 to 18 hours.
REPLACING THE PROTOSOUND BATTERY
The ProtoSound® battery is a special NiCad 7-cell, 8.4v battery - NOT the
6-cell, 7.2v battery found in most convenience stores. The 6-cell NiCad is
NOT recommended for use with ProtoSound® applications. Replacement
ProtoSound® batteries are available from MTH ProtoSound Electronics at
7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046. A standard 9v
alkaline battery can be substituted as a temporary fix, but since alkaline
batteries can’t take a charge, it will eventually wear down. Regardless, it
should give you a week to a couple of months use while you wait for your
replacement ProtoSound® battery to arrive.

10
MTH F3 Diesel Engine
PASSENGER ANNOUNCEMENTS (PFA)
ProtoSounds is now equipped with operator controlled passenger station
announcements, hereby known as PFA. This easy to use feature plays
digitally reproduced passenger station sounds whenever your engine stops
at a train station on your layout. No additional wires or modifications are
needed on your layout to enjoy these amazing sound effects. The sounds
themselves are randomly generated and randomly “shuffled” on the
ProtoSounds software chip. This gives the system the ability to produce
different sounds in a different order each time the PFA feature is enabled.
These different sounds are heard each time you cycle the transformer
throttle from on to off in the same manner that you would cycle the throttle
to enter the various states of forward, neutral and reverse. The entire PFA
sequence is designed to simulate the arrival, disembarking, embarking, and
departure of a train entering and leaving a train station. The sounds include
public address arrival and departure messages, passenger disembarking and
embarking sounds, conductor voices and general train station ambient
sounds. Each is described in more detail in the following sections.
ACTIVATING PASSENGER SOUNDS
Your ProtoSounds equipped engine features an operator controlled
passenger station sound set. Once activated, this easy to use feature plays
digitally reproduced sounds of a passenger station whenever you stop your
engine in the neutral position at a train station on your layout.
ARMING THE PASSENGER SOUNDS FEATURE
Before the passenger station sounds can be heard, ProtoSounds must
activate the feature so that the next time the engine enters the neutral
position, the sounds can play, The feature can be activated one of two ways.
Option 1: If you are using a separate bell button controller to ring your
bell (like the Lionel Railsounds No. 5906 bell activation button) you can
activate the feature by
pressing and holding
the bell button for three
seconds or longer (it
doesn’t matter if you
are in forward, neutral
or reverse). You will
Put Engine In Neutral,
Forward or Reverse
Press & Hold
The Railsounds® Bell Button
For 3 Seconds
Listen For The
Start Of The Bell Sound
Listen For The
Air Release Sound
After 3 Seconds

11
MTH F3 Diesel Engine
hear the bell chiming turn on and if you listen carefully you should hear an
air release sound after three seconds have passed at which time you can
release the bell button. (Note: because the air release sound is hard to
hear, we recommend that you count out a full three seconds before
releasing the bell button.) The bell will continue to chime, so if you want to
turn off the bell ringing, simply press and release the bell button a second
time. If you were in neutral when you triggered the brake feature, interrupt
the transformer throttle to enter either forward or reverse to allow the
engine to begin running. (Note: the feature will only be activated in the
first direction state you enter after triggering the feature from the neutral
position. You cannot interrupt the power twice to enter another direction
state and still have the passenger sound feature active.) Once your engine
begins running, you can trigger the sounds to begin playing whenever you
enter neutral.
Option2 If you do not have a separate bell button on your layout, you can
still activate the feature with your transformer whistle button. To activate
the feature turn on the transformer throttle and get your engine into the
neutral position (not RESET). Once in neutral, set the transformer throttle
at 8 volts or less and press and hold the whistle button for at least three
seconds. You will hear the bell chiming turn on and if you listen carefully
you should hear an air release sound after three seconds have passed at
which time you can release the whistle button. (Note: because the air
release sound is hard to hear, we recommend that you count out a full three
seconds before releasing
the whistle button.) The
bell will continue to chime,
so if you want to turn off
the bell ringing, simply
press and release the bell
button a second time.
Interrupt the transformer
throttle to enter either
forward or reverse to allow the engine to begin running. (Note: the feature
will only be activate in the first direction state you enter after triggering
the feature from the neutral position. You cannot interrupt the power twice
to enter another direction state and still have the feature active.) Once your
engine begins running, you can trigger the sounds to begin by entering
neutral.
Put Engine In Neutral
At Low Power
Press & Hold
The Whistle Button
For 3 Seconds
Listen For The
Start Of The Bell Sound
Listen For The
Air Release Sound
After 3 Seconds
H

12
MTH F3 Diesel Engine
ACTIVATING AND TRIGGERING PASSENGER
STATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
Before PFA can be heard the feature must be activated first. Activation is
accomplished by holding down the bell button for three or more seconds as
described in the Activating and Triggering The Passenger Station Sounds
section found earlier on page 8.
Once the feature is activated, PFA will be played the next time the engine
enters the neutral position. In order for PFA to begin, power must remain
on once the engine enters the neutral position. At this point ProtoSounds
has taken over control of your engine and disabled the bell and whistle
buttons from any further operator functions. In addition, ProtoSounds has
reconfigured the way the DCRU reverse unit functions by disabling the
reverse unit state during operation of the PFA feature. This forces the
engine to leave your station in the same direction it arrived. The following
operator controlled “events” control PFA’s actions and sounds.
Event 1 (Forward) While the locomotive is running in forward (or
reverse) PFA is activated by the operator pushing and holding the bell
button down for three or more seconds. The locomotive bell begins
chiming and can be left on or turned off without disabling PFA.
Event 2 (Neutral Before Reverse) The operator now interrupts the
transformer throttle to stop the engine and put it into neutral. If the throttle
setting was at 14 volts or higher, ProtoSounds will play the sound of
squealing brakes as the engine comes to a stop.
I. Upon stopping of the engine, the operator must immediately turns
the throttle back on as the engine sits in
neutral. If the bell was not turned off
after activating PFA, it now turns off
automatically.
Note: Failure to turn the throttle
back on within 3 seconds of leaving the
forward phase will disable PFA and
shutdown ProtoSounds. The next time you turn power back on your
engine will be in the RESET position. See page 6 for more
information.
Put Engine In Neutral
At Low Power

13
MTH F3 Diesel Engine
II. After entering neutral, ProtoSounds will immediately play an air
release sound followed approximately two seconds later by an arrival
message. The arrival message lists the
train by name and the track it arrived on
(the track is identified as either track 1 or
track 2, alternating each time during the
current operating session). Immediately
following the arrival message, the sound
of the trains’ doors opening can be heard,
followed by a conductor’s warning to
passengers to “watch your step.” At this
point, various randomly activated ambient train stations sounds will
begin playing and replaying as long as the engine sits in this neutral
state (Neutral Before Reverse). The sounds include passenger
footsteps as they disembark, muffled voices, baggage being moved
about, crashing sound, and whistling for a taxi. In addition, several
highlight or foreground sounds play including more conductor voices
saying “watch your step”, “have a nice day”, and “baggage to the
right”.
Event 3 (Reverse) The operator now interrupts the transformer throttle
again to enter the next reverse unit phase;
reverse. In an effort to enhance realism,
PFA has disabled the reverse phase so that
it doesn’t power the motors and cause the
engine to move backward. Upon entering
reverse, PFA confirms to the operator that
it has entered the reverse state by
immediately playing the highlight sound of
the conductor’s voice saying “baggage to
the right.” This is followed by the continued ambient sounds of passenger
footsteps, muffled voices, baggage being moved about, crashing sound and
whistling for a taxi. These sounds and the conductor highlight are randomly
repeated as long as the system remains in
the “reverse” state.
Event 4 (Neutral Before Forward)
The operator now interrupts the
transformer throttle again to enter the next
reverse unit phase; neutral before reverse.
PFA confirms to the operator that it has
entered the neutral before forward phase by
emmitting two quick air release sounds.
Listen For Air Release Sound
And Cab Chatter Message
Listen For Engine
Rumbling Sound
Interrupt Throttle To
Enter The Next Phase
Listen For 2
Air Release Sounds
Interrupt Throttle To
Enter The Next Phase

14
MTH F3 Diesel Engine
This is followed by a public address message that the train on track 1 or 2
(whichever track number the arriving public address message stated) is now
boarding. Upon completion of the PA message, two conductor voice
highlights randomly begin playing. These conductor voices include
“Welcome Aboard” and “Tickets Please”. In
addition to the two conductor highlights, the
station ambient sounds continue and still
include passenger footsteps, muffled voices,
baggage being moved about, crashing sound
and whistling for a taxi. The departing
public address message automatically repeats
itself every 60 seconds with the highlights
and station ambient sounds randomly
occurring as long as the system remains in
the “neutral before forward” phase.
Event 5. (Forward) The operator now interrupts the transformer
throttle again to enter the next reverse unit phase; forward. PFA confirms
to the operator that it has entered the forward phase by playing a conductor
voice yelling “All Aboard!” Immediately after playing “all aboard”, the
sound of the doors closing is heard. Within two seconds of the doors
closing, the locomotive bell begins chiming and the air compressor pumps
start. After approximately 7 chimes of the bell, the engine automatically
begins moving out in the forward phase with the bell continuing to ring
another 7 chimes before automatically turning off. Once the bell turns off
the operator regains control of the transformer whistle and bell buttons and
can ring the bell or blow the whistle as usual.
Note: When entering the forward phase of PFA, it is important to set the
transformer throttle at a high enough setting that will allow the engine to
begin moving once PFA automatically activates the motors. Otherwise, the
engine will just sit still until you increase the throttle setting on the
transformer.
Listen For The Sound
Of Passenger Door Closing
Interrupt Throttle To
Enter The Next Phase

15
MTH F3 Diesel Engine
TIPS ON USING THE PFA FEATURES
PFA is a unique feature of ProtoSounds that is completely controlled by the
operator. You decide how, when or if you want to utilize the feature. By
reviewing following tips you should find solutions or suggestions to the various
operating scenarios you might encounter when using PFA.
Tip #1: You can escape the PFA sequence by interrupting the transformer
throttle before the first PA (Public Address) arrival message plays in Event 2
(neutral before reverse).
Tip #2: You can terminate PFA at anytime by turning the transformer
throttle off for 15 seconds.
Tip #3: You do not have to be in the forward state to utilize PFA. For
example if you activate the PFA feature while in reverse and interrupt the
throttle to enter neutral, you will be entering neutral before forward rather than
neutral before reverse as defined in Event 2 above. Consequently, the forward
phase will be rendered inactive by ProtoSounds instead of the reverse state as
explained in Event 3. This will allow your train to leave the train station in the
same reverse direction that it arrived in.
Tip #4: You can utilize PFA even if you are double-heading with another
engine, regardless of whether it is equipped with ProtoSounds or PFA. If the
engine isn’t equipped with PFA, the only thing to remember is that you not turn
up the transformer throttle very high when entering the reverse state found in
Event 3. If the throttle is set too high, then the second locomotive will begin
vibrating on the track as its motors will be turning in the reverse state since
engines not equipped with PFA cannot disable the reverse state and will thus
continue powering their own motors. If your second engine is equipped with
PFA, it can be disabled by entering RESET function 28. See the section on
programming RESET functions on page 17 of this manual to disable PFA.
Tip #5: It is not necessary for the squealing brake sounds to be heard to
play the PFA sounds. For example, the brake sounds won’t be heard if the high
voltage setting is below 13 volts and the power is interrupted to enter the neutral
state.
Tip #6: You can leave any of the event states at any time after entering the
state by simply interrupting the transformer throttle. Any sound effects
programmed to play in that event will simply not occur. The only exception is
Event 2 and Event 5. In Event 2, interrupting the throttle has no affect on PFA
until after the PA arrival message has played and the doors have opened. In
Event 5, you cannot interrupt PFA until after the engine begins to move.
Interrupting the throttle before the engine begins to move has no affect on the
locomotive.

16
MTH F3 Diesel Engine
PROTOSOUND® VOLUME ADJUSTMENT
Your ProtoSound® system has two types of volume adjustment. A
manual turn knob on the bottom of the chassis (See Fig. 4 below) allows
you to control all the sounds in the system and a remote control “RESET"
option (Option # 6), allows you to control the volume level of the engine
sounds remotely from the transformer. Turning the volume adjustment
knob clockwise will increase the volume and counterclockwise will lower
the volume of all sounds; bell, horn, engine sounds, Cab Chatter, etc.
ProtoSoundVolume
ControlKnob
Figure 4: Adjusting The ProtoSound Volume

17
MTH F3 Diesel Engine
USING “RESET" TO PROGRAM
PROTOSOUNDS®
As mentioned earlier, there are several programmable options in each
ProtoSound-equipped engine that can be remotely set from any compatible
standard AC transformer equipped with a whistle button. For a list of
compatible transformers, see the chart on page 33. This hands-off approach
gives you unprecedented control of your railroad empire’s motive power
never before seen in model railroading. Each programmable feature can be
accessed whenever your engine is in the RESET state as described earlier
on page 4. By following the instructions below you will find the
programming easy and straight forward.
ENTERING RESET OPTIONS
ProtoSound® is equipped with a few programmable features that are
accessed in the RESET state by moving the transformer throttle up and
down between full voltage and low voltage (6 to 8 volts) without shutting
the transformer off completely. Each time this is done you advance, one
feature at a time, through the available options. An air-release sound is
heard each time the throttle is advanced. In addition, there are special
sounds to tell you what RESET position you are in.
For example, if you want to select Feature 2, you put the engine in
RESET, and move the throttle up and down from full throttle to low two
times. After the second
advance, you will hear
two “clinks" indicating
that the computer is now
in Feature 2. Advance the
throttle again and you will
hear three “clinks" for
Feature 3. Advance it two
more times and you will hear a “clank" indicating that you are now in
Feature 5. Advance the throttle two more times and you will hear a “clank"
and two “clinks" indicating Feature 7. ((5 throttle advancements = 1 clank)
+ (2 throttle advancements = 2 clinks)). “Clank + “Clink" + “Clink" =
Feature 7. You can advance the throttle as quickly as you like (though you
may not hear the air-release sounds) and the computer will still remember
the number of times the throttle is advanced by playing back the number of
“Clinks" and “Clanks" to confirm the feature you’ve selected.
In RESET Mode
Move The Throttle
Up & Down From
High Voltage To Low
2 Times
Advance The Throttle
Up & Down From
High Voltage To Low
4 More Times
Listen For The
2 Clink Sounds
Listen For 1 Clank
And 1 Clink Sounds

18
MTH F3 Diesel Engine
SETTING THE ENGINE VOLUME
Of all the sounds that come with each ProtoSound-equipped locomotive,
the one most often turned down is that of the engine volume because it is
the one sound normally heard whenever the engine is running and is what
usually can become tiresome to the ear over prolonged running sessions.
The volume adjustment is controlled through RESET Feature 6.
To access the feature, advance the transformer throttle to put the engine in
RESET. Move the throttle up and down, as described on page 5, 6 times.
After you hear the “clank" and “clink" indicating that you are in Feature 6,
press the whistle button
to select the engine
volume level you desire.
Pushing the whistle
button once will give
you full volume, which
is the factory setting.
Pushing the whistle
button a second time
will give you 50% volume, pushing it a third time will give you 25%
volume and pushing it a fourth time will give you no engine sound. The
microprocessor will immediately play the sound level each time the whistle
button is pushed so that you can decide if it is acceptable. You can recycle
through the four choices by simply continuing to press the whistle button.
Once you have decided on the appropriate volume level, turn the
transformer throttle off and on again or press the transformer direction
switch to lock in your selection. The volume adjustment will remain set at
the level you have chosen until you change it again. Regardless of the
engine volume setting, the horn, bell, compressor and Cab Chatter sounds
will function normally. In fact because only the engine volume is affected
by selections in Feature 6, when you select 0 volume, you can still hear the
horn, bell and Cab Chatter sounds when the engine is running or in neutral.
In RESET Mode
Move The Throttle
Up & Down From
High Voltage To Low
6 Times
Listen For 1 Clank
And1 ClinkSounds
Push The Whistle Button
Until You Reach The
Setting You Desire
Interrupt The Throttle
To “Lock-In”
The Volume Setting
H

19
MTH F3 Diesel Engine
PROGRAMMING FOR A SEPARATE BELL BUTTON
CONTROLLER
To operate ProtoSounds with a
separate bell button controller,
like the Lionel® No. 5906 bell
button, you will need to wire up
the controller to your
transformer and track as shown
in Fig. 5. Once the button is
wired, ProtoSounds comes
preprogrammed to allow you to
operate the bell by simply
pushing the bell button once.
To turn the bell off, push the button again. If the bell doesn’t’t function
when you press the button, you may need to re-program ProtoSounds to
operate with a separate
bell button controller. To
do this enter RESET and
go to Feature 20. (See
the sectionUsing RESET
To Program
ProtoSounds®on page
17.) Once in Feature 20,
pressthe whistle button
and wait for the module to sound a bell ding(s). Continue pushing the
whistle button until the module plays back two dings (signifying that the
module has been programmed for a bell button). Simply turn the throttle off
and then on again to “Lock-In" the new setting. To reset the computer to its
original factory (default) setting (no separate bell button operation), repeat
the above procedure but keep pushing the whistle button until the computer
only responds with one bell ding.
PROGRAMMING FOR SQUEAKING BRAKE
OPERATION
ProtoSounds can be programmed for squeaking brake operation in three
different manners; (1)Squeaking brakes can be activated by bell button
control, (2)they can be programmed for continuous operation subject to
throttle changes or (3)they can be programmed to be turned off. The default
setting is (2) Squeaking brakes are activated for full-time operation as
Common
RED Wire
BLACK Wire
U
AU BU CU D
Figure 5: Wiring Up A Bell Button
In RESET Mode
Move The Throttle
Up & Down From
High Voltage To Low
20 Times
Listen For 5 Clank
And 0 Clink Sounds
Push The Whistle Button
Until You Hear 2 Dings
Interrupt The Throttle
To “Lock-In”
The Bell Button Setting
H

20
MTH F3 Diesel Engine
described on page 8. To change the default setting, enter RESET and go to
Feature 45. (See the section Using RESET To Program ProtoSounds® on
page 17). Once in Feature 45, press the whistle button and wait for the
module to sound a bell ding(s). Continue pressing the whistle button until
the module plays back one ding for option 1 - Squeaking brakes are
activated by the bell
button. Press the whistle
button again until the
module plays back two
dings for option 2 -
squeaking brakes are
activated for full-time
operation, or press the
whistle button again until
the module plays back
three dings for option 3 -Squeaking brakes off. Once you have decided on
the desired setting, simply turn the throttle off and then on again to
“Lock-In” the new setting. To reset the computer to its original factory
default setting (option 2 - squeaking brakes are activated for full-time
operation, repeat the above procedure but keep pushing the whistle button
until the module only responds with one bell ding.
PROGRAMMING FOR HORN IN NEUTRAL
OPERATION
If you are operating your engine with a separate bell button and want to
blow your horn when your engine is in neutral, you will need to program
ProtoSounds to do so as the factory setting only allows the horn to blow in
forward or reverse. To do this, enter RESET and go to Feature 25. (See the
section Using RESET To
Program ProtoSounds® on
page 17.) Once in Feature 25,
press the transformer whistle
button and wait for
ProtoSounds to sound a bell
ding(s). Continue pressing
the whistle button until
ProtoSounds sounds two bell
dings (signifying that
ProtoSounds has been programmed to sound the horn in neutral). Turn the
throttle off and then on again to “Lock-In" your selection. Now, whenever
you are in neutral, you can blow the horn with the transformer whistle
In RESET Mode
Move The Throttle
Up & Down From
High Voltage To Low
45Times
Listen For 9 Clank
And 0 Clink Sounds
Push The Whistle Button
Until You Hear The
Appropriate # Of Dings
Interrupt The Throttle
To “Lock-In”
The Brake Setting
H
In RESET Mode
Move The Throttle
Up & Down From
High Voltage To Low
25 Times
Listen For 5 Clank
And0ClinkSounds
Push The Whistle Button
Until You Hear
2 Bell Dings
Interrupt The Throttle
To “Lock-In”
The Horn Setting
H