MTHTrains EMD FP-45 User manual

R
ELECTRIC TRAINS
EMD FP-45 DIESEL
LOCOMOTIVE
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for purchasing the MTH Electric Trains EMD FP-45 diesel engine. This 1/4" scale
reproduction of the famous EMD roadhorse measures more than 18 inches in length and
weighs almost 6 pounds. Despite its scale size and intricate detailing, it can operate for years
on O-31 3-Rail track with any compatible standard AC transformer (see the chart on page 25)
and is completely compatible with most 3-rail locomotives, rolling stock and accessories. If you
purchased the 2-rail model, the engine should negotiate 36 inch radius curves and is
completely compatible with any DC power source.
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. Those features marked for 2 and 3-rail are found in all model types.
Features not marked as such are only available in the 3-rail ProtoSound equipped models.

FP-45 Diesel Operating Manual 2
Table Of Contents
QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION (2 And 3-Rail Models) 3
PROTOSOUNDS™ OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 5
DCRU™ REVERSE UNIT OPERATION (All 3-Rail Models) 6
HORN OPERATION 7
BELL OPERATION 7
SQUEAKING BRAKE SOUNDS 8
ACTIVATING AND TRIGGERING THE SQUEAKING BRAKE SOUNDS 8
TIPS ON USING THE SQUEAKING BRAKE FEATURE 9
FREIGHT YARD SOUND EFFECTS (FYS) 9
ACTIVATING AND TRIGGERING FREIGHT YARD SOUNDS 10
TIPS ON USING THE FYS FEATURES 12
PROTO-COUPLER OPERATION 13
SELF-RECHARGING BATTERY BACKUP SYSTEM 13
PROTOSOUND™ VOLUME ADJUSTMENT 14
USING “RESET" TO PROGRAM PROTOSOUNDS™ 15
ENTERING RESET OPTIONS 15
SETTING THE ENGINE VOLUME 15
PROGRAMMING FOR A SEPARATE BELL BUTTON CONTROLLER 16
PROGRAMMING FOR HORN IN NEUTRAL OPERATION 17
TURNING OFF CAB CHATTER SOUNDS 17
PROGRAMMING FOR PROTOCOUPLER OPERATION 17
PROGRAMMING FOR SQUEAKING BRAKES AND FYS OPERATION 18
ACTIVATING REMOTE LOCK-OUT CONTROL 18
RESETTING ALL PROTOSOUND OPTIONS TO FACTORY DEFAULTS 18
REVERSE UNIT LOCK-OUT OPERATION 19
LOCKING THE ENGINE INTO FORWARD OR REVERSE 19
UNLOCKING THE ENGINE 19
LOCKING THE ENGINE INTO NEUTRAL 19
OIL & LUBRICATION INSTRUCTIONS 20
TRACTION TIRE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS 21
HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT 21
TROUBLE SHOOTING PROTOSOUND™ PROBLEMS 22
TRANSFORMER COMPATIBILITY AND WIRING CHART 25
PROTOSOUND RESET FEATURE CHART 26
SERVICE AND WARRANTY INFORMATION 27
HOW TO GET SERVICE 27
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY 27

3 FP-45 Diesel Operating Manual
QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION
The MTH FP-45 contains state-of-the art electronics with several built-in automatic
features for incredibly realistic operation. Despite these advanced features, the 3-rail FP-45
is easy to operate with any compatible standard AC transformer (see the compatibility chart
on page 25). The 2-rail models will operate with any DC power source. All models are
equipped with an operating smoke system that should be primed with smoke fluid
before operating. Adding 10 - 15
drops of fluid through the smoke
stack should be sufficient. If you
choose to not prime the units
with fluid, turn the smoke unit
switch located under the leading
drive truck to the OFF position.
(See Figure 1) For more
information see the section on
page 4 on Smoke Unit operation.
The 3-rail models are controlled
by two DCRU™ electronic reverse
units. 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 2-rail model’s direction is controlled through the
polarity of the DC power source and operate the same as all 2-rail DC engines.
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
3-rail 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 6. The 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. On ProtoSound-equipped engines, the diesel engine sounds will
change in volume as the engine begins to move. The horn can be activated by pressing the
whistle button on the transformer just as any horn would be activated. See the sections later
in this guide, beginning on page 7, for more information on activating the horn and bell
sounds.
Figure 1: Coil Coupler Direction Switch
ProtoSound Volume
Control Knob
Smoke Unit
Switch
Coupler Direction
Switch

FP-45 Diesel Operating Manual 4
SMOKE UNIT OPERATION
The FP-45 contains a self-powered smoke unit that outputs a steady stream of smoke
through the smoke stack on the roof of the engine. The ON/OFF switch located next to the
leading drive truck must be in the ON position in order for the smoke unit to function. See
Fig. 2 below.
The smoke unit is essentially a small heating element and wick which soaks up and then
“cooks" a mineral oil-based fluid that
omits a harmless smoke. The
smoke is then forced out of the stack
via a small electric fan which runs at
a constant speed. However, the
smoke intensity can be varied by
increasing the transformer voltage
setting. The higher the setting, the
more intense the smoke output.
For best results, we recommend
that you add 10 - 15 drops of Seuthe,
LGB or LVTS fluid before you run the
engine. If you don’t choose to add
the fluid, then the smoke unit switch
should be turned off. Failure to
either add the fluid or turn the switch
off could lead to damage to the smoke unit heating element and or wicking. Add the fluid
through the smoke stack hole as indicated in Figure 3. After adding the fluid, gently blow
into the stack to eliminate any air bubbles. Do not overfill the unit as overfilling can cause
the fluid to leak out and coat the
interior engine components. When
the smoke output begins to diminish
while running the engine, an
additional 10-15 drops of smoke fluid
should be added or the smoke unit
switch should be turned off.
When storing the engine for long
periods of time, you may want to add
at least 15 drops of fluid to keep the
wick soaked with fluid and prevent it
from drying out. After removing the
engine from storage, it is advisable to
add another 25 drops of fluid, letting
the wick soak up the fluid for 15
minutes prior to operation.

5 FP-45 Diesel Operating Manual
SMOKE UNIT MAINTENANCE
CAUTION: Operating the engine without smoke fluid and with the smoke unit switch in the
ON position can damage your smoke unit wick, causing the wick to become hard,
blackened and unabsorbant around the heating element. When this occurs, it may be
difficult for the wick to soak up the smoke fluid resulting in poor or no smoke output. If that
occurs, we recommend that you inspect
and/or replace the wick taking care to not
run the engine without fluid in the future.
You can inspect the wick to see if it needs
replacement by removing the smoke unit
inspection cover from the body as seen
in Fig.4. After removing the chassis and
inspection cover screws lift the
inspection plate away and inspect the
wick. If the wick is darkly discolored and
hard, it should be replaced.
NOTE: Replacement bottles of smoke
fluid, such as LGB or LVTS Fluid are
available at most hobby shops.
Replacement smoke unit wicks can be
purchased directly from MTH Electric
Trains.
PROTOSOUNDS™ OPERATING 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 EMD
engine, CD-equivalent 16-bit digital sounds, you get the following features:
Built-In DCRU Reverse Unit * Authentic EMD Horn Sound * Authentic EMD Bell Sound *
Squeaking Brake Sound * Freight Yard Sounds * Operating Remote Controlled
ProtoCoupler™ * 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.
Smoke Unit Assembly
Mounting Screws

FP-45 Diesel Operating Manual 6
DCRU™ REVERSE UNIT AND PROTOSOUNDS
OPERATION(All 3-Rail Models)
As mentioned in the Basic Operating section, the engine is controlled by a 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 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 Turbine Whine
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.

7 FP-45 Diesel Operating Manual
HORN OPERATION
Your EMD FP-45 ProtoSound-equipped engine is equipped with a digital recording of a
EMD 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 EMD FP-45 ProtoSound-equipped engine is equipped with a digital recording of an
actual EMD bell. The bell can be turned on or off with any separate bell button, like the
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.

FP-45 Diesel Operating Manual 8
SQUEAKING BRAKE SOUNDS
ProtoSounds is now equipped with operator controlled squeaking brake sounds. Once
activated, this easy to use feature plays the sound of squeaking brakes whenever the
transformer throttle is reduced from high voltage to low voltage simulating the application of
the brakes as you enter curves or slow down for crossings and passenger stations. The
sound itself is a stored record on the ProtoSounds software chip and will always play the
same brake sound for the same 3 second length each time you reduce the voltage from
high to low.
ACTIVATING AND TRIGGERING THE SQUEAKING BRAKE SOUNDS
Before the brake squeaking can be heard, ProtoSounds must be activated for the brake
sound feature. The brake sound feature can be activated in 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 squealing brake 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 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 brake sound 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 brake feature active.)
Once your engine begins running, you can activate the brake sounds by reducing the
transformer voltage from a high setting to a low setting.
Option 2 If you do not have a separate bell button on your layout, you can still activate the
brake sound feature with your transformer whistle button. To activate the brake 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 brake sound 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 brake feature active.) Once your engine begins running, you can activate the brake
sounds by reducing the transformer voltage from a high setting to a low setting.

9 FP-45 Diesel Operating Manual
Note: Once the brake feature is activated and the engine is running, it is possible that the
brake sounds may not occur if the transformer throttle setting is not set high enough before
throttling down. We recommend that after activating the brake feature, you run the engine
at no less than 14 volts before throttling down to approximately 8 volts or less to ensure that
the brake sounds occur.
Note: After activating the brake feature, whenever you stop the engine by either turning the
transformer throttle off or by entering neutral, the brake feature becomes disabled and
must be reactivated using either of the two methods above.
Note: If the brake feature is activated using method number 1 from either forward or
reverse and you interrupt the throttle to enter neutral and leave the throttle on, you may
activate another ProtoSound feature in this engine; Passenger Station Announcement.
See the section later in this manual on Passenger Station Announcement.
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.
FREIGHT YARD SOUNDS (FYS)
ProtoSounds™ comes equipped with operator controlled Freight Yard Sounds, hereby
referred to as FYS. This easy to use feature plays digitally reproduced freight yard sounds
whenever your engine stops on your layout and is parked in the Neutral position. 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 FYS 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 FYS
sequence is designed to simulate the arrival, loading or unloading and departure of a
freight train in a freight yard. Each sequence is described in more detail in the following
sections.

FP-45 Diesel Operating Manual 10
ACTIVATING AND TRIGGERING FREIGHT YARD SOUNDS
Before FYS 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 Squeaking Brake Sounds section found earlier on page 6 Once the
squeaking brake feature is activated, FYS will be played the next time the engine enters the
neutral position. In order for FYS 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 FYS feature. This forces the engine to leave
your freight yard in the same direction it arrived in. The following operator controlled
“events” control FYS’s actions and sounds.
Event 1 (Forward) While the locomotive is running in forward (or reverse) FYS 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 FYS.
Event 2 (Neural 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 squeaking brake sounds as the engine comes to a
halt.
A. Upon stopping of the engine, the operator must immediately turn the throttle back
on to keep the engine in the Neutral position. If the bell was not turned off after
activating FYS, it now turns off automatically.
Note: Failure to turn the throttle back on within 3 seconds of leaving the Forward
phase will disable FYS and shutdown ProtoSounds™. The next time you turn power
back on your engine will be in the RESET position. See page 4 for more information
on RESET.
B. After entering Neutral, ProtoSounds™ will immediately play an air release sound
followed approximately 2 seconds later by a Cab Chatter Arrival Message. The arrival
message announces what yard the engine has arrived in (the yard is described as
either Yard A or Yard B, alternating each time FYS is enabled during the current
operating session. If the engine is turned off for more than three seconds,
ProtoSounds will automatically return to the Yard A message the next time FYS is
enabled). Immediately following the arrival message, the sound of freight car doors
can be heard opening, followed by the sounds for forklift engines. At this point various
freight yard sounds can be heard including forklift operation, engine sounds, reverse
warning horn beeps, and additional freight car door sounds.

11 FP-45 Diesel Operating Manual
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, FYS has disabled the
reverse phase so that it doesn’t power the motors causing the engine to move backward.
Upon entering reverse, FYS confirms to the operator that it has entered the reverse phase
by immediately playing a highlight sound best described as a rumbling sound. You may
have to go through the entire FYS sequence several times before you can clearly identify
this sound. After the rumbling highlight is played, the freight yard sounds heard in Event 2
continue to play randomly.
Event 4: (Neutral Before Forward) The operator now interrupts the transformer throttle
again to enter the next reverse unit phase, neutral before forward. FYS confirms to the
operator that it has entered the neutral before forward phase by emitting two quick air
release sounds. This is followed by a Cab Chatter message that the engine in Yard A or B
(whichever yard designation was played in Event 2) is preparing to depart the yard. Upon
completion of the cab chatter message, the freight yard sounds change as the forklift
sounds turn off and the freight car doors begin shutting.
Event 5: (Forward) The operator now interrupts the transformer throttle again to enter the
next reverse unit phase; Forward. FYS confirms to the operator that it has entered the
Forward phase by playing the sound of the freight car door closing. Within 2 seconds of the
door closing, the locomotive bell begins chiming, the diesel engine sounds come on and
the air compressor pumps start. After approximately 7 chimes of the bell, the engine begins
moving 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 horn as usual.
Note: When entering the Forward phase of FYS, it is important to set the transformer
throttle at a high enough setting that will allow the engine to begin moving once FYS
automatically activates the motors. Otherwise the engine will just sit still until you increase
the transformer throttle setting on the transformer.

FP-45 Diesel Operating Manual 12
TIPS ON USING FYS FEATURES
FYS 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 the following tips,
you should find solutions or suggestions to the various operating scenarios you might
encounter when using FYS.
Tip #1: You can escape the FYS sequence by interrupting the transformer throttle before
the first Cab Chatter message plays in Event 2 (neutral before reverse).
Tip #2: You can terminate FYS at anytime by turning the transformer throttle Off for 15
seconds.
Tip #3: You do not have to be in the Forward phase to utilize FYS. For example, if you
activate the FYS 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 phase as explained in Event 3. This will allow your train to leave the
yard in the same reverse direction that it arrived in.
Tip #4: You can utilize FYS even if you are double-heading with another engine regardless
of whether the second engine is equipped with an FYS programmed ProtoSound™
module. If the second engine isn’t equipped with FYS, the only thing to remember is that
you not turn up the transformer throttle very high when entering the Reverse phase 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 they cannot be disabled
automatically like FYS equipped engines. If your second engine is equipped with FYS, you
may want to disable it when used in double-headed operations. To disable FYS, see the
section on programming RESET functions on page 18 of this manual.
Tip #5: It is not necessary for the squeaking brake sounds to be heard to play the FYS
sounds. for example, the brake sounds won’t be heard if the high voltage setting is below
13 volts when 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 effect on FYS until after the arrival Cab Chatter message has completed and
the freight car doors have opened. In Event 5, you cannot interrupt FYS until after the
engine begins to move. Interrupting the throttle before the engine begins to move has no
affect on the locomotive’s operation.

13 FP-45 Diesel Operating Manual
PROTO-COUPLER OPERATION
Your EMD FP-45 ProtoSound-equipped locomotive has two coil-wound ProtoCouplers™
for remote uncoupling action. The couplers are mounted on the power trucks. Because the
ProtoCoupler is controlled through ProtoSound’s microprocessor, it doesn’t’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.
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. 5.
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 A
Unit or Tender’s coupler. Simply slide the switch toward the direction of the coupler you
want to make active.
SELF-RECHARGING BATTERY BACKUP SYSTEM
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
Figure 3: Lubricating The Proto-Coupler™
Lubricate Coupler Rivet

FP-45 Diesel Operating Manual 14
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.
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 9693-A Gerwig Lane, 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.
REPLACING THE PROTOSOUND BATTERY
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.
PROTOSOUND™ VOLUME ADJUSTMENT
Your ProtoSound™ system has two types of volume adjustment. A manual turn knob on
the bottom of the chassis (See Fig. 3 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.
ProtoSound Volume
Control Knob
Figure 4: Manually Adjusting The ProtoSound Volume

15 FP-45 Diesel Operating Manual
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
25. 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 6. By
following the instructions below you will find the programming easy and straight forward.
ENTERING RESET OPTIONS
While ProtoSound™ is equipped with only a few programmable features, additional
memory chips can be obtained to “Upgrade" the system in the future. Programmable
features 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.
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
diesel. 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.

FP-45 Diesel Operating Manual 16
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.
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.
4. 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 section Using RESET To Program ProtoSounds™on page
15.) Once in Feature 20, press the 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.
Power Terminal
Wire (black)
Center Rail
Wire (red)
Outside Track
Wire (ground)
Figure 5: Wiring Up A Separate Bell Button

17 FP-45 Diesel Operating Manual
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 15.) 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 button. To reset ProtoSounds to its original factory setting of no horn in neutral,
repeat the above procedure but keep pressing the whistle button in Feature 25 until
ProtoSounds only dings once instead of twice.
Note: When “Horn In Neutral" is set, the bell will only operate with a separate bell button
and the horn will not sound in neutral if the transformer throttle setting is over 11 volts. At 11
volts or higher, ProtoSounds may arm the coil coupler for operation whenever the whistle
button is pressed and the engine is in neutral.
TURNING OFF CAB CHATTER SOUNDS
“Cab Chatter" sounds occur in the neutral position every 2 to 30 seconds. There are four
“Chatter" messages which play at random times. This helps to eliminate repetitive and
boring messages. While the sounds are selected to play randomly by the unit’s computer,
there is no guarantee that you won’t hear the same message repeated twice or more times.
If you don’t want to hear the Cab Chatter sounds, they can be turned off through Feature 23.
To turn off the Cab Chatter sounds, enter RESET and go to Feature 23. (See the section
Using RESET To Program ProtoSounds™ on Page 15.) Once in Feature 23, 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 the
module has been programmed to turn the Cab Chatter off). Simply turn the transformer
throttle off and then on again to lock in your selection. To turn the Cab Chatter sounds back
on again, repeat the above process, but keep pressing the transformer whistle button in
Feature 23 until ProtoSounds only sounds one bell ding.
PROGRAMMING FOR PROTOCOUPLER OPERATION
ProtoSounds comes with a RESET feature that allows the operator to remotely turn off the
ProtoCoupler functions. This is especially useful when double or triple-heading
ProtoSound equipped engines since every engine equipped with a ProtoCoupler will fire
when prompted to by the operator. By turning off the ProtoCoupler operation on certain
engines, you can fire the couplers open on the other engines without uncoupling the
engines from each other. To turn the ProtoCoupler function off, enter RESET and go to
Feature 10. (See the section on Using RESET To Program ProtoSounds™ on page 15.)
Once in Feature 10, press the transformer whistle button and wait for ProtoSound to sound
a bell ding(s). Continue pressing the whistle button until ProtoSounds sounds two bell

FP-45 Diesel Operating Manual 18
dings (signifying that the ProtoCoupler option has been turned off). Simply turn the
transformer throttle off and then on again to lock in the new setting.
PROGRAMMING FOR SQUEAKING BRAKES AND FYS
OPERATION
ProtoSounds™ is equipped with a RESET setting to turn off the Squeaking Brakes and
Freight Yard Proto-Effects (FYS) features. This is especially useful if you are double-
heading engines that are both equipped with FYS. You may not want to stop at a yard and
have both engines playing their FYS sound effects. To turn off Squeaking Brakes and FYS
(you cannot turn off one or the other), enter RESET and go to Feature 28. (See the section
on Using RESET To Program ProtoSounds™ on page 15). Once in Feature 28, press
the transformer whistle button and wait for ProtoSounds to sound a bell ding(s). Continue
pressing the whistle button on and off until ProtoSounds sounds two bell dings (signifying
that the Squeaking Brakes and FYS features have been turned off). Simply turn the
transformer throttle OFF and then ON again to lock in the new setting. To reset
ProtoSounds™ to its original factory setting of Squeaking Brakes and FYS on, repeat the
above procedure but keep pressing the whistle button in Feature 28 until ProtoSounds™
only dings once instead of twice.
ACTIVATING REMOTE LOCK-OUT CONTROL
ProtoSound equipped engines feature a RESET setting that allows the operator to
remotely “lock” the engine into forward, neutral or reverse. This is especially useful on
layouts that feature “blocked” track sections. The lockout feature comes from the factory in
the OFF position, meaning it is not active when you first take the engine out of the box. This
is done to prevent novice operators from accidentally locking their engine into forward,
neutral or reverse and then mistakenly thinking that the engine’s electronics have failed. To
activate the Remote Lockout Control setting, go to RESET Feature 40 (See the section
entitled Using RESET To Program ProtoSounds™ on page 15). Once in Feature 40,
press the transformer whistle button and wait for ProtoSounds to sound a bell ding.
Continue pressing the whistle button until ProtoSounds sounds two bell dings signifying
that the Remote Lockout Control has been selected. To lock in the setting, simply turn the
throttle all the way off and then back on again. To turn the Remote Lockout Control setting
back off, go back to Feature 40 and press the whistle button until only one bell ding sounds.
To lock in the setting, simply turn the transformer throttle off and then back on again.
Alternatively, you can go to RESET Feature 18 to reset all ProtoSound features back to
their original factory defaults including Remote Lockout Control.
RESETTING ALL PROTOSOUND OPTIONS TO FACTORY
DEFAULTS
ProtoSounds is equipped with a RESET feature (Feature 18) that resets all programmable
options back to their original factory settings. This is a useful feature if you find your engine
not operating the way you think it should and don’t want to take the time to check each
RESET feature one at a time. To reset all the RESET features back to their original factory
settings, enter RESET and go to Feature 18. (See the section entitled Using RESET To

19 FP-45 Diesel Operating Manual
Program ProtoSounds™ on page 15). Once in Feature 18, press the transformer whistle
button and wait for ProtoSounds to sound a garbled bell sound.
REVERSE UNIT LOCK-OUT OPERATION
ProtoSound’s unique design eliminates the need for a lock-out switch on the locomotive by
allowing the customer to lock the engine into any directional state (forward, neutral or
reverse) from the transformer. This will allow users to run the engine on layouts equipped
with block signals or stop stations which would normally cycle the engine back into neutral.
The feature must be first turned on by accessing RESET Feature 40 (See page 18).
LOCKING THE ENGINE INTO FORWARD OR REVERSE
To lock the engine into Forward or Reverse, use the transformer throttle to enter Forward
or Reverse (whichever state you want to lock the engine into) and while the engine is
moving press the whistle button. WHILE THE HORN IS BLOWING TURN THE
THROTTLE OFF AND THEN LET GO OF THE WHISTLE BUTTON. After about one
second, you will hear a short horn blast. QUICKLY TURN THE THROTTLE BACK ON
AGAIN. Your engine is now locked into Forward or Reverse and it will remain so until you
unlock the engine, even if you wait a year to run your engine again.
UNLOCKING THE ENGINE
Unlocking the engine is a similar procedure. WHILE THE ENGINE IS MOVING, PRESS
THE WHISTLE BUTTON. WHILE THE HORN IS BLOWING, TURN THE THROTTLE
OFF AND THEN LET GO OF THE WHISTLE BUTTON. After three seconds without
power you will hear one chime of the RESET bell. TURN ON THE POWER AGAIN. Your
engine is now in RESET and will operate normally once you interrupt power and enter the
forward direction.
LOCKING THE ENGINE INTO NEUTRAL
To lock the engine into the NEUTRAL position, PUT THE ENGINE IN NEUTRAL AND
WITH THE THROTTLE STILL ON, PRESS THE WHISTLE BUTTON. WHILE THE
WHISTLE BUTTON IS BEING PRESSED, TURN OFF THE THROTTLE AND LET GO OF
THE WHISTLE BUTTON. After about one second, you will hear a short blast of the horn.
QUICKLY TURN THE POWER BACK ON AGAIN. Your engine is now locked into
NEUTRAL.
NOTE:When locking the engine in the Forward or Reverse positions, the whistle button
will blow the horn. But when locking the engine into the NEUTRAL position, the whistle
button may turn on or off sounds of the bell, coupler arming or coupler firing depending on
the transformer throttle voltage settings prior to the user’s attempt to lock out the engine.
Remember, the horn doesn’t’t blow in NEUTRAL (unless you programmed it to do so using
Feature 25. See page 17 for details), only the bell rings or the coupler operates in
NEUTRAL. While it doesn’t’t make any difference on how the lockout function operates,
you may hear one of the three different NEUTRAL-activated sounds.
To unlock the engine from the NEUTRAL position, follow the process to unlock the engine
in the Forward or Reverse directions above.

FP-45 Diesel Operating Manual 20
OIL & LUBRICATION INSTRUCTIONS
In order for the engine to perform correctly and quietly, it is important that the chassis be
lubricated before operation. Lubrication should include all truck block bushings and pickup
rollers to prevent them from squeaking. Use light household oil and follow the lubrication
points marked “L" in Fig. 8 below.
Body Mount Screw
Body Mount Screw
Body Mount Screw
Body Mount Screw
Body Mount Screw
L
L
L
Figure 6: Lubricating The Trucks
The locomotive’s internal gearing in both power trucks has been greased at the factory and
shouldn’t need additional grease until after 50 hours of operation or one year whichever
comes first. Grease cannot be added to the internal gearing until the body is removed from
the chassis which is held in place by six Phillips screws. The screws are located on each
end of the chassis’ and next to the fuel tank as seen in Fig. 6 above. After removing the
screws, lift the body away from the chassis and lay the body next to the chassis.
Next, remove the truck blocks from the chassis by unscrewing the large Phillips motor
mount screw on the bottom of each truck block (See Fig. 7). Once the motor mount screw
has been removed, pull the motor away from the truck block and lightly coat the motor worm
gear and bronze drive gear (in the truck block) with grease. Reassemble the truck and
motor, being careful not to pinch the pickup and ground wires between the truck block and
motor mount. Repeat the procedure for the other motor and truck and then reassemble the
chassis to the body. When reassembling the chassis and body, be very careful that the
lighting wire harnesses are not caught between the body and chassis as this can lead to a
short which may damage the electronic circuit boards beyond repair.
"G" GREASE Motor Mount Screw Motor Mount Screw
Figure 7: Greasing The Trucks Gears