MTHTrains Premier Alco RS-11 Road Switcher Diesel... User manual

Premier Alco RS-11 Road Switcher
Diesel Engine
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
(3V PS-2)
(Proto-Scale 3-2)
Compatibility
This engine will operate on any
traditional O-36 Gauge track system,
®
including M.T.H.’s RealTrax or
™
ScaleTrax or traditional tubular track.
It is also compatible with most
standard AC transformers. (See page
24 for a complete list of compatible
transformers and wiring instructions.)
PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE
www.mthtrains.com
Passenger Station
Announcement
Freight Yard Sound

Table of Contents
Set Up Checklist...........................................................................................................
Lubrication.......................................................................................................
Checking the Battery.......................................................................................
Priming the Smoke Unit.................................................................................
Configuring the Locomotive for 2-rail or 3-Rail Operation.....................
Basic Operation.............................................................................................................
Activating Features...........................................................................................
Manual Volume Control..................................................................................
®
Proto-Sound 2.0 Operating Instructions................................................................
®
Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features........................
Freight Yard Sounds (FYS)/Passenger Station Announcements (PSA)..
™
Proto-Coupler Operation............................................................................
Speed Control...................................................................................................
Locking Locomotive Into A Direction.........................................................
Reset To Factory Default.................................................................................
Automatic Sound Effects.................................................................................
Maintenance....................................................................................................................
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions.........................................................
Cleaning The Wheels, Tires and Track.........................................................
Traction Tire Replacement Instructions.......................................................
Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement.............................................................
Self Charging Battery Back-Up......................................................................
™
ProtoSmoke Unit Operation...........................................................................
®
Troubleshooting Proto-Sound 2.0 Problems............................................
Additional Features Accessible with the DCS Remote Control System..
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart............................................
Recommended DC Power Supplies..............................................................
Service & Warranty Information...................................................................
Limited One-Year Warranty.............................................................................
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This product may be protected by one or more of the following patents: 6,019,289; 6,280,278;
6,281,606; 6,291,263; 6,457,681; 6,491,263; 6,604,641; 6,619,594; 6,624,537; 6,655,640.
©2010, M.T.H. Electric Trains®, Columbia, MD 21046
CAUTION: ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PRODUCT:
WARNING:When usingelectricalproducts,basic safetyprecautions shouldbe observed,including thefollowing:
Readthis manualthoroughly beforeusing thisdevice.
lM.T.H. recommends that all users and persons supervising use examine the hobby transformer and other electronic equipment
periodicallyfor conditionsthatmayresultintheriskoffire,electricshock,orinjurytopersons,suchasdamagetotheprimarycord,
plug blades, housing, output jacks or other parts. In the event such conditions exist, the train set should not be used until properly
repaired.
lDonot operateyour layoutunattended. Obstructed accessoriesor stalledtrains mayoverheat, resultingin damagetoyourlayout.
lThistrain setis intendedfor indooruse. Do notuse ifwater ispresent. Seriousinjury orfatality mayresult.
lDonot operatethe hobbytransformer withdamaged cord,plug, switches,buttons orcase.
Recommended for Ages 14 and up. Not recommended for children under 14 years of age without adult supervision. As
with all electric products, precautions should be observed during handling and use to prevent electric shock.

Set Up Checklist
- Lubricate the locomotive
- Check to see whether the battery needs to be charged for full sound effects
- Prime the smoke unit
- Apply power to run as described in the Basic Operating Section of this manual
Lubrication
You should lubricate the engine to prevent it from squeaking. Use
light household oil and follow the lubrication points marked “L”
shown below. Do not over-oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot
point.
Checking the Battery
You may find, if your locomotive was built several months before you set it up,
that the rechargeable battery has run down and needs to be charged before
operating. If you notice that the sounds are garbled, test and charge the engine as
described in the "Self-Charging Battery Back-Up" on page 17.
Premier Alco RS-11 Diesel Engine with PS-2 and Proto-Scale 3-2
3
DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
Lubrication Points on the Locomotive
Lubricate All Wheel Axles (L)
Lubricate Pick Up Roller Axles (L)

Priming the Smoke Unit
When preparing to run this engine, add 15-20 drops of smoke fluid through the
™
smokestack (shown below). We recommend M.T.H. ProtoSmoke fluid. Do not
overfill the unit or the fluid may leak out and coat the interior engine components.
If you choose not to add smoke fluid (or have already added fluid but choose to
run smoke-free), turn off the smoke unit by turning the smoke unit control to the
“OFF” position, fully Counter Clockwise position. Failure either to add fluid to
the smoke unit or to turn it off may damage the smoke unit heating element
and/or wicking material.
Cover is held in place with
magnets remove cover to access:
-Smoke unit control
-3-Rail, 2-Rail switch
-DCS polarity switch
-Master volume control
-Battery charger port
Premier Alco RS-11 Diesel Engine with PS-2 and Proto-Scale 3-2
4
Running the engine without a primed
smoke unit may cause damage
Adding Smoke Fluid
Smoke Unit Control
Add Smoke fluid
Smoke Unit Control

Your locomotive can be configured to operate on 2-Rail or 3-Rail track. From the
factory the locomotive is configured to operate on 3-Rail Track. To configure the
locomotive for 2-Rail track operation, please do the following:
1. Remove the center rail pickup roller assemblies
2. Change the power input from 3-Rail to 2-Rail as seen below.
Premier Alco RS-11 Diesel Engine with PS-2 and Proto-Scale 3-2
5
Configuring Locomotive for 2-Rail or 3-Rail Operation
3 Rail pickup
3-Rail Pickups
3-Rail / 2-Rail Switch
3-Rail / 2-Rail Switch

Premier Alco RS-11 Diesel Engine with PS-2 and Proto-Scale 3-2
6
Ensuring Proper Power to Track Polarity
Changing Track Polarity Inside the Locomotive
For 2-rail DCS operation, it is important that the polarity from the transformer to
the engine is properly configured. Correct polarity can be accomplished by
ensuring that the wiring from the TIU to the track and orientation of the
locomotive when sitting on the track follows the illustration below.
Failing to properly configure the polarity for 2-rail operations will result in the
locomotive starting in reverse instead of forward or not receiving the DCS signal.
Should this occur, it is not necessary to swap the wires from the transformer to the
track or reverse the locomotive’s orientation on the track itself. Instead, simply
slide the polarity switch shown below in the opposite direction. For the
configuration and polarity shown above the DCS Polarity switch should be
towards the front of the locomotive.
Proper 2-Rail Polarity wiring and locomotive orientation
Changing the polarity with the locomotive polarity switch
To TIU Black Terminal
To TIU Red Terminal
Locomotive FrontLocomotive Rear
DCS Polarity Switch

Basic Operation
The Throttle knob controls how fast your train will travel. Turn the throttle knob
up ½-way, until the engine and caboose lights shine bright. Put the engine into
motion by pressing the Direction button on your transformer once. (hold it for
approximately 1 second)
If the engine does not begin to move as soon as you firmly press the Direction
button, you may not have sent enough voltage to the track to make the train move.
Turn the throttle up a bit higher until the train begins to move.
Activating Features
Throttle - To increase or decrease track voltage, and therefore train speed, turn the
throttle control knob. Turning clockwise will increase voltage and speed, while
turning counterclockwise will decrease voltage and speed. The engine will maintain
the speed you set after you release the throttle until you turn it again to change the
voltage and speed.
Bell - To sound the bell, in an engine equipped with a bell firmly press and release
the Bell button. To turn the bell off, press and release the Bell button again. The
bell will continue to ring from the time you turn it on until you press and release
the button again to turn it off.
Horn/Whistle - To sound the whistle, firmly press the Horn/Whistle button. The
whistle will sound for as long as you continue to depress the button. It will stop
when you release the button.
Direction - Your train is programmed to start in neutral. The train will always
cycle neutral-forward-neutral-reverse with each press and release of the direction
button. The engine is programmed to restart in neutral each time the track voltage
is turned off for 25 seconds or more.
Premier Alco RS-11 Diesel Engine with PS-2 and Proto-Scale 3-2
7
Cycle Phases
Neutral
Neutral ForwardReverse

Manual Volume Control
To adjust the volume of all sounds made by this engine, turn the manual volume
control (shown below) clockwise to increase the volume and counter-clockwise to
decrease the volume.
Premier Alco RS-11 Diesel Engine with PS-2 and Proto-Scale 3-2
8
Manual Volume Control
Master Volume Control

Premier Alco RS-11 Diesel Engine with PS-2 and Proto-Scale 3-2
9
®
Proto-Sound 2.0 Operating Instructions
®
This manual contains the operating instructions for Proto-Sound 2.0 in conventional
mode only. Instructions for accessing DCS command mode features accompany the
DCS Remote Control System equipment.
®
Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features:
Proto-Sound 2.0 features are activated by sequences of Bell and Horn/Whistle button
pushes described below. Please read the full descriptions of each feature before using it. To
use these buttons to activate features rather than to blow the horn/ whistle or ring the bell,
you should tap the buttons very quickly with a ½-second pause between button presses.
You may need to practice your timing to make this work smoothly.
Freight Yard Sounds (FYS) or
Passenger Station Announcements (PSA):
Your engine is equipped with a sound package of either freight yard or passenger station
sounds that you can play. Each sequence described below will play as long as it is left
on, randomly generating sounds, but be sure to allow approximately 30 seconds
between the button pushes described below to allow the FYS/PSA sufficient time to
run through each sequence.
!To cue the sound system to play the FYS/PSA, quickly but firmly tap the Bell button
once followed by 2 quick taps of the Horn/Whistle button while the engine is moving.
Tap the buttons quickly but allow approximately ½ second between each press.
!Press the Direction button once to stop the engine. This will trigger the first sequence
of FYS/PSA. The reverse unit is temporarily disabled so that the train will not move as
you use the Direction button to trigger the sounds, and Proto-Sound 2.0 has disabled
operator control over the Horn/Whistle and Bell buttons until the full FYS/PSA
sequence is complete.
!After waiting about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press the Direction button
again to trigger the second sequence of FYS/PSA.
!After about 30 seconds, press the Direction button again to trigger the third FYS/PSA
sequence.
!Again, after allowing about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press the Direction
button one more time to trigger the fourth and final FYS/PSA sequence.
®
®
Feature to Be Activated Button Code:
Freight Yard or Passenger Station Sounds
Fire the Rear Coupler
Fire the Front Coupler
Speed Control On/Off
Lock into a Direction
Reset to Factory Defaults
1 Bell, 2 Horn/Whistles
1 Bell, 3 Horn/Whistles
1 Bell, 4 Horn/Whistles
1 Horn/Whistle, 2 Bells (from Neutral only)
1 Horn/Whistle, 3 Bells
1 Horn/Whistle, 5 Bells (from Neutral only)
Timing Chart
Total Time Lapse: 1 Seconds½
Press
Whistle
Short &
Firm
½ Sec.
Pause ½ Sec. Pause
Press
Bell
Short &
Firm
Press
Bell
Short &
Firm

Premier Alco RS-11 Diesel Engine with PS-2 and Proto-Scale 3-2
10
Fire
Rear
Coupler
=
Bell
+
Sound System Cued to Play
Freight Yard or Passenger
Station Sounds (FYS)/(PSA)
Bell
1st
Sequence
FYS/PSA
+
2nd
Sequence
FYS/PSA
+
3rd
Sequence
FYS/PSA
+
4th
Sequence
FYS/PSA
=Operator
Controls
When Bell
Turns Off
Horn/
Whistle
Horn/
Whistle
Horn/
Whistle Horn/
Whistle Horn/
Whistle
!The FYS/PSA will continue, and within a few seconds, the engine will start and move
out on its own at the current throttle setting, in the same direction it was traveling when
you began the sequence. Once the bell turns off, the operator regains control of the
transformer's Bell and Horn/Whistle buttons and can ring the bell or blow the
horn/whistle as usual.
Tips on Using FYS/PSA
!You can terminate FYS/PSA at any time by turning off power to the track for 15
seconds.
!You do not have to be in Forward to use FYS/PSA. At the conclusion of the full
sequence, the train will pull away from the station in whatever direction you were
going when you activated the feature.
!You can use FYS/PSA even if you are double-heading with another engine. If the
second engine is not equipped with Proto-Sound 2.0, you must remember not to
leave the throttle at a high voltage level once you have stopped the engine to run
the FYS/PSA. Otherwise, the engine without FYS/PSA will begin vibrating on
the track as its motors strain to move the train, since they cannot be automatically
disabled during the FYS/PSA cycle (or if an original Proto-Sound engine,
FYS/PSA are triggered differently and that engine's motor-disable feature will not
be active when you run FYS/PSA in Proto-Sound 2.0).
!FYS/PSA can be triggered from Neutral. It will operate the same as if triggered
while in motion except that, at the conclusion of the FYS/PSA, the engine will
depart in the next direction of travel, as opposed to the direction it was traveling
before entering Neutral.
™
Proto-Coupler Operation
This locomotive is equipped with one or more coil-wound Proto-Couplers for remote
uncoupling action. Because Proto-Couplers are controlled through the Proto-Sound 2.0
microprocessor, they do not require an uncoupling track section or modification to your
layout to function. You can fire a coupler from neutral or while in motion. Use the code
shown below (and in the chart on page 9) to fire the coupler(s).
Rear Coupler:
To fire the rear coupler, quickly tap the Bell button once followed by three quick taps of the
Horn/Whistle button, allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick button
press. The sound of the liftbar and air line depletion will play, and the knuckle will be
released.
®
®
®

Premier Alco RS-11 Diesel Engine with PS-2 and Proto-Scale 3-2
11
Front Coupler:
To fire the front coupler (if your engine has one), quickly tap the Bell button once followed
by four quick taps of the Horn/Whistle button, allowing approximately ½ second to lapse
between each quick button press. The sound of the liftbar and air line depletion will play,
and the knuckle will be released.
Speed Control:
M.T.H. engines equipped with Proto-Sound 2.0 have speed control capabilities that allow
the engine to maintain a constant speed up and down grades and around curves, much like
an automobile cruise control. You can add or drop cars on the run, and the engine will
maintain the speed you set.
While the engine is programmed to start with the speed control feature activated, you can
opt to turn it off. This means the engine's speed will fall as it labors up a hill and increase as
it travels downward. It is also affected by the addition or releasing of cars while on the run.
Because the engine will run more slowly at a given throttle voltage when speed control is on
than when it is off, you should adjust the throttle to a lower power level for operation with
speed control off to avoid high-speed derailments. When speed control is off, the volume
will drop to allow for better low voltage operation.
To turn speed control on and off, put the engine in neutral, then quickly tap the
transformer's horn/whistle button one time then quickly tap the Bell button two times,
allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick button press. Repeat the 1
horn/whistle, 2 bells code to return it to the other condition. You will want to do this
during the initial neutral upon start-up if you ever couple this engine to another engine that
is not equipped with speed control to avoid damaging the motors in either engine. Each
time you shut down the engine completely, it will automatically turn speed control on.
Lock into a Direction:
You can lock your engine into a direction (forward, neutral, or reverse) so that it will not
change directions. To do this, put the engine into the direction you want (or into neutral to
lock it into neutral), run it at a very slow crawl (as slowly as it will move without halting), and
quickly but firmly tap the Horn/Whistle button once followed by three quick taps of the
Bell button, allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick button press.
Two horn/whistle blasts will indicate that the engine has made the change. The engine will
not change direction (including going into neutral) until you repeat the 1 horn/whistle, 3
bells code to return the engine to its normal condition, even if the engine is kept without
power for extended periods of time.
®
=
=
whistle
=
Speed Control
Two Whistle Blasts
(indicates change is made)
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition
Direction Lock
Two Whistle Blasts
(indicates change is made)
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition

Premier Alco RS-11 Diesel Engine with PS-2 and Proto-Scale 3-2
12
Reset to Factory Defaults:
To override the settings you currently have assigned to the engine and reset it to its factory
defaults, while in Neutral tap the Horn/Whistle button quickly once, followed by five quick
taps of the Bell button, allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick
button press. Two horn/whistle blasts will indicate that the engine has made the change.
Automatic Sounds:
Certain Proto-Sound 2.0 sound effects automatically play in programmed conventional
mode conditions:
!Squealing Brakes play any time the engine's speed decreases rapidly.
!Cab Chatter plays at random intervals when the engine idles in neutral.
!Engine Start-up and Shut-down sounds play when the engine is initially powered on
or is powered off for five seconds or more.
®
Reset
Two Whistle Blasts
(indicates change is made)
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition
Place
Engine in
Neutral =
Horn/
Whistle

Premier Alco RS-11 Diesel Engine with PS-2 and Proto-Scale 3-2
13
DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
Lubrication Points on the Locomotive
Maintenance
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions
The engine should be well oiled and greased in order to run properly.
Regularly lubricate all axles and pickup rollers to prevent squeaking.
Use light household oil, such as that found in M.T.H.'s maintenance
kit. Do not over oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.
The locomotive’s internal gearing was greased at the factory and should not need
additional grease until after 50 hours of operation or one year, whichever comes
first. Remove the two grease port screws (two per gearbox). Use a grease tube
dispenser and put a small amount (Approx. 1-2 mL.) of lithium-based grease into
each grease port. Replace the screws.
Grease Port Screw Location
Grease Port Screw (Same position on each truck)
Lubricate All Wheel Axles (L)
Lubricate Pick Up Roller Axles (L)

It is recommended to lubricate the outside truck block idler and drive gears with
grease. Use the diagram shown below as a guide and add grease to the points
marked.
Greasing The Idler Gears
Cleaning The Wheels, Tires, and Track
Periodically check the locomotive wheels and
pickups for dirt and buildup, which can cause
poor electrical contact and traction and
prematurely wear out the neoprene traction tires.
Wheels and tires can be cleaned using denatured
(not rubbing) alcohol applied with a cotton
swab.
To clean the track, use RailKing Track Cleaning
Fluid found in Maintenance Kit (30-50051) or
denatured (not rubbing) alcohol and a clean rag.
Unplug the transformer and wipe the rails of the
track, turning the rag frequently to ensure that
you are using clean cloth on the rails. Thereafter,
keep an eye on the track and clean it when it gets
dirty to ensure good electrical contact and to
lengthen the life of the tires.
Clean any type of track with this heavy-duty
track cleaning block ( . Durably
constructed from ABS plastic, the block includes
a built-in cleaning pad. For really stuborn track,
you can insert sandpaper into the block in just a
few quick steps.
40-1099)
Track Cleaning
Block (40-1099)
Maintenance Kit (30-50051)
Premier Alco RS-11 Diesel Engine with PS-2 and Proto-Scale 3-2
14
Grease Idler Gear (G)

Premier Alco RS-11 Diesel Engine with PS-2 and Proto-Scale 3-2
15
Traction Tire Replacement Instructions
Your locomotive is equipped with two neoprene rubber traction tires on each
powered truck block. While these tires are extremely durable, you may need to
replace them at some point. Please use the following instructions to replace the
traction tires.
1. Turn your engine upside down.
2. Remove the two Phillips screws that attach each truck side to the truck block.
3. Make sure the old tire has been completely removed from the groove in the drive
wheel, using a razor blade or small flathead screwdriver to pry away any remains.
4. Slip the new tire onto the wheel. You may find it useful to use two small
flathead screwdrivers to stretch the tire over the wheel.
5. If you twist the tire while stretching it over the wheel, you will need to remove
and reinstall the tire. Otherwise your engine will wobble while operating.
6. Make sure the tire is fully seated inside the groove. Use a razor blade to trim
away any excess tire that doesn’t seat itself inside the groove properly.
7. Reassemble in reverse order.
One set of replacement tires is packaged with the model. Additional tires are
available directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department (Order online:
www.mthtrains.com, e-mail: [email protected],Fax: [phone], Phone:
410-381-2500, Mail: 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532, ).
Truckside Screws
Truckside Screws

Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement
To replace the burned out light bulbs on this locomotive, remove the body from
the chassis by removing the body mount screws shown below.
Once the body is removed, locate the burned out light bulb(s).
Carefully remove bulb(s) from mounting. Disconnect light bulb harness from main
harness wire.
Replacement bulb harnesses are available directly from the M.T.H. Parts
department. (Order online: www.mthtrains.com, e-mail: parts@mth-
railking.com,Fax: [phone], Phone: [phone], Mail: 7020 Columbia
Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532, ).
Connect replacement bulb harness and reassemble in reverse.
Premier Alco RS-11 Diesel Engine with PS-2 and Proto-Scale 3-2
16
Body Removal Screw Locations
Body Mount Screws Body Mount Screws

Self Charging Battery Back-up
The special rechargeable 2.4v self-charging battery recharges continuously during
train operation and should last for up to five years. The battery is a dry battery that
should not leak or cause any damage to your engine. Depending upon when your
engine was built, it may need to be charged right out of the box. If engine sounds
seem distorted or garbled at low voltages or become silent when power from the
transformer is turned off, test the battery to determine whether it should be
recharged or replaced.
Test: Put the engine in neutral and leave the track
voltage at 10-12 volts (high enough for the lights to
shine brightly) for 15 minutes.
Recharge: If the sounds are improved at the end
of the 15-minute test charge, the battery charge has
run down and can be recharged. There are a
number of ways you can do this:
•Leave the engine in neutral with track voltage at 10-12 volts for 6-7 hours so
the battery can fully recharge (if your engine has a smoke unit, be sure it is
turned off).
•Use M.T.H.'s battery recharger (Item No. 50-1019) (sold separately) that plugs
into a wall outlet and a special port under the engine to recharge the battery
overnight without leaving it on the track.
Replace: If the sounds are not improved at the end of the 15-minute test charge,
it is time to replace the battery. Available through M.T.H. Parts:
®
(Item No. 50-1024) AA NiCad Proto-Sound Battery (Blue Casing)
®
(Item No. BG4000004) AAA NiMH Proto-Sound Battery (Green Casing)
DO NOT substitute alkaline batteries for these rechargeable batteries. Using
alkaline batteries in this system can result in damamge to the PS 2.0 circuit board
and/or the batteries.
**Do not use alkaline batteries for testing or checking purposes for the 3-Volt PS2
boards. Using alkaline batteries will damage the 3-Volt battery charging circuit.**
Premier Alco RS-11 Diesel Engine with PS-2 and Proto-Scale 3-2
17
Battery Charger Port
Lift Out Battery

™
ProtoSmoke Unit Operation
®
This diesel locomotive contains a Proto-Sound 2.0 controlled smoke unit that
outputs smoke through the smokestack on the roof of the engine. The smoke unit
is essentially a small heating element and wick that soaks up and then heats a
mineral oil-based fluid that emits smoke. The smoke is then forced out of the
®
stack by a small electric fan. Smoke volume is controlled by the Proto-Sound 2.0
system.
With a few easy maintenance steps, you should enjoy trouble-free smoke unit
operation for years.
When preparing to run this engine, add 15-20 drops of smoke fluid through the
™
smokestack (see below). We recommend M.T.H. ProtoSmoke fluid. Do not
overfill the unit or the fluid may leak out and coat the interior engine components.
To adjust the amount of smoke produced, turn the smoke unit volume control
clockwise to increase the amount of smoke, or counter-clockwise to reduce the
amount.
If you choose not to add smoke fluid (or have already added fluid but choose to
run smoke-free), turn off the smoke unit by turning the smoke unit control to the
“OFF” position, fully Counter Clockwise position. Failure either to add fluid to
the smoke unit or to turn it off may damage the smoke unit heating element
and/or wicking material.
When the smoke output while running the engine begins to diminish, add another
10-15 drops of smoke fluid or turn the smoke unit off.
When storing the unit for long periods of time, you may want to add about 15
drops of fluid to prevent the wick from drying out.
Premier Alco RS-11 Diesel Engine with PS-2 and Proto-Scale 3-2
18
Adding Smoke Fluid
Add Smoke fluid

After removing the engine from storage, add another 25 drops of fluid, letting the
wick soak up the fluid for 15 minutes prior to operation.
If you experience poor or no smoke output when the smoke unit is on and has
fluid, check the wick to see if it has become hard, blackened, and unabsorbent
around the heating element. After removing the locomotive body from its chassis,
remove the smoke unit inspection cover (see below). After removing the
inspection cover screws, lift the inspection plate away and inspect the wick. If it is
darkly discolored and hard, it should be replaced.
Replacement parts and wick replacement instructions are available directly from
the M.T.H. Parts Department (Order online: www.mthtrains.com, e-mail:
[email protected],Fax: [phone], Phone: [phone], Mail: 7020
Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532, ).
Premier Alco RS-11 Diesel Engine with PS-2 and Proto-Scale 3-2
19
Inspecting the Smoke Unit Wick
™
ProtoSmoke Fluid
ProtoSmoke is the recommended fluid for M.T.H.
products and can be used in other manufacturers
products as well. Choose from 12 different scents:
Christmas, Coal, Diesel, Wood Burning, Coffee, Eggs
& Bacon, Vanilla, Candy Cane, Barbeque, Pipe Smoke,
Cinnamon Roll, and Apple Pie
Inspection Cover Screws

®
Troubleshooting Proto-Sound 2.0 Problems
®
Although Proto-Sound 2.0 has been designed and engineered for ease of use,
you may have some questions during initial operation. The following table
should answer most questions. If your problem cannot be resolved with this
table, contact M.T.H. for assistance (www.mthtrains.com, e-mail: parts@mth-
railking.com,Fax: [phone], Phone: [phone], Mail: 7020 Columbia
Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532,).
Premier Alco RS-11 Diesel Engine with PS-2 and Proto-Scale 3-2
20
Starting Up
Whistle/Horn
Bell
Coupler
Remedy
Remedy
Remedy
Remedy
Remedy
When I first turn the power on, the
engine will not begin to run. I
have to turn the throttle off and
then on again to get the engine to
operate.
When I press the whistle/horn
button, the bell comes on instead.
I can’t get the horn to blow when I
press the whistle button.
I can’t get the bell to ring when I
press the bell button.
The bell won’t work on a separate
bell button.
When I try to fire the coupler, FYS
starts.
™
The Proto-Coupler won’t let the
engine uncouple on the fly.
The coupler does not fire or stay
coupled.
When I press the whistle button,
the bell sounds.
Reverse the transformer leads.
You may be pressing the button
too quickly. Try pressing the
whistle/horn button more slowly,
taking approximately one full
second to fully depress the button.
You may be pressing the button
too quickly. Try pressing the bell
button more slowly, taking
approximately one full second to
fully depress the button.
Reverse the transformer leads.
Check the wiring of the separate
button.
You are waiting too long between
whistle button presses.
Try lubricating the coupler knuckle
with a dry graphite lubricant. Do
NOT use oil.
The coupler needs to be cleaned.
Wipe with denatured alcohol (not
rubbing alcohol) and let dry.
This is normal behavior. To
prevent accidental high-speed
®
start-ups, Proto-Sound 2.0 is
programmed to start up in neutral
anytime track power has been
turned off for several seconds.