MTHTrains PREMIER GP-30 DIESEL ENGINE User manual

PREMIER GP-30
DIESELENGINE
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
This GP-30 Diesel Engine features a detailed ABS body, die-cast trucks and runs on
O-31 curves.
This Premier Diesel Engine contains state-of-the-art electronics with many
built-in automatic features for incredibly realistic operation. Despite these advanced
features, the locomotive is easy to operate with any compatible standard AC transformer
that is equipped with whistle and bell buttons (see the compatibility chart on page
20),
and is compatible with most other 3-rail locomotives, rolling stock, and accessories.
This locomotive is equipped with Proto-Sound 2.0 with Digital Command System
(DCS). This new system will allow you to operate your locomotive in Command mode
(when used with the DCS Remote Control System, sold separately) or Conventional
mode. Conventional operating features are described in the following pages, while the
DCS operating features are covered in the set of operating instructions that
accompanies the DCS equipment.
Conventional Mode operation of this locomotive is
much simpler than operation of original Proto-Sound engines. For your own safety and
that of your equipment, please read the instructions before you operate this engine.

2
Premier GP-30 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Table of Contents
Set Up 3
Basic Operation 4
Throttle 4
Operation Buttons 4
Manual Volume Control 4
Proto-Sound 2.0 Operation 5
Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features 5
Freight Yard Sounds (FYS) 6
Tips on Using FYS 7
Proto-Coupler
®Operation 8
Speed Control 8
Lock into a Direction 9
Reset to Factory Defaults 9
Automatic Sounds 9
Maintenance 10
ProtoSmoke Unit Operation 10
Lubrication and Greasing Instructions 12
Traction Tire Replacement 13
Light Bulb Replacement 14
Self-Charging Battery Back-Up 15
Troubleshooting 17
Compatibility 19
Transformer Compatibility Chart 20
Additional Features with DCS Remote Control System 21
Safety Precautions 23
Service and Warranty Information 24

3
Premier GP-30 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
SetUp
There are a couple of simple steps you must take before operating this Premier
diesel.
1. Although the engine was lubricated at the factory, it is important that you
lubricate the chassis before operation. Lightly grease the outside idler and
drive gears (marked “G” in Fig.
7 on pg. 13 ) with lithium-based grease to
prevent them from squeaking and premature wear. Use light household oil and
follow the lubrication points (marked “L” in Fig.
5 on pg. 12). Do not
over-oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.
2. Prime the operating smoke unit with smoke fluid before operating. Add
15-20 drops of smoke fluid through the smokestack (see Fig.
2 on pg. 10), then
gently blow into the stack to eliminate any air bubbles in the fluid.
3. If you choose not to prime the unit with fluid, turn the smoke unit switch
located under the engine to the OFF position (see Fig. 3 on pg. 10
). Running
the engine without a primed smoke unit may cause damage. See the
“ProtoSmoke Unit Operation” section of this book for more information on
smoke unit maintenance.
At this point, you are ready to put your engine on the track and begin running
it.

4
Premier GP-30 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Basic Operation
Throttle–Throttle up the power to your track. Give about 10-12 volts or
enough power so that the engine’s headlight shines brightly. Then put the
engine into motion by either firmly pressing the Direction button on your
transformer or remote once or dropping and advancing the throttle to put the
engine in forward.
Operation Buttons
Use the operation buttons on your transformer or remote as described below.
Horn/Whistle - To sound the horn, firmly press the Horn/Whistle button. The
horn will sound for as long as you continue to depress the button. It will stop
when you release the button.
Bell - To sound the 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 your turn it on until you press and release the button again to turn
it off.
Direction – Your train is programmed to start in neutral. To put the engine
into forward and then to change the direction of the train or to put it into
neutral, firmly press and release the Direction button on your transformer. Just
as you must stop your car between forward and reverse, this engine will not go
directly from forward to reverse; it goes into neutral between directions. If the
train has been moving forward, the first press of the Direction button will put
the train from forward into neutral, the second press into reverse, the third press
back into neutral, and the fourth back into forward.To prevent accidental
high-speed start-ups, this engine is programmed to restart in neutral each time
the track voltage is turned off for 10 seconds or more.
Manual Volume Control – To adjust the volume of all sounds made by this
engine, turn the master volume control knob located under the engine
clockwise to increase the volume and counter-clockwise to decrease the volume
(see Fig. 1).
Proto-Sound 2.0
Volume Adjustment Knob
Figure 1. Adjusting the Proto-Sound 2.0 Volume

5
Premier GP-30 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
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.
Because Proto-Sound 2.0 is an all-new system developed by M.T.H.’s own
research and development team, it operates differently from original
Proto-Sound. Most Proto-Sound 2.0 features are automatically enabled, and the
reset state has been eliminated, so there is no need to program features as with
original Proto-Sound. Although the new system is easier to operate than
original Proto-Sound, you should read these instructions thoroughly before
using Proto-Sound 2.0 features in order to prevent harm to yourself or your
equipment.
Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features:
Proto-Sound 2.0 features are activated by sequences of Bell and 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 whistle or ring the bell, you should press the buttons for a shorter time (1/2
second); you may need to practice your timing to make this work smoothly.

6
Premier GP-30 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Freight Yard Sounds (FYS):
Your engine is equipped with a sound package of freight yard sounds that you
can play when you pull into a yard. 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 sufficient time to run through each sequence.
1. To cue the sound system to play the FYS, quickly but firmly tap the Bell
button once followed by 2 quick taps of the Whistle button while the engine is
moving. Tap the buttons quickly but allow approximately ½ second between
each press.
2. Press the Direction button or drop and advance the throttle once to stop the
engine. This will trigger the first sequence of FYS. 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 Whistle and Bell buttons until the full FYS sequence is complete.
3. After waiting about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press the Direction
button again to trigger the second sequence of FYS.
4. After about 30 seconds, press the Direction button again to trigger the third
FYS sequence.
5. 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 sequence.
The FYS 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 with the bell ringing. Once the bell
turns off, the operator regains control of the transformer’s bell and whistle
buttons and can ring the bell or blow the whistle as usual.

7
Premier GP-30 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Tips on Using FYS
• You can terminate FYS at anytime by turning off power to the
track for 15 seconds.
• You do not have to be in Forward to use FYS. 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 even if you are double-heading with another
engine. If the second engine is not equipped with FYS at all, you
must remember not to leave the throttle at a high voltage level once
you have stopped the engine to run the FYS. Otherwise, the engine
without FYS will begin vibrating on the track as its motors strain to
move the train, since they cannot be automatically disabled during
the FYS cycle. If the second engine is an original Proto-Sound
engine equipped with FYS, you may choose to disable it when used
in double-heading operations, so you will not experience
competing FYS sounds. To disable FYS in an original
Proto-Sound engine, see the operating instructions for that engine.
• FYS can be triggered from Neutral. It will operate the same as if
triggered while in motion except that, at the conclusion of the FYS,
the engine will depart in the next direction of travel, as opposed to
the direction it was traveling before entering Neutral.

8
Premier GP-30 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Proto-Coupler® Operation
This locomotive is equipped with two coil-wound Proto-Couplers for remote
uncoupling action. Because the Proto-Coupler is controlled through the
Proto-Sound 2.0 microprocessor, it does not require an uncoupling track
section or modification to your layout to function. Use the codes listed below
to fire the coupler.
Rear Coupler:
To fire the rear coupler, quickly tap the Bell button once followed by three
quick taps of the 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.
Front Coupler:
To fire the front coupler, quickly tap the Bell button once followed by four
quick taps of the 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.
To turn speed control on and off, put the engine in neutral, thenquickly tap
the transformer’s Whistle button one time then quickly tap the Bell button two
times, allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick button
press. Two horn blasts will indicate that the engine has made the change.
Repeat the 1 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. Note: When
speed control is turned off, the Proto-Sound 2.0 system will limit the volume
in order to operate more smoothly at lower voltages. Full volume is restored
upon reactivating speed control.

9
Premier GP-30 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
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
button once followed by three quick taps of the Bell button, allowing
approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick button press.
Two horn
blasts will indicate that the engine has made the change.
The engine will not
change direction (including going into neutral) until you repeat the 1 horn, 3
bells code to return the engine to its normal condition, even if the engine is
kept without power for extended periods of time.
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 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 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 when the engine’s speed is decreased rapidly.
Cab Chatter
plays 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.

10
Premier GP-30 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Maintenance
ProtoSmoke®UnitOperation
This Premier diesel locomotive contains a self-powered smoke unit that outputs
smoke through the smokestack on the roof of the engine. The smoke unit is
essentially a small heating element and wick that soaks up and then heats a
mineral oil-based fluid that emits a harmless smoke. The smoke is then forced
out of the stack by a small electric fan. Smoke volume is controlled by the
Proto-Sound 2.0 system.
With a few easy maintenance steps, you
should enjoy trouble-free smoke unit
operation for years.
When preparing to run this engine, add
15-20 drops of smoke fluid through the
smokestack (see Fig.2). We recommend
M.T.H. ProtoSmoke, Seuthe, LGB, or
LVTS fluids. Do not overfill the unit or
the fluid may leak out and coat the interior
engine components.
If you choose not to add the fluid (or have
already added the fluid but choose to run
smoke-free), turn off the smoke unit switch
located under the engine (see Fig. 3).
Failure either to add fluid to the 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.
Add Smoke Fluid
Through Smokestack
Figure 2. Add Smoke through the
Smokestack
SmokeUnit
ON/OFF Switch
Figure 3. Smoke Unit ON/OFF
Switch

11
Premier GP-30 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
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. Remove the
smoke unit inspection cover from the
smoke unit’s body (see Fig. 4). After
removing the chassis and inspection cover
screws, lift the inspection plate away and
inspect the wick. If it is darkly discolored
and hard, it should be replaced.
Replacement wicks are available from the
M.T.H. Parts Department.
Inspection Cover
Screws
Figure 4. Inspecting the Smoke Unit

12
Premier GP-30 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Lubrication and Greasing Instructions
The engine should be well oiled and greased in order to run properly.
You should regularly lubricate the engine to prevent it from squeaking. Use
light household oil and follow the lubrication points marked “L” in Fig. 5. 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. Follow the greasing instructions below. Note that in some tightly
packed engines you may need to move internal components temporarily in
order to access the gears.
1. To access the gear box, remove the cab from the chassis by unscrewing the
chassis screws as seen in Figure 6 and lifting the cab from the chassis.
2. Once the body is removed, remove the trucks by unscrewing the black
Phillips motor mount screw located on the underside of the drive trucks (see
Fig. 7 on pg. 13).
Lubricate Pick Up
Rollers (L)
LubricateBrass
Bushings (L)
Lubricate Brass
Bushings (L)
Figure 5. Lubrication Points on the Locomotive
Body Mount Screws
Body Mount Screws
Figure 6. Locations of the Body Mounting Screws

13
Premier GP-30 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
3. 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.
4. Reassemble the truck and motor, being careful not to pinch any wires
between the truck block and motor mount.
5. After repeating the procedure for the other motor, reassmble the chassis and
body, being careful that the wire harnesses are not caught between the chassis
and body and reinstall the chassis screws.
Lubricate the outside truck block idler and drive gears with grease. Use the
diagram shown in Figure 7 above as a guide and add grease to the points
marked with a “G.”
Periodically check the locomotive wheels and pickups for dirt and buildup,
which can cause poor electrical contact and traction as well as prematurely
wear out the neoprene traction tires.
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.
First, remove the truck sides from the truck block.
To do this, turn your engine upside down. If there
are visible Phillips screw heads between the truck
frame and truck block
(see Fig. 8), go to step A. If
not, go to step B.
A. Remove the two Phillips screws that attach the
truck sides to the truck block.
Grease Idler Gear (G)
Motor Mount Screw
Figure 7. Locations of Greasing Points on the Locomotive
Truckside Mounting Screws
Figure 8. Truckside
Mounting Screws to Access
the Traction Tires

14
Premier GP-30 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
LightReplacementInstructions
The locomotive’s lighting is controlled by a constant voltage circuit in the
engine. The lights are easy to replace when they burn out. The bulb has a
quick disconnect plug that attaches the bulb harness to a light circuit.
Replacement bulbs are available directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department.
Follow the body removal instructions found in the Lubrication and Greasing
Instructions.
Gently disconnect the bulb harness from the socket on the constant voltage
circuit and replace the bulb.
B. Remove the trucks from the chassis and the truck sides from the trucks in
order to slip the new tire over the grooved drive wheel. See Fig. 8 for which
screws you must remove to do this.
Once the truck sides have been removed:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Make sure the tire is fully seated inside the groove. Use a razor blade to
trim away any excess tire that will not seat inside the groove properly.
5. Reassemble in the reverse order.
CVBoard
Replaceable
Light
Replaceable Lights
(both sides of motor)
Replaceable
Lights
Figure 9. Replacing the Lights in your Engine

15
Premier GP-30 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
To replace the lights mounted to the inside of the shell, remove the shell, and
remove the wires from the wire clips. Remove the light bulb and wires taking
care to notice the path that the wires take on the inside of the shell. Replace
the bulb and reassemble the engine.
Spring Contact Bracket Spring Contact Bracket
Figure 10. Replacing the Lights Mounted on the inside of the Shell
Unhook wires, unscrew bracket,
remove battery, and replace
Bottom View
Remove Proto-Sound 2.0
Mounting Screws
AC Battery Recharging Jack
Figure 11. Replacing the Battery (Remove the Proro-Sound 2.0 Board to access the
battery.) Location of the Battery Re-charging Jack.
Self-Charging Battery Back-Up

16
Premier GP-30 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
The special NiCad 7-cell 8.4v self-charging battery in this engine improves
performance at any speed. It ensures that power to the sound system will
remain on during directional changes, or when travelling over dirty track or
switches. The self-charging battery system is automatically turned on or off
whenever track power is turned on or off.
Track power (when applied) recharges the battery, which should last for up to
five years. The special NiCad battery is a dry battery that should not leak or
cause any damage to your engine. However, even this special battery will
eventually wear down and need to be replaced, and depending upon when
your engine was built, it may need to be charged right out of the box.
When you notice that your 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 and the engine to move steadily)
for 15 minutes.
Recharge: If the sounds are improved at the end of the 15-minute test charge,
the battery charge has run down and can be recharged. There are a number of
ways you can do this:
• Use M.T.H.’s recharger (sold separately) that plugs into a wall outlet and a
special port under the engine (see figure 11 on pg. 15)to recharge the battery
overnight.
• Or 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).
• Or you can remove the battery (see figure 11 on pg. 15) and charge it in any
standard slow charge battery recharger, following the recharger’s directions.
Replace: If the sounds are not improved at the end of the 15-minute test
charge, it is time to replace the battery (see figure 11 on pg. 15).
Contact the M.T.H. Parts Department (phone: [phone]; e-mail:
[email protected]; mail: 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD
21046-1532) for a replacement battery. A standard 9v alkaline battery can be
substituted until your replacement arrives, but since alkaline batteries cannot
be recharged, it will eventually wear down. Do NOT use a 6-cell 7.2v battery
like those found in most convenience stores.

17
Premier GP-30 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Troubleshooting Proto-Sound
®
2.0Problems
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 (telephone: [phone]; fax:
410-423-0009; e-mail: [email protected], mail: 7020 Columbia
Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532).

18
Premier GP-30 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions

19
Premier GP-30 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Compatibility
This engine will operate on any traditional O-31 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 20 for a complete
list of compatible transformers and wiring instructions.)

20
Premier GP-30 Diesel Engine Operating Instructions
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart
Proto-Sound 2.0 is designed to work with most standard AC transformers.
The chart below lists the many compatible transformers. Note that many of
the operational commands described in these instructions require a bell button,
so if your transformer does not have its own bell button, you should consider
adding one to get the full benefit of the system. In addition, the chart details
how the terminals on these transformers should be attached to your layout.