MTHTrains Premier R-32 Subway Set User manual

Premier R-32
Subway Set
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE
Compatibility
This engine will operate on any traditional
O-42 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 22 for a complete list of compatible
transformers and wiring instructions.)

CAUTION: ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PRODUCT:
Not recommended for children under 10 years of age. M.T.H. recommends adult supervision with children ages 10 - 16.
As with all electric products, precautions should be observed during handling and use to reduce therisk of electric shock.
WARNING:When usingelectricalproducts,basicsafetyprecautionsshouldbeobserved,includingthefollowing:
Readthis manualthoroughlybefore usingthis device.
M.T.H. recommends that all users and persons supervising use examine the hobby transformer and other electronic equipment
periodically for conditions that may result in the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, such as damage to the primary
cord, plug blades, housing, output jacks or other parts. In the event such conditions exist, the train set should not be used until
properlyrepaired.
Donotoperateyourlayoutunattended. Obstructedaccessoriesorstalledtrainsmayoverheat,resulting in damage toyourlayout.
Thistrainsetisintended forindooruse. Donotuseifwater ispresent. Seriousinjuryorfatalitymayresult.
l
l
l
lDonotoperatethehobbytransformerwithdamagedcord,plug,switches,buttonsorcase.
Table of Contents
Set Up Checklist................................................................................................... 3
Lubrication.............................................................................................3
Checking The Battery.............................................................................3
Basic Operation.....................................................................................................4
Activating Features.................................................................................4
Lighting Options....................................................................................5
Proto-Sound 2.0 Operating Instructions........................................................... 7
Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features....................7
Transit Announcement Stops (TAS)......................................................8
Proto-Coupler Operation........................................................................11
Speed Control.........................................................................................12
Locking Locomotive Into A Direction.................................................. 13
Reset To Factory Default.......................................................................13
Automatic Sound Effects.......................................................................13
Maintenance.........................................................................................................14
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions...................................................14
Cleaning The Wheels, Tires and Track..................................................15
Lightbulb Replacement Instructions......................................................16
Self Charging Battery Back-Up.............................................................18
Traction Tire Replacement.....................................................................19
Troubleshooting Proto-Sound® 2.0 Problems.......................................21
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart.......................................22
Additional Features Accessible Of DCS Remote Control System........23
Service & Warranty Information...........................................................24
Limited One-Year Warranty..................................................................24

Premier R-32 Subway Set 3
Set Up Checklist
•Lubricate the locomotive
•Check to see whether the battery needs to be charged for full sound effects
•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” in
Fig. 1. Do not over-oil and avoid getting lubricant on flat surface of
pickup roller. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.
Lubricate Pick Up Rollers (L)
Lubricate Pick Up Rollers (L)
Lubricate Wheel Axles (L)
(OnEachTruck)
Figure 1. Lubrication Points on the Locomotive
DO NOT
OVER OIL
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 18.

4Premier R-32 Subway Set
Basic Operation
Throttle Throttle up the power to your track. Advance the throttle until 12 – 16 volts is
applied, then put the subway set into forward motion by either firmly pressing the
Direction button on your transformer or remote once or dropping and advancing the
throttle.
Bell- To sound the bell, quickly press and release the Bell button. If you press the button
for too long, you will trigger the Transit Announcement Sounds described later in this
book. 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 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. The horn has four different endings, depending on whether you hold the button
for less than three seconds, three seconds, four seconds, or five seconds or longer.
Direction Your train is programmed to start in neutral. The first direction from neutral
upon start-up is forward. Firmly press and release the Direction button to allow the
engine to move forward. Just as you must stop your automobile 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
approximately 25 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 powered unit (See Figure 2) clockwise to increase the volume and
counter-clockwise to decrease the volume.
Cycle Phases
Neutral
Neutral ForwardReverse

Premier R-32 Subway Set 5
Proto-Sound 2.0
VolumeAdjustmentKnob
Figure 2: Manual Proto-Sound 2.0 Volume Adjustment
Door Operation
To open and close the car doors,
locate the switch tucked between the
trucks and shell of the left truck as
you face each side of the car. Use a
screwdriver or other implement
(careful not to scratch the paint) to
slide the switch to the right to open
and the left to close the doors.
Figure 3: Opening Car Doors

6Premier R-32 Subway Set
Rear Unit
Open the doors on the right side of the rear car (the right side if you are facing the front of
the car).
To turn the headlight on, as if the rear car were at the head of the train, slide the top
switch to the left.
To turn the red rear lights on, slide the top switch to the right.
To light the “Express” train sign, slide the bottom switch to the left.
To light the “Local” train sign, slide the bottom switch to the right.
Select Local Or Express Lighting
Figure 5: Rear Car Lighting Options
Select Local Or Express Lighting
Figure 4: Powered Unit Lighting Option
Lighting Options
The powered and rear units are equipped with different lighting options you can select
manually.
Powered Unit
Open the doors on the left side of the powered unit (the left side if you are facing the
front of the car).
To light the “Express” train sign, slide the switch up.
To light the “Local” train sign, slide the switch down.

Premier R-32 Subway Set 7
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 Reset 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.
Proto-Sound 2.0 features are activated by sequences of Bell and Horn 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 or ring the bell, you should
press the buttons firmly, but rapidly with a ½-second pause between button presses. You
may need to practice your timing to make this work smoothly.
Proto-Sound 2.0
Operating Instructions
Timing Chart
Total Time Lapse: 1 Seconds½
Press
Horn
Short &
Firm
½ Sec.
Pause ½ Sec. Pause
Press
Bell
Short&
Firm
Press
Bell
Short &
Firm
Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional
Mode Features

8 Premier R-32 Subway Set
1. Manual Mode
Upon initial power application, the engine will start up in manual mode. The chart below
lists the features available to the operator when in Manual Mode. Different features are
available when operating in Learn and Auto Modes, which are described later.
Your Proto-Sound 2.0 street car is equipped with operator controlled Transit
Announcement Sounds, hereafter known as TAS. This easy-to-use feature plays digitally
reproduced transit announcements and platform action sounds whenever you activate and
stop your engine. No additional wires or modifications are needed on your layout to
enjoy these amazing sound effects. These different sounds are heard each time you give a
long bell button press. The entire TAS sequence is designed to simulate the arrival,
disembarking, embarking, and departure of a transit stop. The sounds include the driver
announcing the stop and the upcoming stop, passenger disembarking and embarking
sounds, driver to passenger requests, door openings and closing and general transit stop
sounds. After the station sounds have finished, the engine will shift back into gear and, if
the throttle is set high enough, will pull away from the station.
To activate the TAS, press and hold the bell button for approximately 2 seconds.
If you do not wish to stop at the station that is announced after activating TAS, press and
hold the bell button again without throttling down the train.
Operating Modes
Feature to Be Activated Button Code:
Transit Announcement Sounds (TAS)
Speed Control On/Off
Lock into a Direction
Reset to Factory Defaults (including
default Auto Mode route settings)
1 Bell (depress button approx. 2 secs.)
1 Horn, 2 Bells (from neutral only)
1 Horn, 3 Bells
1 Horn, 3 Bells
1 Horn, 5 Bells (from neutral only)
Transit Announcement Sounds (TAS)

Premier R-32 Subway Set 9
In Learn Mode, the engine may be programmed with either an "Out & Back" route or a
"Loop" route. An "Out & Back" route begins at the 1st station (as programmed by the
operator), stops at intermediate stations, ends at the last station, then reverses its route
until it reaches the 1st station. A "Loop" route begins at the 1st station (as programmed
by the operator), stops at intermediate stations, ends at the last station, and then begins
the route over again at the 1st station.
Example Of An Out-and-Back:
Example Of A Loop:
To program stations:
1. Running in Forward, stop the unit at the desired location for the first stop by pressing
the direction button. Note: if you stop the engine with the throttle control, you must
re-apply power so that the engine goes into neutral and does not shut down.
2. Learn Mode
Flatbush
Avenue
Flatbush
Avenue
241st
Street
42nd
Street
Wall
Street
42nd
Street
Wall
Street
Flatbush
Avenue 42nd Street
241st
Street
Wall
Street

10 Premier R-32 Subway Set
2. Enter Learn Mode by pressing Horn-Bell-Bell-Bell-Bell. The train will then announce
that you have entered Learn Mode.
3. Press and hold the Bell button to scroll through the available stations until you hear
the one that you would like to be your first stop. Release the button quickly as soon as
you have heard the desired stop name.
4. Press and hold the Horn button until a "saved" response confirms that station's
location and name are saved in memory.
5. Proceed to the next stop by pressing the Direction button.
6. Press the Direction button to stop the train again when you have reached the next
desired station location.
7. Using the Bell button, select the name of the station, then save using the Horn button.
8. Repeat steps 5-7 until you are ready to program the last stop in the route.
9. The manner of saving the last station in the route determines whether the route will be
an "Out & Back" or "Loop" route.
"Out &Back"
Follow steps 5-7 to save the last station. After you press the Horn button and
the sound system plays the "Saved" confirmation, press the Horn button again.
Another "Saved" confirmation will play and the car will exit Learn Mode and
enter Manual Mode.
“Loop" Follow steps 5-7 to save the last station. Press the Direction button once to
start the car in forward and stop the car at the location of the first stop by
pressing the Direction button. Press the Bell button as many times as is
necessary to hear the name of the first stop. Press the Horn button until the
"Saved" confirmation is played. The car will then automatically exit Learn
Mode and enter Manual Mode.
Notes:
Always approach a desired station stop location while running in Forward. Learn mode
counts distance traveled, not actual physical locations. However, unlike an automobile's
odometer, Proto-Sound 2.0 Learn Mode does erase distance when traveling in reverse. If
you operate your car past the desired stop location, you may back it up to the desired
stop location, however you must put the car into forward and then neutral again before
saving the stop name and location into memory.

Premier R-32 Subway Set 11
Auto Mode
When you have finished programming your stations in Learn the car will be in Manual
Mode. Running in Forward, stop the car at the location of the first programmed station by
pressing the Direction button. Press Bell-Horn-Horn to put the train into Auto Mode.
Press the Direction button again to begin operation in Auto Mode. Because Auto Mode
operation begins at the first stop, the next stop announced will be the second stop.
Function Learn Mode Button Code:
To Enter Learn Mode
To Stop at Each Station
To Scroll through the Station Names
To Save Station
1 Horn, 4 Bells
Direction
Bell (hold to scroll and release as soon
as you hear the desired station name)
Horn (hold for "Saved" response)
Function Auto Mode Button Code:
To Enter Auto Mode from
Manual Mode
To Begin Programmed Run
1 Bell, 2 Horn at the location of the
first programmed station stop
Direction
Function Manual Mode Button Code:
To Enter Manual Mode
from Auto Mode 1 Bell, 2 Whistles
This locomotive is equipped with one coil-wound Proto-Coupler 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 p. 7) to fire the coupler(s).
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 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.
Horn Horn
Fire
Front
Coupler
=
Horn Horn
Bell
Proto-Coupler® Operation

12 Premier R-32 Subway Set
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 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 horn, 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.
Horn
Place
Engine into
Neutral
Bell Bell
=SpeedControl
Two Horn Blasts
RepeattoReturn
to Normal Condition
(indicates change is made)
Speed Control

Premier R-32 Subway Set 13
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.
Horn
Place
Engine into
Desired
Direction
Horn Bell Bell Bell =Direction Lock
Two Horn Blasts
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition
(indicateschangeismade)
To override the settings you currently have assigned to the engine and reset it to its
factory defaults, while in Neutral tap the Horn 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.
Reset
TwoHornBlasts
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition
(indicateschange ismade)
Horn
Place
Engine in
Neutral =
BellBellBellBellBell
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.
•Platform Action sounds play 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.
Locking Locomotive Into A Direction
Reset To Factory Default
Automatic Sound Effects

14 Premier R-32 Subway Set
Maintenance
The engine should be well oiled and greased in order to run properly.
Regularly lubricate all axles and linkage components 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.
DO NOT
OVER OIL
Body Mount Screws
Motor Mounting Screw
BodyMountScrews
Figure 6
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. Pull down to remove the door slider handles from the tabs between the shell and
trucks on each side of the powered
unit.
2. Remove the eight Phillips screws
from the chassis, as seen in Figure
6, then lift the body away from the
chassis. Lift the shell off carefully,
because the metal door slide bars
just inside the shell may hang on
light housings. Note: the radiator
vents are fragile; do not use them to
pull the shell and chassis apart.
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions
Before Removing Body,
Remove Handle By Pulling Down
Figure 7

Premier R-32 Subway Set 15
3. Remove the truck blocks from the chassis by unscrewing the black Phillips motor
mount screw on the bottom of each truck block, as shown in Figure 6.
4. 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.
5. Reassemble the truck and motor,
being careful not to pinch any wires
between the truck block and motor
mount.
6. Repeat the procedure for the other
motor and truck.
7. Reassemble the chassis and body, being careful that the wires are not caught between
the body and chassis, as this can lead to a short that may damage the electronics beyond
repair. You will need to align the shell carefully over the doors and pull out slightly on
the shell sides to slide the metal door slide bars over the light housings and make sure the
door slide tabs fits back through their slots.
8. Before replacing body mount screws, test the unit on powered track to make sure all
light housings are in place and functioning. Replace screws and door slider handles.
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.
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 and a clean rag or denatured (not
rubbing) alcohol. 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.
Cleaning The Wheels, Tires and Track
Lubricate Worm Gear
Figure 8

16 Premier R-32 Subway Set
Interior Lights
To replace the interior lights in the
powered unit:
1. Follow the shell removal instructions
found in the “Lubrication and Greasing”
section of this booklet.
2. Pull bulb housing straight out to the
side, then pull bulb straight out to remove.
To replace the interior lights in the unpowered units:
1. Pull down to remove the door slider handle from the switch between the shell and left
trucks on each side of the unit.
2. Remove the five Phillips screws from the chassis, then lift the body away from the
chassis. Lift the shell off carefully, because the metal door slide bars just inside the shell
may hang on internal screws.
3. Pull light bulbs straight out and push new bulbs straight in to replace.
4. To replace shell, make sure the car doors are closed, and slide the shell carefully over
body (you may need to pull the shell’s sides out slightly to make sure the metal door slide
bars do not hang on any screws). Make sure door slide tabs are through their slots, snap
the door slider handles back into place, and replace the screws.
Headlights
To replace the headlights and other end-of-car lights in the powered unit:
1. Remove the shell as described in the “Lubrication and Greasing” section of this
booklet.
Gently Pull Bulbs
Away From Socket To Remove
Figure 9
Lightbulb Replacement Instructions

Premier R-32 Subway Set 17
2. Remove the silver shield around the electronics by unscrewing 4 screws from the car’s
bottom.
3. Cut the wire ties bundling the wires
together on either side of the motor, pull
out the bulb(s) you need to change,
unplug their wires from the two-pin
connector, and replace entire unit.
4. Re-tie wires and replace shield,
making sure the light control switch fits
properly through its slot and wires are
not pinched under the shield.
To replace the headlights and other end-of-car lights in the rear unit:
1. Remove the shell as described for the interior lights, above.
2. Remove the two screws holding the
board to the left side of the shield.
3. Remove the four screws holding the
board to the right side of the shield.
Cut Plastic Wire Tie
To Free Bulb Harnesses
Figure 11
Shield Mount Screws
Shield Mount Screws
Figure 10
Remove Shield Mounting Screws
Figure 12
Remove Board Mounting Screws
Figure 13

18 Premier R-32 Subway Set
4. Remove the three screws holding
the shield to the floor and lift the
shield away.
5. Pull out the bulb(s) you need to
change, unplug their wires from the
two-pin connector, and replace entire
unit.
Replace shield and boards exactly as
they were located before, making sure
the light control switches fit properly
through their slots and wires are not
pinched under the shield.
Replacement bulbs and wire ties are
available directly from the M.T.H.
Parts Department (order online:
www.mth-railking.com, e-mail:
[email protected]; mail: 7020
Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia
MD 21046-1532, FAX:
410-381-6122).
The special NiCad 7-cell 8.4v 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 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:
Self Charging Battery Back-Up
Remove Shield Floor Mounting Screws
Figure 14
Unhook Wires, Remove
And Replace Bulbs
Figure15

Premier R-32 Subway Set 19
•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 (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. 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.
Proto-Sound 2.0
BatteryCharging Port
Figure 16
Traction Tire Replacement
Your subway set 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 and remove the truckside mounting
screws as seen in Figure 17.
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.
Screws to Remove Trucksides
Figure 17

20 Premier R-32 Subway Set
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 doesn’t seat itself inside the groove properly.
5. 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.mth-railking.com,
e-mail: [email protected]; mail: 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD
21046-1532, FAX: [phone]).