MTHTrains Rail King O-31 User manual

RK
AIL ING
By MT H ElectricTrains
®
C&O ALLEGHENY
DIE-CAST STEAM ENGINE
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for purchasing the RailKing die-cast C&O Allegheny steam locomotive. The
engine’s die-cast body and tender are traditionally sized for operation on any O-31 or larger
layout. The engine is compatible with any standard AC transformer, (see page 25 for a
complete list of compatible transformers and wiring instructions) and is completely
compatible with most other 3-rail locomotives, rolling stock and accessories.
The locomotive and tender are equipped with either an electronic whistle or the
ProtoSound digital sound and train control system which contains several deluxe features
that are simple and fun to operate. Each feature is described among the following pages
which should be read before the engine is operated. For those of you who can’t wait to get
started, the Quick Start Basic Operating Instructions found on pages 3 and 4 should be
read so that you understand the basics of the operating system. Please note that some
features are only found in the ProtoSound equipped engines and are marked as such.
Features not marked as ProtoSound features are available in both versions.

C&O Allegheny Operating Manual 2
Table Of Contents
QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION (All Models) 3
SMOKE UNIT OPERATION 4
PROTOSOUNDS™ OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 5
DCRU™ REVERSE UNIT OPERATION (All Models) 6
WHISTLE 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 PROTO-EFFECTS™ (FYS) 9
ACTIVATING AND TRIGGERING FREIGHT YARD SOUNDS 10
TIPS ON USING THE FYS FEATURES 11
PROTO-COUPLER OPERATION 13
SELF-RECHARGING BATTERY BACKUP SYSTEM 13
REPLACING THE PROTOSOUND™ BATTERY 14
PROTOSOUND™ VOLUME ADJUSTMENT 14
USING “RESET" TO PROGRAM PROTOSOUNDS™ 15
ENTERING RESET OPTIONS 15
SETTING THE ENGINE CHUFFING VOLUME 15
PROGRAMMING FOR A SEPARATE BELL BUTTON CONTROLLER 16
PROGRAMMING FOR WHISTLE IN NEUTRAL OPERATION 16
PROGRAMMING FOR OPTIONAL PROTOCOUPLER OPERATION 17
PROGRAMMING FOR SQUEAKING BRAKES AND FYS OPERATION 17
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
LIGHT BULB REMOVAL & 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 C&O Allegheny Operating Manual
QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION
The RailKing C&O Allegheny contains state-of-the art electronics with several built-in
automatic features for incredibly realistic operation. Despite these advanced features, the
C&O Allegheny is easy to operate with any compatible standard AC transformer (see the
compatibility chart on page 25). All models are equipped with an operating smoke system
that should be primed with smoke fluid before operating. Adding 15 - 20 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 trailing truck to the OFF position.
(See Figure 2, page 4) This will prevent any damage from occurring to the smoke unit when
running the engine without a primed smoke unit. For more information see the section on
page 4 on Smoke Unit operation.
The C&O Allegheny models are controlled by a 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 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. Before the engine can be operated
however, the reverse unit plug that extends
out of the tender must be inserted into the
receptacle at the back of the boiler cab as
seen in Figure 1. Once the plug is inserted,
the throttle on the transformer can be
advanced. You will see that only the
engine’s lights come on and that on
ProtoSound equipped engines, two dings
from the sound system will chime followed
by the steam compressor pump sounds.
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 motor 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 steam engine chuffing will
increase in rate as the engine moves and the whistle can be activated by pressing the
whistle button on the transformer just as any whistle would be activated. See the sections
later in this guide, beginning on page 7, for more information on activating the horn and bell
sounds.
Finally, we recommend lubricating your engine before operating it to prevent any
squeaking. In addition, if you are planning on operating your engine on O-31 track, it is very
important to properly lubricate the locomotive’s leading and trailing trucks to prevent any
binding that may cause derailments. See the lubrication directions on page 20.
Plug Tender Plug Into
Boiler Socket At Back Of Cab
Figure 1: Plugging In The Tender Harness

C&O Allegheny Operating Manual 4
SMOKE UNIT OPERATION
The C&O Allegheny 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 15 - 20 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.
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
Smoke Unit
On/Off Switch
Figure 2: Smoke Unit On/Off Switch
Figure 3: Adding Smoke Fluid

5 C&O Allegheny Operating Manual
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 C&O
Allegheny engine, CD-equivalent 16-bit digital sounds, you get the following features:
* Built-In DCRU Reverse Unit * Authentic Steam Whistle Sound * Authentic C&O Allegheny
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
Steam Engine Chuffing Volume * Upgradeable Microprocessor Options * Authentic Steam
Engine Neutral 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
Circuit Board
Mounting Screws
Smoke Unit Frame
Mounting Screws
Figure 4: Inspecting the smoke wick

C&O Allegheny Operating Manual 6
DCRU™ REVERSE UNIT OPERATION(All 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 remote Steam
Chuffing Volume Adjustment, Separate Bell Button Operation (pre-programmed at the
factory), Whistle In Neutral Operation, ProtoCoupler On/Off Contro, Squeaking Brakes and
Passenger Station or Freight Yard Proto-Effects. 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. Remember
though, once power is turned off for more than 3 seconds, the next time power is applied to
the track, your engine will be back in RESET.

7 C&O Allegheny Operating Manual
DCRU MANUAL LOCKOUT (Engines without ProtoSound)
Engines not equipped with ProtoSounds can be manually locked into Forward, Neutral or
Reverse by sliding the lockout switch to the OFF position after entering the desired reverse
unit state (See Figure 7 on page 14). To operate the engine in automatic mode again,
simply slide the switch back to the ON position. NOTE: Once the unit is locked out and
an hour or more of non-use has past, the reverse unit may cycle into any of the three
states. The ON/OFF switch should be reset to the ON position to regain normal
operation.
WHISTLE OPERATION
Your C&O Allegheny ProtoSound-equipped engine is equipped with a digital recording of
an authentic steam whistle. The whistle sound can be activated anytime the engine is in
forward or reverse by pressing the whistle button on your transformer. The whistle will
continue to blow as long as the whistle button is depressed. The whistle will not function in
RESET and must be configured through a RESET option to allow the whistle to work when
the engine is in neutral. See page 16 for information on whistle programming in the Using
RESET To Program ProtoSounds™ section of this manual.
BELL OPERATION
Your C&O Allegheny ProtoSound-equipped engine is equipped with a digital recording of
an actual C&O Allegheny bell. Unlike previous versions of ProtoSounds, 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.

C&O Allegheny 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 C&O Allegheny 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.

C&O Allegheny 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 8 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 6 for more information on RESET.
B. After entering Neutral, ProtoSounds™ will immediately play an air release sound
followed approximately 2 seconds later by a man whistling and a freight car door sliding
open. Immediately following the man’s whistle, the sound of freight car doors can be
heard opening, followed by the sounds of freight loading and unloading. At this point
various freight yard sounds can be heard including the loading/unloading operation,
engine sounds, yardman “slang”, and additional freight car door sounds.
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

11 C&O Allegheny Operating Manual
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 approximately two seconds later by a man whistling
and continued freight yard loading and unloading sounds.
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. After approximately 8
chimes of the bell, the engine begins moving in the forward phase with the bell
continuing to ring another 8 chimes before automatically turning off. Once the bell turns
off, the operator regains control of the transformer whistle and bell buttons and can ring
the bell or blow the whistle as usual.
Note: When entering the Forward phase of 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. However, don’t set the
throttle setting too high or the engine will go racing away faster than you might expect.
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 man whistles in Event 2 (neutral before reverse).
Tip #2: You can terminate FYS at anytime by turning the transformer throttle Off for 15
seconds.

C&O Allegheny Operating Manual 12
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 for squeaking
brakes and FYS operation on page 15 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 man whistles 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 C&O Allegheny Operating Manual
PROTO-COUPLER OPERATION
Your C&O Allegheny ProtoSound-equipped locomotive tender is equipped with a coil-
wound ProtoCoupler™ for remote uncoupling action. Because the ProtoCoupler is
controlled through ProtoSound’s microprocessor, it doesn’t require an uncoupling track
section or modification to your layout to function. The three simple steps below are
required to operate the coupler.
1. Put your engine in NEUTRAL and turn the throttle all the way up.
2. Press the transformer whistle button to “Arm" the coupler. (You will hear a “Clank")
3. After arming the coupler, press the whistle button again to open the coupler.
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 battery ensures that power to the sound
system will remain on during directional changes, setting RESET options or when travelling
over dirty track and switches. The self-recharging battery backup system is automatically
turned on or off whenever track power is turned on or are off. There no switches needed to
enjoy the benefits of the automatic battery backup system.
ProtoSounds contains a warning alarm if the battery backup system fails to automatically
disengage when track power is turned off. Should the backup system fail, you will hear a
repeating whistle blast indicating this has occurred. Should this happen, unplug the battery
from the ProtoSound module (to prevent the battery from being run down) and contact MTH
for instructions on returning the tender for repair.
Lubricate
Coupler
Knuckle
Figure 5: Lubricating Optional ProtoCoupler Knuckle
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 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 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.

C&O Allegheny Operating Manual 14
REPLACING THE PROTOSOUND BATTERY
The ProtoSound™ battery (located in the tender body, 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. The battery is continually
charged from the track when power is applied and should last for up to five years. In
addition, the NiCad battery is a dry battery and should not leak or cause any damage to your
locomotive during its lifetiem.
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 set at about 12 volts for 15 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 the NEUTRAL position for 18
hours. (Make sure the smoke unit switch is in the OFF position to prevent harm to the
smoke unit wicking).
If you need to replace the battery, 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.
PROTOSOUND™ VOLUME ADJUSTMENT
Your ProtoSound™ system has two types of volume adjustment. A manual turn knob on
the bottom of the chassis (See Fig. 6 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.
Manual Volume
Adjustment Screw
DCRU™ Lockout Switch
(non-ProtoSound Engines
Figure 6: Adjusting The ProtoSound Volume

15 C&O Allegheny 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.

C&O Allegheny 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.
7. 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.
PROGRAMMING FOR WHISTLE 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.
Power Terminal
Wire (black)
Center Rail
Wire (red)
Outside Track
Wire (ground)
Figure 7: Wiring Up A Bell Button Controller

17 C&O Allegheny Operating Manual
Note: When “Whistle 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.
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
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 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 station and have both engines playing
their FYS sound effects. To turn off FYS, 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 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.

C&O Allegheny Operating Manual 18
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
Program ProtoSounds™ on page 15). Once in Feature 18, press the transformer whistle
button and wait for ProtoSounds to sound a garbled bell sound.

19 C&O Allegheny Operating Manual
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 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 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.

C&O Allegheny 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 side rods , linkage components ,
tender axles and pickup rollers to prevent them from squeaking. Use light household oil
and follow the lubrication points marked “L" in Fig. 8 and 9 below.
The locomotive’s internal gearing 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 can be added by inserting grease onto the worm gears inside the locomotive
trucks. In order to access the gear box, the body must be removed from the chassis by
unscrewing the six chassis screws as seen in Figure 10 on page 21. When the body is
removed, the motors must be removed from the trucks by unscrewing the motor mount
screws. Once the motors are free from the trucks, grease can then be applied onto the
worm and drive gears on both the motors and inside the truck blocks using a grease tube
dispenser.
In addition to the internal gearing, it is a good idea to lubricate the leading and trailing
locomotive truck “tongues” to enhance their ability to slide on the chassis. Follow the
grease points as seen in Figure 8 above.
“L” Lubricate “L” Lubricate
Figure 9: Lubricate The Tender Chassis Trucks Where The Axle Enters The Side Frame
L
L
L
G
G
Figure 8: Lubricating The Locomotive Chassis