E-8 AA Diesel Locomotive Set OPERATOR’S MANUAL Compatibility This engine will operate on any traditional O-31 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 19 for a complete list of compatible transformers and wiring instructions.
Table of Contents Set Up Checklist................................................................................................... 3 Lubrication.............................................................................................3 Checking The Battery.............................................................................3 Basic Operation.....................................................................................................4 Activating Features..................................
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. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point. DO NOT OVER OIL Lubricate Pick Up Rollers (L) Lubricate Wheel Axles (L) Figure 1.
Basic Operation The Throttle knob controls how fast your train will travel. Turn the throttle knob up ½-way, until the engine and caboose lights shine bright. Put the engine into motion by pressing the Direction button on your transformer once. (hold it for approximately 1 second) If the engine does not begin to move as soon as you firmly press the Direction button, you may not have sent enough voltage to the track to make the train move. Turn the throttle up a bit higher until the train begins to move.
Manual Volume Control To adjust the volume of all sounds made by this engine, turn the master volume control knob located next to the fuel tank clockwise to increase the volume and counter-clockwise to decrease the volume. Proto-Sound 2.0 Volume Adjustment Knob Figure 2: Manual Proto-Sound 2.
Proto-Sound 2.0 Operating Instructions This manual contains the operating instructions for Proto-Sound 2.0 in conventional mode only. Instructions for accessing DCS command mode features accompany the DCS Remote Control System equipment. Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features Proto-Sound 2.0 features are activated by sequences of Bell and Horn button pushes described below. Please read the full descriptions of each feature before using it.
Passenger Station Announcements (PSA) Your engine is equipped with a sound package of passenger station announcements that you can play when you pull into a station. 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 PSA sufficient time to run through each sequence.
Tips on Using PSA • You can terminate PSA at any time by turning off power to the track for 15 seconds. • You do not have to be in Forward to use PSA. At the conclusion of the full sequence, the train will pull away from the station in whatever direction you were going when you activated the feature. You can use PSA even if you are double-heading with another engine. If the second engine is not equipped with Proto-Sound 2.
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.
Locking Locomotive 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.
Maintenance Lubricating and Greasing Instructions 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.
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. Motor Mount Screw Lubricate the outside truck block idler and drive gears with grease. Use the diagram shown in Figure 6 below as a guide and add grease to the points marked with a “G.
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 and remove the chassis as detailed on page 11. 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.
Headlight Replacement Instructions The locomotive’s headlight is controlled by a constant voltage circuit in the engine. The headlight is easy to remove and replace when it burns 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.
• 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.
Troubleshooting Proto-Sound® 2.0 Problems Although Proto-Sound 2.0 has been designed and engineered for ease of use, you may have some questions during initial operation. The following table should answer most questions. If your problem cannot be resolved with this table, contact M.T.H. for assistance (telephone: 410-381-2580; fax: 410-423-0009; service@mth-railking.com, 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532).
C ab Chatter Sometimes the Cab Chatter sounds don’t play. Lock-out Remedy Cab Chatter plays only in neutral. Remedy I can’t get the engine to run after I power up the transformer. It sits still with the engine sounds running. The engine is locked into the neutral position. Follow the procedure in the “Lock into a Direction” section. The engine won’t lock into forward, neutral, or reverse. Engine speed must be below 10 scale mph (approx. 10 volts or less in conventional mode).
PSA Remedy Once in PSA, the engine doesn’t go into reverse. So that PSA effects can be as realistic as possible, Proto-Sound 2.0 disables the reversing unit whenever PSA is enabled. This way the engine remains still at its stop as the operator cycles through the PSA sequences. When the PSA enters its last sequence the bell automatically comes on. PSA is programmed to start ringing the bell at that point. After approximately 12 rings of the bell, it will automatically turn off.
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.
Additional Features Accessible With The DCS Remote Control System (Additional equipment required) While conventional mode operation of a Proto-Sound 2.0 engine yields wonderfully realistic sound and several train control features, command mode operation allows the user to access a world of command functions never before accessible to O Gauge railroaders.
Service & Warranty Information How to Get Service Under the Terms of the Limited One-Year Warranty For warranty repair, follow the instructions below to obtain warranty service. First, e-mail, write, call or fax an Authorized M.T.H. Service Center in your area or M.T.H. Electric Trains to obtain Repair Authorization. You can find the list of Authorized Service Centers on the M.T.H. website, www.mth-railking.com.
AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER 7020 Columbia Gateway Dr. - Columbia, MD 21046 Information: 410-381-2580 Fax: 410-381-6122 www.mth-railking.com PARTICIPATING RETAILER LIST ALABAMA SOUTHERLAND STATION HUNTSVILLE 256-533-4720 railway@bellsouth.net ARIZONA ARIZONA TRAIN DEPOT MESA 480-833-9486 sales@arizonatraindepot.com www.arizonatraindepot.com/ CALIFORNIA DOLLHOUSES, TRAINS & MORE NOVATO 415-883-0388 kbecker@cmc.net TIN PLATE JUNCTION OAKLAND 510-444-4780 TOYTRAINS@email.msn.
MISSOURI SWITCH STAND SAINT LOUIS 314-781-4458 r41877@earthlink.com MARK TWAIN HOBBY CENTER ST. CHARLES 636-946-2816 webmaster@hobby1.com www.hobby1.com NEW HAMPSHIRE TREASUREDTOYS SALEM 603-898-7224 ttoys@treasured-toys.com www.treasured-toys.com RAILROAD SPECIALTIES HUDSON 603-882-5566 crew@electric-trains.com www.electric-trains.com NEW JERSEY TRAINS & THINGS TRENTON 609-883-8790 trainsanthings@aol.com GRAND CENTRAL STATION KEARNY 201-955-6200 228gene@gateway.
THE STATION NEW CUMBERLAND 717-774-7096 station@paonline.com BUSSINGER TRAINS AMBLER 215-628-2366 choochoos@icdc.com www.icdc.com/~btrains CHARLEROI SWEEPER CENTER CHARLEROI 724-483-3397 TENNESSEE MODEL RAILROAD & HOBBY SHOP MEMPHIS 901-384-6500 mrhs99@earthlink.net www.modelrailroadandhobby.com WISCONSIN SOMMERFELD'S TRAINS BUTLER 262-783-7797 questions@sommerfelds.com www.sommerfelds.com TEXAS HOBBY TIME AMARILLO 806.352.9660 don.l.harris.@hobby-time.
E-8 AA Diesel Locomotive Set OPERATOR’S MANUAL Compatibility This engine will operate on any traditional O-31 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 19 for a complete list of compatible transformers and wiring instructions.
Table of Contents Set Up Checklist................................................................................................... 3 Lubrication.............................................................................................3 Checking The Battery.............................................................................3 Basic Operation.....................................................................................................4 Activating Features..................................
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. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point. DO NOT OVER OIL Lubricate Pick Up Rollers (L) Lubricate Wheel Axles (L) Figure 1.
Basic Operation The Throttle knob controls how fast your train will travel. Turn the throttle knob up ½-way, until the engine and caboose lights shine bright. Put the engine into motion by pressing the Direction button on your transformer once. (hold it for approximately 1 second) If the engine does not begin to move as soon as you firmly press the Direction button, you may not have sent enough voltage to the track to make the train move. Turn the throttle up a bit higher until the train begins to move.
Manual Volume Control To adjust the volume of all sounds made by this engine, turn the master volume control knob located next to the fuel tank clockwise to increase the volume and counter-clockwise to decrease the volume. Proto-Sound 2.0 Volume Adjustment Knob Figure 2: Manual Proto-Sound 2.
Proto-Sound 2.0 Operating Instructions This manual contains the operating instructions for Proto-Sound 2.0 in conventional mode only. Instructions for accessing DCS command mode features accompany the DCS Remote Control System equipment. Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features Proto-Sound 2.0 features are activated by sequences of Bell and Horn button pushes described below. Please read the full descriptions of each feature before using it.
Passenger Station Announcements (PSA) Your engine is equipped with a sound package of passenger station announcements that you can play when you pull into a station. 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 PSA sufficient time to run through each sequence.
Tips on Using PSA • You can terminate PSA at any time by turning off power to the track for 15 seconds. • You do not have to be in Forward to use PSA. At the conclusion of the full sequence, the train will pull away from the station in whatever direction you were going when you activated the feature. You can use PSA even if you are double-heading with another engine. If the second engine is not equipped with Proto-Sound 2.
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.
Locking Locomotive 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.
Maintenance Lubricating and Greasing Instructions 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.
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. Motor Mount Screw Lubricate the outside truck block idler and drive gears with grease. Use the diagram shown in Figure 6 below as a guide and add grease to the points marked with a “G.
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 and remove the chassis as detailed on page 11. 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.
Headlight Replacement Instructions The locomotive’s headlight is controlled by a constant voltage circuit in the engine. The headlight is easy to remove and replace when it burns 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.
• 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.
Troubleshooting Proto-Sound® 2.0 Problems Although Proto-Sound 2.0 has been designed and engineered for ease of use, you may have some questions during initial operation. The following table should answer most questions. If your problem cannot be resolved with this table, contact M.T.H. for assistance (telephone: 410-381-2580; fax: 410-423-0009; service@mth-railking.com, 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532).
C ab Chatter Sometimes the Cab Chatter sounds don’t play. Lock-out Remedy Cab Chatter plays only in neutral. Remedy I can’t get the engine to run after I power up the transformer. It sits still with the engine sounds running. The engine is locked into the neutral position. Follow the procedure in the “Lock into a Direction” section. The engine won’t lock into forward, neutral, or reverse. Engine speed must be below 10 scale mph (approx. 10 volts or less in conventional mode).
PSA Remedy Once in PSA, the engine doesn’t go into reverse. So that PSA effects can be as realistic as possible, Proto-Sound 2.0 disables the reversing unit whenever PSA is enabled. This way the engine remains still at its stop as the operator cycles through the PSA sequences. When the PSA enters its last sequence the bell automatically comes on. PSA is programmed to start ringing the bell at that point. After approximately 12 rings of the bell, it will automatically turn off.
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.
Additional Features Accessible With The DCS Remote Control System (Additional equipment required) While conventional mode operation of a Proto-Sound 2.0 engine yields wonderfully realistic sound and several train control features, command mode operation allows the user to access a world of command functions never before accessible to O Gauge railroaders.
Service & Warranty Information How to Get Service Under the Terms of the Limited One-Year Warranty For warranty repair, follow the instructions below to obtain warranty service. First, e-mail, write, call or fax an Authorized M.T.H. Service Center in your area or M.T.H. Electric Trains to obtain Repair Authorization. You can find the list of Authorized Service Centers on the M.T.H. website, www.mth-railking.com.
AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER 7020 Columbia Gateway Dr. - Columbia, MD 21046 Information: 410-381-2580 Fax: 410-381-6122 www.mth-railking.com PARTICIPATING RETAILER LIST ALABAMA SOUTHERLAND STATION HUNTSVILLE 256-533-4720 railway@bellsouth.net ARIZONA ARIZONA TRAIN DEPOT MESA 480-833-9486 sales@arizonatraindepot.com www.arizonatraindepot.com/ CALIFORNIA DOLLHOUSES, TRAINS & MORE NOVATO 415-883-0388 kbecker@cmc.net TIN PLATE JUNCTION OAKLAND 510-444-4780 TOYTRAINS@email.msn.
MISSOURI SWITCH STAND SAINT LOUIS 314-781-4458 r41877@earthlink.com MARK TWAIN HOBBY CENTER ST. CHARLES 636-946-2816 webmaster@hobby1.com www.hobby1.com NEW HAMPSHIRE TREASUREDTOYS SALEM 603-898-7224 ttoys@treasured-toys.com www.treasured-toys.com RAILROAD SPECIALTIES HUDSON 603-882-5566 crew@electric-trains.com www.electric-trains.com NEW JERSEY TRAINS & THINGS TRENTON 609-883-8790 trainsanthings@aol.com GRAND CENTRAL STATION KEARNY 201-955-6200 228gene@gateway.
THE STATION NEW CUMBERLAND 717-774-7096 station@paonline.com BUSSINGER TRAINS AMBLER 215-628-2366 choochoos@icdc.com www.icdc.com/~btrains CHARLEROI SWEEPER CENTER CHARLEROI 724-483-3397 TENNESSEE MODEL RAILROAD & HOBBY SHOP MEMPHIS 901-384-6500 mrhs99@earthlink.net www.modelrailroadandhobby.com WISCONSIN SOMMERFELD'S TRAINS BUTLER 262-783-7797 questions@sommerfelds.com www.sommerfelds.com TEXAS HOBBY TIME AMARILLO 806.352.9660 don.l.harris.@hobby-time.
