MTHTrains Premier GP60M Diesel Engine - User Manual

Premier GP60M
Diesel Engine
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
(3V PS-2)
(Proto-Scale 3-2)
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
24 for a complete list of compatible
transformers and wiring instructions.)
Freight Yard Sound
PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE
Passenger Station Announcement

Summary

Compatibility

Initial Setup and Preparation

Set Up Checklist Overview

A summary of essential steps for preparing the locomotive for operation.

Lubrication Procedures

Detailed instructions for lubricating the locomotive's moving parts.

Battery Check and Charging

Guidance on testing and charging the locomotive's internal battery.

Priming the Smoke Unit

Locomotive Configuration

2-Rail or 3-Rail Operation Setup

Steps to configure the locomotive for 2-rail or 3-rail track systems.

Track Polarity and Wiring

Ensuring Proper Power to Track Polarity

Correctly configuring polarity for 2-rail DCS operation.

Changing Track Polarity Inside the Locomotive

Adjusting the locomotive's internal polarity switch.

Basic Operation Guide

Activating Operational Features

How to use the throttle, bell, horn/whistle, and direction controls.

Manual Volume Control

Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode

Conventional Mode Features

Activating sounds and functions using button sequences in conventional mode.

Freight Yard;Passenger Station Sounds (FYS;PSA)

Playing ambient sound sequences like FYS and PSA.

Proto-Coupler Operation

Rear Coupler Activation

Using the rear Proto-Coupler for remote uncoupling.

Advanced Proto-Sound 2.0 Functions

Front Coupler Activation

Using the front Proto-Coupler for remote uncoupling.

Speed Control Management

Managing locomotive speed with Proto-Sound 2.0's cruise control.

Lock into a Direction Mode

Securing the locomotive's direction to prevent unintended changes.

Proto-Sound 2.0 Settings and Sounds

Reset to Factory Defaults

Restoring the locomotive's settings to their original factory configuration.

Automatic Sound Effects

Understanding sounds that play automatically based on operating conditions.

Routine Maintenance

Lubricating and Greasing Instructions

Detailed steps for lubricating and greasing the locomotive's gears and axles.

Cleaning Components

Cleaning Wheels, Tires, and Track

Procedures for cleaning locomotive wheels, tires, and track.

Traction Tire Replacement

Light Bulb Replacement

Battery System

Self-Charging Battery Back-up and Care

Details on the NiCad battery's function, testing, recharging, and replacement.

ProtoSmoke Unit Operation

Filling the Smoke Unit

Instructions for adding smoke fluid to the unit.

Smoke Unit Volume Control

Adjusting the amount of smoke produced.

Smoke Unit Maintenance and Fluid

Inspecting the Smoke Unit Wick

Checking the smoke unit wick for proper condition.

ProtoSmoke Fluid Recommendations

Information on recommended smoke fluids and available scents.

Troubleshooting Proto-Sound Problems

Starting Up and Sound Issues

Resolving problems with engine start-up, whistle, horn, and bell activation.

Coupler and General Operation Issues

Addressing coupler problems and general operational difficulties.

Proto-Sound Troubleshooting Continued

Cab Chatter and Lock-out Issues

Resolving issues with Cab Chatter, lock-out, and directionality.

Volume, Battery, and Sound Playback Issues

Addressing volume distortion, battery performance, and sound playback.

FYS;PSA Troubleshooting

FYS;PSA Direction and Control Issues

Understanding how FYS/PSA affects engine direction and button controls.

FYS;PSA Sequence Timing Issues

Ensuring correct timing for FYS/PSA sound sequences.

DCS Remote Control System Features

Transformer Compatibility

Recommended DC Power Supplies

Service and Warranty Information

Obtaining Warranty Service

Steps for getting service under the limited one-year warranty.

Limited One-Year Warranty Details

Explains what the one-year warranty covers and excludes.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Basic Operation
4. Activating Features
5. Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features
6. Manual Volume Control
7. Additional Features with DCS Remote Control System (Requires additional equipment)
8. Maintenance Features
9. Lubrication and Greasing
10. Cleaning Wheels, Tires, and Track
11. Traction Tire Replacement
12. Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement
13. Self-Charging Battery Back-up
14. ProtoSmoke™ Unit Operation

This document is an operator's manual for the M.T.H. Premier GP60M Diesel Engine, featuring Proto-Sound 2.0 (3V PS-2) and Proto-Scale 3-2. This model is an electrically operated product recommended for ages 14 and up, requiring adult supervision for users under 14. Basic safety precautions, such as examining the transformer and other electronic equipment for damage, operating the layout attended, and using it indoors away from water, should always be observed.

Function Description

The M.T.H. Premier GP60M Diesel Engine is a model train locomotive equipped with Proto-Sound 2.0, offering realistic sound and train control features. It can operate on any traditional O-42 Gauge track system, including M.T.H.'s RealTrax® or ScaleTrax™, and is compatible with most standard AC transformers. The locomotive can be configured for either 2-Rail or 3-Rail track operation. From the factory, it is set up for 3-Rail operation, but can be switched to 2-Rail by removing the center rail pickup roller assemblies and changing the power input. For 2-rail DCS operation, proper polarity from the transformer to the engine is crucial, which can be adjusted via a polarity switch inside the locomotive.

The Proto-Sound 2.0 system includes several automatic sound effects such as Squealing Brakes (when speed decreases rapidly), Cab Chatter (randomly when idling in neutral), and Engine Start-up and Shut-down sounds (when powered on or off for five seconds or more). The engine is also equipped with coil-wound Proto-Couplers for remote uncoupling, which do not require a special uncoupling track section.

Usage Features

Basic Operation:

To start the train, turn the throttle knob up until the engine and caboose lights shine brightly, then press the Direction button on your transformer for about 1 second. If the train doesn't move, increase the throttle slightly.

Activating Features:

• Throttle: Controls train speed by increasing or decreasing track voltage. Turning clockwise increases speed, counter-clockwise decreases it. The engine maintains the set speed until the throttle is adjusted again.
• Bell: To sound the bell, firmly press and release the Bell button. Press and release again to turn it off. The bell rings continuously until turned off.
• Horn/Whistle: To sound the whistle, firmly press and hold the Horn/Whistle button. The whistle sounds as long as the button is depressed and stops upon release.
• Direction: The train starts in neutral and cycles through neutral-forward-neutral-reverse with each press and release of the direction button. If track voltage is turned off for 25 seconds or more, the engine restarts in neutral.

Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features:

These features are activated by quick sequences of Bell and Horn/Whistle button pushes, with a 1/2-second pause between presses.

• Freight Yard Sounds (FYS) / Passenger Station Announcements (PSA): Activated by 1 Bell, 2 Horn/Whistles. These sound sequences play as long as they are left on, generating sounds randomly. To trigger sequences, stop the engine and press the Direction button after waiting approximately 30 seconds for each sequence to run. The engine will automatically move at the current throttle setting after the final sequence. FYS/PSA can be triggered from neutral and can be terminated by turning off track power for 15 seconds.
• Proto-Coupler™ Operation:
  • Rear Coupler: Activated by 1 Bell, 3 Horn/Whistles.
  • Front Coupler: Activated by 1 Bell, 4 Horn/Whistles. The sound of the liftbar and air line depletion will play, and the knuckle will be released.
• Speed Control: M.T.H. engines with Proto-Sound 2.0 have cruise control capabilities, maintaining constant speed regardless of grades or added/removed cars. It starts activated by default. To turn it on/off, put the engine in neutral, then quickly tap the Horn/Whistle button once, followed by two quick taps of the Bell button (1 Horn/Whistle, 2 Bells). Two whistle blasts indicate the change.
• Lock into a Direction: To lock the engine into forward, neutral, or reverse, put it in the desired direction (or neutral), run it at a very slow crawl, then quickly tap the Horn/Whistle button once followed by three quick taps of the Bell button (1 Horn/Whistle, 3 Bells). Two horn/whistle blasts confirm the change. The engine will remain locked until the code is repeated.
• Reset to Factory Defaults: To override current settings, put the engine in neutral, then quickly tap the Horn/Whistle button once, followed by five quick taps of the Bell button (1 Horn/Whistle, 5 Bells). Two horn/whistle blasts confirm the reset.

Manual Volume Control:

A manual volume control knob allows adjustment of all sounds. Turning clockwise increases volume, counter-clockwise decreases it.

Additional Features with DCS Remote Control System (Requires additional equipment):

With the DCS Remote Control System (including a handheld remote and Track Interface Unit), users can access advanced command functions:

• DCS Proto-Speed Control: Set desired locomotive speed in scale miles per hour, and adjust acceleration/deceleration rates.
• ProtoSmoke® Variable Output Control: Control smoke output volume and match it to locomotive speed.
• Locomotive Lighting Control: Control headlights, marker, interior, beacon, ditch, and MARS lights.
• Emergency Stop: Single button push stops all Proto-Sound 2.0 trains without turning off power.
• One Touch Global Mute/UnMute: Mute or unmute all DCS-controlled locomotives' user-defined actions (sound, lights, smoke).
• Proto-Dispatch Operation: Public Address-like feature to speak through the locomotive speaker.
• Proto-Cast: Play audio recordings through the locomotive speaker.
• Proto-Doppler Sound Effects Set Up: Configure Doppler Operation, including setting distance points for start, repeat, and stop modes.
• Independent Volume Control: Adjust volume for engine sounds, bell, horn, and whistle for each locomotive.
• Control Multiple Locomotives: Control up to 50 different DCS-Equipped Locomotives simultaneously with multiple TIUs.
• Proto-Effects™ Set Up: Select individual Proto-Effects™ operations (cab chatter, train wreck sounds, coupler sounds, Direction Control Set Up) to be active or inactive.
• Locomotive Consist Set-up: Determine locomotive values for consist make-ups, allowing multiple locomotives to operate together.

Maintenance Features

Lubrication and Greasing:

• General Lubrication: Lubricate all axles and pickup rollers regularly with light household oil to prevent squeaking. Apply a drop or two to each pivot point. Do not over-oil.
• Internal Gearing: The internal gearing is factory-greased and typically doesn't need additional grease until after 50 hours of operation or one year. To grease, remove the Roller Pickup Assembly and Grease Port Screw, then apply 1-2mL of lithium-based grease into the gearbox and axles. Replace the screw.
• Outside Truck Block Idler and Drive Gears: Lubricate these with grease as shown in the diagrams.

Cleaning Wheels, Tires, and Track:

• Locomotive Wheels and Pickups: Periodically check for dirt and buildup, which can affect electrical contact and traction. Clean with denatured (not rubbing) alcohol and a cotton swab.
• Track: Use RailKing Track Cleaning Fluid (30-50010) or denatured alcohol and a clean rag. Unplug the transformer, wipe the rails, and turn the rag frequently. For stubborn track, use a heavy-duty track cleaning block (40-1099), which can also accommodate sandpaper.

Traction Tire Replacement:

The locomotive has two neoprene rubber traction tires on each powered truck block.

1. Turn the engine upside down.
2. Remove the two Phillips screws attaching each truck side to the truck block.
3. Completely remove the old tire from the drive wheel groove using a razor blade or small flathead screwdriver.
4. Slip the new tire onto the wheel, using two small flathead screwdrivers if needed to stretch it. Ensure the tire is fully seated in the groove. Trim any excess.
5. Reassemble in reverse order. Replacement tires are included with the model, and additional sets can be ordered from M.T.H. Parts Department.

Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement:

1. Remove the body from the chassis by unscrewing the body mount screws.
2. Locate the burned-out bulb(s).
3. Carefully remove the bulb(s) from their mounting.
4. Disconnect the light bulb harness from the main harness wire.
5. Connect the replacement bulb harness and reassemble in reverse. Replacement bulb harnesses are available from M.T.H. Parts Department.

Self-Charging Battery Back-up:

The engine uses a special NiCad 2.4v self-charging battery that recharges continuously during operation and lasts up to five years.

• Testing: If sounds are distorted or garbled, or silent when power is off, test the battery. Put the engine in neutral and leave track voltage at 10-12 volts for 15 minutes.
• Recharging: If sounds improve after the test charge, the battery needs recharging. Leave the engine in neutral with 10-12 volts for 6-7 hours (smoke unit off), or use M.T.H.'s battery recharger (50-1019) overnight via the special port under the engine.
• Replacing: If sounds don't improve after the test charge, replace the battery with an AA NiCad Proto-Sound® Battery (50-1024) from M.T.H. Do NOT use alkaline batteries, as they can damage the PS 2.0 circuit board or the batteries themselves.

ProtoSmoke™ Unit Operation:

The smoke unit outputs smoke through the smokestack using a heating element, wick, and mineral oil-based fluid, forced out by an electric fan. Smoke volume is controlled by the Proto-Sound 2.0 system.

• Priming: Add 15-20 drops of smoke fluid (M.T.H. ProtoSmoke, Seuthe, LGB, or LVTS fluids recommended) through the smokestack before running. Do not overfill.
• Running Smoke-Free: If not adding fluid, turn the smoke unit control to the "OFF" (fully counter-clockwise) position to prevent damage to the heating element or wicking material.
• Adjusting Smoke Volume: Turn the smoke unit volume control clockwise to increase smoke, counter-clockwise to decrease.
• Refilling: When smoke output diminishes, add 10-15 more drops or turn the unit off.
• Storage: Add about 15 drops of fluid before long-term storage to prevent the wick from drying out. After storage, add 25 drops and let the wick soak for 15 minutes.
• Troubleshooting Poor Smoke Output: If smoke output is poor despite having fluid, check the wick for hardness, blackening, or being unabsorbent. Remove the locomotive body and smoke unit inspection cover to inspect the wick. If damaged, it should be replaced. Replacement parts are available from M.T.H. Parts Department.
• ProtoSmoke™ Fluid: M.T.H. ProtoSmoke fluid is recommended and available in 12 different scents.

MTHTrains Premier GP60M Diesel Engine Specifications

General

Product Type	Diesel Engine
Road Name	Santa Fe
Scale	O Scale
Engine Type	Diesel
Control System	Proto-Sound 3.0
Minimum Curve	O-31
Power	Electric
Sound	Yes
Lighting	Directional Headlights
Features	Metal Wheels