Analog Dc (Standard Dc Power Pack) - M.T.H. HO 4-6-6-4 Challenger Engineer's Manual

Analog DC
Not much explanation is required here, and that's exactly why you run your trains this
way! Here's the good news, even if you like to keep it simple, your MTH HO engine
is packed with cool sounds, sights, and smells yes, smells, that you're going to love.
Running the Engine
Set the engine on the rails, and apply DC power. Refer to the Set-Up section of this
guide for instructions on how to lubricate the chassis.
As you increase power, at about 6 volts, the lights and sounds will come on. Keep
going on up to about 8 and she'll move out! About 16 volts DC is adequate for
prototypical speeds however, your engine can handle up to 24 volts DC if you feel
the need for speed!
Changing Direction
If you flip the direction (polarity) switch on your power pack while the engine is
moving, it will gradually slow to a stop, and slowly accelerate back up to speed in the
opposite direction. This is an exclusive feature of MTH engines that we're sure you'll
enjoy. You can also change direction the old fashioned way by reducing throttle until
the engine stops, flip the direction switch, and then increase throttle again. Either way
is OK, we just thought a graceful transition from any speed would be cool.
If you switch track polarity too slowly, the engine may stop abruptly and not move in
the reverse direction. This is normal. There is a feature we call "anti-jack rabbit" that
prevents the engine from taking off at high speeds when high voltage is applied to the
track instantly. Some direction switches have a "dead" spot where the power is
completely off during polarity changes. This can invoke the anti-jack rabbit feature.
The solution is to flip the direction switch more quickly. Don't worry you won't hurt
the engine.
Speed Control
Your engine is equipped with speed control. This feature is always active, even in
analog DC mode. Basically, your engine constantly measures track voltage and
converts this to a digital speed command. You should notice the speed remains
constant up and down grades, around curves, and with varying loads. This is no
accident. You've got the most precise speed control system available today.
M.T.H. HO 4-6-6-4 Challenger Steam Engine
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