Volume Control; Smoke Control - M.T.H. HO 4-6-6-4 Challenger Engineer's Manual

Sounds
In this mode, sounds are pretty much automatic. If you're moving, you'll hear
chuffing sounds. If you increase or decrease the throttle quickly, you'll hear labored or
drift chuffing, respectively. Of course, if the engine has been sitting for a while, the
engineer may open the steam cocks and release the moisture, don't worry, he never
forgets to close them.
When your sitting at idle, there may be some maintenance done. You could hear
someone dopping the siderods or checking the water level in the tender and
filling it if necessary. Don't worry, all of this and more is just a normal part of
everyday operations.
When your moving at a pretty good clip and you reduce the throttle quickly, you may
hear the brakes squeak and squeal as the engineer applies them. Of course, they'll stop
when the engine does.
If things get too noisy, just locate the sound volume pot under the hatch on top
of the tender and adjust the volume from maximum down to off,
whatever suits you. Turn it counterclockwise to reduce the volume
or clockwise to increase it.
Smoke
There is also a potentiometer for smoke control
(exactly like volume control). To increase or
decrease smoke volume, simply use a Phillips
head screwdriver to turn the potentiometer
clockwise (increase output) or counterclockwise
(decrease output).
When you turn the smoke on, just give it a few seconds to warm
up. It doesn't start instantly. Once you see smoke gently streaming
out (or not if you prefer) snap the hatch back in place and away you go. Once on, like
the sounds, the behavior is fully automatic. The model will puff out smoke in exact
synchronization with the chuffing sounds and driver rotation at 4 per revolution.
Amazing!
When the output begins to diminish significantly, add 10-12 drops to recharge the
unit. Again, give it a few seconds to warm back up. The cool fluid slows the action
for a few seconds. Also, watch out for bubbles that may block the stack. You may
need to gently blow down the stack to clear it.
Smokestack
M.T.H. HO 4-6-6-4 Challenger Steam Engine
Smoke
Potentiometer
Volume
Potentiometer
Running the engine without
a primed smoke unit may
cause damage
Smoke Unit Cover
15
Wick in Wick in
Poor Good
Condition Condition