Speed Control; Locking Locomotive Into A Direction - M.T.H. Premier Norfolk & Western 4-8-4 J Steam Locomotive Operator's Manual

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. This means the engine's speed will fall as it labors up a hill and
increase as it travels downward. It is also affected by the addition or releasing of cars
while on the run. Because the engine will run more slowly at a given throttle voltage
when speed control is on than when it is off, you should adjust the throttle to a lower
power level for operation with speed control off to avoid high-speed derailments.
When speed control is off, the volume will drop to allow for better low voltage
operation.
To turn speed control on and off, put the engine in neutral, then quickly tap the
transformer's Horn button one time then quickly tap the Bell button two times,
allowing approximately ½ second to lapse between each quick button press. Two horn
blasts will indicate that the engine has made the change. Repeat the 1 horn, 2 bells
code to return it to the other condition. You will want to do this during the initial
neutral upon start-up if you ever couple this engine to another engine that is not
equipped with speed control to avoid damaging the motors in either engine. Each time
you shut down the engine completely, it will automatically turn speed control on.
Place
Engine into
Neutral

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. Two horn blasts will indicate
that the engine has made the change. The engine will not change direction (including going into
neutral) until you repeat the 1 horn, 3 bells code to return the engine to its normal condition, even
if the engine is kept without power for extended periods of time.
Place
Engine into
Horn
Horn
Desired
Direction
Premier Norfolk & Western J Steam Locomotive
12
Bell Bell
Horn
Bell Bell Bell
Speed Control
Two Horn Blasts
=
(indicates change is made)
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition
Direction Lock
Two Horn Blasts
=
(indicates change is made)
Repeat to Return
to Normal Condition