Table of Contents
Advertisement
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 4-8-8-4 Big Boy Steam Engine
13
Advertisement
Table of Contents
