Sounds; Smoke - M.T.H. HO 4-8-8-4 Big Boy Engineer's Manual

Sounds

In this mode, sounds are pretty much
Smoke Switch
automatic. If you're moving, you'll hear
Volume Control
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 you're 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
DO NOT LIFT:
Hatch is permanently attached.
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
Wick in Wick in
Poor Good
Smoke Unit Cover
Condition Condition
M.T.H. HO 4-8-8-4 Big Boy Steam Engine
14