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MTH E-8 Operating Manual
QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION
The MTH E-8 contains state-of-the art electronics with several built-in
automatic features for incredibly realistic operation. Despite these advanced
features, the E-8 is easy to operate with any compatible standard AC
transformer (see the compatibility chart on page 35). All models are
equipped with an operating smoke system that should be primed with
smoke fluid before operating. Adding 20 - 25 drops of fluid through the
smoke stack should be sufficient. If you choose to not prime the smoke
unit(s) with fluid, turn the smoke unit switch located under the front drive
truck(s) to the OFF position. (See Figure 1). This will prevent any
damage from occurring to the smoke unit when the engine is running
without a primed smoke unit. For more information see the section on Page
4 on smoke unit operation.
The E-8 locomotive is controlled
by a ProtoSound® DCRU®
electronic reverse unit. The reverse
unit operates in the same manner
that all reverse units function by
using forward, neutral and reverse
states that are entered each time the
throttle is turned on and off or by
using the transformer direction
switch (if so equipped).
The reverse unit is designed to
ignore dirty track, dead spots on
switches or minor short circuits
without disrupting the engine
operation, even at slow,
prototypical speeds. Once the
engine is placed on the track, the
throttle on the transformer can be
advanced. You will see that only the engine’s lights come on and that only
two dings of the ProtoSound bell occur followed by the diesel start-up
sounds (on ProtoSound equipped 3-rail models). The engine does not run.
This is known as the RESET state and is explained in more detail beginning
on Page 4. The ProtoSound® DCRU® will not power the motors until the
throttle is turned OFF and then ON again. At this point, the engine will
now function just like any other electronic or mechanical E-unit.
ProtoCoupler
Selection Switch
Smoke Unit
ON/OFF Switch
Figure 1: Locating The Smoke Unit & ProtoCoupler
Slection Switch
RESET
Neutral
Reverse
Neutral
Forward
Figure 2: DCRU Cycle Phases
