Automatic Operating Pantographs
Your MTH electric type engine is equipped with Automatic Operating Pantographs.
The Automatic Operating Pantographs must be unlatched Panto switch in the ON
position in order to operate. To unlatch the pantographs, hold the base of the
pantograph and gently pull up on the contact slider. The Panto switch is located
between the truck and must be in the ON position. See the figure below.
The rear pantograph should open to its full height. The front pantograph should rise
slightly to unlatch, but remain collapsed.
Power Selection
The Automatic Operating
Pantographs can be used to obtain
power from an overhead catenary
system. In order to obtain power
from an operating overhead
catenary move the Track/Panto
selector switch from the track
position to the Panto position as
shown in the figure.
To insure good conductivity of the
pantograph, the blackening on the
top of the contact slide should be
removed. This can be
accomplished by running the
engine while using the pickup
rollers with the pantographs
or by using a track cleaning
pad.
raised
and rubbing against the catenary
wire,
Conventional Mode
When power is applied in conventional mode the pantographs will go through an
orientation check. This will make sure that the rear pantograph is raised and the front
pantograph is lowered.
When the direction of the locomotive is reversed the front pantograph will rise, then
the rear pantograph will lower. This is to insure that at least one of the pantographs is
in contact with the catenary at all times. This action takes place in the neutral state.
When the engine is moving, the trailing pantograph on the engine should be up and the
leading pantograph should be down.
The pantographs will alternately rise and lower with each direction change of the
locomotive.
Premier EF-3 Electric Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0
Figure: Pantograph/Track Position Switch
Pantograph/Track
Position Switch
Pantograph
On-Off Switch
4
