MTHTrains HO 4-8-4 GS-4 Quick start guide
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4/GS-6
Steam Engine
Congratulations! You've just purchased the most
feature-rich and technically advanced HO Steam
locomotive ever produced! This highly detailed model
includes a broader range of features than you’ll find on
any other HO scale steam, including smooth
performance from a three-scale-mile-per-hour crawl to
full throttle; “cruise control” for steady speeds regardless
of curves, switches and grades; built-in decoders for
DCC and the M.T.H. Digital Command System (DCS);
and a full range of prototypical sounds. If you’re looking
for motive power that’s accurately detailed, smooth
running, and a great deal of fun to operate, it doesn’t get
any better than this!
PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE
(PS3E+)
ENGINEER’S GUIDE
** Ps3 E+ model operates on 22” radius
curves or R3 (515mm) radius curves HO
Stud (3-Rail) Track
Passenger/Freight
Announcements
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4/ GS-6 Steam Engine
2
This product may be protected by one or more of the following patents: 6,019,289;
6,280,278; 6,281,606; 6,291,263; 6,457,681; 6,491,263; 6,604,641; 6,619,594; 6,624,537;
6,655,640.
©2013, M.T.H. Electric Trains®, Columbia, MD 21046
CAUTION: ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PRODUCT:
WARNING: When using electrical products, basic safety precautions should be observed, including the following:
Read this manual thoroughly before using this device.
lM.T.H. recommends that all users and persons supervising use examine the hobby transformer and other electronic equipment
periodically for conditions that may result in the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, such as damage to the primary cord,
plug blades, housing, output jacks or other parts. In the event such conditions exist, the train set should not be used until properly
repaired.
lDo not operate your layout unattended. Obstructed accessories or stalled trains may overheat, resulting in damage to your layout.
lThis train set is intended for indoor use. Do not use if water is present. Serious injury or fatality may result.
lDo not operate the hobby transformer with damaged cord, plug, switches, buttons or case.
Recommended for Ages 14 and up. Not recommended for children under 14 years of age without adult supervision. As
with all electric products, precautions should be observed during handling and use to prevent electric shock.
Rev.: _ HO GS-4 PS3_6/20/2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Unpacking Your Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Product Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Getting to Know Your Engine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Set-up/Maintenence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing Mechanical Couplers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine and Tender Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Smoke Unit Preparation and Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal/Installation of Drive Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ps3 Enhancements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DCC-DCS Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Features and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modes of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conventional AC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DCC Digital Command Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Start-Up/Shut-Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sounds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PFA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Smoke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forward/Reverse Signal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Sounds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F Function List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DCS Digital Command System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proto-Sound® 3.0 Expanded DCC Functionality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuration Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cv29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Feature/Factory Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CV Programming (Marklin 6021 Controller) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advanced Consisting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Programming Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Transformers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service and Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Limited One-Year Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4/ GS-6 Steam Engine
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QUICK START GUIDE
Of course, you should read your manual over before running your GS-4/6.
But if you just can’t wait, choose how you want to run below and enjoy!!
Your PS3E+ engine is designed to be run with AC power. However, you can
also use DC power if you prefer. The instructions will only reference AC
power.
I'M A DCC/MOTOROLA OPERATOR….
Step 1: Unpack your GS-4/6 (refer to unpacking instructions on pg 4)…
Step 2: Set the engine on the track …
Step 3: Power up your DCC system…
Step 4: Select engine address 3 and press “F3” to start her up…
Step 5: Turn the throttle and head on down the pike…
I RUN DCS….
Step 1: Unpack your GS-4/6 (refer to unpacking instructions on pg 4)…
Step 2: Set the engine on the track …
Step 3: Power up your DCS system…
Step 4: Add the engine to your system and start her up…
Step 5: Turn the throttle and move out….
I USE AN AC SUPPLY…
Step 1: Unpack your Engine. (refer to unpacking instruction on pg 4)…
Step 2: Set the engine on the track …
Step 3: Apply increasing AC voltage until she starts up and pulls out!
UNPACKING YOUR ENGINE
Removing and Unwrapping Your Engine
Carefully remove and unwrap the model on a soft surface. By nature, models with
high levels of detail have some small fragile parts.
Carefully remove any foam packing pieces that may be surrounding the model.
What Else is in the Box?
The following items are packed with your engine.
Quick Start Guide (1)
For those who can’t wait to get started! This will give you the basic information
to get your engine up and running!
NEM 360/362 Coupler (2)
NEM mechanical couplers along with pocket assemblies
Smoke Fluid Pipette (1)
Enough fluid to get you started, and then some.
Rear Drive Wheel Set without Traction Tires (1)
For Those who prefer not to use traction tires.
3mm Nut Driver (1)
In case you want to install the drivers with traction tires or replace the standard
drive wheels.
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4/ GS-6 Steam Engine
4
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Getting to Know Your M.T.H. HO Locomotive
Key Features
Your new HO is equipped with the exclusive M.T.H. Proto-Sound® 3.0
digital sound and control system. In plain English, this means your locomotive
contains state-of-the-art electronics providing realistic digital sounds, puffing
smoke perfectly synchronized with chuffing sounds and motion, precisely
controlled speed in increments of 1 scale mile per hour, and much, much, more.
Compatibility
The Proto-Sound 3.0 system is universally compatible with track power and/or
signal combinations including Conventional AC (regular AC transformer),
DCC/Motorola (NMRA Digital Command Control), or DCS (MTH Digital
Command System). Simply set your GS-4/6 on the rails, apply any one of these
power/signal sources, and move out! The Proto-Sound 3.0 system automatically
senses the track environment and adapts accordingly. For the PS 3E+ Engines you
will need to ensure that the DCS/DCC switch is in the correct position. A vast
array of realistic operation is automatic when the GS-4/6 is run on conventional
AC. You can expand access to features in a DCC environment. Experience the
most your new locomotive has to offer in the simple to use yet powerful world of
DCS. To be clear, DCS is NOT a proprietary version of DCC, as some other
manufacturers offer. DCS is a comprehensive layout control system designed with
one primary goal: make model trains do amazingly realistic things using a simple
and intuitive controller. We put the complexity on the inside, and the fun in your
hands!
Digital Sound
Your Proto-Sound 3.0 (PS3) equipped GS-4/6 contains over 100 individual
recordings. These recordings are played back dynamically at appropriate times to
create a symphony of realism for your ears. Hear the chuffs automatically
intensify or lighten when speeding up or slowing down, listen to the sounds of
brakes squeaking and squealing as you come to a stop, or enjoy the random
conversations of railmen working as your model sits at idle. It's all there and it's
incredible.
Now, your HO GS-4/6 includes the ultimate in realism Proto-Whistle. With this
incredible new feature you have variable control over the steam whistle sound in
your locomotive (when operated in DCS mode with the DCS Commander or
DCS software version 4.0 or greater).
GS-4/6
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4/ GS-6 Steam Engine
5
Digital Control
In standard conventional AC mode, your model still operates under digital control.
The PS 3 advance speed control system converts track voltage into digital speed
commands. Your model will run smoothly and consistently at any speed regardless
of load, hills, or curves. If you are a DCC user, you'll quickly learn to appreciate
the precision of our speed control and linear speed curve. DCS users will enjoy the
added benefits of controlling speeds in increments of 1 scale mile per hour
displayed on DCS controllers or easily changing acceleration and deceleration rates
independently without any discussion of bits or bytes. To be clear, DCS is NOT
DCC.
Lights & Smoke
As you read on, you'll notice there are no instructions for replacing light bulbs in
your GS-4/6. That's because there aren't any. We use specially designed and
controlled LEDs to create realistic lighting effects that occur automatically. Again,
NO PROGRAMMING!! Just come to a stop and watch as the headlight dims
automatically in accordance with rule 17. Of course, as you pull away, the
headlight returns to it's fully bright, yet warm, glow. Your new GS-4/6 includes
realistic Classification lighting with appropriately colored LED's in the boiler. We
even included a light in the cab so the engineer and fireman can see to do their
jobs!
MTH is renowned for our realistic smoke systems. The HO GS-4/6 is no
exception. When the smoke is on, you will experience copious puffs synchronized
precisely with chuffing sounds at 4 times per revolution of the drive wheels. Of
course, when you stop, the smoke wafts out of the stack steadily, just like the real
thing! The smoke behavior applies to all operating modes, conventional AC, DCC,
or DCS. With some DCC controllers, you can turn smoke on and off remotely.
In DCS mode, you can not only toggle smoke on and off with the press of single
button, you can actually select from 3 output levels to keep those smoke alarms
from going off!
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4/ GS-6 Steam Engine
6
ENGINE DIAGRAM
Boiler
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4/ GS-6 Steam Engine
7
Tender
Drive Wheels
Cab Interior
Light
Fireman/
Engineer
Figures
Lighted
Classification
Lights
Sliding Roof Vent
Pilot Truck
Smoke Stack
Wireless Close-
coupling Receiver
Drive Wheels
Control Hatch
Wireless Close
coupling drawbar
Wireless Close-Coupling Drawbar
You’re HO GS-4/6 features our all new wireless close-coupling drawbar! To attach
the engine to the tender, simply insert the prongs of the drawbar into the receiver
as depicted in the images above.
Receiver
Close-coupling
Drawbar (prongs)
Coupled
Installing The Mechanical Couplers
Your GS 4/6 comes with a mechanical NEM360/362 coupler and pocket
assembly. To install the coupler onto the rear of the tender, simply push it into
the slot as shown below.
SET-UP
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4/ GS-6 Steam Engine
8
SET-UP
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4/ GS-6 Steam Engine
9
Connection of the Engine and Tender
Your MTH HO GS-4/6 is presented and packaged as a pre-connected unit, and
features our new wireless close drawbar. Along with providing a mechanical
connection of the tender to the engine, the wireless close coupling drawbar also
provides an electrical connection between the engine and tender. No assembly is
required.
Smoke Unit Preparation and Use
Your GS-4/6 is equipped with a proven fan-driven smoke system design featured
in MTH products for over 10 years. The performance and realism of this system is
unparallel in the model train industry.
Your smoke unit comes primed from the factory however, before running the
smoke unit for more than a few minutes, you should add more fluid. Add
between 10-15 drops initially and whenever smoke output diminishes or if the
engine has been stored for a long period of time. We provided some fluid with
your model to get you started.
The smoke unit is controlled
differently depending upon how your
run your engine so, for particulars on
turning it on or off or setting the
output levels, check out the features
and operation section. You shouldn't
run your smoke unit without fluid. Doing so can cause overheating and reduce
the performance and/or life of the unit. Of course, we recommend using only
MTH ProtoSmoke fluid. Super Smoke and LVTS brands also work fine.
Removal/Installation of Drive Wheel Sets
Your Gs4/Gs6 comes from the factory with traction tire equipped drive wheels
installed and an alternate set without traction tires available separately in the box.
The traction tires provide exceptional pulling power on grades and through curves
but should you prefer the traditional appearance of steel drive wheels, the alternate
set can be easily installed by following the steps below.
First, position the engine upside
down in a foam cradle or other
soft surface. Using the 3mm
nut driver tool we provided in
the box, carefully remove the
drive rod screws (2) on the set
of drive wheels located 2nd
from the rear. There's one on
each side.
Smokestack
Next, remove brake shoe detail by gently prying and pulling up the part and set
aside. Remove the 5 screws holding down the rectangular chassis bottom cover.
Carefully remove the cover... then carefully remove the 2 screws holding down the
gearbox cover, set them aside and then stop. Don’t do anything further until
reading the next step completely.
Before proceeding, there are a couple of important things to know. First, under
the square bushings on each end of the axle are tiny springs. They are critical to
the proper operation of your engine and you don't want to drop them. Next,
look closely at the wheel set and bushings and take note of their orientation.
M.T.H. HO 4-8-4 GS-4/ GS-6 Steam Engine
10
Screws
Brake Shoe Lever & Bellcrank
Traction tire Nontraction tire
Brake Shoe Detail/bottom plate
Brake Shoe Lever & Bellcrank
Driver springs
Gearbox Cover
Gearbox CoverGearbox Screws
Gearbox cover
Gearbox cover
removed
Bushings
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1
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