73-1911-250

8/00

ready-to-run O-27 set

Owner’s Manual

CAUTION—ELECTRIC TOY

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER EIGHT YEARS

OF AGE. AS WITH ALL ELECTRIC PRODUCTS, PRECAU-

TIONS SHOULD BE OBSERVED DURING HANDLING AND

USE TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.

TRANSFORMER RATINGS—INPUT: 120 VAC; 60 HZ ONLY.

AC OUTPUT: 20 V; 54 VA

Congratulations!

Y ou’re now the proud owner of the Snapon ready-to-run O-27 train set.

Everything you need to get started is included. You’re already off to a great start by reading this instruction manual. It has important information on train setup and operation. This booklet also covers proper maintenance procedures to help your Lionel trains live long, healthy lives.

If you have any questions after reading this booklet, contact your nearest Lionel

Authorized Service Center or call Lionel

Service at 810-949-4100. And have fun!

Table of contents

Track layout

Getting started

Suggested track layouts

Grade crossing

Joining the track sections

Attaching the lockon to the track

Controller operations

Stripping the wire

Attaching the controller wires to the lockon

Controller functions

Controller and short circuits

Train operation

Reverse unit procedure

Tire traction™

Coupling

Maintaining and servicing your set

Replacing your 4-4-2’s headlamp

Lubricating your 4-4-2 locomotive

Adding smoke fluid to your 4-4-2’s smoke generator

Notes

Limited Warranty/Lionel Service

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13

14

15

16

10

11

11

8

9

6

7

4

4

3

3

5

2

Track layout

Getting Started

B efore you do anything else, we recommend you check the contents of your set box to ensure all of the parts of your set have been included and that the quantities

(when applicable) are correct.

The parts list below will tell you what’s included and the correct quantities. If you find any discrepancies, contact the dealer you purchased your set from for more information or call 1-800-4-Lionel for a

Service Center near you.

• Lionel 4-4-2 locomotive

• Snap-on tender w/whistle

• Snap-on Boxcar

• Snap-on Flatcar

• Simulated Snap-on cargo load

• Snap-on Caboose

• Snap-on Tractor/trailer

• Controller

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

• 40-watt power pack

• Lockon

• Smoke fluid

• Straight track

• Curved track

• Service Center list

• Warranty Card

• Railroader Club Application

1

1

8

1

1

8

1

1

Now comes the fun part—deciding what kind of layout you want. The only rule— let your imagination be your guide.

Suggested track layouts

Here are some examples of layouts you can build with track included with your train set.

Remember—the more track you own, the more variations you can create in your train layout.

And that means more action and more fun!

3

Track layout

Grade crossing

I ncluded in your set are two pieces of grade crossing. These can be used on any straight section of track and will allow you to drive your

Lionel tractor-trailer as well as other toy cars and trucks over the rails of your layout.

To install, simply place the grade crossings under a section of straight track lining up the rails with the grooves in the crossing.

You may install two crossings on the same section of track or on separate sections.

Joining the track sections

J oin the track sections together by inserting the pins of one track section into the rail openings of another. For good electrical contact, pins must be carefully inserted and track joints tightly fitted.

If the track is difficult to connect, try this installation tip. You can “break in” O-27 track sections by inserting and withdrawing a track pin into one rail at a time before joining the entire track section.

If the openings become too open (causing the track to fit loosely), pinch the rail together around a track pin with a pair of pliers.

If any pins fall out of the track and are missing, replace them with extras available from your Lionel dealer.

Maintenance tip: The rails should be kept clean, dry, and free from oil and grease.

Clean rust and dirt spots with a track eraser. Wipe the track using a cloth dampened with track cleaner from the Lionel maintenance kit (no. 6-

62927), available from your nearest Lionel Authorized

Value Added Dealer or Lionel Service.

4

Track layout

Attaching the lockon to the track

T he lockon connects power from your controller to the track. Attaching the lockon to the track is quick and easy. First, place the lockon under any straight section of track. Fit the center lip of the lockon onto the edge of an outside rail. Press the lockon upward so that the spring contact snaps onto the center rail. The lockon should face outward when setting up your track and make sure it is firmly connected. Use the illustrations below as a step-by-step guide.

LIONEL

CTC

LO

CKON

1

2

2

Snap spring contact to the middle rail

1

Hook lip to the outside of the rail

Once the lockon is securely attached to the track, it’s time to insert the wires from the controller into the two spring clips on the lockon. See page 6 and 7 for easy-to-follow steps.

5

Controller operations

Stripping the wire

nce your track is assembled and O the lockon is securely attached, you can connect the wires from the controller to the lockon.

First you‘ll want to check the ends of the wires to make sure that the insulation is stripped back about 1⁄4" to 3⁄8". To strip the wires, use a pair of wire strippers or a sharp knife.

Caution:

Only an adult should perform this task! Always use care when stripping wires.

6

Controller operations

Attaching the controller wires to the lockon

N ow you’ll need to insert a controller wire into each of the two spring clips on the lockon.

It’s easy! Depress the spring clip with your finger and insert the bare end of the wire into the exposed opening. Release the spring clip. Give the wire a little tug to make sure it’s secure. Repeat these steps with the other spring clip. Next, insert the small plug end of the power pack into the back of your controller, and plug the other end into a standard outlet.

Note!

If the whistle fails to operate when you press the whistle button on your controller (see page 8), remove the wires from the lockon and reinsert each one into the opposite clip to reverse polarity.

Plug power pack into standard wall outlet

Make sure that the bare end of each wire is securely attached to the spring clip.

R

OF

F

FULL

SPEED

Plug this end into back of controller.

7

Controller operations

Controller functions

s you turn the throttle control knob to A the right, power to the track is increased. When the indicator reaches the green band, there should be sufficient power to operate the locomotive. The further into the green area the knob is turned, the faster your train will go. Remember that the greater the load on the engine (adding more cars for the engine to pull, for example), the farther into the green the knob must be turned before it will operate the locomotive.

The yellow band indicates the average power range that the train will be operating in. The red band represents maximum power output.

Press this button to produce a realistic whistle sound.

Note!

Slight reduction in speed during whistle operation is normal

Press this button to go forward or reverse, or to place the locomotive in

“neutral” (no movement, headlight is on).

R

Turn the throttle control knob to the right for more power.

The LED indicator shows when your controller is

On.

Green band

Yellow band

Red band

OFF FULL

SPEED

8

Controller operations

Controller and short circuits

our Lionel power pack is listed by Y

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and has been carefully designed and tested to ensure peak performance. The controller is equipped with a built-in electronic circuit breaker that alternately cuts off and restores the flow of power to the track whenever a short circuit exists—for example, when the train derails. The circuit breaker’s action continues until the cause of the short circuit is eliminated. This circuit breaker is incorporated into the controller to protect it from possible damage. It will not protect the locomotive or electrically operated accessories, so it’s important to eliminate short circuits as soon as possible.

Note!

The power pack must be unplugged from the wall socket when a short circuit is noticed, and the short circuit must be corrected.

A short circuit is caused by a direct connection between the center rail and one of the outside rails or by a direct connection between bare wires. The axles of a derailed car or locomotive are the most frequent cause of short circuits, so make sure that all wheels are properly set on the rails. Some other causes of short circuits might be staples, nails, paper clips, or other metallic objects lying across the rails, or two bare wires touching each other.

If too many cars or accessories are used, your controller will exceed its power limit and begin to cycle on and off. To correct this problem, cars or accessories must be removed before normal operation can resume. For more power, see the line of

Lionel high-output transformers at your

Authorized Lionel Value Added Dealer.

The same condition can occur if the power is turned up too quickly. This also could cause your train to move too fast and derail.

After your power pack has been operating for a while, you will find it warm to the touch. It is the nature of all electrical power equipment to become warm when in use. If your controller is loaded to capacity, it is a good idea to let it cool down after an hour or two of continuous use. Unplug the power pack from the wall when the controller is not in use.

9

Train operation

Reverse unit procedure

T he reverse unit inside your Lionel locomotive is an electronic device that acts like the transmission in your car. When you the switch is thrown back, the locomotive will be “locked” in neutral. If the switch is apply power to the track, the locomotive moves in the direction specified thrown back while the locomotive is under

Note!

power, the locomotive will remain in the mode it was in by the reverse unit—or it sits in neutral, awaiting another power when the switch was thrown. The controller direction control will interruption.

Power interruptions are the signal that tells the reverse unit to sequence to the next operational state.

To interrupt power and sequence the locomotive’s reverse unit, press the direction control button or turn the throttle to the O

FF position and O

N states: forward, neutral, and reverse.

ON

Reverse unit on/off switch located on the underside of the frame (see illustration above). When the switch is

OFF again. The reverse unit alternates between three

Also, the locomotive can be “locked” into a single direction by throwing the switch locomotive will start in the forward direction and be “locked” there.

reverse unit has a

“power-up reset” feature, which means that should the locomotive sit without power for more than one hour, the reverse unit will automatically reset and start in the forward direction when the transformer is turned on or “powered up,” regardless of the locking switch position. If the locking switch is in the OFF position, the

Tender must be on the track for the thrown to the OFF position, the locomotive will be locked in the next mode of operation whistle to operate then have no effect on the direction of the locomotive.

Additionally, this in the sequence. For instance, if the locomotive is moving forward, then is stopped and

R

Whistle control button

Direction control button

OFF

FULL

SPEED

10

Train operation

Tire-Traction™

Y our locomotive is equipped with Tire-

Traction™. This means that one of the drive wheels is fitted with a rubber traction tire to enhance tractive effort so your locomotive can pull many cars at once.

Lionel locomotives with Tire-Traction™ grip the track, enabling them to pull heavy loads at higher speeds.

Coupling

fter you have assembled the track, place A the locomotive and rolling stock on the track. Before coupling the cars, make sure the wheels are properly set on the rails.

When coupling your cars, at least one of the mating couplers must be open as shown below at the left. Now simply push the cars toward each other until they lock together.

Now you’re ready to pull out of the station. All aboard!

Push down the lock release to open the coupler.

Keep in mind that it’s easier to couple cars on a straight stretch of track.

Note!

In order to get your Snap-on train completely ready for departure, you will need to fold up the Snap-on simulated cargo load and place it between the bulkheads on the flatcar.

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Maintaining and servicing your set

Replacing your 4-4-2 locomotive’s headlamp

Y our 4-4-2 locomotive lights the way with headlamp illumination. During the course of normal operation, the lamp may require replacement.

First remove the two front truck screws and carefully slide the front truck assembly off the linkage rods. Lift the smoke unit out far enough from the cab to allow lamp extraction. Pull the lamp straight out and replace it with Lionel part no. 600-0161-

300, available from your nearest Lionel

Authorized Service Center or from Lionel

Service. Be careful not to twist the lamp or it may break.

Now, reinstall the smoke unit, making sure that the smoke stack lines up with the cab top opening. Reassemble the front truck, making sure that the linkage rods go into the holes in the front truck. The lug wire from the smoke unit must be reinserted through the slot in the front truck assembly and secured under one of the two front screws. Tighten the screws firmly but do not over tighten.

Smoke unit

Linkage rods

Front truck screws

Smoke unit lug wire

Lamp

Lionel part no.

600-0161-300

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Maintaining and servicing your set

Lubricating your 4-4-2 locomotive

H elp your 4-4-2 steam locomotive lead a long and productive life on your railroad by maintaining it properly.

We recommend you purchase a Lionel

Lubrication and Maintenance Kit (no. 6-

62927), available from your Lionel dealer.

Two basic rules to keep in mind: Never overlubricate (a small amount will do), and avoid getting grease or oil on the 4-4-2’s wheels, contact rollers, or your track.

You’ll know your 4-4-2 requires lubrication when visual inspection reveals dryness on the parts indicated in the illustration.

Remove accumulated dirt and dust before lubricating, and always lubricate any locomotive emerging from prolonged storage.

Lubricate drive axles on both sides of locomotive (between the wheels and the locomotive at the bushings)

Lionel oil sparingly

Lubricate axle ends with

Lionel oil sparingly

Lubricate gears with

Lionel grease sparingly

Lubricate with

Lionel oil sparingly

13

Maintaining and servicing your set

Adding smoke fluid to your 4-4-2’s smoke generator

Y our 4-4-2 locomotive is equipped with a smoke generator that produces safe, clean white smoke during operation.

The smoke generator requires the periodic addition of Lionel smoke fluid in order to function. Pierce the smoke fluid tube end with a pin, then add 4 to 8 drops of fluid directly into the locomotive’s stack. Smoke production commences momentarily, faster if you run your locomotive at high speed. When smoke production wanes, add more fluid (4 to 8 drops). An idle locomotive will not smoke.

NOTE: Always keep a small amount of smoke fluid in the locomotive’s smoke generator; the generator’s element can become damaged if operated without smoke fluid.

This is particularly true if your locomotive sits in neutral for an extended period of time without smoke fluid in the generator.

Smoke production is greater at higher voltages and when the locomotive is pulling a heavy load or a long consist.

Note!

Do not leave your locomotive on the track in neutral with the throttle turned up.

This will cause serious damage to the smoke generator.

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NOTES:

15

Limited Warranty/Lionel Service

T his Lionel product, including all mechanical and electrical components, moving parts, motors and structural components, except for light bulbs, is warranted to the original consumer-purchaser, for one year against original defects in materials or workmanship when purchased through an authorized Lionel dealer.

This warranty does NOT cover normal wear and tear, light bulbs, defects appearing in the course of commercial use, or damage resulting from abuse or misuse of the product by the purchaser. Transfer of this product by the original consumer-purchaser to another person voids this warranty. Modification of this product voids this warranty.

Any warranted product which is defective in original materials or workmanship and is delivered by the original consumer-purchaser to Lionel

L.L.C. or an authorized Lionel L.L.C. Service

Station, together with proof of original purchase will, at the option of Lionel L.L.C., be repaired or replaced, without charge for parts or labor. In the event the defective product cannot be repaired, and a replacement is not available, a refund of the original purchase price will be granted. Any products on which warranty service is sought must be sent freight or postage prepaid, as transportation and shipping charges are not covered by the warranty.

In no event shall Lionel L.L.C. be liable for incidental or consequential damages.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusion may not apply to you.

This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.

Instructions for Obtaining Service

If service for this Lionel L.L.C. product is required, bring the item, along with your dated sales receipt and completed warranty information to the nearest Authorized Lionel Service Station.

Your nearest Lionel Service Station can be found by calling 1-800-4-Lionel, or by accessing our

Website at www.lionel.com.

If you prefer to send your product back to

Lionel L.L.C. for factory repair, you must first call

810-949-4100 or FAX 810-949-5429, or write to

Customer Service, P.O. Box 748, New Baltimore,

MI 48047-0748, stating what the item is, when it was purchased and what seems to be the problem.

You will be sent a return authorization letter and label to ensure your merchandise will be properly handled upon receipt.

Once you have received your return authorization and label, make sure that the item is packed to prevent damage during shipping and handling. We suggest that you use the product’s original packaging. This shipment must be prepaid and we recommend that it be insured.

Please make sure you have followed all of the above instructions carefully before returning any merchandise for service.

Warranty Information

Please complete the information below and keep it, along with your dated sales receipt. You must present this and your dated sales receipt when requesting warranty service.

Name ____________________________

Address ____________________________

Place of Purchase ____________________

Date of Purchase ____________________

Product Number ______________________

Product Description____________________

_________________________________

©2000 L

IONEL

LLC, C

HESTERFIELD

MI 48051-1956

U

NITED

S

TATES OF

A

MERICA