TM
72-1976-250
Rev. 1/00
Centennial 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, PRECAUTIONS 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
Centennial ready-to-run O-27 train set, representing 100 years of learning fun and railroad magic. 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 cov-
Table of contents
Track layout
Getting started
Joining the track sections
Suggested track layouts
Grade crossing
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
Lubricating your 4-4-2 locomotive
Adding smoke fluid to your 4-4-2’s smoke generator
Replacing your 4-4-2’s headlamp
Assembling your flatcar with bulkhead and stakes
Lionel Service ers 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 using the list included in a separate flier in this set or call
Lionel Service at 810-949-4100. And have fun!
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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 Lionel Service at 810-949-4100.
• Centennial 4-4-2 locomotive
• Centennial tender w/whistle
• Boxcar
• Flatcar w/bulkheads and
10 stakes
• Centennial caboose
• Tractor/trailer
• Smoke fluid
• Grade crossing
Now comes the fun part—deciding what kind of layout you want. The only rule—
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• Crate load
• Controller
• 40-watt power pack
• Lockon
• Straight track
• Curved track
• Service Center list
• Railroader Club application
• Warranty Card let your imagination be your guide.
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Track layout
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.
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Track layout
Suggested track layouts
Here are some examples of layouts you can build with 8 straight and 8 curved sections of track.
Remember—the more track you own, the more variations you can create in your train layout.
And that means more action and more fun!
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.
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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
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LIO
CTC
NEL
LO
CKO
N 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.
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2 Snap spring contact to the middle 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
1 Hook lip to the outside of the rail the lockon. See page 7 for easy-to-follow steps.
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Controller operations
Stripping the wire
O nce your track is assembled and 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.
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.
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R
OF
F
FULL
SPEED
Plug this end into back of controller.
Controller operations
Controller functions
A s you turn the throttle control knob to 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.
Press this button to go forward or reverse, or to
OFF place the locomotive in headlight is on).
FULL
SPEED
FULL
SPEED
R
The LED indicator shows when your controller is
On.
OFF
Green band
FULL
Turn the throttle control knob to the right for more power.
Red band
OFF
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FULL
SPEED
Controller operations
Controller and short circuits
Y our Lionel power pack is listed by
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.
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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 in the sequence. For instance, if the locomotive is moving forward, then is stopped and apply power to the track, the locomotive moves in the direction specified by the reverse unit—or it sits in neutral, awaiting another power interrupthe switch is thrown back, the locomotive will be “locked” in neutral. If the switch is thrown back while the locomotive is under power, the locomotive will remain in the tion. Power interruptions are the signal that tells the reverse unit to sequence to the next opermode it was in when the switch was thrown. The controller direction control will then have no ational state.
To interrupt power and sequence the locomotive’s reverse unit, press the affect on the direction of the locomotive.
Additionally, this reverse unit has a direction control button or turn the throttle to the neutral, and reverse.
Reverse unit on/off switch
Off position and On again. The reverse unit alternates between three states: forward,
Also, the locomotive can be “locked” into a certain mode of operation by throwing the switch located on the underside of the frame
(see illustration above). When the switch is thrown to the Off position, the locomotive
“power-up reset” feature, which means that should the locomotive sit without power for a short period of time, 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 locomotive will start in the forward direction and be “locked” there.
will be locked in the next mode of operation
Whistle control button
Direction control button
R
OFF
FULL
SPEED
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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
A fter you have assembled the track, place 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.
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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 axle ends with Lionel oil sparingly
Lubricate gears with Lionel grease sparingly
Lubricate with
Lionel oil sparingly
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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 at higher voltages and when the locomotive is pulling a heavy load or a long consist. in the generator.
Smoke production is greater
Note!
Do not leave your locomotive on the track in neatral with the throttle turned up.
This will cause serious damage to the smoke generator.
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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
Lionel part no.
600-0161-300
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Maintaining and servicing your set
Assembling your flatcar with bulkhead and stakes
Y our flatcar with stakes will require some assembly before it’s ready to roll.
Remove the 10 stakes supplied with this car and carefully press them into the corresponding slots as shown below.
Now, insert the two bulkheads onto either end of the flatcar in the slots provided.
You’ll notice that there is one open slot on either end of the flatcar. This is normal and these slots should remain open.
Open slot
Bulkhead
Open slot
Bulkhead
10 stakes
Lionel Service
Y our Centennial O-27 set is built with pride by Lionel and carries a warranty to support continued reliable operation. If service is required, bring it and its warranty card to your local Authorized Lionel Service
Center. To find the nearest dealer or Service
Center, simply call 1-800-4-LIONEL.
If you prefer a Lionel factory repair, call
810-949-4100, fax 810-949-5429, or write
Lionel Service, P.O. Box 748, New Baltimore,
MI 48047-0748. State the problem and the product’s purchase date. We’ll send a return authorization letter to assure proper handling while at Lionel. You may choose to have your product repaired by Lionel Service after its warranty has expired. A reasonable service fee will be charged.
CAUTION: Make sure your product is properly packed to prevent shipping damage. The shipment must be prepaid and we recommend it be insured. Please follow these instructions carefully. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have other rights that vary from state to state.
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© 2000 Lionel LLC, Chesterfield MI 48051-2493
United States of America
