Lionel 255 User manual

PLEASE READ BEFORE USE AND SAVE
No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engine
Operation Manual
www.lionelcorporation.com
3
Compatibility
This engine will operate on any
traditional O-31 Gauge track system,
including M.T.H.’s RealTrax® or
ScaleTrax™ or traditional tubular
track. It is also compatible with most
standard AC transformers. (See page
45 & 46 for a complete list of
compatible transformers, power packs,
and wiring instructions.)
PFA
Passenger/Freight
Announcements

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.
©2012, 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: _Lionel No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines 8/16/12
Table of Contents
Set-Up Checklist..............................................................................3
Getting Started ...............................................................................3
Lubrication...........................................................................................3
Priming the Smoke Unit...............................................................................3
Placing the Engine on the Track........................................................................4
DCS or DCC.........................................................................................5
PS 3.0 Enhancements..........................................................................6
Conventional AC/DC Start-up/Shut-down...............................................................6
DCS/DCC Switch ....................................................................................6
Programming Track (for DCC operation)................................................................6
Loading Engine Firmware..............................................................................6
LED Lighting.........................................................................................7
Modes of Operation...........................................................................7
Conventional AC Operation...........................................................................7
®
Proto-Sound 3.0 Conventional AC Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
®
Activating Proto-Sound 3.0 Conventional AC Mode Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Manual Volume Control...............................................................................9
PFA .................................................................................................10
Proto-Coupler™ Operation............................................................................11
Speed Control........................................................................................12
Locking Locomotive Into A Direction...................................................................12
Reset To Factory Default...............................................................................13
Automatic Sound Effects ..............................................................................13
Conventional DC Operation...........................................................................13
DCS Operation.......................................................................................14
DCC / Digital Command Control......................................................................14
Basic DCC Operation.................................................................................15
Start up / Shut Down .................................................................................15
Sounds...............................................................................................15
Lights................................................................................................16
Master Volume .......................................................................................16
Couplers.............................................................................................17
Forward/Reverse Signal................................................................................17
Crossing Signal ......................................................................................17
Smoke...............................................................................................17
Engine Sounds........................................................................................17
Additional F Functions................................................................................18
Function Chart.......................................................................................20
CV29................................................................................................21
Long and Short Addressing ............................................................................21
Feature/Factory Resetting..............................................................................22
M.T.H. Proto-Sound 3.0 Expanded DCC Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Advanced DCC Operation.............................................................................25
Configuration Variables ...............................................................................25
Advanced Consisting..................................................................................28
Programming Track...................................................................................31
Maintenance.................................................................................33
Lubricating and Greasing Instructions...................................................................33
Removing the Boiler ..................................................................................33
Cleaning The Wheels, Tires and Track...................................................................34
Traction Tire Replacement Instructions .................................................................35
Proto-Smoke Unit Operation...........................................................................35
LED Lighting (Engine Only)...........................................................................36
®
Troubleshooting Proto-Sound 3.0 Problems.............................................................37
Transformer Compatibility and Wiring Chart............................................................45
DC Power Supply Chart...............................................................................46
Additional Features Accessible Of DCS Remote Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Service & Warranty Information........................................................................48
Limited One-Year Warranty ...........................................................................48

You can obtain replacement parts and replacement instructions from the
M.T.H. Parts Department (Order online: www.mthtrains.com, e-mail:
Fax: [phone], Phone: [phone], Mail: 7020
Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532).
[email protected],
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
3
Set Up Checklist
rLubricate the engine
rPrime the Smoke Unit
rPlace the engine on the track
rApply power to run as described in the Basic Operation section of these instructions.
Getting Started
DO NOT
OVER OIL
DO NOT
OVER OIL
Fig. 1: Lubricating the Locomotive
Lubricating the Engine
Lubricate all exposed moving parts before operating using a multi-purpose,
plastic-compatible oil (available with M.T.H.'s Maintenance Kit, sold
separately) or a light household oil. Follow the lubrication points.
Priming the Smoke Unit
You should prime the smoke unit with smoke fluid before operating. Add 15-20 drops of
smoke fluid from the included pipette through the smokestack, then gently blow into the
stack to eliminate any air bubbles in the fluid.
If you choose not to prime the unit with fluid, turn the smoke unit control located under
the tender to the OFF position (Full Counter Clockwise Position).
Running the engine without a primed smoke unit may cause damage. See the
"ProtoSmoke Unit Operation" section of this book for more information on smoke unit
maintenance.
Lubricate Pick Up Rollers (L)
Lubricate Gears (L)
Lubricate Front and Rear Axles
Lubricate Pivot Points
Lubricate Side Rods (L)

Add 15-20 Drops
Smoke Fluid
Figure 3: Smoke Unit Control
Running the engine without primed
Smoke unit may cause damage
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
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Figure 2: Adding Smoke Fluid
Placing The Engine On The Track
Your MTH steam engine is equipped with a tetherless drawbar. There is no
unsightly cable or box showing between the engine and the tender to detract from
the appearance of the model. The electrical connections pass through conductors
in the drawbar, so it is important that the connector be properly inserted. The
connector is fixed to the rear end of the drawbar. The mating connector is
attached to a swivel connection on the front of the tender frame. The drawbar is
connected to the engine chassis with a screw and should not need any attention.
In order to mate the connectors of the drawbar and the tender, place the engine
and the tender on the track. Position the tender over the drawbar connector and
insert the drawbar pin on the swivel connector into the hole in the drawbar.
Now grasp the tender with both hands as shown below and place a finger on each
side of the drawbar near the connector. Now using your fingers, push the
connectors together. The connector will make a slight click when it is properly
seated. At this point you are ready to begin operating your engine.
260 Style Tender
Smoke Unit Control
Your Locomotive
will be paired with
one of the following
styles of tender.
Please reference the
picture for your
locomotive.
263 Style Tender
Smoke Unit Control

To disconnect the engine
and tender use the
instructions above going in
reverse order.
If the drawbar is not
properly connected your
engine may exhibit erratic
or no operation. If this
happens turn off the track
power and make sure that
the drawbar connectors are
properly seated. Then
reapply power to the track
and continue operation.
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
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Figure 5: Connected Engine and Tender
Figure 4: Pushing Connectors Together
DCS or DCC
If you are operating with command control you must set the selector switch to
DCC for DCC operation and DCS for DCS operation. Refer to page 14 to see
and learn about the differences.
CAUTION:
Do not apply DCS signals and DCC signals to the same track simultaneously.
The signals are not compatible, mixing the DCS and DCC signals will damage
the DCS TIU unit.
260 Style Tender 263 Style Tender
DCS/DCC Switch DCS/DCC Switch
Figure 6: DCS/DCC Switch
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THIS ENGINE TO A TENDER FROM
ANOTHER ENGINE. ALSO, DO NOT CONNECT THIS TENDER TO
ANOTHER ENGINE. THIS MAY CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE. The
features and wiring in each model are unique and therefore engines and tenders
cannot be interchanged.

PS 3.0 Enhancements
Here are some of the exciting changes incorporated into your new MTH Proto-
®
Sound 3.0 Locomotives. More advanced features such as Custom Speed Tables
and Advanced Consisting can be found in the DCC section of this manual.
Conventional (Analog) AC/DC Start-up/Shut-down
Your new MTH PS3.0-equipped locomotive no longer has batteries. It uses Super
Capacitors to hold the engine board alive for a short time when you shut off or
interrupt track power. Because of this, when you first apply track power to your
PS3.0-equipped O Gauge engine, you will notice the headlight comes on but
nothing else. This is perfectly normal. The capacitors are charging up during this
time. The wait time depends upon how long it’s been since you last applied
power to the engine. Typically it will take 1-15 seconds to fully charge. NOTE:
The 1-15 second charging wait time ONLY applies to conventional AC track
power.
Once the headlight shuts off, the engine will play its start-up sounds and all the
lights will come back on, simultaneously. Smoke too if you have it turned on.
The capacitors hold enough charge to play the full shut-down sounds. Also, the
capacitors allow you to operate your engine in conventional mode just like you
would any other conventionally-controlled engine. Finally, because there are no
batteries, you will notice there is no external charge jack on the engine.
DCS/DCC Switch
Your MTH PS3.0-equipped engine has a DCS/DCC selector switch (located on
the underside of the tender in steam engines). To operate the engine in DCS
mode, ensure the switch is set to DCS. If you wish to run the engine in DCC
mode, ensure the switch is set to DCC.
If you inadvertently leave the switch in DCC it won’t hurt anything, you just
won’t be able to communicate with your engine with your DCS system. Likewise,
if you leave the switch in DCS and try to operate the engine under DCC you
may notice a humming coming from your engine and you will likely notice that
your DCC system’s overload light will be on.
Programming Track (for DCC operation)
Your MTH PS3.0-equipped O Gauge engine can function on Programming Track
outputs from DCC systems. Most DCC systems can support the current
requirements of the engine as long as it’s not started up. If you plan on powering
up the MTH engine on your programming track, you may want to consider a
DCC Programming Track Booster.
Loading Engine Firmware
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
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to the Loader program’s instructions for more details. So, as MTH releases new
features or updates you will be able to take full advantage without having to ship
your favorite engine anywhere. All new updates are available on our website.
MTH will make announcements as they are available. Not all updates will apply
to all engines.
NOTE: Requires a TIU w/ version 4.20 or later firmware, and requires
Consumer Loader version 2.30 or later.
LED Lighting
Gone are the incandescent bulbs. Your new PS3.0-equipped engine has LED
lighting. MTH uses various colored LEDs to simulate the correct lighting on
your engines from the warm, yellow-orange colored light coming out of an old
lantern on your favorite steam engine to the high-intensity halogen lamp on the
latest modern diesels, LED's allow for various, correct colors. Also, they require
less power and do not emit as much heat as incandescent bulbs.
Modes of Operation
®
There are 4 options for operating your MTH Proto-Sound 3.0-equipped engine;
-Conventional AC
-Conventional DC
-DCS - MTH Digital Command System
-DCC
When the locomotive is placed on the track and power is applied to the track the
locomotive will detect the type of control system being used and respond
accordingly.
Below is an overview of the 4 different systems.
NOTE: You’ll need to have the DCC/DCS switch set correctly if your using
one of those two modes.
Conventional AC Operation
When using conventional AC power, the engine will respond to changes in track voltage.
An increase in track voltage will increase the locomotive speed and a reduction in track
voltage will reduce the engine speed.
A short interruption (approximately 1 to 2 seconds) in the track voltage will cause the
engine to cycle in the sequence for each track voltage interruption (neutral – forward –
neutral – reverse) When power is first applied to the track, the locomotive will be silent for
1-20 seconds and the headlight will be on, indicating the super capacitors are charging
(The super capacitors provide power to the sound
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
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system during direction changes or intermittent drops in track power due to dirty
track switches, when operating in conventional mode). When the super
capacitors are charged, all the lights will come on and the engine sounds will start up.
There should be no movement, as the engine is in neutral. Causing a short
interruption of track power by using the direction button on the transformer, or by
bringing the throttle to 0 volts and back again, will change the sequence to the
forward state. Then increasing the throttle will begin to move the engine forward, and
speed will increase as the throttle is advanced.
If there is another interruption in track power the sequence will change to the neutral
position again. The engine will remain in the neutral state until there is another
interruption in track power. The next interruption in track power will move the
sequence to the reverse state. The engine will now move in the reverse direction. If the
power interruption was accomplished by using the direction button and the throttle
position was not changed, the engine will run in the reverse direction at the same
speed that it was traveling in the forward position.
Subsequent interruptions in track power of 1-2 seconds will continue the sequence
rotation. If you happen to interrupt track power for longer than about 2 seconds, the
engine will begin its shut down sounds. If this occurs you can cycle the direction
sequence again to get back to the direction you wish to move and once the engine
starts moving its shut down sounds will stop playing (SEE PAGE 9 (direction cycle
phases)).
In conventional AC operation the whistle sound, the bell sound, PFA sounds and
other operational functions can be accessed if your transformer has a horn/whistle
button and a bell button. By using combinations of button presses, different
commands besides blowing the whistle and ringing the bell can be initiated.
or on
®
Proto-Sound 3.0 Conventional AC Operating
Instructions
®
Activating Proto-Sound 3.0 Conventional AC Mode Features
Throttle - To increase or decrease track voltage, and therefore train speed, turn
the throttle control knob. Turning clockwise will increase voltage and speed,
while turning counterclockwise will decrease voltage and speed. The engine will
maintain the speed you set after you release the throttle until you turn it again to
change the voltage and speed.
Bell - To sound the bell, in an engine equipped with a bell firmly press and
release the Bell button. To turn the bell off, press and release the Bell button
again. The bell will continue to ring from the time you turn it on until you press
and release the button again to turn it off.
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
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Horn/Whistle - To sound the whistle, firmly press the Horn/Whistle button.
The whistle will sound for as long as you continue to depress the button. It will
stop when you release the button.
Direction - Your train is programmed to start in neutral. The train will always
cycle neutral-forward-neutral-reverse with each press and release of the direction
button. The engine is programmed to restart in neutral each time the track
voltage is turned off for 25 seconds or more.
Fig. 7: Manual Volume Control
®
Proto-Sound 3.0 features are activated by sequences of Bell and Horn button
pushes described below. Please read the full descriptions of each feature before
using it. To use these buttons to activate features rather than to blow the horn or
ring the bell, you should tap the buttons very quickly with a ½-second pause between
button presses. You may need to practice your timing to make this work smoothly.
Manual Volume Control
To adjust the volume of all sounds made by this engine, turn the manual volume
control (fig. 7) clockwise to increase the volume and counterclockwise to reduce
the volume. Turning the manual volume control completely counterclockwise
will turn of all of the engine sounds and announcements.
Timing Chart
Total Time Lapse: 1 Seconds½
Press
Horn
Short &
Firm
½ Sec.
Pause
½ Sec.
Pause
Press
Bell
Short &
Firm
Press
Bell
Short &
Firm
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
9
Cycle Phases
Neutral
Neutral
ForwardReverse
260 Style Tender 263 Style Tender
PS3.0 Manual Volume Control PS3.0 Manual Volume Control

Passenger/Freight Announcements (PFA)
Your engine is equipped with a sound package of either passenger station
announcements or freight yard sounds that you can play when you pull into a
station or a yard. Each sequence described below will play as long as it is left on,
randomly generating sounds, but be sure to allow approximately 30 seconds
between the button pushes described below to allow the PFA sufficient time to
run through each sequence.
•To cue the sound system to play the PFA, quickly but firmly tap the
Bell button once followed by 2 quick taps of the Horn button while the
engine is moving. Tap the buttons quickly but allow approximately ½
second between each press.
• Press the Direction button once to stop the engine. This will trigger
the first sequence of PFA. The reverse unit is temporarily disabled so
that the train will not move as you use the Direction button to trigger
the sounds. Proto-Sound 3.0 has disabled operator control over the
Horn and Bell
buttons until the full PFA sequence is complete.
•After waiting about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press the
Direction button again to trigger the second sequence of PFA.
•After about 30 seconds, press the Direction button again to trigger the
third PFA sequence.
•Again, after allowing about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press
the Direction button one more time to trigger the fourth and final PFA
sequence. The PFA will continue and within a few seconds the bell will
begin ringing, then the engine will begin moving at the current throttle
setting, in the same direction it was traveling when you began the sequence.
Once the bell turns off, the operator regains control of the transformer's
bell and Horn buttons and can ring the bell or blow the Horn as
usual.
Feature to Be Activated Button Code:
PFA (Passenger/Freight Announcements)
Fire the Rear Coupler
Fire the Front Coupler
Speed Control On/Off
Lock into a Direction
Reset to Factory Defaults
1 Bell, 2 Horn/Whistles
1 Bell, 3 Horn/Whistles
1 Bell, 4 Horn/Whistles
1 Horn/Whistle, 2 Bells (from Neutral only)
1 Horn/Whistle, 3 Bells
1 Horn/Whistle, 5 Bells (from Neutral only)
Lionel Corporation No. 255, 260 & 263 Steam Engines with Proto-Sound® 3.0
10