Lionel Grand Central Express User manual

73-0195-250
7/12
Featuring
CAUTION—ELECTRIC TOY
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE.
AS WITH ALL ELECTRIC PRODUCTS, PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE OBSERVED
DURING HANDLING AND USE TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK.
TRANSFORMER RATINGS—INPUT: 120 VAC; 60 HZ ONLY.
AC OUTPUT: 18 V; 80 VA
Lionel
Grand Central Express
Ready-to-Run Train Set
Owner’s Manual
Lionel
Grand Central Express
Ready-to-Run Train Set
Owner’s Manual

Train Set Inventory
• FTlocomotive
• Twocoaches
• Observationcar
• CW-80Transformerwithaccessorywire
• ThreestraightFasTracktracksections
• EightcurvedFasTracktracksections
• OnestraightFasTrackterminaltracksection
• Replacementtractiontire
• DVD
• Owner’sManual
Congratulations!
2
Congratulations on your purchase of the Lionel Grand Central Express Ready-to-Run Train Set! This set features everything you need to get started—a mighty CW-80 Transformer, a
huge loop of easy-to-assemble FasTrack track, a string of detailed cars, and a powerful Lionel
locomotive.
Have fun growing with this complete train set! Start with the set components, then follow
your imagination into your own miniature world. Expand your railroad empire with addition-
al FasTrack track sections, enhance your layout with accessories, lengthen your consist with
extra cars, or operate a new locomotive at the head end of your train! Explore the possibilities
at your authorized Lionel dealer.
Use this Owner’s Manual to learn how to set up, operate, and maintain your train set for
years of reliable operation.
Thetransformerincludedwiththissetshouldbeperiodically
examinedforconditionsthatmayresultintheriskoffire,
electricshock,orinjurytopersons(suchasdamagetothe
outputcord,blades,housing,orotherparts).Intheeventthat
suchconditionsexist,thetransformershouldnotbeuseduntil
properlyrepaired.
Parents!
The following Lionel marks are used throughout this Owner’s Manual and are protected under
law. All rights reserved.
Lionel®, LEGACY™, FasTrack®,TrainMaster®, Odyssey®, RailSounds®, CrewTalk™, TowerCom™,
DynaChuff™, StationSounds™, Pullmor®, ElectroCoupler™, Magne-Traction®, CAB-1®Remote
Controller, American Flyer®, Lionel ZW®, ZW®, MagniVision®, TMCC®, Lionelville®, Wireless
Tether™, Powerhouse™, LionMaster®, Conventional Classics™, Postwar Celebration Series™,
TruRail™, PH-1 Powerhouse®, Powermaster®, Powerstation-Powerhouse®, Accessory Motor
Controller™, AMC™, Accessory Switch Controller™, ASC™, Action Recorder Controller™, ARC™, Track
Power Controller 300™, TPC 300™, Track Power Controller 400™, TPC 400™, Block Power
Controller™, BPC™, Operating Track Controller™, OTC™, FatBoy™, Lionel Lines®, Joshua Lionel
Cowen Series™, Lockon®, TrainSounds™, MultiHorn™, MultiWhistle™, Choo-Choo™

3
Table of contents
Creating your layout
Operating your CW-80 Transformer safely 4
Building your Lionel layout 5
Joining the FasTrack track sections 6
Connecting your CW-80 Transformer 7-8
Running your train
Running your train set 9
Coupling 9
Experiencing the features of the CW-80 Transformer 10-11
Reverse unit procedure 12-13
Operating the RailSounds RTR sound system 14
Adjusting the volume 15
CW-80 Transformer operation
Powering your layout with the CW-80 Transformer 16
Setting the accessory output 17
Maintaining and servicing your set
Lubricating your locomotive 18
Replacing your locomotive’s traction tire 19
Replacing your locomotive’s lamp 20
Replacing the lamps in your passenger cars 21
Troubleshooting 22
FCC Statement 23
Limited Warranty/Lionel Service 24

Operating your CW-80 Transformer safely
4
Your Lionel CW-80 Transformer is listed by Underwriter’s Laboratory Inc. and has been carefully designed to ensure peak performance. When using electrical products, basic
safety precautions should be maintained.
Be sure to observe the following guidelines:
• Readthemanualthoroughlybeforeusingthisdevice.
• Thisdeviceisnotrecommendedforchildrenunderfourteenyearsofage.
• Parentsshouldperiodicallyinspectthisproductforpotentialhazardsand,ifnecessary,
have them repaired by an authorized Lionel Service Center. In the event that such a condi-
tion exists, the transformer should not be used until it has been properly repaired.
• TheCW-80Transformerisintendedtobeusedindoors.Donotusethisdeviceifwateris
present. Serious or fatal injuries may result.
• UsetheCW-80Transformeronlyforitsintendedpurpose.
• TheCW-80Transformerwasmeanttooperateon120-volt,60-Hertzpower.Donotconnect
this product to any other power supply.
• DonotoperatetheCW-80Transformerwithadamagedcord,plug,orcase.
• Toavoidtheriskofelectricalshock,donotdisassembletheunit.Therearenouserservice-
able parts inside. If damaged, take this product to an authorized Lionel Service Center.
Visit www.lionel.com for a list of authorized Service Centers.
• DonotoperatetheCW-80Transformeronyourlayoutunattended.Obstructedaccessories
or stalled trains may overheat, resulting in damage to your layout.
• AlwaysunplugtheCW-80Transformerfromthepowersourcewhennotinuse.
• Neverinsertobjectsintotheventilationslotsonthisproduct.Damagetosensitive
electronic components can result.
Creating your layout

Building your Lionel layout
Your set comes with eight curved, three straight, and one terminal section of track. Figure 1 provides some examples of layouts that you can build with these track sections.
By adding more FasTrack track sections, you can create an endless number of exciting
track arrangements for more fun, action, and variety. The railroad empire of your dreams can
quickly become a reality!
Creating your layout
Figure 1. Track layout ideas
5
FasTrack Add-on Track Packs make it easy to expand your railroad. Each Track Pack
includes all the track sections you need to create a more advanced layout using the sections
included with this set. Refer to Figure 2 to explore the possibilities.
Figure 2. Add-on Track Pack layouts
Inner Passing Loop Add-on Track Pack
6-12028
Figure 8 Add-on Track Pack
6-12030
Outer Passing Loop Add-on Track Pack
6-12031
Siding Track Add-on Track Pack
6-12044
Track Packs available separately.

Creating your layout
6
Joining the FasTrack track sections
FasTrack track sections join together easily. With interlocking roadbed sections and large rail tabs, the track fits together securely so you always get good electrical contact. Take a
look at Figure 3 to see how to join the track sections.
1.Lineupyourtwosectionsoftrack.
2.Inserttherailtabsintotheopeningsattheendsofthecorresponding
rails.
3.Pressthesectionstogetheruntiltheinterlockingroadbedsnapsinto
place.
Figure 3. Joining the track sections
Rail tab

Connecting your CW-80 Transformer
7
Creating your layout
Connect your FasTrack terminal section to the CW-80 Transformer. Use the wires that are already attached to the terminal section. Make sure that all connections are secure.
Loose connections can produce extremely high temperatures. For this reason, do not touch
the terminals or track connections during use. Also, do not locate scenery materials such as
lichen or ground foam near the terminals.
1.FeedthewiresthroughthenotchintheFasTrackterminalsection.Refer to
Figure 4 on page 8.
2.LoosentheredTRACKthumbscrewterminal,thenslidethered
spade-shapedconnectorintoposition.The thumbscrew post should be positioned
between the “blades” of the spade connector. Be sure that the blades are touching the
metal post. Tighten the thumbscrew to secure the connection.
3.LoosentheblackTRACKthumbscrewterminal,thenslidetheblack
spade-shapedconnectorintoposition.Tighten the thumbscrew to secure the
connection.The thumbscrew post should be positioned between the “blades” of the spade
connector. Be sure that the blades are touching the metal post.
4.Ifyouneedtopoweranaccessory(availableseparatelyatyour
authorizedLioneldealer),connecttheaccessorytotheACCESSORY
thumbscrewterminals.Use the accessory wire included with the CW-80 Transformer.
5.PlugtheCW-80Transformerintoyourwalloutlet(120volts).
As your layout expands, you may also make power connections with the stripped ends
of wires, placing no more than two wires on each terminal. For best performance on large
layouts, it is recommended that you use 16-gauge wire to connect your CW-80 Transformer to
the track. On larger layouts where several track connections are required, the use of separate
junctions/terminal strips (available at your local electronics store) is recommended to
prevent voltage drops.
To prevent the excessive build up of heat, be sure to select the proper wire gauge
for your layout. Follow these guidelines:
• Trackconnectionsmustbemadewith18-gaugewireorheavier.Larger
layouts require a minimum of 16-gauge wire.
• Use24-gaugewireonlywhenconnectingsingleaccessoriesthatrequirelower
current.
• Whenwiringmultipleaccessories(twoormore)oraccessoriesthatrequire
higher current, be sure to use 18- to 16-gauge wire.
Caution!

Creating your layout
8
Connecting your CW-80 Transformer (continued)
U
120/60z
0~18VAC
AB
U
0~18VAC
TRACK ACCESSORY
Figure 4. Controller connections
FasTrack terminal section
Notch
Spade-shaped
connector

Coupling
When coupling your cars, at least one of the mating couplers must be open as shown at the left in Figure 5. Press down on the lock release to open the coupler, then push the cars toward
each other until they lock together.
Keep in mind that it’s easier to couple cars on a straight stretch of track.
Lock release
Figure 5. Coupler operation
Note!
9
Running your train
Running your train set
With track power off, place your train set on the track.
Refer to the following section for information on coupling the cars.
2
3
Power up your locomotive with your transformer.
Yourlocomotiveisdesignedtooperateon7-15voltsalternatingcur-
rent. Virtually all Lionel and Lionel-compatible alternating-current transformers
are suitable.
Donotpoweryourlocomotivewithdirect-current(DC)transformers.
The locomotive was designed for use with alternating-current (AC)
transformers only.
Move ‘em out!
Getyourlocomotivemoving. Your locomotive goes through a repeating pattern
of operations: forward, neutral, reverse, neutral, and so on. To sequence the reverse
unit,presstheDIRECTIONbuttononyourtransformer,orbrieflybringthethrottle
allthewaybacktotheOFFpositionandthenforward.EachpressoftheDIRECTION
button or interruption in track power causes the locomotive to advance to the next
operational state.
Adjusttrackvoltage until your locomotive moves at your desired speed.
1
Note!

Refer to Figure 6 on page 11 for the location of the Transformer features listed in this section.
THROTTLE
Push the throttle forward to increase track power. The markings on the throttle approxi-
mate the percentage of full power. For more realism, push the throttle slowly to gradually
increase or decrease the speed of the locomotive. Slowing or stopping the locomotive with the
throttleinsteadoftheDIRECTIONbuttonwillallowyoutocontinueinthesamedirection
when you increase the throttle again. To achieve this effect, reduce the throttle to the point
that the locomotive stops moving, but don’t completely turn off the throttle. That way, your
train won’t sequence into neutral.
DIRECTION
TheDIRECTIONcontrolbuttoninterruptstrackpowertoactivatethereverseunitinyour
locomotive. Your locomotive will not respond to this button when the reverse unit switch is in
the OFF position.
WHISTLE
The WHISTLE button will activate your locomotive’s horn or whistle sounds. The sound
willcontinueuntilthebuttonisreleased.Noexternalsoundactivationbuttonsareneeded.
BELL
The BELL button will activate the bell sounds on locomotives equipped with this feature. Press
and hold the BELL button for two to three seconds to begin the sounds; press and hold the button
again to turn off the ringing.
Donotactivatehorns,whistles,orbellsonRailSoundsRTR-equippedlocomotives
until track power has been turned on for a few moments, or a continuous horn/
whistle or bell sound may occur. To correct this problem, simply turn off the CW-80
Transformer, then turn it back on.
POWER-ON INDICATOR
The green light will remain on during normal operation. The green light will begin to
flash if you exceed the power limit of the Transformer. The unit will allow you to momentarily
exceed the power limit, but power will be gradually reduced until the problem is corrected.
The benefit is that the Transformer will not instantly turn off.
Running your train
10
Experiencing the features of the CW-80 Transformer
Note!

Experiencing the features of the CW-80 Transformer
(continued)
11
Whistle
Activates the whistle or horn sound
effect in your Lionel locomotives.
Press WHISTLE to begin the sound;
release the button to end it.
Bell
Starts or stops the tolling bell in any
locomotive equipped with this fea-
ture. Press BELL to begin the sound,
again to stop it.
Direction
Press the DIRECTION button to go forward
or reverse, or to place the locomotive in
neutral (no movement, headlight is on).
Throttle
Controls your locomotive’s speed. Throw the throttle
forward to increase locomotive speed, backward to slow
it down.
Power-on indicator
The green light
illuminates when the
CW-80 is on.
Figure 6. Transformer features
Running your train

Running your train
Reverse unit procedure
The electronic reverse unit inside your Lionel locomotive acts like the transmission in a car. When you apply power to the track, the locomotive moves in the direction specified by the
reverse unit—or it sits in neutral, awaiting another power 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 through the forward-neutral-
reverse-neutral-forward sequence, press the direction control button, or briefly bring the throttle
lever all the way back to the Off position, for one to four seconds. Refer to Figure 8 on page 13 for
the location of these controls.
Also, the locomotive can be “locked” into a certain mode of operation by throwing the reverse
unit switch located on the underside of the frame (see Figure 7). When the switch is thrown to the
OFF position (towards the rear of the locomotive), the locomotive will be locked in the next mode of
operationinthesequence.TheDIRECTIONbuttonwillthenhavenoaffectonthedirectionofthe
locomotive. If you would like to resume forward-neutral-reverse operation, simply throw the reverse
unitswitchbacktotheONposition.
Additionally, this reverse unit has a “power-up reset” feature. If the locomotive sits 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,”ifthereverseunitswitchpositionisintheONposition.
12
Figure 7. Switch locations
Rear of locomotive
RUN/LOCK
Underside of the locomotive

Running your train
13
Reverse unit procedure (continued)
Figure8.Directioncontrolbuttonlocation
Direction control button
Whistle control button
Bell control button
Throttle

Running your train
14
Note!
Operating the RailSounds RTR sound system
When you power up the locomotive on the track, you will hear the sounds of the idling diesel motor. As you increase speed, the RPM sounds will ramp up through two levels.
Refer to Figure 6 on page 11 for the location of the controls.
Horn
Press the WHISTLE/HORN button on your transformer to sound the horn. The sound will play
for as long as you hold the button.
Bell
Press the BELL button on your transformer to activate the bell sound. Press BELL again to dis-
continue the sound.
Crew dialog
Press the WHISTLE/HORN button on your transformer briefly (for less than a second) to trig-
ger the train dialog. The dialog varies with the state of the locomotive.
Power must be applied to the track for the dialog to play.
• Ifthelocomotivesethasbeenstoppedforlongerthan15seconds,ashorthornblasttrig-
gers a “cleared outbound” dialog.
• Ifthelocomotivesethasstartedmovingwithinthelastsevenseconds,ashorthornblast
will trigger a “train is underway” dialog.
• Ifthelocomotivesethasbeenmovingformorethansevenseconds,ashorthornblastwill
trigger a “are we clear?” dialog.
• Ifthelocomotivesethasbeenmovingandthebellisringing,ashorthornblastwilltrig-
ger a “go to restricted speed” dialog.

Running your train
15
Adjusting the volume
Use the volume control knob on the underside of the locomotive to adjust the volume. Refer to Figure 9.
Figure 9. Volume control knob and switch locations
RUN/LOCK
Volume
control
knob

CW-80 Transformer operation
16
Powering your layout with the CW-80 Transformer
Your CW-80 Transformer provides a total output of five amps. The track outputs will deliver all of this power to the track when no accessories are connected to the Transformer. Keep
in mind that connected accessories borrow some of this power. For example, if the accessories
require two amps of the total five-amp capacity of the Transformer, you have three amps
available for track power. This built-in flexibility will provide power for virtually any small- to
medium-sized railroad. Also, available voltage depends on how much load is on the two out-
puts. Generally, track voltage and accessory voltage are 0-18 volts (AC) each.
This Transformer is capable of operating trains up to and including dual-motored AC
locomotives. To operate at this level of track power, it may be necessary to disconnect any
accessories. You may also attempt to lower the accessory voltage settings. Refer to the “Setting
the accessory output” section on page 17.
You may momentarily approach or exceed the five-amp limit of the CW-80 Transformer
when pulling illuminated cars, fighting over grades with heavy loads, or operating acces-
sories. When you reach five amps, the green light on the Transformer will begin to flash. This
indicates that the Transformer is in “fold-back mode.” In fold-back mode, the Transformer
is automatically reducing, or folding back, power. This gradual reduction in power provides
interruption-free operation while you bring the amperage back down to a safe level.

Lionel offers accessories of all shapes and sizes — from crossing signals to coal and lumber loaders — available at your authorized Lionel dealer. When you are ready to operate your
new accessory, the CW-80 Transformer allows you to choose how much power your accessory
receives with programmable accessory output. The ability to control the voltage allows you to
set the speed of your accessory motors and the intensity of your lights. Accessories connected to
the accessory output terminals receive constant voltage whenever the transformer is plugged
in, regardless of the throttle position. Follow these steps to set the voltage.
The accessory output voltage was set to 12 volts at the factory.
1. ConnectyouraccessorytotheCW-80Transformerasdiscussedonpage7.
2. BringthethrottleallthewaybacktotheOFFposition.
3. PressandholddowntheDIRECTION,WHISTLE,andBELLbuttonsonthe
transformer.RefertoFigure6onpage11forthelocationofthesebuttons.
The green light on the Transformer will flash, and track power will turn off.
4. Withallthreebuttonshelddown,raisethethrottleslowlyuntilyoureach
yourdesiredaccessoryvoltage.
5. Releasethebuttonsonceyouhavereachedyourdesiredvoltage.
The accessory turns off, and the solid green light indicates that you have set the accessory
voltage.
6. Bringthethrottleallthewaybacktoturnoffthepower.
The voltage will momentarily increase, briefly causing the lights to shine brighter or the
motors to operate faster, before returning to the set level. At this point, increasing the
throttle again will control track power only.
Setting the accessory output
17
Note!
CW-80 Transformer operation

18
Maintaining and servicing your set
Lubricating your locomotive
H
elp your Lionel locomotive lead a long and productive life on your railroad by maintain-
ing it properly.
We recommend that you purchase a Lionel Lubrication and Maintenance Kit (6-62927),
available from your Lionel dealer. Two basic rules to keep in mind: never over-lubricate (a
small amount will do), and avoid getting grease or oil on the locomotive’s wheels, contact
rollers, or your track.
You’ll know your locomotive requires lubrication when visual inspection reveals dryness on
the parts indicated in Figure 10. Remove accumulated dirt and dust before lubricating, and
always lubricate any locomotive emerging from prolonged storage.
Lubricate
with Lionel oil
sparingly
Lubricate with Lionel
oil sparingly
Turn truck to remove
front body mount
screws
body mount
screws
Body mount screws
Lubricate with Lionel
grease sparingly
Lubricate with Lionel
grease sparingly
Figure 10. Underside details and lubrication points

19
Maintaining and servicing your set
Replacing your locomotive’s traction tire
Your locomotive is equipped with four traction tires, Lionel part no. 6208530206. These rubber tires increase the tractive effort of your locomotive, allowing it to pull more cars
atonce.Duringthecourseofnormaloperations,thetractiontiresmaybecomewornout.
Because you must remove the trucks and the side frames to access the wheels, we recommend
that you have the traction tires replaced by your Factory-Trained Authorized Lionel Service
Center.

Maintaining and servicing your set
20
Replacing your locomotive’s lamp
Yourlocomotiveisilluminatedbyfourlamps.Duringthecourseofnormaloperations,you may find that the lamps require replacement. Lamp replacement should be performed by
a Factory-Trained Authorized Lionel Service Center.