Lionel NJ Transit User manual
NJ Transit
Ready-to-Run Set
Owner’s Manual
73-0185-250
8/12
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
Featuring
NJ Transit
Ready-to-Run Set
Owner’s Manual
Train Set Inventory
• GP-40locomotive
• Flatcarwithtwosemitractors
• Gondola
• 2flatcarswithconstructiontrailers
• Caboose
• CW-80Transformerwithaccessorywire
• ThreestraightFasTracktracksections
• EightcurvedFasTracktracksections
• OnestraightFasTrackterminaltracksectio
• Owner’sManual
• DVD
Congratulations!
2
Congratulations on your purchase of the NJ Transit Ready-to-Run Freight 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, and then
follow your imagination into your own miniature world. Expand your railroad empire with
additional FasTrack track sections, enhance your layout with accessories, lengthen your con-
sist 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.
Thetransformerincludedwiththissetshouldbeperiodically
examinedforconditionsthatmayresultintheriskoffire,
electricshock,orinjurytopersons(suchasdamagetothe
outputcord,blades,housing,orotherparts).Intheeventthat
suchconditionsexist,thetransformershouldnotbeuseduntil
properlyrepaired.
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
Wiring your CW-80 Transformer 7-8
Running your train
Running your train set 9
Coupling 10
Experiencing the features of the CW-80 Transformer 11-12
Reverse unit procedure 13-14
Operating the RailSounds RTR sound system 15
Adjusting the volume 16
CW-80 Transformer operation
Powering your layout with the CW-80 Transformer 17
Setting the accessory output 18
Maintaining and servicing your set
Lubricating your locomotive 19
Replacing your locomotive’s traction tire 20
Replacing your locomotive’s lamps 20
Replacing the interior lamp in your caboose 21
Troubleshooting 22
FCC Statement 23
Limited Warranty/Lionel Service 24
4
Operating your CW-80 Transformer safely
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:
• Readthemanualthoroughlybeforeusingthisdevice.
• Thisdeviceisnotrecommendedforchildrenunderfourteenyearsofage.
• Parentsshouldperiodicallyinspectthisproductforpotentialhazardsand,ifnecessary,
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.
• TheCW-80Transformerisintendedtobeusedindoors.Donotusethisdeviceifwateris
present. Serious or fatal injuries may result.
• UsetheCW-80Transformeronlyforitsintendedpurpose.
• TheCW-80Transformerwasmeanttooperateon120-volt,60-Hertzpower.Donotconnect
this product to any other power supply.
• DonotoperatetheCW-80Transformerwithadamagedcord,plug,orcase.
• Toavoidtheriskofelectricalshock,donotdisassembletheunit.Therearenouserservice-
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.
• DonotoperatetheCW-80Transformeronyourlayoutunattended.Obstructedaccessories
or stalled trains may overheat, resulting in damage to your layout.
• AlwaysunplugtheCW-80Transformerfromthepowersourcewhennotinuse.
• Neverinsertobjectsintotheventilationslotsonthisproduct.Damagetosensitive
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.Lineupyourtwosectionsoftrack.
2.Inserttherailtabsintotheopeningsattheendsofthecorresponding
rails.
3.Pressthesectionstogetheruntiltheinterlockingroadbedsnapsinto
place.
Figure 3. Joining the track sections
Rail tab
7
Wiring your CW-80 Transformer
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.FeedthewiresthroughthenotchintheFasTrackterminalsection.Refer to
Figure 4 on page 8.
2.LoosentheredTRACKthumbscrewterminal,thenslidethered
spade-shapedconnectorintoposition.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.LoosentheblackTRACKthumbscrewterminal,thenslidetheblack
spade-shapedconnectorintoposition.Tighten the thumbscrew to secure the
connection. Be sure that the blades are touching the metal post. Tighten the thumbscrew
to secure the connection.
4.Ifyouneedtopoweranaccessory(availableseparatelyatyour
authorizedLioneldealer),connecttheaccessorytotheACCESSORY
thumbscrewterminals.Use the accessory wire included with the CW-80 Transformer.
5.PlugtheCW-80Transformerintoyourwalloutlet(120volts).
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:
• Trackconnectionsmustbemadewith18-gaugewireorheavier.Larger
layouts require a minimum of 16-gauge wire.
• Use24-gaugewireonlywhenconnectingsingleaccessoriesthatrequirelower
current.
• Whenwiringmultipleaccessories(twoormore)oraccessoriesthatrequire
higher current, be sure to use 18- to 16-gauge wire.
Caution!
8
Creating your layout
Wiring 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
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.
3
2
3
Power up your locomotive with your transformer.
Yourlocomotiveisdesignedtooperateon7-15voltsalternatingcur-
rent. Virtually all Lionel and Lionel-compatible alternating-current transformers
are suitable.
Donotpoweryourlocomotivewithdirect-current(DC)transformers.
The locomotive was designed for use with alternating-current (AC)
transformers only.
Move ‘em out!
Getyourlocomotivemoving. Your locomotive goes through a repeating pattern
of operations: forward, neutral, reverse, neutral, and so on. To sequence the reverse
unit,presstheDIRECTIONbuttononyourtransformer,orbrieflybringthethrottle
allthewaybacktotheOFFpositionandthenforward.EachpressoftheDIRECTION
button or interruption in track power causes the locomotive to advance to the next
operational state.
Adjusttrackvoltage until your locomotive moves at your desired speed.
1
Note!
10
Running your train
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!
11
Refer to Figure 6 on page 12 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
throttleinsteadoftheDIRECTIONbuttonwillallowyoutocontinueinthesamedirection
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
TheDIRECTIONcontrolbuttoninterruptstrackpowertoactivatethereverseunitinyour
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 whistle or horn. The sound will con-
tinue 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.
Donotactivatehorns,whistles,orbellsonRailSounds-equippedlocomotives
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
Experiencing the features of the CW-80 Transformer
Note!
12
Experiencing the features of the CW-80 Transformer
(continued)
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 RailSounds-equipped locomo-
tive. 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, press the direction control
button or briefly bring the throttle lever all the way back to the OFF position. Refer to Figure 8
on page 14 for the location of these controls. The reverse unit alternates between three states:
forward, neutral, and reverse.
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). To lock your locomo-
tive into a specific operational state, sequence the locomotive into the desired state and reduce
track power without completely powering down the locomotive, then throw the switch to the
OFFposition.TheDIRECTIONbuttonwillthenhavenoaffectonthedirectionofthelocomo-
tive. 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,” regardless of the reverse unit
switch position. If the switch is in the OFF position, the locomotive will start in the forward direc-
tion and be “locked” there.
13
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
SMOKE
DIR
Figure 7. Switch locations
Front of the locomotive
Rear of the locomotive
Reverse Unit Switch
Running your train
14
Reverse unit procedure (continued)
Figure8.Directioncontrolbuttonlocation
Direction control button
Whistle control button
Bell control button
Throttle
15
Running your train
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.
• Ifthelocomotivesethasbeenstoppedforlongerthan15seconds,ashorthornblasttrig-
gers a “cleared outbound” dialog.
• Ifthelocomotivesethasstartedmovingwithinthelastsevenseconds,ashorthornblast
will trigger a “train is underway” dialog.
• Ifthelocomotivesethasbeenmovingformorethansevenseconds,ashorthornblastwill
trigger a “are we clear?” dialog.
• Ifthelocomotivesethasbeenmovingandthebellisringing,ashorthornblastwilltrig-
ger a “go to restricted speed” dialog.
Running your train
16
Adjusting the volume
Use the volume control knob on the underside of the locomotive to adjust the volume. Refer
to Figure 9. Use a small screwdriver to access the volume control knob.
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
SMOKE
DIR
Figure 8. Volume control knob
Front of the locomotive
Rear of the locomotive
Volume control knob (located
on the frame). Rotate the truck
to access this control.
17
CW-80 Transformer operation
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 accesso-
ries 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 18.
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.
18
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. ConnectyouraccessorytotheCW-80Transformerasdiscussedonpages7-8.
2. BringthethrottleallthewaybacktotheOFFposition.
3. PressandholddowntheDIRECTION,WHISTLE,andBELLbuttonsonthe
Transformer.RefertoFigure6onpage12forthelocationofthesebuttons.
The green light on the Transformer will flash, and track power will turn off.
4. Withallthreebuttonshelddown,raisethethrottleslowlyuntilyoureachyour
desiredaccessoryvoltage.
5. Releasethebuttonsonceyouhavereachedyourdesiredvoltage.
The accessory turns off, and the solid green light indicates that you have set the accessory voltage.
6. Bringthethrottleallthewaybacktoturnoffthepower.
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
Note!
CW-80 Transformer operation
19
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.
Figure 10. Underside details and lubrication points
Lubricate gears with
Lionel grease
sparingly
Lubricate gears with
Lionel grease
sparingl
Lubricate with Lionel oil
sparingly
Lubricate with
Lionel oil
sparingly
Location of the
body screws on the
underside of the
frame.
Location of the
body screws on
the underside of
the frame.
REAR
FRONT
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
SMOKE
DIR
Replacing your locomotive’s lamps
Your locomotive is illuminated by three 12-volt lamps. One lamp illuminates the rear lights,
anotherilluminatesthefrontlights,andoneilluminatesthecabinterior.Duringthecourseof
normal operations, they may require replacement.
To replace the expired lamp, remove the four body screws (see Figure 10 on page 18`) and care-
fully lift the body away from the frame. Take care with the various wiring assemblies connected to
the shell.
Locate the assembly containing the expired lamp, which is held in position by a retaining bracket.
Refer to Figure 11. Carefully remove the lamp assembly from the bracket, then gently pull the
expired lamp from its socket. Replace the expired lamp with Lionel part no. 630-8352-311, available
from your authorized Lionel Service Center or Lionel Service. For more information, see page 24.
Reinstall the body and secure it with the four body screws.
Figure 11. Lamp replacement
Lionel part no. 630-8352-311
Lionel part no. 630-8352-311
20
Maintaining and servicing your set
Replacing your locomotive’s traction tire
Your locomotive is equipped with four traction tires. These rubber tires increase the trac-
tiveeffortofyourlocomotive,allowingittopullmorecarsatonce.Duringthecourse
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 authorized Lionel Service Center.
Table of contents
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