Lionel 2-8-4 Berkshire Locomotive and Tender User manual

Lionel 2-8-4 Berkshire
Steam Locomotive and Tender
Owner’s Manual
Featuring the Conventional RailSounds®sound system
72-8638-250
3/05

Table of contents
Transformer operations
Running your locomotive with a Lionel transformer 3
Locking your locomotive into a single operational state 4
Using your locomotive’s magnetic coupler 5
Conventional RailSounds sound system operations
Installing a Lionel no. 610-5906-001 Sound Activation Button 6
Experiencing the Conventional RailSounds sound system 7
Features of your locomotive’s RailSounds sound system 8
Notes on the Conventional RailSounds sound system 8
Maintaining and servicing your locomotive
Adding fluid to your locomotive’s smoke stack 9
Replacing your locomotive’s lamp 9
Lubricating your locomotive 10-11
Replacing your locomotive’s traction tires 11
Lionel Service 12
Congratulations!
2
• Conventional RailSounds sound system
• Powerful flywheel-equipped can motor
• Transformer controlled forward, neutral and reverse operation
• Smoke generator that produces clean, realistic smoke
• Brilliant headlight
• Die-cast metal locomotive and tender
• Die-cast magnetic coupler (rear of tender)
Features of the locomotive and tender
You own a tough, durable locomotive—the Lionel 2-8-4 Berkshire steam locomotive and tender. From the crisp die-cast metal detail and the authentic decoration on the outside, to
the advanced technology and brute power within the boiler, your steam locomotive is ready for
duty on your model railroad. Experience the superiority of today’s Lionel.
The following Lionel marks may be used throughout this instruction manual and are protected under law.
All rights reserved.
Lionel®, TrainMaster®, Odyssey®, RailSounds®, CrewTalk™, TowerCom™, DynaChuff™,
StationSounds™, Pullmor®, ElectroCoupler™, Magne-Traction®, CAB-1®Remote Controller,
PowerMaster®, Lionel ZW®, ZW®, PowerHouse®, TMCC®, Lionelville™, Lockon®, Wireless Tether™,
LionMaster®, FatBoy™, American Flyer®, TrainSounds™
The name FasTrack®is used with permission from Pitsco, Inc.

Transformer operations
Move ‘em out!
Place your locomotive on Lionel or
Lionel-compatible O or O-27 gauge track.
With track power OFF, connect the drawbar between the locomotive and tender as
illustrated in Figure 1.
1
1
Running your locomotive with a Lionel transformer
Power up your steam locomotive with your transformer.
Your locomotive is designed to operate on 8-16 volts alternating cur-
rent. Virtually all Lionel and Lionel-compatible alternating-current transformers
are suitable.
Do not power your locomotive with direct current (DC). Damage to sen-
sitive electronic components may occur.
Get your locomotive moving. Press the DIR button on your Lionel transformer.
This advances the Lionel reverse unit to the next operating state in the repeating
sequence: forward, neutral, reverse, and neutral.
Adjust track voltage until your locomotive moves at your desired speed. To
increase speed, increase track voltage. To decrease speed, reduce voltage. To stop the
locomotive, turn off track power.
3
3
4
4
Add smoke fluid to the locomotive or switch the smoke
generator off.
See page 9 for more information.
2
2
3
Figure 1. Drawbar connection
Caution!

4
Transformer operations
Locking your locomotive into a single operational state
The reverse unit inside your Lionel locomotive is an electronic device that acts like the transmission in your 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 turn the throttle to the OFF position and then ON again. The reverse unit alternates
between these states: forward, neutral, reverse, and neutral.
Also, the locomotive can be “locked” into a particular mode of operation by throwing the
reverse unit switch located inside the cab (see Figure 2).
To lock your locomotive 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 OFF position. The DIRECTION button will then have no affect on the
direction of the locomotive. Slide the switch to the ON position to resume forward-neutral-
reverse operation.
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 for-
ward 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
direction and be locked there.
Figure 2. Switch locations
ON
SMOKE
OFF ON
REVERSE
OFF
OFF
ON Reverse
unit switch
Smoke
ON/OFF switch
OFF
ON
Rear of locomotive

Transformer operations
5
The rear of your locomotive’s tender is equipped with an operating magnetic knuckle coupler, a revolutionary design first introduced by Lionel in 1945. These magnetic couplers react to
the magnetic field generated by a Lionel Remote-Control Track section (available separately,
6-65530 for O gauge; 6-65149 or 6-12746 for O-27 gauge; or 6-12020 for FasTrack layouts).
Place your locomotive’s tender coupler trigger disc over the central coil of a Remote-Control
Track section and press UNCOUPLE on the controller. The magnetic field pulls the disc down-
ward, and the knuckle opens as illustrated in Figure 3.
One operating technique favored by Lionel railroaders is the “moving uncouple.” Press the
UNCOUPLE button as the locomotive passes over a Remote-Control Track section. The magnetic
field will open the coupler; the consist remains behind as the locomotive moves on. But be care-
ful—the speed of the locomotive can increase quickly after it has been uncoupled.
Figure 3. Magnetic coupler operation
Using your locomotive’s magnetic coupler

Conventional RailSounds sound system operations
Installing a Lionel Sound Activation Button
12
POWER
SUPPLY
POWER
SUPPLY
For AC transformers lacking a bell button
For AC transformers lacking a horn/whistle button
Existing wire
Black wire
Red wire
Lionel no. 610-5906-001
SoundActivation Button for
activating the bell
Lionel no. 610-5906-001
SoundActivation Button
for activating the
whistle Lionel no. 610-5906-001
SoundActivation Button for
activating the bell
Black wire
Wire
nut
Red wire
Red wire
The no. 610-5906-001 button works with any Lionel AC transformer except
no. 6-4690 Type MW. Transformers made by other manufacturers may not be com-
patible with RailSounds.
Note!
To activate the bell and whistle sounds when operating your locomotive with conventional transformers, you may need to install Lionel no. 610-5906-001 Sound Activation Buttons
(available separately) if your transformer is not equipped to activate these features. Connect the
button(s) as shown below.
All track power must feed through the Sound Activation Buttons. Do not bypass the
buttons.
Note!
Existing wire
Common/Ground/U
Power/A
Common/Ground/U
Power/A
6

With the Conventional RailSounds sound system, you experience the sounds of real railroading like never before. Be sure to install a nine-volt alkaline battery in the tender as
illustrated in Figure 4. This ensures interruption-free operation of the RailSounds sound system.
Begin by removing the tender body to access the battery clip. Remove the four tender body
screws and lift the body away. Refer to Figure 4 for the location of these screws. Snap the
battery into the harness, then lower the battery into the clip. Finish the battery installation by
replacing the tender body, securing it with the four screws.
To silence the RailSounds sound system, slide the RailSounds switch to the OFF position. The
whistle and bell will remain operational. Refer to Figure 4 for the location of this switch on the
underside of the tender.
Experiencing the Conventional RailSounds sound system
Conventional RailSounds sound system operations
Battery clip
Nine-volt alkaline
battery
Rear of tender
Figure 4. RailSounds controls and battery installation
Battery harness
+
OFFON
RAILSOUNDS
-
Volume control knob
RailSounds switch Body screws
Body screws
7
FRONT REAR

Conventional RailSounds sound system operations
8
Features of your locomotive’s RailSounds sound system
Whistle. Press the WHISTLE button on your controller and your locomotive’s whistle will
sound as long as the button is pressed.
Authentic bell. Press the BELL button on your controller to start ringing the bell; press the
button again to discontinue the ringing. Even the final “hit” is muted—just like the real thing!
Train brakes. Quickly slow down from a medium or high speed, and you will hear authentic
braking sounds.
Wheel flange squeal. Depending on your track layout, you may hear brake sounds to simu-
late the sound of wheel flanges against the rails when you enter a curve.
Shutdown sequence. When you turn off track power, you will hear an air release sound. You
have seven seconds to power up your locomotive before the RailSounds sound system com-
mences with an authentic steam locomotive shutdown sequence.
A nine-volt alkaline battery must be installed for your locomotive to play the shut-
down sequence. See page 7.
Variable chuff rate. The speed of your locomotive determines the rate of steam chuffing.
TowerCom announcements. TowerCom announcements feature several “stand by” and
“cleared for departure” messages from the dispatcher with responses from the engineer. Each
time a TowerCom announcement is triggered, a random message will be played.
When the train is stopped, a short whistle blast triggers the first message. If the train has been
stopped for less than 15 seconds, a “stand by” message is played. If the train has been stopped
for more than 15 seconds, a “cleared for departure” message will play. The 15-second interval is
marked by the first time a CrewTalk message plays automatically after the locomotive has
stopped.
CrewTalk communication. These “call” and “response” radio messages occur automatical-
ly after the train has stopped. You will hear them at random intervals, ranging from thirty sec-
onds to three minutes.
Note!
Notes on the Conventional RailSounds sound system
• The volume control knob is located on the underside of the tender. Refer to Figure 4 on page 7.
You will need a small screwdriver to turn the volume set screw clockwise or counter-clockwise
to adjust the volume.
• Listen for incidental locomotive sounds during the operation of the RailSounds sound sys-
tem. They’re automatic and, of course, authentic.
• The nine-volt alkaline battery you installed ensures continuous steam locomotive sounds.
(Use alkaline batteries only.)
• Longer track-power interruptions (including locomotive derailments) cause the RailSounds
sound system to shut down after about seven seconds.

Your locomotive’s headlight and marker lights are illuminated by one lamp. During the course of normal operations, the lamp may require replacement.
Carefully remove the four body screws (see Figure 6 on page 10 for their locations), then lift
the body off of the frame. Locate and unscrew the expired lamp shown in Figure 5. Replace the
lamp with Lionel part no. 600-2314-300, available from your authorized Lionel Service Center.
(See the Lionel Service section on page 12 for more information.) Reinstall the cab and the
four screws, taking care to not pinch any wires during reassembly.
Replacing your locomotive’s lamp
Lamp
Part No. 600-2314-300
Maintaining your locomotive
9
Adding fluid to your locomotive’s smoke stack
Your 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.
A small bottle of smoke fluid is included with the locomotive. Press down and unscrew the cap,
then pierce the end of the nozzle with a pin. Add four to eight drops of fluid directly into the
locomotive’s stack. Smoke production will commence momentarily, faster if you run your loco-
motive at speed. When smoke production decreases, add more fluid (four to eight drops).
If you prefer smoke-free locomotive operation, move the SMOKE switch located inside the cab to
the OFF position, and your locomotive will stop smoking. Refer to Figure 2 on page 4 for the loca-
tion of the switches.
When the smoke unit is on, always keep a small amount of smoke fluid in the locomotive’s smoke
generator; the generator’s element can become damaged if operated without fluid. Smoke production
is greater at higher voltages and when the locomotive is pulling a heavy load or long consist.
Always keep a small amount of smoke fluid in the smoke unit when the smoke unit
is on.
Figure 5. Lamp replacement
Caution!

Maintaining your locomotive
10
Help your Lionel steam locomotive lead a long and productive life on your railroad by main- taining 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 steam
locomotive’s wheels, contact rollers, or your track.
You’ll know your steam locomotive requires lubrication when visual inspection reveals dry-
ness on the parts indicated in Figure 6 below. Remove accumulated dirt and dust before lubri-
cating, and always lubricate any locomotive emerging from prolonged storage. Also, lightly
lubricate the steam locomotive’s side rods after every ten hours of operation.
Lubricating your locomotive
Figure 6. Lubrication points
Body screw
Body screw
Body screw
Body screw
Lubricate axle ends with
Lionel oil sparingly
Lubricate axle ends
with Lionel oil
sparingly
Lubricate with Lionel
oil sparingly
Lubricate with Lionel
oil sparingly

Maintaining your locomotive
11
Lubricating your steam locomotive (continued)
Do not lubricate your locomotive’s electric motor. It has been pretested and all the necessary moving parts have been sufficiently lubricated for life. If you have any difficulty operating
your engine, see the Lionel Service section for more information.
Replacing your locomotive’s traction tires
Two of the drive wheels are fitted with rubber traction tires to enhance tractive effort, allow- ing your locomotive to pull many cars at once.
To replace the traction tires, simply use a 3/16” nut driver to remove the side rod screw from the
wheel and slip off the old traction tire. Refer to Figure 7. Install the replacement, Lionel part no.
620-8616-206. Retighten the side rod screw, and you’re ready to pull that long freight back to the
yard.
Figure 7. Traction tire replacement
Traction tire
(Lionel part no. 620-8616-206)
Side rod screw

Limited Warranty/Lionel Service
This 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
merchant.
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 Center, 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 Center. Your nearest Lionel Service
Center 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 repair in Michigan, you must first call
586-949-4100 or FAX [phone], 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. You may choose to have your product repaired by one of our Authorized Lionel Service
Centers after its warranty has expired. A reasonable service fee will be charged.
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 ______________________________________________________________
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